1. What is RER and MER?

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories a dog needs at complete rest. MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the actual daily caloric need adjusted for activity level and life stage.

2. How the Calculator Works

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level and life stage

Explanation: The formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Proper calorie calculation helps maintain ideal body weight, supports growth in puppies, and meets increased demands during pregnancy/lactation or working dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your dog accurately. Select the appropriate factor based on your dog's activity level and life stage. Monitor weight and adjust as needed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my dog's calorie needs?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by more than 10% or life stage/activity level changes significantly.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80% of the MER for ideal target weight, not current weight. Consult your vet for a weight loss plan.

Q3: Are these calculations accurate for all breeds?
A: They provide a good starting point, but some breeds may have different metabolic rates. Giant and toy breeds may need adjustments.

Q4: What about senior dogs?
A: Many senior dogs need fewer calories (use 1.0-1.2 factor) unless they have medical conditions affecting metabolism.

Q5: How should I adjust for very active dogs?
A: Working dogs may need factors up to 4-8x RER during periods of extreme activity. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.