1. What is the MER Equation?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) equation estimates the daily calorie needs for dogs based on their weight and activity level. It provides a baseline for determining appropriate food portions to maintain healthy weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level (1.2-2.0)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate, with adjustments for different activity levels.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal weight, preventing obesity or malnutrition, and ensuring proper nutrition for dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity level. The calculator provides the estimated daily calorie requirement to maintain current weight.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What activity factor should I use?
A: Sedentary (1.2) for indoor pets, Normal (1.4) for typical house pets, Active (1.6) for regular exercisers, Very Active (1.8) for athletic dogs, Working (2.0) for working/performance dogs.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate for most adult dogs. Individual needs may vary by ±20% based on metabolism, environment, and health status.

Q3: Should I adjust for weight goals?
A: For weight loss, reduce by 10-20%; for weight gain, increase by 10-20% and monitor progress.

Q4: Does this work for puppies?
A: No, puppies have higher energy needs. Use puppy-specific formulas for dogs under 1 year.

Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever weight changes significantly or activity level changes substantially.