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 based on activity level and life stage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level and life stage (1.2-2.5)

Explanation: The equations account for metabolic scaling where smaller animals have higher metabolic rates per unit body weight.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie estimation is crucial for maintaining healthy weight, supporting growth in puppies, and managing weight loss programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg and select appropriate activity factor. For weight loss, use the weight loss factor (1.8) and aim for 80% of calculated MER.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert my dog's weight from pounds to kg?
A: Divide pounds by 2.205 (e.g., 20 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 9.07 kg).

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use ideal weight rather than current weight for calculations when managing weight loss.

Q3: Are these values exact requirements?
A: They're estimates - individual needs may vary by ±20% based on metabolism and environment.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate after significant weight change (>10%) or life stage changes (e.g., puppy to adult).

Q5: What about very active working dogs?
A: Some working dogs may need factors up to 3-5x RER during peak activity periods.