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The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) is the amount of energy (calories) a dog needs daily to maintain its current weight. It depends on factors like weight, age, activity level, and reproductive status.
The formula used to calculate MER is:
MER = 70 × (Weight in kg)0.75 × Multiplier
The multiplier varies based on the dog's type and activity level. For example, puppies and lactating dogs have higher multipliers, while sedentary dogs have lower multipliers.
If you provide the calories per cup of your dog's food, the calculator will also estimate the amount of food needed to meet the dog's daily energy requirements.
As a dog owner, managing your best friend’s nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to maintain their health. Many dog owners guess how much to feed their pets, which can lead to overfeeding. In fact, a 2018 survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that 56% of dogs were overweight or obese. Counting calories isn’t just for people—it’s essential for your dog’s health too.
While there are formulas to estimate your dog’s calorie needs, it’s important to remember that these are only starting points. Every dog is unique, and factors like size, breed, activity level, and medical conditions must be considered. Always consult your veterinarian to monitor and adjust your dog’s diet as needed.
The energy a dog needs is measured in calories. The daily calorie requirement is called the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER), which accounts for thermoregulation, activity, and exercise. The formula to calculate MER is:
MER = RER × Multiplier
Here, RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the energy needed for basic body functions at rest, and the Multiplier adjusts for factors like age, activity level, and reproductive status.
The RER can be calculated using the following formula:
RER = 70 × (Weight in kg)0.75
This formula, known as Kleiber’s Law, uses the dog’s ideal weight in kilograms. If you’re unsure of your dog’s ideal weight, consult your veterinarian.
To calculate MER, multiply the RER by a multiplier based on your dog’s characteristics. Below is a table of common multipliers:
| Dog Type | MER Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Puppies < 4 months old | 3.0 |
| Puppies > 4 months old | 1.8-2.5 |
| Adults - typical intact | 1.8 |
| Adults - typical neutered/spayed | 1.6 |
| Adults - lightly active | 1.6-2.0 |
| Adults - moderately active | 2.0-5.0 |
| Adults - very active | 5.0-11.0 |
| Adults - sedentary | 1.0 |
| Adults - overweight or obese-prone | 1.2-1.4 |
| Senior | 1.6 |
| Reproduction - pregnant first/second trimester | 1.8 |
| Reproduction - pregnant third trimester | 3.0 |
| Reproduction - lactating | 4.0-8.0 |
Once you’ve calculated your dog’s daily calorie needs, you can determine how much food to feed them. Use the following formula:
Cups of Dog Food = Total Daily Calories ÷ Calories per Cup
The calorie content of dog food varies by product, so check the nutrition label for the calorie statement. Most dogs eat two meals per day, so divide the total cups by the number of feedings. Always consult your veterinarian when planning your dog’s diet.
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs due to their rapid growth. Use the multipliers for puppies in the table above and consult your vet for guidance. Puppies may need three or more meals per day, so divide their total daily calories accordingly.