1. What is the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) is the number of calories a dog needs daily to maintain its current weight. It accounts for the dog's weight and activity level to estimate daily caloric needs.

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 — Sedentary (indoor, little exercise)
  • 1.4 — Light Activity (1-2 walks/day)
  • 1.6 — Moderate Activity (2-3 walks/day)
  • 1.8 — Active (regular intense exercise)
  • 2.0 — Very Active (working dogs, daily intense exercise)
  • 2.5 — Working/Performance (sled dogs, police dogs, etc.)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate, with activity level adjusting for energy expenditure.

3. Importance of Calculating MER

Details: Accurate MER calculation is crucial for maintaining optimal weight, preventing obesity, and ensuring proper nutrition for dogs of different sizes and activity levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your dog's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity level. For weight loss, reduce calories by 10-20% of MER. For weight gain, increase by 10-20%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the MER calculation?
A: MER provides a good starting estimate but individual needs may vary by ±20% due to metabolism, age, and other factors.

Q2: How does age affect calorie needs?
A: Puppies need 2-3x adult MER, seniors typically need 10-20% less than adult MER.

Q3: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use ideal weight rather than current weight for calculation when trying to reduce weight.

Q4: How often should I recalculate MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by 10% or activity level changes significantly.

Q5: Are there breed-specific differences?
A: Some breeds may have slightly higher or lower metabolic rates, but the standard MER calculation works for most dogs.