1. What is the Homemade Dog Food Calculator?

This calculator helps determine how much homemade food to feed your dog based on their daily energy requirements and the calorie content of your recipe. It ensures your dog gets the right amount of nutrition.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• MER — Maintenance Energy Requirement (your dog's daily calorie needs)
• Recipe kcal per unit — Calories in each unit (cup, gram, etc.) of your homemade food

Explanation: The calculation divides your dog's total daily calorie needs by the calories in each unit of your homemade food to determine how many units to feed daily.

3. Importance of Proper Dog Food Calculation

Details: Proper portioning is crucial for maintaining your dog's ideal weight and health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause malnutrition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Determine your dog's MER (consult your vet or use a dog calorie calculator)
• Calculate the calories per unit of your homemade recipe (using nutritional analysis)
• Enter both values to get the daily portion size

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my dog's MER?
A: MER depends on weight, age, activity level, and health status. Your veterinarian can help calculate this, or use a reputable online calculator.

Q2: What counts as a "unit" of food?
A: A unit can be any consistent measurement - cups, grams, ounces, etc. Just be consistent in how you measure your recipe and portions.

Q3: Should I adjust portions for my dog's weight changes?
A: Yes, regularly recalculate as your dog's weight changes. Puppies and senior dogs may need more frequent adjustments.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculator?
A: This provides a starting point. Monitor your dog's weight and condition, and consult your vet for personalized advice.

Q5: How often should I recalculate portions?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly, activity level changes, or if you modify your recipe.