1. What is Daily Energy Requirement (DER)?

The Daily Energy Requirement (DER) is the total number of calories a dog needs each day to maintain its current weight, accounting for its activity level. It's calculated from the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) multiplied by an activity factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formulas:

Where:

• \( MER \) — Maintenance Energy Requirement (kcal/day)
• \( weight \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( Activity Factor \) — 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.8 (very active)
• \( Food Energy \) — Energy density of food (kcal/100g)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and energy requirements in dogs.

3. Importance of Proper Food Intake

Details: Proper food intake helps maintain optimal weight, prevents obesity-related diseases, and ensures your dog gets adequate nutrition without overfeeding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your dog regularly for accurate calculations. Adjust food amounts based on weight changes and activity level variations. The default food energy is 350 kcal/100g (typical for dry dog food).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my dog's food needs?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by more than 10%, or if there's a significant change in activity level.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight or underweight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80% of the calculated amount. For weight gain, feed 120%. Consult your vet for specific recommendations.

Q3: Does this work for puppies?
A: Puppies have higher energy needs. Multiply the result by 2 for puppies under 4 months, and by 1.6 for puppies 4-12 months.

Q4: What about senior dogs?
A: Senior dogs may need 10-20% fewer calories. Use the sedentary activity factor and monitor weight.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good starting point, but individual needs may vary by ±20%. Monitor your dog's weight and adjust as needed.