1. What is RER and MER?

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories a dog needs at complete rest in a thermoneutral environment. MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the actual daily caloric need accounting for activity level and life stage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Caloric Calculation

Details: Proper caloric intake is crucial for maintaining healthy weight, supporting growth in puppies, and ensuring adequate nutrition for pregnant/lactating dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, select life stage and activity level. For accurate results, weigh your dog regularly and adjust portions based on body condition score.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my dog's needs?
A: Recalculate whenever weight changes by 10% or more, or if life stage/activity level changes significantly.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use the weight loss setting (RER × 1.0) and consult your vet for a safe weight loss plan (1-2% body weight per week).

Q3: Are there breed differences?
A: Some breeds may have slightly different metabolic rates. Giant breeds may need fewer calories per kg than small breeds.

Q4: How accurate is this for very small or large dogs?
A: The equation works well for most dogs, but may overestimate for very small (<2kg) or underestimate for very large (>50kg) dogs.

Q5: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is a starting point. Adjust based on your dog's body condition, monitoring weight and adjusting portions as needed.