1. What is the MER Equation?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) equation estimates the daily caloric needs of dogs based on their metabolic body weight and activity level. It helps determine appropriate feeding amounts for optimal health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's body weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Activity level multiplier (see table below)

Activity Factors:

• 1.0 — Neutered adult (typical pet)
• 1.2 — Intact adult
• 1.4 — Light work
• 1.6 — Moderate work
• 1.8 — Heavy work
• 2.0 — Pregnant (late gestation)
• 3.0 — Lactating (peak milk production)

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining healthy body condition, preventing obesity, and ensuring adequate nutrition for working or reproducing dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter dog's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity factor. For puppies, use 2-3 times the adult MER depending on age.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my dog's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by more than 10% or their activity level changes significantly.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80-90% of the MER for the target weight, not current weight.

Q3: Are there breed-specific variations?
A: Some breeds may have slightly different metabolic rates. Adjust as needed based on body condition.

Q4: How should I adjust for senior dogs?
A: Some older dogs may need 10-20% fewer calories due to decreased activity, while others maintain similar needs.

Q5: Is this suitable for all life stages?
A: Puppies and pregnant/lactating females have higher requirements - use the appropriate factors.