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Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) Equation:
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The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) equation estimates the daily caloric needs of dogs based on their weight and activity level. It provides a baseline for determining appropriate food portions and nutritional requirements.
The calculator uses the MER equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the metabolic scaling of energy requirements with body size (using the 0.75 power) and adjusts for different activity levels.
Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal weight, preventing obesity or malnutrition, and ensuring proper nutrition for dogs of different sizes and lifestyles.
Tips: Enter dog's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity level. Weight must be greater than 0. For puppies, pregnant, or lactating dogs, consult a veterinarian as their needs differ.
Q1: How do I convert my dog's weight from pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide the weight in pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms. For example, 20 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 9.07 kg.
Q2: What activity factor should I choose for my dog?
A: Sedentary (1.2) for mostly indoor dogs, Normal (1.4) for typical pets, Active (1.6) for regularly exercised dogs, Very Active (1.8) for athletic dogs, Working Dog (2.0) for service or herding dogs.
Q3: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: Less accurate for very small (<2kg) or very large (>100kg) dogs, and doesn't account for special conditions like illness or extreme temperatures.
Q4: How often should I recalculate my dog's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly (more than 10%) or if their activity level changes substantially.
Q5: Should this be used for weight loss programs?
A: For weight loss, typically feed 80% of MER and consult with a veterinarian for a tailored plan.