1. What is the Dry Food Calculation?

The Dry Food Calculation determines how much dry food your dog needs daily based on their Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) and the calorie content of the food. This helps prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• MER — Maintenance Energy Requirement (daily calorie needs)
• Dry Food kcal per cup — Calorie content of the specific dog food

Explanation: This calculation converts your dog's daily calorie needs into actual cups of food based on the specific food's calorie density.

3. Importance of Proper Food Measurement

Details: Accurate food measurement helps maintain ideal weight, prevents obesity-related health issues, and ensures your dog gets proper nutrition without wasting food.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Find your dog's MER using a dog calorie calculator
• Check the kcal/cup information on your dog food package
• All values must be positive numbers
• Adjust amounts based on your dog's activity level and body condition

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my dog's MER?
A: MER can be calculated based on weight, age, activity level, and neuter status. Many online calculators are available.

Q2: Where do I find kcal/cup information?
A: This is usually on the dog food packaging under "Guaranteed Analysis" or on the manufacturer's website.

Q3: Should I feed exactly this amount?
A: This is a starting point. Adjust based on your dog's weight changes, activity level, and veterinarian recommendations.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly, when switching foods, or if activity level changes.

Q5: What if my dog isn't maintaining weight on this amount?
A: Consult your veterinarian. The MER may need adjustment or there may be underlying health issues.