1. What is Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) represents the daily caloric needs for a dog to maintain its current weight, accounting for its activity level and life stage. It's based on metabolic body size and activity factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level and life stage (1.2-3.0)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate (using the 0.75 exponent) and adjusts for different activity levels.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for proper dog nutrition, preventing obesity or underfeeding, and adjusting food portions for different life stages and activity levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter dog's weight in kg and select the appropriate activity/life stage factor. For weight loss, reduce MER by 10-20%; for weight gain, increase by 10-20%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert my dog's weight from pounds to kg?
A: Divide pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms (e.g., 20 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 9.07 kg).

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use ideal weight, not current weight, and select "Neutered adult" factor (1.2) unless very active.

Q3: How often should I recalculate MER?
A: Recalculate after any significant weight change, activity level change, or life stage transition.

Q4: Are there breed-specific adjustments?
A: Some breeds may need adjustments - giant breeds may need slightly less, while some working breeds may need more.

Q5: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is a starting point - monitor weight and adjust as needed based on individual metabolism and condition.