1. What is the MER Equation?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) equation estimates the daily caloric needs for dogs based on their weight and activity level. It provides a baseline for determining appropriate food portions to maintain healthy body weight.

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

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate, with adjustment factors for different activity levels.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal body condition, preventing obesity or malnutrition, and adjusting food portions for different life stages and activity levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your dog's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity factor. For puppies, pregnant dogs, or working dogs, use the higher activity factors.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 (1 kg = 2.205 lbs).

Q2: What if my dog is overweight or underweight?
A: For overweight dogs, reduce calories by 10-20% of MER. For underweight dogs, increase by 10-20% and monitor progress.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my dog's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly or their activity level changes substantially.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: Less accurate for very small (<2kg) or very large (>60kg) dogs, and for dogs with certain medical conditions affecting metabolism.

Q5: Should this be used for puppies?
A: Yes, but use the growth/pregnancy factor (3.0) and adjust as needed based on growth rate and body condition.