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Nutritional Calculator for Dogs

Dog Nutritional Needs:

\[ RER = 70 \times (weight_{kg})^{0.75} \] \[ MER = RER \times factor \]

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1. What is RER and MER?

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories a dog needs at complete rest. MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the actual caloric need including activity level and life stage factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

\[ RER = 70 \times (weight_{kg})^{0.75} \] \[ MER = RER \times factor \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation accounts for metabolic scaling where larger animals need relatively fewer calories per kilogram than smaller animals.

3. Importance of Nutritional Calculations

Details: Accurate calorie calculation helps prevent obesity or malnutrition, supports growth in puppies, and meets energy needs for working dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your dog accurately. Select the appropriate factor based on activity level and life stage. For overweight dogs, calculate MER based on ideal weight.

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: Calculate RER based on ideal weight, not current weight, and use a factor of 1.0-1.2 for weight loss.

Q3: Are these values exact for every dog?
A: These are estimates. Individual needs may vary by ±20% due to metabolism, environment, and health status.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes, life stage transitions, or activity level changes.

Q5: What about pregnant/nursing dogs?
A: Nursing dogs may need 2-6 times RER depending on litter size and stage of lactation.

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