1. What is the Ohio State MER Equation?

The Ohio State Veterinary MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) equation calculates daily calorie needs for dogs and cats based on weight and activity level. It's widely used in veterinary nutrition to determine appropriate food portions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ohio State MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Animal's weight in kilograms
• \( osu\_factor \) — Activity/physiological factor (see below)

Common osu_factors:

• 1.0 - Neutered adult
• 1.1 - Intact adult
• 1.2 - Weight loss
• 1.4 - Weight gain
• 1.6 - Light work
• 2.0 - Moderate work
• 3.0 - Heavy work or growing puppy/kitten

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER calculation helps prevent obesity (most common nutritional disorder in pets) and ensures adequate nutrition for working, growing, or reproducing animals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your pet accurately in kilograms. Select the appropriate activity factor based on your pet's life stage and activity level.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide weight in pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms (e.g., 10 lbs = 4.54 kg).

Q2: Why use metabolic weight (kg^0.75)?
A: Metabolic rate scales with body surface area, not directly with weight. The 0.75 exponent accounts for this.

Q3: Is this accurate for all breeds?
A: The equation works for most dogs and cats, but giant breeds and very small breeds may need adjustments.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your pet's weight changes by 10% or more, or if their activity level changes significantly.

Q5: Can I use this for sick pets?
A: For sick pets, consult your veterinarian as illness may significantly alter energy requirements.