1. What is RER and MER?

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories needed for basic metabolic functions at rest. MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the total daily caloric need including activity and life stage factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Life stage/activity multiplier (1.2-3.0)

Explanation: The equations account for metabolic scaling where smaller animals have higher metabolic rates per unit body weight.

3. Importance of Proper Nutrition

Details: Accurate calorie calculation helps prevent obesity (most common nutritional disorder in pets) while ensuring adequate nutrition for growth, reproduction, or work.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your pet accurately. Select the appropriate life stage/activity factor. For weight loss programs, typically feed 80% of MER for weight loss.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my pet's needs?
A: Recalculate with any 10% weight change, life stage change, or activity level change.

Q2: What if my pet is overweight?
A: Use ideal weight rather than current weight for calculations in obese pets.

Q3: Are there breed differences?
A: Some breeds (e.g., sighthounds) may have different metabolic rates. Consult your veterinarian.

Q4: What about cats?
A: The same equations apply to cats, but typical factors range from 1.0-1.4 for most adults.

Q5: How accurate are these estimates?
A: They provide reasonable starting points but individual variation exists. Monitor body condition and adjust as needed.