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 daily caloric need based on life stage and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( weight\_kg \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Multiplier based on life stage/activity level

Explanation: The equations account for metabolic scaling with body size and different energy needs for different life stages.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie estimation helps maintain optimal weight, supports growth in puppies, and prevents obesity in adult dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg and select the appropriate life stage/activity level. For overweight dogs, use the weight loss factor and target weight.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate are these calculations?
A: They provide good estimates for most dogs, but individual needs may vary by ±20% due to metabolism differences.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use the weight loss factor (1.8) and enter the target weight, not current weight, for weight loss plans.

Q3: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever weight changes by 10% or more, or if activity level/life stage changes.

Q4: What about very active working dogs?
A: Use the working/active dogs factor (2.5) and monitor body condition, adjusting as needed.

Q5: Can I use this for puppies?
A: Yes, but use the puppy factors and recalculate frequently as they grow.