1. What is the MER Calculation?

The MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) calculation estimates the daily caloric needs of animals based on their weight and physiological status. This formula is commonly used in veterinary medicine to determine appropriate dietary recommendations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Purina MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Animal's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Adjustment factor based on physiological status

Explanation: The equation accounts for metabolic scaling where energy requirements don't increase linearly with body weight.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal body condition, supporting recovery, and preventing obesity or malnutrition in veterinary patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter accurate weight in kilograms and select the appropriate factor based on the animal's physiological status.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the different factors used in the calculation?
A: Factors range from 1.0 (neutered adult) to 3.0 (critical care) depending on the animal's metabolic needs.

Q2: How often should MER be recalculated?
A: MER should be recalculated with any significant weight change (≥10%) or change in physiological status.

Q3: Can this be used for all animal species?
A: This calculation is primarily for dogs and cats. Other species may require different formulas.

Q4: How does age affect MER?
A: Senior animals may require 10-20% fewer calories than calculated MER due to decreased activity.

Q5: Should this be adjusted for activity level?
A: Highly active animals may require up to 1.5× calculated MER, while sedentary animals may need less.