1. What is the Purina MER Equation?

The Purina MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) equation estimates the daily caloric needs for dogs based on their weight and activity level. It's widely used by veterinarians and pet nutritionists to determine appropriate feeding amounts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Purina MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Activity level multiplier (see table below)

Activity Factors:

• 1.8 — Puppy (0-4 months)
• 1.6 — Puppy (4-12 months)
• 1.4 — Active Adult
• 1.2 — Neutered Adult
• 1.0 — Senior/Low Activity
• 2.0 — Working Dog
• 3.0 — Racing Sled Dog

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER calculation helps prevent obesity or malnutrition by providing the right amount of calories for a dog's specific needs based on life stage and activity level.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your dog accurately in kilograms. Select the appropriate activity factor based on your dog's life stage and exercise level. For weight loss programs, typically feed 80-90% of MER.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my dog's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by 10% or more, or if their activity level significantly changes.

Q2: What if my dog needs to gain or lose weight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80-90% of MER. For weight gain, feed 110-120% of MER, adjusting based on progress.

Q3: How accurate is this formula for all breeds?
A: While generally accurate, some breeds may have different metabolic rates. Giant breeds may need fewer calories per kg than small breeds.

Q4: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is a starting point. Monitor your dog's weight and condition, adjusting as needed based on their individual metabolism.

Q5: What about pregnant or nursing dogs?
A: Pregnant dogs need about 1.5×MER in late pregnancy, and nursing dogs may need 2-4×MER depending on litter size.