1. What is the Daily Portion Calculation?

The Purina Daily Portion calculation determines how much food (in cups or cans) a pet needs each day based on their Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) and the calorie content of their specific food.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( MER \) — Maintenance Energy Requirement (kcal/day)
• \( Food kcal per unit \) — Caloric content per cup or can of food (kcal/unit)

Explanation: This calculation divides the pet's total daily calorie needs by the calorie content of their food to determine how many cups or cans they should receive each day.

3. Importance of Proper Portioning

Details: Accurate portioning helps maintain ideal body weight, prevents obesity or undernourishment, and ensures pets receive proper nutrition without overfeeding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pet's MER (calculated separately based on weight, activity level, etc.) and the kcal per cup/can from the food packaging. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my pet's MER?
A: MER can be calculated using formulas based on weight, age, activity level, and neuter status. Consult your veterinarian for accurate MER calculation.

Q2: Where do I find kcal per cup/can information?
A: This information is typically on the pet food packaging or available from the manufacturer's website.

Q3: Should I adjust portions based on my pet's condition?
A: Yes, pets that are overweight, underweight, or have special health conditions may need adjusted portions. Consult your veterinarian.

Q4: How often should I recalculate portions?
A: Recalculate whenever your pet's weight changes significantly or when switching to a different food with different calorie content.

Q5: Is this calculation suitable for all life stages?
A: This calculates maintenance portions. Growing puppies/kittens, pregnant/nursing pets, or performance animals may need additional calories.