1. What is the Purina Feeding Guide?

The Purina Feeding Guide helps pet owners determine the appropriate amount of food to give their pets based on the pet's energy requirements and the calorie content of the food. It ensures pets receive proper nutrition without overfeeding.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the feeding guide formula:

Where:

• \( MER \) — Maintenance Energy Requirement (kcal/day)
• \( \text{Food kcal per unit} \) — Calories per cup or can of food

Explanation: The equation calculates how many units (cups or cans) of food are needed daily to meet the pet's energy requirements.

3. Importance of Proper Feeding

Details: Proper feeding helps maintain optimal weight, prevents obesity-related health issues, and ensures your pet gets the right balance of nutrients for their lifestyle and life stage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pet's MER (from your vet or Purina guidelines) and the kcal per unit from your pet food packaging. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my pet's MER?
A: MER can be estimated based on weight, age, activity level, and neuter status. Your veterinarian can provide the most accurate MER for your pet.

Q2: Where do I find food kcal information?
A: Check the pet food packaging or manufacturer's website for kcal per cup/can information, usually listed in the nutritional information section.

Q3: Should I adjust for my pet's weight?
A: Yes, the MER should reflect your pet's ideal weight if they need to gain or lose weight. Consult your vet for guidance.

Q4: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your pet's weight changes significantly, their activity level changes, or you switch to a different food.

Q5: Is this calculator for dogs and cats?
A: Yes, the formula works for both species, but MER calculations differ between dogs and cats.