Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) Equation:
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The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) equation estimates the daily calorie needs for dogs based on their weight and activity level. It provides a baseline for determining appropriate food portions and nutritional requirements.
The calculator uses the MER equation:
Where:
Common Factors:
Details: Accurate calorie estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal weight, preventing obesity or malnutrition, and supporting specific life stages like growth or reproduction.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms (convert pounds to kg by dividing by 2.2). Select the appropriate activity/life stage factor. For weight loss, reduce MER by 10-20%.
Q1: Why use weight^0.75 instead of direct weight?
A: Metabolic rate scales with body surface area, which relates to weight^0.75 rather than direct weight.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but individual needs may vary by ±20% based on metabolism, environment, and health status.
Q3: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is a starting point. Adjust based on body condition score - reduce if gaining weight, increase if losing.
Q4: What about very small or large breeds?
A: Small breeds may need slightly more (higher factor), giant breeds slightly less. Monitor and adjust accordingly.
Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate after any significant weight change (≥10%) or life stage change (e.g., neutering, pregnancy).