Estimate resting and daily calorie targets for a dog or cat from body weight and lifestyle.
| RER (kcal/day) | – |
| MER (kcal/day) | – |
Use this calculator as a feeding starting point for a dog or cat. Enter current body weight and a lifestyle factor. The same allometric equation is used for both species. This is not a diet prescription.
Resting energy requirement (RER) is 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, in kcal per day. Maintenance energy requirement (MER) is RER multiplied by a factor: intact adult 1.8, neutered adult 1.6, weight loss 1.0, weight gain 1.7, kitten or puppy 2.5. You can enter weight in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb); the calculator converts to kilograms before the formula.
Neutering, activity, illness, and the food itself change real needs. Confirm any target with a veterinarian, especially for weight loss or growing animals.
Weight: Current body weight, in kg or lb.
Lifestyle: Intact or neutered adult, losing or gaining weight, or a growing kitten or puppy.
RER: Resting energy requirement in kcal per day.
MER: Estimated daily energy target in kcal per day.
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