Resting Energy Requirement — The Starting Point
RER is the calorie floor a dog burns simply existing at rest.
- 70×W^0.75: Formula (kg body weight)
- kcal/day: Units (baseline metabolism)
- All dogs: Applies to (before multipliers)
- Body mass: Basis (metabolic scaling law)
What RER measures
Short placeholder: RER reflects resting metabolic energy cost.
Life Stage Multiplier — Puppy, Adult, Senior
Growth and aging change how much energy a dog needs daily.
- ~2.0–3.0x: Puppy (rapid growth phase)
- ~1.6x: Adult (maintenance level)
- ~1.2–1.4x: Senior (slower metabolism)
- Age stage: Basis (growth vs upkeep)
Why age matters
Short placeholder: puppies need more energy per kg than seniors.
Activity Level Multiplier — Sedentary to Working
Exercise level scales daily calories beyond baseline needs.
- 1.2x: Sedentary (low activity dogs)
- 1.6x: Moderate (typical pet activity)
- 2.0x: Active (regular exercise)
- 3.0x+: Working (high exertion dogs)
Activity scaling
Short placeholder: more movement means higher calorie demand.
Neuter Status Adjustment — A Small But Real Shift
Spayed and neutered dogs typically need slightly fewer calories.
- 1.8x: Intact adult (higher baseline need)
- 1.6x: Neutered adult (reduced multiplier)
- ~10%: Effect size (lower energy need)
- Hormonal shift: Cause (metabolic rate change)
Neuter effect
Short placeholder: hormonal change slightly lowers metabolic rate.
Final Daily MER and Food Portion Size
Combined multipliers yield total daily calories and bowl size.
- RER×multiplier: Formula (final MER kcal/day)
- MER/kcal-per-cup: Portion (daily food cups)
- ~350 kcal/cup: Typical food (dry kibble estimate)
- Weight stability: Goal (adjust as needed)
Putting it together
Short placeholder: MER and portion size complete the daily plan.
Short placeholder: monitor body condition and adjust portions monthly.