If treats are included, make sure that the total calories from treats doesn't exceed 10% of your pet's daily calorie intake and then the calculation of Treat and Food Calories will be:
BCS - Body Condition Score
RER - Resting Energy Requirement
MER - Maintenance Energy Requirement
This Pet Calorie Calculator is designed to support both veterinary professionals and pet owners in conducting accurate nutritional assessments and developing tailored dietary recommendations for dogs and cats based on factors such as weight, age, neuter status, activity level and body condition. By calculating a pet’s daily caloric needs, the tool helps ensure that pets maintain or achieve their ideal weight, promoting long-term health and overall wellness.
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational use only and should not substitute professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary and health recommendations.
A calorie calculator for pets typically estimates the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and Total Daily Energy Requirement (DER) using the pet's weight, life stage factors and Body Condition Score (BCS).
The RER is the baseline number of calories an animal needs at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and digestion. It is calculated using the following formula:
RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 x (body weight in kilograms)^0.75
The DER is the actual number of calories a pet needs per day, depending on their activity level and life stage. It is calculated by multiplying the RER by an appropriate activity factor:
Example: A 10kg dog would have an RER of approximately 400 calories per day.
Activity level: The RER needs to be adjusted up based on the dog's activity level (e.g., maintenance, light work, moderate work).
Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER): The RER is further multiplied by a factor to estimate the MER, which is the total daily energy needed to maintain weight.
| Pet Type | Condition | Activity Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Neutered Adult | 1.6 × RER |
| Dog | Active Adult | 1.8–2.5 × RER |
| Dog | Weight Loss | 1.0 × RER |
| Dog | Weight Gain | 1.2–1.5 × RER |
| Dog | Gestation | 1.8–3.0 × RER |
| Dog | Lactation | 3.0–6.0 × RER |
| Dog | Puppy (< 4 months) | 3.0 × RER |
| Dog | Puppy (> 4 months) | 2.0 × RER |
| Cat | Neutered Adult | 1.2–1.4 × RER |
| Cat | Active Adult | 1.4–1.6 × RER |
| Cat | Weight Loss | 0.8 × RER |
| Cat | Weight Gain | 1.2–1.4 × RER |
| Cat | Gestation | 1.6–2.0 × RER |
| Cat | Lactation | 2.0–3.0 × RER |
| Cat | Kitten (< 4 months) | 2.5 × RER |
| Cat | Kitten (> 4 months) | 2.0 × RER |
Prevents Obesity & Underweight Issues – Helps maintain an ideal body condition score.
Customized Nutrition – Accounts for activity level, age, and weight goals.
Supports Special Dietary Needs – Useful for managing conditions like obesity or malnutrition.
Weigh your pet in kilograms.
Use the RER formula to determine the base calorie needs.
Multiply by the appropriate activity factor to get the daily calorie requirement.
Adjust food intake based on weight changes and consult a veterinarian for specific needs.
A pet calorie calculator is a valuable tool for ensuring your pet stays healthy and happy with the right diet! 🐶🐱