Dog RER Calculator

The Dog RER Calculator estimates your dog's daily calorie needs based on weight, age, and activity level. This tool helps pet owners ensure their dogs get the right nutrition for a healthy life. Whether you are managing a puppy's growth, helping a senior dog lose weight, or fueling an active companion, this calculator provides precise feeding guidelines. It simplifies complex veterinary math into easy-to-follow portion sizes.

Enter your dog's weight in pounds (lbs)
Enter your dog's age in years
1-3: Underweight, 4-5: Ideal, 6-7: Overweight, 8-9: Obese

How Maintenance Energy Requirement Is Calculated

Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) represents the total calories your dog burns each day. To find this, we first calculate the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), which is the energy needed just to exist.

RER = 70 × (Body Weight in kg)^0.75

Where:

  • RER = Resting Energy Requirement
  • Weight in kg = Dog's weight in kilograms
  1. First, we convert your dog's weight from pounds to kilograms to match scientific standards.
  2. Next, we calculate the RER using the formula above to find the baseline energy needed for vital organs.
  3. Finally, we multiply the RER by a specific factor based on your dog's life stage and activity level to find the total daily calories (MER).

This standard method ensures your dog's diet is based on biological science rather than guessing.

What Your Maintenance Energy Requirement Means

Your MER result tells you exactly how many calories to feed your dog daily to maintain their current weight or reach a health goal.

Weight Management: If your dog needs to lose weight, aim for a calorie intake near 1.0 x RER. You should measure portions carefully and reduce high-calorie treats to stay within this strict limit.

Active Dogs: For very active or working dogs, calorie needs jump significantly, often reaching 2.0 to 4.0 times their RER. These dogs need nutrient-dense, high-energy food to effectively support their muscles and daily stamina.

Puppies & Growth: Growing puppies require the most energy relative to their size, often needing 3.0 to 6.0 times their RER. You should feed them frequent meals throughout the day to support rapid development without overloading their small stomachs.

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your dog’s specific health needs and medical history.

Pro Tip

Monitor your dog's body condition score monthly and adjust food amounts up or down by 10% as needed to keep them at an ideal weight.

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