Dog food calculator đŸŸ

Enter your dog's information to get their ideal daily ration.

Determining the dog's energy needs

A dog's energy needs depend on its weight, age, activity level, and physiological state (gestation, lactation, etc.).

Basic formula: Maintenance energy requirement (MER)

M E R = R E R × f a c t e u r _ a c t i v i t e ˊ MER = RER \times facteur\_activitĂ©

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) : resting energy requirement in kcal/day.

R E R = 70 × ( p o i d s _ k g ) 0 , 75 RER = 70 \times (poids\_kg)^{0,75}

Activity factor (examples):

Dog type Postman
Sedentary dog 1.2 to 1.4
Normal adult dog 1.4 to 1.6
Active dog 1.6 to 2.0
Sporting or working dog 2.0 to 5.0
Pregnant/Lactating Dog 3.0 to 5.0

2. Practical example

Dog data:

  • Weight: 20 kg

  • Activity: normal (factor 1.6)

Step 1: Calculating the RER

R E R = 70 × ( 20 ) 0 , 75 RER = 70 \times (20)^{0,75}

Let's calculate 20^0.75 :

  • ln(20) ≈ 2.9957

  • 0.75 × ln(20) ≈ 2.9957 × 0.75 ≈ 2.2468

  • e^(2.2468) ≈ 9.46

SO :

RER=70×9,46≈662kcal/jourRER = 70 \times 9,46 \approx 662 kcal/jour

Step 2: Calculating the MER

M E R = R E R × 1 , 6 = 662 × 1 , 6 ≈ 1059 k c a l / j o u r MER = RER \times 1,6 = 662 \times 1,6 \approx 1059 kcal/jour

3. Determine the daily ration of kibble or wet food

Example with kibble:

  • Energy content of the kibble: 350 kcal / 100 g

  • Ration = MER Ă· kibble energy

R a t i o n = 1059 Ă· 350 ≈ 3 , 03 × 100g ≈ 303 g / j o u r Ration = 1059 Ă· 350 \approx 3,03 \text{ × 100g} \approx 303 g / jour

Example with wet food:

  • Energy content of the food: 100 kcal / 100 g

  • Ration = 1059 Ă· 100 ≈ 10.6 × 100 g ≈ 1.06 kg / day

4. Adjustments

  • Monitor weight and body condition : if the dog gains or loses weight, adjust the ration by ±10% and monitor for 2-3 weeks.

  • Divide the ration into 2 to 3 meals for adult dogs, more for puppies.

  • Energy needs change depending on the season, sterilization, stress, lactation or work .