Daily food calculator for dogs and cats
This estimate uses two classic small-animal nutrition formulas: resting energy requirement (RER) and daily energy requirement (DER), obtained by multiplying RER by a factor according to the animal's physiological state.
RER = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75
DER = RER × factor
grams/day = DER ÷ kcal per kg of food × 1000
On the label it appears as "metabolizable energy". Without this data, we only show calories per day.
Standard factors used
| Physiological state | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy/kitten up to 4 months | × 3 | × 2.5 |
| Puppy/kitten from 4 months to adulthood | × 2 | × 2 |
| Neutered/spayed adult | × 1.6 | × 1.2 |
| Intact adult | × 1.8 | × 1.4 |
| Low-activity / indoor adult | × 1.4 | × 1 |
| Very active adult | × 2.5 | × 1.6 |
| Senior | × 1.4 | × 1.1 |
Formula and sources
- • NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (National Research Council, 2006): RER = 70 × weight^0.75 equation and multiplication factors by physiological state.
- • WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines — Calorie Needs for Healthy Adult Dogs and Cats: use of RER/DER in healthy animals.
- • The metabolizable energy (kcal/kg) used in the grams calculation comes from the food label you provided.
Important: The amount indicated on the food label and your veterinarian's recommendation take precedence over this estimate, which applies only to healthy animals and does not account for any health condition. This result is an educational estimate, not a diagnosis or prescription, and does not replace a consultation with a veterinarian.
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