Daily Calorie Estimator - Canine
How much to feed a dog?
How much to feed a puppy?
Its not the volume we need to know, its the calories! How many calories a day does a dog need? The Canine Daily Calorie Estimator (free download) will do all the math to help you estimate your dog’s daily calories needs.
Calorie requirements can vary greatly depending on the dog’s breed, size, age, metabolism, activity level, environment, temperature, and humidity. A Jack Russel Terrier and a Miniature Poodle both weighing 15 lbs will have differing calories needs. The same will be true for an English Bulldog and an Australian Cattle Dog both weighing 45 lbs. Their calorie needs will be very different. Even two dogs of the same breed and size living in the same environment can have completely differing energy (calorie) requirements. (See MER and DER below) “Individual pet needs can vary by as much as 50% from calculated values however, so these are only starting points for estimating the amount of food to be provided daily.” [6]
… CANINE DAILY CALORIE ESTIMATOR
Download the free Canine Daily Calorie Estimator here
Cat - Daily Calorie Estimator CLICK HERE
If Your Dog Is Overweight Start Here
A good starting point to establish your dog’s calories needs is to determine the total calories they are currently getting each day in the form of food and treats. Then determine their body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score (MCS) to evaluate whether your dog needs the same (maintenance), or more or less calories each day. You should work with your veterinarian to determine your dog’s BCS and MCS and his/her ideal weight.
Download the free Daily Calorie Estimator here
If your dog is overweight start here
Best Dog Food List
PET FOOD MATH CHEAT SHEET
There are three commonly used terms for measurements of daily energy needs. The calculation of the MER or DER is based increasing Resting energy requirement (RER) to account for daily activity, work, growth, gestation, or lactation.
HOW TO CHOOSE DOG FOOD
All the equations used to determine energy/calories needs use the animal’s ideal body weight in kilograms. The resting energy requirement (RER) of dogs, cats, and other mammals may be predicted using the equation for RER noted below. [1] THE CANINE DAILY CALORIE ESTIMATOR will do all the math to convert lbs to kg, and calculate the RER and MER.
The RER equation listed above is considered accurate at any weight. A second popular simple equation is often used: 30 x (BW kg) + 70. This equation can be used for animals weighting between 2 - 25 kg (4.4 lbs - 55 lbs), “but note that the second equation is not as accurate as the first equation as it will overestimate the caloric needs of patients weighing either < 2kg or > 25 kg.” [7] (4.4 lbs - 55 lbs) This second equation is not used by the Canine Daily Calorie Estimator for this reason.
After determining the RER the calculations for determining the MER & DER are only estimates and should only be used as a general guideline. The Canine Daily Calorie Estimator calculates all the common formulas for differing ages and life stages with the exception of gestation and lactation. Use the Canine Daily Calorie Estimator to track your dog’s weight, body condition score (BCS), and weight loss goals.
If you are considering getting a new dog you can use the Canine Daily Calorie Estimator to determine the amount of food that would be reasonable to feed each day. FREE DOWNLOAD Then you can use the Pet Food Math Cheat Sheet to estimate the daily cost to feed.
FREE DOWNLOAD - CANINE DAILY CALORIE ESTIMATOR
PET FOOD MATH CHEAT SHEET
FREE DOWNLOAD - FELINE DAILY CALORIE ESTIMATOR
The Canine Daily Calorie Estimator is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. You can download and use Microsoft Excel for free. https://www.office.com/
The spreadsheet can also be opened and used with other spreadsheet programs like Google Sheets. https://www.google.com/sheets/about/
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Noted below are the calculations and sources for the Canine Daily Calorie Estimator
Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, Wiley.
Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, Wiley.
[4] In-Clinic Form Developing Protocols for Obese Animals Justin - Shmalberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVN
Calculate estimated caloric intake for weight loss.
Dogs: (50 to 70) × (ideal BW in kg)0.75 = kcal/day
The information contained here is provided for general reference and informational purposes only. Any information provided should not be construed to be formal professional advice or professional veterinary advice. Homeskooling 4 Dogs LLC does not warrant that the information is in every respect accurate. You are encouraged to conduct your own research and due diligence.
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