Dog bmr calculator how to#

RELATED READ: How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (with Calculator) How Often Should I Feed My Dog? Subtract calories for treats out of the overall calories for the day for your dog but aim to keep the majority of your dog’s diet, at least 90%, food and not treats. Each dog should have its own food bowl so you can keep track of how much each dog is consuming in a day. Everything should be fed in moderation and do your best to keep your dog from stealing food from other pets. Treats, table scraps, and the bowl of cat food your dog sneaks every now and then can potentially put weight on your dog. Meals aren’t the only thing that can put weight on your dog. In short, anything and everything your dog eats needs to be counted toward its calorie intake. What Counts Toward My Dog’s Daily Calorie Intake? So, a 10-pound dog weighs 4.5 kg and a 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg. To determine your dog’s weight in kilograms, divide its weight in pounds by 2.2. RER in kcal/day = (ideal or target weight in kg ^ 0.75) x 70 OR 30 x (body weight in kg) +70 Don’t worry about adding in additional activities, like walks or sports, just yet. This measurement covers baseline metabolism and things like walking to and from food and water, quick potty trips, and other routine activities. This is the energy your dog burns in a normal day with no additional activity. In this equation, you are determining your dog’s resting energy requirement, or RER. If your dog is a healthy weight, then that’s the ideal weight you’ll use in the equation. The other thing you need to consult with your dog’s veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal or target weight. Using an outdated weight or a weight you’re ballparking isn’t going to give you an accurate measurement. One is to get an accurate, up to date weight on your dog. To calculate your dog’s calorie needs, there are two important things you need to do first. RELATED READ: Can You Judge Dog Food Solely by Its First Ingredient? Image By: Pixabay Calculating your dog’s calorie needs will help you ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food every day. Those recommendations are suggestions based on the average dog in each group, but just like with humans, every dog is different and what works for one dog may not work for another.

The problem with these recommendations is that they don’t account for your dog’s current health status, or whether your dog is fixed or not, or how active your dog is on a given day. It’s based on adult weight, although some foods list recommendations for puppies and seniors as well. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice Why Do I Need to Calculate My Dog’s Calorie Needs?Įvery package of dog food has a recommended feeding amount listed on it. The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level.