RER & Daily Calorie Calculator for Dogs & Cats
Resting energy requirement (RER) and maintenance energy requirement (MER) in kcal/day with the AAHA life-stage factors — plus how much food that is.
Results are calculated in your browser. Always double-check before administering and use your clinical judgement.
How it is calculated
RER (kcal/day) = 70 × body weight (kg)^0.75; MER = RER × life-stage factor [1].
Factors (cat · dog): neutered adult 1.2–1.4 · 1.4–1.6; intact adult 1.4–1.6 · 1.6–1.8; inactive/obese-prone 1.0 · 1.0–1.2; weight loss 0.8 · 1.0; gestation 1.6–2.0 · 3.0 (last 21 days); lactation 2.0–6.0 · 3.0 to ≥ 6.0; growth 2.5 (cat) · 3.0 (< 4 months) and 2.0 (≥ 4 months) (dog); work: light 1.6–2.0, moderate 2.0–5.0, heavy 5.0–11.0 [1]. Adjust by monitoring body weight and body condition score [1].
Worked example
10 kg dog: RER = 70 × 10^0.75 = 394 kcal/day; neutered adult MER 551–630 kcal/day.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate RER for a dog or cat?
RER = 70 × body weight (kg)^0.75 kcal/day; maintenance energy requirement = RER × a life-stage factor [1].
What factor is used for a neutered adult dog?
The AAHA guideline lists 1.4–1.6 for neutered adult dogs and 1.2–1.4 for neutered adult cats [1].
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References
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.