Pet Calorie Calculator
Calculates daily caloric needs using the
Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
formula vets use:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75.
That baseline gets multiplied by a life-stage factor for your
pet's actual maintenance calorie count.
Resting (RER)
895 cal
Daily target (MER)
1,074 cal
Formula: RER = 70 × (kg)0.75, MER = RER × life-stage factor (AAHA / WSAVA references). Real caloric needs vary by breed, body condition, and individual metabolism — adjust by ±15% based on Body Condition Score every 2-4 weeks.
Why food-bag charts overfeed
Most kibble feeding charts are calibrated for active, intact adult pets — but most U.S. pets are neutered indoor adults who need 20-30% fewer calories than the bag recommends. That explains the most common reason pets gain weight even when owners "feed the right amount."
Use this calculator's target, weigh portions for 2-4 weeks, then re-check Body Condition Score. If ribs are getting harder to feel: drop calories by 10%. If ribs are getting more prominent: increase by 10%. Repeat until stable at ideal BCS (4-5/9).
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Florida Online Vet
Licensed FL vet by video — $64.99 visits, RexVetRx delivery.
New York Online Vet
Licensed NY vet by video — for all 5 boroughs and upstate.
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Licensed VA vet by video — Hampton Roads, NoVA, Richmond.
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