Pet Calorie Calculator
Estimate a dog or cat’s daily calorie needs from body weight and life stage using the RER and MER veterinary formulas. Calculates in your browser.
Daily calorie need (MER)
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Show the math
Start from the resting energy requirement (the calories a pet burns at rest) then multiply by a life-stage factor to get the maintenance energy requirement:
RER = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75
MER = RER × activity factor
Neutered adults sit around 1.6× (dog) or 1.2× (cat); puppies, kittens and working animals need much more.
A guide for healthy adults, your vet sets targets for growth, illness or weight change. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A pet calorie calculator estimates a dog or cat’s daily calorie needs from body weight and life stage using the RER and MER veterinary formulas.
How to use it
- Enter the body weight.
- Pick the species.
- Choose the life-stage factor.
- Read the daily calories.
How it works
RER is the resting energy need; MER multiplies it by a life-stage factor — neutered adults near 1.6× (dog) or 1.2× (cat), more for puppies, kittens, or working animals.
RER = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75; MER = RER × factor
Understanding your result
The figure is a starting estimate from body weight and life stage, not a fixed requirement. Activity, neutering, and metabolism all shift real needs, so weigh your pet regularly and adjust the amount if they gain or lose condition. Puppies, kittens, and working animals need more than neutered adults.
Example
A 10 kg neutered dog needs about 630 kcal/day.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
What are RER and MER?
RER (resting energy requirement) is the calories burned at rest, 70 × weight(kg)^0.75. MER (maintenance energy requirement) multiplies RER by a life-stage factor for daily needs.
Which activity factor should I pick?
Neutered adults sit near 1.6× (dog) or 1.2× (cat); puppies, kittens, pregnant or working animals need substantially more.
Is anything stored?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
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