1. What is Resting Energy Requirement (RER)?

The RER represents the calories needed by a dog at rest in a thermoneutral environment. It's the baseline energy requirement before accounting for activity level, life stage, or health status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RER equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Body weight in kilograms
• 0.75 — Metabolic exponent that accounts for metabolic scaling

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate in dogs.

3. Importance of RER Calculation

Details: RER is the foundation for calculating a dog's daily caloric needs. It's used to determine maintenance energy requirements (MER) by multiplying RER by factors based on life stage, activity level, and health status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dog's weight in kilograms. For accurate results, weigh your dog rather than estimating. The weight must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide the weight in pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms (e.g., 20 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 9.07 kg).

Q2: Is RER the same as daily calorie needs?
A: No, RER is just the baseline. Daily needs are typically 1.2-1.8 × RER depending on activity level and life stage.

Q3: Does this work for puppies?
A: Yes, but growing puppies may need 2-3 × RER. Consult your veterinarian for puppy-specific recommendations.

Q4: What about overweight dogs?
A: Use ideal body weight rather than current weight for weight loss programs. Your vet can help determine the ideal weight.

Q5: Are there breed-specific variations?
A: Some breeds may have slightly different metabolic rates, but this equation provides a good starting point for all breeds.