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How many calories does your dog need per day? This tool applies the NRC 2006 standard: RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 x body weight^0.75, then multiplied by an activity factor to get MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement). Adjustments for neuter status, puppy, senior and body condition.
RER (resting)
662 kcal/day
MER (maintenance)
1,059 kcal/day
BARF ration equivalent
815 g/day
Reminder: BCS is a 9-point visual-tactile score (ideal 4-5/9). Ribs palpable without pressure, waist visible from above, abdominal tuck. Adjust rations over 4 weeks — never crash-diet.
RER = 70 x BW^0.75. MER = RER x activity factor. Puppy < 4 mo: x3.0. Puppy 4-12 mo: x2.0. Adult sedentary x1.2, normal x1.6, active x2.0, working x3.0 (up to x4-8 for sled racing dogs in extreme conditions). Senior x1.2. Neutered adult x0.85. BARF ration: ~1.3 kcal/g.
| Weight | RER | Sedentary | Normal | Active | BARF ration (normal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 394 kcal | 473 | 630 | 788 | 485 g |
| 20 kg | 662 kcal | 794 | 1,059 | 1,324 | 815 g |
| 30 kg | 897 kcal | 1,076 | 1,435 | 1,794 | 1,104 g |
| 45 kg | 1,216 kcal | 1,459 | 1,946 | 2,432 | 1,497 g |
BCS is a visual-tactile score from 1 to 9 (ideal 4-5). A lean dog (BCS 2-3) needs +10% calories; an overweight dog (BCS 7-9) needs -15%. Reassess every 2 weeks. For weight loss, don't go below RER (~1x RER): that's the physiological floor.
RER is the energy needed by a resting, fasted animal in a thermoneutral environment. MER covers full maintenance (activity, digestion, thermoregulation): RER x activity factor.
Neutering reduces basal metabolism by ~10-15% (Fontaine 2005, German 2008). Without adjustment, chronic weight gain follows. Lower the ration by 15% after neutering and reassess at 6 months.
Formulas are population averages. Individual variation is +/- 20%. If your dog is gaining: -10 to -15% on the ration, reassess BCS every 2 weeks. Also: uncounted treats, uncoordinated household feeding.
Puppy < 4 months: MER = RER x 3.0 (intense growth). Puppy 4-12 months: RER x 2.0. Also adjust by growth rate and breed size (large-breed puppies need tighter control).
Source: NRC 2006, Fontaine 2005, German 2008 (WSAVA).
Our BARF calculator combines calories, 70/10/5/5/10 ratios, calcium and omega-3 into a single custom ration.