Worker Cocker Spaniel puppies

The amount of energy used by a moderately active adult dog in a thermoneutral environment, that is, at the optimal ambient temperature. It represents the energy expended in obtaining and using food in an amount sufficient to maintain body weight, but not to support growth, pregnancy or lactation. It is important to remember that the calculated MER only represents an estimate of energy need.

Formula

MER = 132 x (body weight in kilograms)0.75

Using this formula provides an estimate of how many calories per day a dog needs.

Example

What is the daily energy requirements of a 10 lb dog?

1. Convert pounds to kilograms ( 1 lbs = 0.454 kg)

   10 lbs x 0.454 = 4.54 kg

   4.540.75 = 3.11

2. Determine the metabolic body weight (kg0.75)

   3.11 x 132 = 410.5 or 411 kcal

3. Multiply metabolic body weight by 132

Therefore, a 10 pound dog requires 411 kcal per day.

Note: The exact formula for obtaining the MER remains controversial but the above formula was used by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in their 1995 book. Another popular formula for calculating the MER by Burger (1995) is used by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition.

Waltham Formula

MER = 110 x (body weight in kilograms)0.75

Notice the difference in the results between the and the Waltham calculator. You will find the Waltham calculator comes closer to most dog food maker's recommendations. The first calculator appears to overfeed when compared to dog food maker's recommendations. Use whichever calculator best suites you. In the long run, adjust your dog's feeding to maintain an optimum weight. If your dog is a pure breed, information on height and weight standards should exist. For example, the height and weight standards for the American and English cocker spaniel:

American Cocker	English Cocker
Height 14-15" [about 36-38 cm] Weight 24-28 lbs [about 11-13 kg]	Height 15-17" [about 38-43 cm] Weight 26-34 lbs [about 12-16 kg]