What is the daily nutritional requirement for a dog?
Lurline Osinski
2025-08-29 16:42:48
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: 13
Calories are the fuel that powers a dog’s life. They come from the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates a dog eats. If a dog eats too few calories, they will lose weight as the body burns fat, and eventually muscle, to supply the energy missing in their diet. Breed Size is the main factor that determines how many calories a dog should eat. Big dogs need more calories than small dogs—it takes more energy to power a big body in comparison to a small body.
A dog’s activity level is another important factor in determining how many calories they should take in. A dog who gets a lot of exercise may need twice as many calories—maybe even more—in comparison to what they would need if they were less active.
You can get a general idea of how many calories per day you should be offering your dog. RER (calories/day) = 70 x (BWkg) 0.75. RER (calories/day) x multiplier = MER (calories/day). Normal MER range = (0.75 x calculated MER) - (1.25 x calculated MER).
For example, for a typical 50-pound, neutered male dog, their maintenance energy requirement (MER) in calories per day would be 728 x 1.6 = 1165 dog calories per day, with a normal MER range of 874 - 1456 dog calories per day.
Edwin Langworth
2025-08-18 13:53:13
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: 22
The daily nutritional requirement for a dog can be calculated from an estimated Resting Energy Requirement (RER) at the calculated Ideal Weight. Regular monitoring of body weight and body condition score is important for successful weight management. Based on progress, adjustments in daily food and activity recommendations may be required to reach ideal weight with a healthy rate of weight loss for dogs of 1-2%, and cats 0.5-1% of body weight per week. Treats should not exceed 10% of total daily Calories. This calculator is only a guideline. Regular monitoring and consideration of outside factors is critical for achieving safe and healthy weight management outcomes. Achieving and maintaining healthy body condition scores in pets has been proven to reduce the risk of illness and add to the longevity and general well-being of the animal.
Doug Dietrich
2025-08-09 19:42:07
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: 16
To make sure the dog food you buy has the right mix of nutrients, look for the words "complete and balanced nutrition" on the label. You might also see "Meets the nutritional requirements of dogs established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)" or "Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs based on AAFCO feeding trials."
Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are all necessary for a dog's diet. Proteins: Body tissues are made of proteins. Your dog's body makes only 13 of the 23 amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins.
Fats give your dog energy. They also help keep your dog's skin and hair healthy. Carbohydrates: Carbs come from plants, and when your dog eats grains and vegetables, they get sugars, starches, and fiber.
Your dog can get all the vitamins and minerals they need in "balanced" dog food, including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus.
Water makes up more than half of an adult dog's body weight, and even if dogs lose all of their body fat and half their protein, they can survive, but water is so important that they could die if they lose only 10% of the water in their body.
Experts agree that treats and table scraps should never be more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and your veterinarian can help you figure out the best diet and feeding schedule to keep your dog healthy.
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