Home
Back
OSU Canine Calorie Equation:
| From: | To: |
The OSU (Ohio State University) Canine Calorie Equation estimates Daily Energy Requirement (DER) for dogs based on body weight and activity factor. It provides a scientific approach to determining appropriate calorie intake for maintaining optimal health.
The calculator uses the OSU equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the metabolic scaling of body weight using the 0.75 exponent, which is a well-established principle in animal metabolism studies.
Details: Accurate DER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal body condition, preventing obesity, and ensuring proper nutrition for dogs at different life stages and activity levels.
Tips: Enter body weight in kilograms and appropriate factor value. Typical factors range from 1.2-1.4 for neutered adults, 1.6-1.8 for intact adults, and higher for working dogs or puppies.
Q1: What are typical factor values for different dogs?
A: Factors typically range from 1.2 for sedentary neutered adults to 2.0-3.0 for highly active working dogs and 3.0-4.0 for growing puppies.
Q2: How often should I recalculate my dog's DER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes by more than 10%, or if there are significant changes in activity level or life stage.
Q3: Should this be used for weight loss programs?
A: For weight loss, typically use 60-70% of maintenance DER, but always consult with a veterinarian for supervised weight loss programs.
Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: Less accurate for very small or very large breeds, and may need adjustment for dogs with medical conditions affecting metabolism.
Q5: How should the DER be distributed throughout the day?
A: Most adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day, while puppies may require 3-4 smaller meals distributed throughout the day.