Home
Back
DER Formula:
| From: | To: |
The DER (Daily Energy Requirement) calculation estimates how many calories your dog needs each day based on their body weight and activity level. This formula helps ensure your dog receives the appropriate amount of food for optimal health and energy levels.
The calculator uses the DER formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the metabolic rate based on body weight and adjusts for different activity levels using the factor multiplier.
Details: Accurate calorie calculation is crucial for maintaining your dog's ideal weight, preventing obesity, ensuring proper nutrition, and supporting overall health and vitality.
Tips: Enter your dog's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity factor. For best results, use an accurate weight measurement and choose the factor that best matches your dog's daily activity level.
Q1: Why use 0.75 as the exponent in the formula?
A: The 0.75 exponent represents the metabolic scaling factor that accounts for the relationship between body size and metabolic rate in animals.
Q2: What are the different factor values for?
A: Different factors account for varying activity levels: 1.2 for seniors/low activity, 1.6 for average adults, 1.8 for active dogs, and 2.0 for working dogs.
Q3: How often should I recalculate my dog's calorie needs?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly or if there are changes in activity level, age, or health status.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This is a general guideline. Individual dogs may have different needs based on metabolism, health conditions, and other factors. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Q5: Should pregnant or nursing dogs use this calculation?
A: No, pregnant and nursing dogs have significantly higher energy requirements and should follow veterinary recommendations for their specific needs.