Resting energy requirement for dogs and cats
Enter your dog’s or cat’s weight in kilograms to estimate energy needed at rest, in kcal per day.
This is an indicative estimate. Actual needs vary: ask your veterinarian for advice. Do not change the diet of an animal that is ill, growing, pregnant or nursing without veterinary guidance.
Enter your pet’s details to see an estimate.
Method and limitations
The MSD Veterinary Manual gives the exponential equation RER = 70 × body weight in kg^0.75 for dogs and cats. This tool uses that equation for positive weights and rounds the displayed result to the nearest kcal/day. RER describes energy use at rest in a thermoneutral environment; it is not a daily feeding allowance. No activity, neutering or growth multipliers are applied.
Sources
- Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals — RER = 70 × kg^0.75 — MSD Veterinary Manual,