Feeding your pet the right amount is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic disease. This calculator estimates daily calorie needs using your pet's species, body weight, and general activity level. The result gives you a starting point for portion sizes, though individual requirements may vary based on age, breed, and health conditions.
Veterinarians often rely on resting energy requirements combined with multipliers for activity and growth. This tool simplifies those formulas so pet owners can quickly gauge appropriate calorie intake. Dogs generally require slightly more energy per kilogram than cats because of differences in metabolic rate.
The core calculation uses a base metabolic constant multiplied by the pet's weight raised to an exponent and then adjusted for activity:
Where is the species-specific constant, is the weight in kilograms, is the metabolic exponent (around 0.67 for cats and 0.75 for dogs), and adjusts for activity from sedentary to energetic.
| Weight | Activity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kg Cat | Low (1) | 170 kcal |
| 20 kg Dog | Moderate (3) | 850 kcal |
These figures illustrate how smaller or less active pets require fewer calories. Increase or decrease portions gradually while monitoring your pet's body condition for the best results.
Overfeeding leads to obesity, which puts pets at risk for diabetes, joint issues, and a shorter lifespan. Use this calculator to guide your feeding plan and consult your veterinarian with any concerns. Measuring food with a scale or cup ensures accuracy, and providing plenty of water keeps your furry friend hydrated.
Always transition gradually when changing pet foods to avoid stomach upset. If you feed treats, remember to subtract those calories from your daily total. Regular exercise not only burns calories but also enriches your pet's life. By balancing diet and activity, you'll support overall well-being and longevity.
Estimate how long it takes for kitchen scraps and yard waste to turn into usable compost. Enter pile size, temperature and moisture to forecast decomposition time.
Estimate how many square feet you need in a tiny house based on occupants, storage requirements, and living areas.
Evaluate how appealing your garden is to bees and butterflies using bloom variety, flower density, and habitat space.