Nutrition tool
Estimate daily calories from body weight, then turn that target into a kibble or canned portion. The math follows WSAVA resting-energy and life-stage factors used in small animal practice.
Enter a body weight to calculate resting energy, the life-stage target, and a portion for breakfast and dinner.
Resting energy requirement is the calories a dog or cat uses while resting. Convert pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.20462, then calculate RER as 70 × kg^0.75. A 10 kg pet has an RER near 394 kcal.
Daily energy requirement multiplies that RER by a life-stage factor. Neutered adults use 1.6, intact adults use 1.8, seniors use 1.4, and growing puppies or kittens use 2 or 3 depending on age. Weight loss uses 1.0 to 1.2, and hard work uses 2.0 to 2.5.
Body condition is a separate check on the 9-point scale. Scores 1 to 3 add 15 percent, scores 4 and 5 stay at the calculated target, and scores 6 to 9 subtract 15 percent for a safer loss rate. Recheck ribs, waist, and weight rather than locking the first number in for months.
Resting energy requirement (RER) is the calorie need of a pet at rest in a comfortable room. WSAVA estimates it as 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. It is the baseline before growth, activity, or a weight goal is applied.
Daily energy requirement (DER) is RER multiplied by a life-stage factor. A neutered adult uses 1.6 times RER, while a puppy under four months uses 3 times RER. Body condition then raises or lowers that target by 15 percent.
Enter the current weight, life stage, and body condition score. The calculator returns a daily kilocalorie target, a portion in cups or grams, and a breakfast and dinner split. Recheck body condition every two weeks and change the portion if weight is not moving as planned.
A practical veterinary rule is 1 milliliter of water for each kilocalorie eaten. A 600 kilocalorie day means about 600 milliliters of water. Pets eating wet food already take in moisture, so they may drink less from the bowl.
No. These figures follow WSAVA energy equations and typical food densities, not a diagnosis. Illness, growth problems, and prescription diets need a licensed veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
