1. What is Resting Energy Requirement (RER)?

The Resting Energy Requirement (RER) represents the calories required by a dog at rest in a thermoneutral environment. It's the baseline energy needed for basic physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RER equation for dogs:

Where:

• \( weight\_kg \) — Dog's body weight in kilograms
• 0.75 — Metabolic exponent that accounts for non-linear relationship between weight and metabolic rate
• 70 — Constant multiplier for dogs

Explanation: The equation accounts for the fact that metabolic rate doesn't increase linearly with body weight but rather follows a 3/4 power law.

3. Importance of RER Calculation

Details: RER is fundamental for determining a dog's daily caloric needs. It serves as the basis for calculating maintenance energy requirements (MER) and is crucial for nutritional planning, especially in hospitalized or convalescing animals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dog's weight in kilograms. For accurate results, weigh your dog rather than estimating. The weight must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does RER differ from MER?
A: RER is the baseline requirement at rest, while MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) includes activity factors and is typically 1.2-2.0 times RER depending on activity level.

Q2: Can this be used for puppies?
A: Puppies have higher energy needs. For growing puppies, multiply RER by 2-3 depending on age and growth stage.

Q3: What about overweight dogs?
A: For weight loss programs, feed 60-80% of RER, but consult a veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Q4: Does this work for all dog breeds?
A: The equation works for most breeds, though giant breeds may have slightly lower metabolic rates per kg.

Q5: How often should I recalculate RER?
A: Recalculate whenever your dog's weight changes significantly (more than 10% of body weight).