Merck Manual

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Daily Maintenance Energy Requirements for Dogs and Cats

Daily Maintenance Energy Requirements for Dogs and Cats

Animal

MERa (kcal/day)

Healthy adult dogs

Intact

1.8 × RERb

Neutered

1.6 × RER

Obese prone

1.4 × RER

Healthy puppies

< 4 mo old

3 × RER

>4 mo old

2 × RER

Healthy adult cats

Intact

1.4 × RER

Neutered

1.2 × RER

Obese prone

1.0 × RER

Healthy kittens

2.5 × RERc

a MER = maintenance energy requirement

b RER = resting energy requirement

c Kittens can alternatively be fed free choice