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Merck Manual
Veterinary Manual
The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955
VETERINARY PET
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Merck Manual
Veterinary Manual
The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955
VETERINARY PET
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Veterinary /
StandaloneMedia /
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

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