How many calories does a dog need?
Nutritionists employ a number of methods and formulas to determine the average total caloric intake for dogs based upon the dog’s ideal body weight. Any estimate of “how much” to feed is inherently subjective and lots of variables will apply to each individual dog. Some nutritionists rely on the (RER) Resting Energy Requirement to determine approximately how much food (actually how many calories) an average dog needs on a daily basis to maintain body weight. In spite of exceptions and variables, calculating the RER is sensible and useful. Below is an approximation for an average dog’s resting daily caloric requirements: Dog’s Weight in pounds Total Calories Needed Per Day 11 …………………………………………… 456 22 …………………………………………… 725 44 …………………………………………… 1,151 66 …………………………………………… 1,508 88 …………………………………………… 1,827 132 …………………………………………… 2,394 I thought it was kind of interesting so I wanted to share. It really explains Bear's inability to put on weight. If his RER is around 2300 calories, his activity is killing all his eating efforts. At his size, he's better on the thin side but, like I said, now I get it. I didn't expect the caloric needs to be so drastically different than a human's. |
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| Good thread.
The same question popped in my head too reading that thread, but mostly due to Ron's milkbone comment. I kept thinking, ....most GOOD human cookies are 250 calories if you eat 2, so I wasn't really thinking one large milkbone was a lot of calories. 
I did know that many milkbone boxes that I've read say no more than 1-2 a day though. |
| Good thread. I have looked for calorie counts unsuccessfully. We have such a variation of sizes, weights and activity levels that I have always been concerned about using the generalize "cup" listing on the food bags. |
| I've been feeding Yuki 4 cups of food which seems to be a ton since she's only 63lbs (athletic and thin according to vets). Plus, dog kibbles every time she pees (more if she poops). I started to give her a little under a cup for every scoop (4) that I gave her and when we went to the vet the other week... she was 58lbs. I had only been feeding her like that for a month! I don't know how she can eat so much. No thyroid problems the last time we checked (4-6 months ago). |
Joahaeyo wrote: I've been feeding Yuki 4 cups of food which seems to be a ton since she's only 63lbs (athletic and thin according to vets). Plus, dog kibbles every time she pees (more if she poops). I started to give her a little under a cup for every scoop (4) that I gave her and when we went to the vet the other week... she was 58lbs. I had only been feeding her like that for a month! I don't know how she can eat so much. No thyroid problems the last time we checked (4-6 months ago).
Just for reference, that's how much Clyde eats and he's a little over 100 pounds. I think it comes down, at that point, to individuality and activity level. Sounds like Yuki really burns her food off! Clyde does too but I snack him up too much. Normally, James plays the strict parent and never snacks so I figure we balance out in the end.  |
I've always fed my puppy according to caloric guidelines. however, if you have an active pup or dog that might not be accurate. Also, a growing pup may need moer calories during his growing years...As far as treats, yes, I hear you! People tend to forget to add the treats into the calori counting and end up with a little chunkier of a dog than expected  I always add the number of calories from the treats into the total...For instance, if I am training that day and know I will be using alot more treats, I add the calories of those treats to the daily food intake.
And if you are using treats as training aids, try to get treats that are somewhat healthy and not jam packed with fats, etc. |
| I probably should have included a bit more of the article-- this is only for adults. Pups and dogs that were suffering from starvation or have other special needs are off this chart! |
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