Generic bag labels are a one-way ticket to pet obesity. Your pet's metabolism isn't a broad average.
Most UK pet food labels use broad weight ranges. They over-estimate portions to ensure no pet is underfed, leading to a national obesity crisis.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the calories your pet burns just by existing. It's the 'idling' speed of their biological engine.
The scientific formula is 70 x (body weight in kg) raised to the power of 0.75. For most dogs, (30 x kg) + 70 is a reliable shortcut.
Did you know neutered pets often need 20-30% fewer calories? If you don't adjust after the op, they will almost certainly gain weight.
Environment matters. A dog in a chilly Edinburgh flat uses more energy for warmth than a pampered pup in a heated London terrace.
That bit of toast or those training treats must count. Treats should never exceed 10% of their total daily energy needs.
A 'cup' or 'scoop' is wildly inaccurate. 10 extra grams a day can lead to a kilo of weight gain over a year for a small dog.
The math is a baseline, but biology is dynamic. You should be able to feel your pet's ribs and see a clear waist from above.
If your pet is already overweight, calculate their RER based on their target weight, not their current weight, to see the calorie deficit needed.
Metabolism varies by individual. If they're losing or gaining too fast, adjust your calculated MER by just 5-10% and re-evaluate.
It's about longevity. Precision feeding isn't a diet; it's biological fuel management that adds years to your pet's life in the UK.
See the exact multipliers for puppies, seniors, and working breeds to get your dog's portions perfect.