Generic feeding charts at shops like Maxizoo are often wrong. Your pet needs a bespoke plan, not a broad average.
Bag guidelines are broad averages for 'active' dogs. But a Dublin apartment dog doesn't need the same fuel as a working Collie in Wicklow.
After a spay or neuter, a dog's metabolism can drop significantly. The bag's instructions don't change, but your pet's calorie needs do.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is what your pet needs just to breathe and digest. It is their unique metabolic starting point.
RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75. Use your phone's calculator to find this baseline before factoring in the day’s adventures.
Shorter walks during a rainy winter mean fewer calories. Hiking the Galtees in summer? They will need a significant fuel boost.
Most neutered pets only need 1.6x their RER. However, active outdoor cats in rural areas might require significantly more energy.
This typical dog needs roughly 675 calories. Bag guidelines often suggest 20% more. That surplus leads to serious weight gain over a year.
Biology isn't a spreadsheet. You should feel the ribs easily under a light layer of fat. If you can't, it is time to reduce the portion.
Love isn't measured in scraps. Treats and Sunday roast bits should never exceed 10% of your pet's total daily caloric allowance.
One dental chew or a spoonful of peanut butter can be 100 calories. For a small dog, that's 20% of their entire day in one go.
Managing calories isn't about restriction; it's about adding years to their life. A healthy weight means more adventures in the Phoenix Park.
Get the full RER step-by-step guide and the multipliers for every life stage to help your pet thrive.