Generic food charts on bags are making Indian pets obese. Here is the veterinary math to fix it.
Most bags overestimate calories by 20-30% to cover the most active animals. For an apartment dog in Mumbai, this is a recipe for weight gain.
A standard kitchen katori isn't a measuring cup. One brand’s cup might be 400 calories; another's is 250. You are essentially guessing your pet's health.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the calories needed just to exist—breathing and digestion. It is the absolute floor of their nutrition.
To find your base, use the math: 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75. For a 20kg dog, that’s about 662 calories for basic survival.
Math too hard? Use the quick version: (30 x weight in kg) + 70. It’s a reliable starting point for most adult pets living at home.
Now adjust for life. A typical neutered adult needs RER x 1.6. A sedentary cat might only need RER x 1.2. This is your target daily total.
Indian summers change everything. When it's too hot to walk, your pet’s metabolism slows. You must reduce their multiplier seasonally.
In Indian homes, treats count. Scraps of roti or chicken must fit into the 10% treat budget. Anything more breaks the metabolic bank.
Is Dadi feeding the dog too? In large households, 'extra' meals are common. Everyone must agree on the calorie budget for the system to work.
For fluffy breeds like Lhasas, eyes lie. Use your hands. You should feel the ribs easily without a thick layer of fat. If not, cut the calories.
Precision isn't 'strictness'—it's love. Managing RER prevents diabetes and joint pain before they start. You're not just feeding; you're protecting.
Get the exact step-by-step calculator and our 'Treat Cheat Sheet' for Indian households.