Generic feeding charts can overfeed your pet by 30%. Here is the precise math veterinarians actually use to keep pets lean.
Bag guidelines are built for high-energy working dogs. Most US pets are sedentary. You're likely feeding for a marathon they aren't running.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the calories your pet burns just by existing. It's the metabolic baseline for heart, lung, and brain function.
Veterinary math uses metric. Take your pet's weight in pounds and divide by 2.2. A 50lb dog is roughly 22.7kg. Accuracy starts here.
For most pets between 4 and 99 lbs, use this: (30 x kg) + 70. That 50lb dog? He needs 751 calories just to sustain his life at rest.
RER is just the start. Multiply by 1.6 for a typical adult dog. If they're a 'couch potato,' drop that multiplier to 1.2 or 1.4.
Fixed pets have slower metabolisms. If you don't adjust your multiplier down, those extra calories turn into fat within months of surgery.
One large biscuit can be 100 calories—10% of a medium dog’s daily limit. If you give treats, you must subtract them from the bowl.
A 'scoop' is not a measurement. Use a standard 8oz measuring cup. An extra ounce every meal leads to pounds of weight gain every year.
Math is the guide, but biology is the proof. You should feel ribs easily. If you have to push hard, you're still overfeeding.
Never crash diet a pet. Rapid loss is dangerous, especially for cats. Consult your vet before making drastic changes to an obese pet's plan.
Feeding isn't about the volume in the bowl; it's about the energy your pet actually needs. Master the math to add years to their life.
See the full breakdown of multipliers and get our exact feeding worksheet.