Standard feeding charts are just broad averages. Following them blindly could be shortening your pet's life.
Those charts at Absolute Pets don't know your dog. They often suggest the high end of calories, leading to 'summer spread' in SA lounges.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the energy your pet needs just to breathe. It is the 'lights on' minimum for their body.
For most SA pets: (30 x weight in kg) + 70. A 10kg Jack Russell needs exactly 370 kcal as a baseline to survive.
For a small dog, half a kilo is a massive percentage of their daily needs. Precision feeding starts with an accurate metric weight.
Multiply RER by their lifestyle. A neutered adult needs 1.6x RER. A growing Boerboel puppy might need 3x that amount!
Sterilisation drops metabolism by up to 30%. If you don't adjust their bowl after the op, they will gain weight rapidly.
Look for kcal/kg on your Montego or Hills bag. Different brands vary wildly in density; don't assume they are equal.
Cups are up to 20% inaccurate. Use a digital gram scale for every meal to avoid the slow creep of obesity.
Treats and braai scraps count. They should never exceed 10% of daily calories. One piece of biltong is a full meal for a toy breed.
Can't feel your pet's ribs easily? They are overweight. Use your hands, not just your eyes, for a weekly health check.
Precision feeding is the most effective tool for SA pet owners. Master the math to add years of health to your pet's life.
See the full breakdown of multipliers for puppies, seniors, and safe weight loss goals.