RER (Resting Energy Requirement)Basal Resting Energy [kcal/day]
Basal caloric expenditure needed for vital physiological functions (respiration, circulation, cellular homeostasis) at complete rest, calculated via the WSAVA exponential allometric equation 70 × (Weight in kg)^0.75 across toy to giant dog breeds.
Default: 616 kcal/day (50 lb / 22.7 kg dog)
MER Multiplier (Maintenance Energy Requirement Factor)Physiological Scaling Factor [1.0 to 6.0]
Clinical multiplier applied to RER to account for physical activity, neuter status, age, thermoregulation, and life stage demands, ranging from 1.0 for therapeutic weight loss to 3.0+ for puppy growth or active sporting performance.
Default: 1.6 (Neutered Adult Companion)
Body Condition Score (BCS)Clinical Palpation Metric [1-9 WSAVA / Purina Scale]
Standardized clinical assessment metric where score 5/9 represents ideal body composition (~20% body fat); scores above 5 indicate ~10% to 15% surplus body fat per point requiring a therapeutic caloric deficit.
Default: 5/9 (Ideal Body Condition)
Metabolizable Energy Caloric DensityDietary Energy Density [kcal/cup or kcal/kg]
The usable nutritional energy remaining after subtracting digestive and urinary losses, declared on AAFCO-compliant packaging (averaging 320 to 450 kcal/cup for dry kibble and 150 to 450 kcal/can for wet food).
Default: 375 kcal/cup (Dry Kibble) / 380 kcal/can (Wet)
Treat Allowance BudgetNutritional Safety Cap [0% to 10% Daily Calories]
Veterinary clinical threshold capping all treats, biscuits, table scraps, and training rewards to a maximum of 10% daily calories to avoid diluting essential vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
Default: 10% of Daily Calories (WSAVA Standard)
Mixed Feeding Energy RatioDietary Partition Ratio [0% to 100% Caloric Split]
The proportional caloric partition between dry extruded kibble and moisture-rich canned wet food, balancing mechanical chewing benefits with urinary hydration (wet food averages 75% to 82% moisture).
Default: 50% Kibble / 50% Wet Food Split
