How much should your pet eat?

A starting point using the standard veterinary formula, not the generous numbers on the food bag. Adjust from here based on body condition, and let your vet run any weight-loss plan.

How this works

The calculation starts with resting energy requirement, RER = 70 x (weight in kg)^0.75, which is what a pet burns doing nothing. That gets multiplied by a life-stage factor: a neutered adult dog needs about 1.6x RER, a growing puppy up to 3x, a cat on a diet as little as 0.8x. Food bags tend to recommend more than this: they are written for the most active pets (and for selling food).

Treats count too: keep them under 10% of daily calories. The honest check is body condition, not the bowl: you should feel ribs easily but not see them, and see a waist from above. Your vet can show you in thirty seconds.