Page 120 - Raw Diet References Book 2019

heat production (Finke 1994, Kienzle & Rainbird 1991, insulation characteristics of skin (i.e. hair length and
Männer 1991). What such an equation tells you is the subcutaneous fat), and social environment, among
expected mean value for a “typical dog of the given which “age and activity“ appeared to be the most
size”. We will continue to use the kg0.75, which is also important contributors to individual energy needs
recommended by NRC 2006. It is widely accepted (Burger 1994, Finke 1994, Kienzle & Rainbird 1991,
and easy to calculate by cubing BW and then taking Meyer & Heckötter 1986, NRC 1985).
its square root twice (Lewis et al. 1987a).
Recommendations for MER may overestimate
Maintenance energy requirement (MER) is the energy needs by 10 to 60 % (Männer 1991, NRC 2006a).
amount of energy expended by a moderately active They often include a reasonable amount for activity,
adult animal. It consists of the basal metabolic rate whereas approximately 19 per cent of the owners
(BMR) plus the energy cost for obtaining, digesting never play with their dogs, and 22 per cent let their
and absorbing food in amounts that are necessary dogs out for exercise for less than three hours a week
to maintain BW. It includes calories for spontaneous (Slater et al. 1995).
(inevitable) activity, and, in case of passing the
critical temperature, energy needed to maintain
normal body temperature (Meyer & Zentek 2005,
Rainbird & Kienzle 1989). Independent from BW, MER
is influenced by differences in age, type and breed,
activity, temperament, environmental temperature,

2.3.2 Activity

It is clear that spontaneous activity significantly animal. Indeed, average recommendations could be
influences MER; for example, standing up requires too high for about one out of four dogs, since almost
40 per cent more energy than lying down (Meyer and a quarter of the owners exercise their dogs less than
Zentek 2005). However, recommendations for MER do three hours a week (Slater et al. 1995). To avoid
not always mention the degree of activity included, overfeeding and the risk of obesity, it may be better to
whilst it is important that activity is taken into account start from a lower calculated MER and add as needed
when calculating the energy needs of an individual to maintain optimal body weight.

2.3.3 Age

Apart from lactation and imposed activity during & Zentek 2005). In some dogs, however, calorie
work or sport, age may be the single most-important needs may further decrease as a consequence of an
factor influencing MER of most household dogs increase in subcutaneous fat and a decrease in body
(Finke 1994). Three groups of adult dogs can be temperature (Meyer & Zentek 2005). Dogs over seven
distinguished: dogs of one to two years old, the years of age may need 10 - 15 per cent less energy than
average adult dog (three to seven years old) and dogs at three to seven years (Finke 1994, Kienzle & Rainbird
of more than seven years of age (Finke 1994 & 1991, 1991). Therefore, practical recommendations should
Kienzle & Rainbird 1991). Young adult dogs, under always be related to age (Finke 1994, Gesellschaft
two years of age, require more energy because they für Ernährungsphysiologie 1989a). The age at which
are more active and despite a body weight similar a dog’s activity decreases can differ according to
to that of older individuals of the same breed, may breed and between individuals. Most of the assessed
still be developing (Meyer & Zentek 2005, Rainbird scientific work uses the age of seven years as a cut-off
& Kienzle 1989). Older animals need fewer calories point, but this should not be regarded as a general
because of decreased activity (Finke 1991, Meyer rule.

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