Page 122 - Raw Diet References Book 2019
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2.4 Practical recommendations for daily energy intake by dogs and cats
in different physiological states
As mentioned before, it is impossible to have one shown in the tables, these recommendations should
equation which expresses the energy requirements for only be used as starting points, and the owner has to
every individual animal. Since the energy requirement adapt the amount when the animal tend to lose or
of an individual animal may differ from the average gain weight.
2.4.1 Dogs
Tables 2-4 provide practical recommendations for in relation to activity (Table 3) or for growth and
maintenance energy requirements (MER) of adult reproduction (Table 4).
dogs at different ages (Table 2), energy needed
a) Maintenance energy requirements
Based on the study by Kealy et al. it is recommended ANNEX 2) for optimal health and longevity (Kealy et
that dogs should be fed to maintain a body condition al.2002).
score (BCS) between 4 and 5 on the 9-point BCS (see
Table VII-6.
Practical recommendations for MER in dogs at different ages
Age (years) kcal ME/kg0.75 kJ ME/kg0.75
1 – 2 130 (125-140) 550 (523-585)
3 – 7 110 (95-130) 460 (398-545)
> 7 (senior dogs) 95 (80-120) 398 (335-500)
Burger 1994, Connor 2000, Finke 1991 &1994, Harper 1998, Kealy 2002, Männer 1991, NRC 2006a, Patil and Bisby 2001, Thes 2012, Walters 1993 and Wichert 1999.
The values shown in Table VII-6 are only starting such as activity, environment, breed, temperament,
points, the amount of energy a particular dog will insulation characteristics of skin and hair coat, body
finally need is significantly influenced by other factors condition or disease.
Table VII-6 provides MER at different ages without shown in table VII-6, whereas older dogs (> 7 years
taking into account the degree of activity. However, of age) which are still playing and running will need
some young adult dogs may have a sedentary more energy than indicated.
lifestyle and need fewer calories than the average
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