Purina MER Calculator for Dogs
Calculate your dog’s Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)
Dog Weight (lbs)
Life Stage / Activity
What Is MER and Why Does Purina Use It?
MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the daily calorie target for a dog based on their resting metabolism and life stage. Purina’s feeding guidelines are based on MER calculations using the standard veterinary formula: RER = 70 × (BW kg)⁰⋅⁷⁵, then multiplied by a life stage factor to get MER.
MER Factors Used by Veterinary Nutritionists
| Life Stage | MER Factor | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Adult neutered | 1.0 | MER = 1.0 × RER |
| Active adult | 1.4 | MER = 1.4 × RER |
| Puppy 0-4 mo | 3.0 | MER = 3.0 × RER |
| Senior | 0.9 | MER = 0.9 × RER |
FAQs
What is the MER formula for dogs?
MER = RER × life stage factor, where RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)⁰⋅⁷⁵. For a neutered adult dog, MER equals RER (factor of 1.0). For a puppy under 4 months, MER is 3x RER.
Do Purina feeding guides use MER?
Yes — Purina’s feeding guidelines on product bags are derived from MER calculations. However, they are calibrated to the specific calorie density of each product. Our calculator applies the same methodology and converts to cups for any Purina product.
Conclusion
Our Purina MER calculator gives you both the base RER and the adjusted MER, plus cups for Pro Plan and Purina ONE. For complete dog nutrition planning, use our dog food calculator and RER calculator.