How the calculator works
We use the same method vets use in clinic, based on the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and standard veterinary nutrition references:
- Resting energy requirement (RER) — the calories your pet burns at rest: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
- Daily energy requirement (DER) — RER multiplied by a factor for life stage and lifestyle (see below).
- Grams per day — DER divided by the calories in your food (kcal per gram).
Life-stage factors we use
| Pet | Situation | Factor × RER |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | Kitten, under 4 months | 3.0 |
| Cat | Kitten, 4–12 months | 2.5 → 2.0 |
| Cat | Neutered adult | 1.2 |
| Cat | Intact adult | 1.4 |
| Cat | Indoor / inactive / prone to weight gain | 1.0 |
| Cat | Senior (11+ years) | 1.1 |
| Cat | Weight loss (on ideal weight) | 0.8 |
| Dog | Puppy, under 4 months | 3.0 |
| Dog | Puppy, 4–12 months | 2.0 |
| Dog | Neutered adult | 1.6 |
| Dog | Intact adult | 1.8 |
| Dog | Inactive / prone to weight gain | 1.4 |
| Dog | Active / working | 2.0–3.0 |
| Dog | Senior | 1.4 |
| Dog | Weight loss (on ideal weight) | 1.0 |
These are starting points. Every pet is an individual — weigh your pet every two to four weeks and adjust the amount by about 10% if they gain or lose weight unintentionally.
Reading the food label
Pet foods sold in Bangladesh — imported and local — usually show energy as kcal/kg or kcal per 100 g (sometimes kJ; divide kJ by 4.184 to get kcal). Typical ranges:
- Dry food (kibble): 3,400–4,200 kcal/kg
- Wet food (pouch or can): 70–110 kcal per 100 g
- Home-cooked rice with chicken or fish: about 130–160 kcal per 100 g, depending on the rice-to-meat ratio
A note on home-cooked food
Many pet owners in Rangpur feed rice with fish or chicken. It can work, but on its own it is not a complete diet: cats in particular need taurine and vitamin A from animal sources, and both cats and dogs need the right calcium-to-phosphorus balance. Fish bones (especially small bones like those in ilish) are a choking and injury risk. If you prefer home cooking, ask us how to balance it — see also our guide on what to feed your cat.
Treats count too
Keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. The calculator shows your pet’s treat allowance so you can reduce meals on treat days.
This calculator gives general guidance for healthy pets. Pets with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis or other conditions, and pregnant or nursing mothers, need a plan from your vet.