Did you know that overweight pets, on average, live 2-3 years less than their thinner counterparts?
Tailoring calorie intake for our beloved pets is essential to maintaining their long-term health, preventing obesity, and supporting specific life stage or medical needs.
Just like humans, dogs have individual energy requirements based on multiple factors. Feeding too many calories can lead to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, while too few calories can result in nutrient deficiencies, poor muscle maintenance, or delayed recovery from illness. A one-size-fits-all feeding recommendation often fails to consider these important variables, making tailored calorie planning a more precise and effective approach.
Calorie needs are initially typically estimated using formulas like the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), calculated as RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, and then multiplied by a life stage or activity factor to get the Maintenance Energy. These blanket numerical factors tend to over and underestimate what a pet needs.
At Artie, our algorithm (and thus your pets calorie intake) is influenced by a wide range of elements, including breed, as some breeds (like working or sporting dogs) have naturally higher energy needs, while others (like bulldogs or basset hounds) are more sedentary. Age and physiologic state also matter—puppies, pregnant, and lactating dogs require more energy and nutrients, while senior dogs may need fewer calories depending on their activity level. Activity level and lifestyle (e.g., working, service, or couch-potato companion) play a major role in determining how much energy a dog burns each day. Behavioral factors like nervousness, pacing, or high drive can also increase energy expenditure, however, it can also negatively impact desire and willingness to eat.
Reproductive status significantly affects calorie needs as well—intact dogs generally have higher metabolic rates compared to spayed or neutered dogs, who may require fewer calories. Additional considerations include medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors like temperature or housing. All of these variables influence how much energy a dog requires daily and highlight the importance of not relying solely on feeding guidelines printed on commercial pet food packaging.
The tailored approach we use at Artie ensures that calorie intake supports optimal health, weight maintenance, and overall well-being across a dog’s lifespan. Keep in mind, however, that your pet is a unique individual. If you feel your pet needs more or less calories to maintain their perfect physique, please make sure to update their profile and adjust their calories up or down as needed :)
Just like humans, dogs have individual energy requirements based on multiple factors. Feeding too many calories can lead to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, while too few calories can result in nutrient deficiencies, poor muscle maintenance, or delayed recovery from illness. A one-size-fits-all feeding recommendation often fails to consider these important variables, making tailored calorie planning a more precise and effective approach.
Calorie needs are initially typically estimated using formulas like the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), calculated as RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, and then multiplied by a life stage or activity factor to get the Maintenance Energy. These blanket numerical factors tend to over and underestimate what a pet needs.
At Artie, our algorithm (and thus your pets calorie intake) is influenced by a wide range of elements, including breed, as some breeds (like working or sporting dogs) have naturally higher energy needs, while others (like bulldogs or basset hounds) are more sedentary. Age and physiologic state also matter—puppies, pregnant, and lactating dogs require more energy and nutrients, while senior dogs may need fewer calories depending on their activity level. Activity level and lifestyle (e.g., working, service, or couch-potato companion) play a major role in determining how much energy a dog burns each day. Behavioral factors like nervousness, pacing, or high drive can also increase energy expenditure, however, it can also negatively impact desire and willingness to eat.
Reproductive status significantly affects calorie needs as well—intact dogs generally have higher metabolic rates compared to spayed or neutered dogs, who may require fewer calories. Additional considerations include medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors like temperature or housing. All of these variables influence how much energy a dog requires daily and highlight the importance of not relying solely on feeding guidelines printed on commercial pet food packaging.
The tailored approach we use at Artie ensures that calorie intake supports optimal health, weight maintenance, and overall well-being across a dog’s lifespan. Keep in mind, however, that your pet is a unique individual. If you feel your pet needs more or less calories to maintain their perfect physique, please make sure to update their profile and adjust their calories up or down as needed :)
