Your adult dogs’ metabolizable energy (ME) requirements are determined by a simple formula (metabolic weight multiplied by some kcal factor):
ME = kcal x BW0.75
where kcal is represented by an activity level factor.
See the Activity Level table below for a list of all activity-level factors. Most household dogs have an activity level between 90 and 110.
From the table, we can see that Typical (Adult) has a kcal factor of 110, while Inactive (Adult, neutered) has a kcal factor of 90.
These figures are just estimates and should be used as a starting point. If your dog is losing or gaining weight, then adjust the activity level so that the kcal factor is either greater or lower.
| TYPE | CATEGORY | DURATION | INTENSITY | FACTOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet | Typical (Adult) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 110 |
| Pet | Active (Young Adult) | <3 hr/day | Mainly High | 140 |
| Pet | Active (Adult) | 1-3 hr/day | Mainly High | 125 |
| Pet | Active (Adult, Large yard or farm) | 1-3 hr/day | Mainly High | 130 |
| Pet | Highly Active (Adult) | 3-6 hr/day | Mainly High | 175 |
| Pet | Inactive (Senior, neutered) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 90 |
| Pet | Inactive (Senior, intact) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 95 |
| Pet | Typical (Senior) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 100 |
| Pet | Inactive (Adult, neutered) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 90 |
| Pet | Inactive (Adult, intact) | <3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 95 |
| Working | Light (e.g. police, prison, patrol,sniffer, guide dogs) | <1 hr/day | Mainly Low | 130 |
| Working | Light (e.g. police, prison, patrol,sniffer, guide dogs) | 1-2 hr/day | Mainly Low | 140 |
| Working | Light (e.g. police, prison, patrol,sniffer, guide dogs) | 2-3 hr/day | Mainly Low | 150 |
| Working | Moderate (e.g. herding dogs, sprint racing huskies, greyhounds) | 1 hr/day | Mainly High | 150 |
| Working | Moderate (e.g. herding dogs, sprint racing huskies, greyhounds) | 1-2 hr/day | Mainly High | 160 |
| Working | Moderate (e.g. herding dogs, sprint racing huskies, greyhounds) | 2-3 hr/day | Mainly High | 175 |
| Working | Heavy (e.g. racing huskies, hard-working herding dogs) | 3 hr/day | Mainly High | 175 |
| Working | Heavy (e.g. racing huskies, hard-working herding dogs) | 4 hr/day | Mainly High | 200 |
| Working | Heavy (e.g. racing huskies, hard-working herding dogs) | 5 hr/day | Mainly High | 225 |
| Working | Heavy (e.g. racing huskies, hard-working herding dogs) | 6 hr/day | Mainly High | 250 |