Portion guesswork usually fails in one of two places: an energy target that ignores life stage, or a generic “cups per day” that ignores the food in the bowl. Our dog and cat portion worksheets chain three transparent steps you can audit.

Educational RER uses RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, a resting estimate commonly taught alongside NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats framing. Convert pounds to kilograms before the exponent if you entered lb.

MER multiplies RER by a life-stage factor on the page (for example neutered adult vs puppy factors listed in the calculator). Factors are educational multipliers—not individualized metabolic tests. WSAVA global nutrition guidelines emphasize working with feeding guides and professionals; our worksheets stay arithmetic.

Portions per day ≈ MER ÷ kcal per cup, can, or scoop. Optional kcal per 100 g yields a gram estimate. Always prefer the manufacturer’s energy density over a memory average—labels beat guesses.