A kcal, or kilocalorie, is 1000 calories. This is the most common unit of energy used to express an animal's daily requirement and the caloric density of pet foods. The average ten pound cat, for example, requires about 250 kcal per day, and the average thirty pound dog requires about 750 kcal per day.
How do you calculate kcal in dog food?
Example 1: Dog Food contains 310 kcal ME/cup. And the label states that one cup measure of food weighs 110 grams. To convert kcal/ cup to kcal/ kg (when weight of food is in grams): (1000 divided by weight of food per cup) X number of calories per cup 1000/110 x 310 = 2818 kcal ME/ kilogram.
Is kcal the same as calories in dog food?
Though it sounds complicated, the requirement that all pet food labels express calorie statements in terms of kilocalories per kilogram of product as fed makes it easier to compare similar products. A kilocalorie is the same as a calorie (aka a big calorie or food calorie).
How many kcal should my dog get?
(Resting Energy Requirements or RER), which can be calculated by multiplying the animal's body weight in kilograms raised to the ¾ power by 70, for example, a 10kg (22lb) adult neutered dog of healthy weight needs RER = 70(10kg)3/4 ≈ 400 Calories/day.
How many kcal are in a cup of dog food?
The average 1-cup serving of dry dog food has anywhere between 325 and 600 calories. Also, keep in mind all of the treats that you feed your dog. A simple dog bone has about 35-40 calories.
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