MER

How it works

It is calculated from body weight and adjusted for factors including neuter status, age and activity level, and it is an estimate rather than a measurement, so it is checked against what the dog's body actually does over several weeks. Its practical use is as a budget. Treats, chews and food used for enrichment all come out of the same daily total, and the usual way a dog gains weight is that those additions were never counted against anything.

What it looks like

A dog's daily requirement works out at around 700 calories. Their meals account for 600, which leaves 100 for training treats, a chew and anything used in a puzzle. Without that figure, all three would sit on top of the meals.

Commonly confused with

Ditch the bowl

Ditching the bowl changes how a dog's food is delivered. MER is the figure that keeps the total honest while doing it, so enrichment does not quietly become extra food.

Related terms