Nutritionists employ a number of methods and formulas to determine the average total caloric intake for dogs based upon the dog’s ideal body weight. Any estimate of “how much” to feed is inherently subjective and lots of variables will apply to each individual dog. Some nutritionists rely on the (RER) Resting Energy Requirement to determine approximately how much food (actually how many calories) an average dog needs on a daily basis to maintain body weight. In spite of exceptions and variables, calculating the RER is sensible and useful. Below is an approximation for an average dog’s resting daily caloric requirements: Dog’s Weight in pounds Total Calories Needed Per Day 11 …………………………………………… 456 22 …………………………………………… 725 44 …………………………………………… 1,151 66 …………………………………………… 1,508 88 …………………………………………… 1,827 132 …………………………………………… 2,394