Feeding Smarter — Calories Made Simple!

🎙️Is your pet getting too much food… or not enough? In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, we break down pet calories in a clear, practical way to help pet parents confidently fuel their dogs and cats — without the guesswork, for a healthier, happier life.

Feeding your pet shouldn’t feel confusing or guilt-ridden. By learning how to calculate your pet's calories, you can turn numbers into real portions, and avoid common feeding mistakes. We explore why calorie needs are about more than what’s printed on the bag and how small daily extras can quietly add up to big health issues over time.

🐾 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why calories matter for joint health, mobility, and longevity
• What a calorie actually means for pets (and why pets aren’t small humans)
• Key factors that affect calorie needs, including age, activity level, and health status
• How to calculate daily calorie needs using RER and life-stage multipliers - there's a formula for that!
• Where to find calorie information on pet food labels
• How to turn calorie numbers into realistic meal portions
• Why treats count — and how to follow the 10% rule
• Common feeding mistakes pet parents make
• When it’s time to partner with your veterinarian

Whether your pet needs to lose weight, maintain a healthy body condition, or support mobility and overall wellness, this episode gives you tools you can start using today.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to feed smarter — one calorie at a time.

Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula is 70×(BW in kg)^0.75.
For pets weighing between 2kg and 45kg, a simpler formula is 30×(BW in kg)+70.
Find all formulas online.

Helpful Links:
Cat Body Condition System
Dog Body Condition System
Purina Institute Nutritional Assessment Tools

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s-Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...