ZEAL Dog & Cat Calorie Calculator & Feeding Guide
Estimate your pet’s daily calories using veterinary RER/MER equations,
then convert the result into suggested ZEAL feeding portions—whether you feed Air-Dried or Wet Food. Designed for generally healthy dogs and cats.
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Your Pet’s Profile
Tell us a little about your pet so we can estimate a daily calorie target and a suggested starting portion.
FAQ
Why is the portion smaller than kibble?
ZEAL Air-Dried recipes are calorie-dense, so many pets need a smaller feeding volume to meet the same daily calorie needs. This calculator converts your pet’s estimated calories into a suggested portion based on the selected recipe’s energy density. Use the result as a conservative starting point and adjust based on body condition.
Why does this differ from the bag guide?
The feeding guide on the bag provides simplified starting portions based mainly on body weight.
This calculator personalizes an estimate using veterinary-style RER/MER equations and the profile you select (life stage,
spay/neuter status, activity level, and body condition), then converts calories into portions using the selected ZEAL recipe’s energy density.
Your result may be higher or lower than the bag guide—monitor body condition for 2–3 weeks and adjust by about 10–15% as needed.
How do I calculate a mixed diet?
Use your “daily target” (kcal/day) as the total calorie budget. Choose how you’d like to split calories between foods (for example, 50/50 by calories ),
then convert each portion using the energy density of the selected recipes.
Monitor body condition and adjust the split as needed.
How do I transition my pet to ZEAL?
To help reduce digestive upset, transition gradually over 7–10 days.
Start by mixing about 20% ZEAL with 80% of the current diet, then increase ZEAL every 1–2 days until fully switched.
If your pet has a sensitive stomach, extend the transition to 2 weeks.
Why show cups, ounces, and grams?
Cups and ounces are convenient for daily feeding, while grams provide more consistent portioning—especially for calorie-dense diets.
For the most consistent results, measuring by grams with a kitchen scale is recommended.
Can I use this for puppies or kittens?
Yes. Select “Puppy/Kitten” in Life stage and the calculator will apply a higher growth multiplier.
Because young pets grow quickly, re-check weight and body condition regularly as they grow.
When should I consult a veterinarian?
This tool is designed for generally healthy pets. If your pet is pregnant or lactating,
significantly underweight or overweight, or has any medical condition (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, GI disease),
consult your veterinarian for individualized guidance.