Question about caloric needs! I'm lost!

[vickip9]

Hi everyone!

I have searched the net quite a bit for a reliable formula to help me figure out how many calories per day my dog needs based on his weight and activity level. But each calculator I come across has categories like "inactive", "average activity", "highly active", etc. Well, the problem is, I'm not sure what activity level my dog falls into, therefore I'm not able to figure out exactly how many calories I'm supposed to be feeding him! And the feeding guideline on the dog food bag useless.

Anywho, here are the stats:
* Male, neutered, 68-70 lbs. He's pretty trim/fit. I can feel all of his ribs and parts of his spine, but nothing is protruding like he's underweight or anything like that.
* He lays around the house during the day while I'm at work (9-10 hours/day), and then after work we always go for a 3-5 mile walk. Usually it's 4 miles, but sometimes if I'm not feeling well it's 3 and other days when I'm feeling spectacular, it's 5.
* That's about it for the activity each day. We also usually train for about 5-10 minutes each day, but otherwise he's not a high energy dog, nor is he constantly playing. He's pretty low key.

So, based on that info, what "activity level" would you say my dog is. And do any of you know a tried and true mathematical equation or calculation I can use to figure out how many calories he needs? Or a good reliable/reputable calculator I could use to figure it out?


Thanks!!

[msvette2u]

I don't even have a clue how many calories my dogs get per day. Per dog.
I feed in measured amounts, though. Libby gets 3/4 c. twice a day.
The Dachshunds get from 1/4c. twice a day to 1 c. twice a day depending on size.

I then go by body weight. If they look thin I up the amount a bit, from 1/4c. to 1/3c. for instance.

That's all we really do and our dogs are great - healthy, fit, and active.
(We feed Kirkland Signature and Kirkland Nature's Domain for the allergic ones)