{
  "rer": {
    "formula": "70 * kg^0.75",
    "formula_notes": "Exponential formula, valid for any body weight. A linear approximation (30 * kg + 70) exists but is restricted to animals weighing more than 2 kg and less than 45 kg per the source below.",
    "linear_alternative_formula": "30 * kg + 70",
    "linear_alternative_valid_weight_range_kg": { "min": 2, "max": 45 },
    "source_url": "https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals"
  },
  "mer_factors": [
    {
      "category": "intact_adult",
      "factor_lo": 1.8,
      "factor_hi": 1.8,
      "source_url": "https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/daily-maintenance-energy-requirements-for-dogs-and-cats"
    },
    {
      "category": "neutered_adult",
      "factor_lo": 1.6,
      "factor_hi": 1.6,
      "source_url": "https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/daily-maintenance-energy-requirements-for-dogs-and-cats"
    },
    {
      "category": "overweight_prone_inactive_adult",
      "factor_lo": 1.2,
      "factor_hi": 1.4,
      "source_url": "https://petnutritionalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MER.RER_.PNA_.pdf",
      "notes": "Merck lists a single 'obesity prone' value of 1.4; Pet Nutrition Alliance gives the fuller 1.2-1.4 range for the same category."
    },
    {
      "category": "weight_loss_active_protocol",
      "factor_lo": 1.0,
      "factor_hi": 1.0,
      "source_url": "https://petnutritionalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MER.RER_.PNA_.pdf"
    },
    {
      "category": "critical_care_hospitalized",
      "factor_lo": 1.0,
      "factor_hi": 1.0,
      "source_url": "https://petnutritionalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MER.RER_.PNA_.pdf"
    },
    {
      "category": "puppy_0_4_months",
      "factor_lo": 3.0,
      "factor_hi": 3.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/daily-maintenance-energy-requirements-for-dogs-and-cats"
    },
    {
      "category": "puppy_4_12_months",
      "factor_lo": 2.0,
      "factor_hi": 2.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/daily-maintenance-energy-requirements-for-dogs-and-cats"
    },
    {
      "category": "working_active",
      "factor_lo": 1.5,
      "factor_hi": 2.5,
      "source_url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4349026/",
      "notes": "No WSAVA/AAHA/Merck table publishes a distinct working-dog row. Peer-reviewed working-dog energetics study reports average factor 2.0 +/- 0.5, full observed range 1.1-2.8; this entry narrows that to 1.5-2.5 as a general-purpose 'active pet dog' band (editorial narrowing, not a quoted range)."
    }
  ],
  "excluded_categories": [
    {
      "category": "weight_gain",
      "reason": "No WSAVA, AAHA, Merck, or peer-reviewed source found publishing a distinct weight-gain multiplier separate from the adult-maintenance/overweight-prone rows. Aggregator sites cite 1.2-1.8x RER but none trace to a primary veterinary source, so it is excluded per the no-unverifiable-numbers rule. See research/nutrition-data.md section (b)."
    }
  ],
  "kcal_defaults": {
    "dry_kcal_per_cup": {
      "lo": 330,
      "hi": 420,
      "source_url": "https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount",
      "notes": "Anchored to DVM-reviewed real-product figures (330-423 kcal/cup across Purina Pro Plan lines). No AAFCO/WSAVA source publishes a market-wide 'typical' figure; caloric density varies by brand and formula. Always instruct the user to check their bag's Calorie Content statement."
    },
    "wet_kcal_per_13oz_can": {
      "lo": 300,
      "hi": 450,
      "source_url": "https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2016/11/11/what-are-these-numbers-nutrition-math-101/",
      "notes": "Lower bound anchored to Tufts Cummings School (Linder DVM, DACVIM Nutrition) weight-conscious benchmark of 'around or under 300 kcal per large (13 oz) can'. Upper bound reflects real canned-product examples found during research. Always instruct the user to check their can's Calorie Content statement."
    },
    "check_your_bag_instruction_source_url": "https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Nutrition-Assessment-Guidelines-2011-JSAP.pdf"
  },
  "bcs_source_url": "https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WSAVA_BCSCat_BCSDog_Nutrition_250612.pdf",
  "bcs_scale": {
    "points": 9,
    "ideal_range": [4, 5],
    "under_ideal_range": [1, 3],
    "over_ideal_range": [6, 9],
    "source_url": "https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Nutrition-Assessment-Guidelines-2011-JSAP.pdf"
  }
}