{"id":42518,"date":"2025-09-22T16:19:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T07:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/?p=42518"},"modified":"2026-03-26T08:55:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T01:55:27","slug":"aafco-feeding-guidelines-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/contents\/aafco-feeding-guidelines-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical guide to feeding guide development and label display for complete & balanced dog and cat foods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article provides a practical, development-oriented explanation of how to set feeding amounts and how to present them on labels for complete and balanced foods for dogs and cats in the Japanese market (dry food, wet food, freeze-dried, and air-dried), based on AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. The target readers are product development leaders, and the goal is to offer specialized knowledge that helps with product formulation and label creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because AAFCO standards are also adopted by the Japan Pet Food Fair Trade Council, this guide covers: how to calculate energy requirements and feeding amounts according to life stage (growth, adult maintenance, senior, pregnancy\/lactation, etc.) and condition (e.g., weight-prone pets); how energy density differs by product format; calorie calculation using the Modified Atwater Factors; and practical points for Japan\u2019s label requirements with concrete examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to think about energy requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To set feeding amounts for pet food, you first estimate the animal\u2019s energy requirement (needed calories). The energy needed at rest is called RER (Resting Energy Requirement). When RER is adjusted using a factor for life stage and activity level, it becomes MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) or DER (Daily Energy Requirement).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, product design is often based on AAFCO concepts, but you do not need to print terms like \u201cMER\u201d or \u201cDER\u201d on the label. In practice, you typically calculate a daily feeding amount table (g\/day) by starting from RER and multiplying by a factor. Therefore, it is acceptable to treat MER and DER as essentially synonymous in the text; to avoid confusion, you can add a note such as \u201cMER (also referred to as DER).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key point<\/div>
\n

MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) and DER (Daily Energy Requirement) are often used interchangeably, including in AAFCO-related contexts and veterinary nutrition literature.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Below are the RER formula and typical life-stage multipliers (MER factors).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RER (Resting Energy Requirement)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RER is the minimum energy needed for basic life support functions such as temperature regulation, breathing, and heart activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formula<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RER = 70 \u00d7 (Body weight in kg)^0.75<\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
A simplified formula, \u201cRER = 30 \u00d7 body weight (kg) + 70,\u201d is also used, but for animals under 2 kg or over 45 kg it can produce larger errors. For these ranges, the exponential formula is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MER represents the energy needed for real daily life. It is calculated by multiplying RER by a factor that reflects life stage and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formula<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
MER = RER \u00d7 Life-stage factor<\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Overview of MER factors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>
\n
Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Due to rapid growth and high activity, growing animals require the highest energy per unit body weight. For puppies, a typical guide is around RER \u00d7 3.0 under 4 months of age, and RER \u00d7 2.0\u20132.5 from 4 to 9 months. Kittens similarly require roughly about twice the energy of adult cats.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>
\n
Adult maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
For neutered\/spayed adult dogs, around RER \u00d7 1.6 is commonly used; for cats, around RER \u00d7 1.2\u20131.4 is typical. Individual variation due to activity level is large, so adjustments should be made while monitoring body condition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>
\n
Senior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With lower basal metabolism, many seniors can maintain body weight with 10\u201330% less energy than adult dogs\/cats (around RER \u00d7 1.1\u20131.4). However, for very old animals, undernutrition can become a concern.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>
\n
Pregnancy and lactation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Energy requirements increase substantially from late pregnancy through lactation. In late pregnancy, a typical guide is around RER \u00d7 3.0; during lactation, requirements may reach RER \u00d7 6.0 or more depending on litter size.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Typical MER factors (dogs)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Life stage \/ condition<\/th>MER factor (\u00d7 RER)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Adult (neutered\/spayed)<\/td>1.6<\/td><\/tr>
Adult (intact)<\/td>1.8<\/td><\/tr>
Low activity (weight-prone, indoor lifestyle)<\/td>1.2-1.4<\/td><\/tr>
Active\/working dogs<\/td>2.0-5.0+<\/td><\/tr>
Puppy (to ~4 months)<\/td>~3.0<\/td><\/tr>
Puppy (4\u20139 months)<\/td>2.0-2.5<\/td><\/tr>
Puppy (9\u201312 months)<\/td>1.8-2.0<\/td><\/tr>
(Large breeds may remain in growth phase for 18\u201324 months)<\/td>~2.0<\/td><\/tr>
Dam (late pregnancy)<\/td>~3.0<\/td><\/tr>
Dam (lactation, varies with litter size)<\/td>3.0-6.0+<\/td><\/tr>
Weight loss (obese dog on reduction plan)<\/td>0.8-1.0<\/td><\/tr>
Early senior stage<\/td>1.1-1.4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Typical MER factors (cats)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Life stage \/ condition<\/th>MER factor (\u00d7 RER)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Adult (neutered\/spayed)<\/td>1.2-1.4<\/td><\/tr>
Adult (intact)<\/td>1.4-1.6<\/td><\/tr>
Low activity \/ weight management<\/td>0.8-1.0<\/td><\/tr>
Kitten (to ~4 months)<\/td>3.0<\/td><\/tr>
Kitten (4 months to ~1 year)<\/td>2.5<\/td><\/tr>
Queen (late pregnancy)<\/td>1.6-2.0<\/td><\/tr>
Queen (lactation, varies with litter size)<\/td>2.0-6.0<\/td><\/tr>
Early senior (7\u201311 years)<\/td>1.1-1.4<\/td><\/tr>
Very old (12+ years)<\/td>1.1-1.6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Relationship between RER and MER<\/div>
\n
RER reflects basal metabolism (minimum energy), while MER reflects energy needed for daily living. Activity, growth, pregnancy\/lactation, and disease can all affect MER. Depending on the individual, differences of around \u00b150% can occur, so feeding amounts should be adjusted continuously.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Feeding amount models by life stage and body weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once MER (or DER) is estimated, the next step is to calculate the food weight (grams) needed to meet that energy. The feeding amount (g\/day) is simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daily required calories \u00f7 energy density of the food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most pet foods display metabolizable energy (ME) as \u201ckcal\/100 g\u201d or \u201ckcal\/kg.\u201d For example, if a food is 350 kcal\/100 g and MER is 700 kcal\/day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding amount = 700 \u00f7 350 \u00d7 100 = 200 g\/day<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding amount formula (g\/day)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding amount (g\/day) = (Pet\u2019s MER in kcal\/day) \u00f7 (Food ME in kcal\/100 g) \u00d7 100<\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
In reality, MER requires individual adjustment as described above, so the calculated value should be treated as a guideline. Pet food packages usually include recommended feeding tables by body weight and life stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a development lead, you design the feeding table based on your product\u2019s ME and the average energy needs of the target population. Below are model examples for dogs and cats using dry food (values are approximations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adult dog food model (ME \u2248 350 kcal\/100 g)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5 kg adult dog (neutered\/spayed)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>
\n
    \n
  1. RER = 70 \u00d7 5^0.75 \u2248 234 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. MER = 234 \u00d7 1.6 \u2248 375 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Feeding amount = 375 \u00f7 350 \u00d7 100 \u2248 107 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    10 kg adult dog (neutered\/spayed)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    <\/i><\/div><\/div>
    \n
      \n
    1. RER = 70 \u00d7 10^0.75 \u2248 393 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. MER = 393 \u00d7 1.6 \u2248 629 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Feeding amount = 629 \u00f7 350 \u00d7 100 \u2248 180 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      In practice, values are rounded for readability, e.g., \u201c5 kg: 110 g, 10 kg: 180 g.\u201d For very low-activity dogs, 10\u201320% less may be appropriate; for very active dogs, more may be needed. This should be clarified in label notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      Puppy food model (ME \u2248 400 kcal\/100 g)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      2.5 kg puppy (to ~4 months)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      <\/i><\/div><\/div>
      \n
        \n
      1. RER = 70 \u00d7 2.5^0.75 \u2248 140 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. MER = 140 \u00d7 3.0 \u2248 420 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Feeding amount = 420 \u00f7 400 \u00d7 100 \u2248 105 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        5 kg puppy (~6 months)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        <\/i><\/div><\/div>
        \n
          \n
        1. RER = 70 \u00d7 5^0.75 \u2248 234 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. MER = 234 \u00d7 2.0 \u2248 468 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Feeding amount = 468 \u00f7 400 \u00d7 100 \u2248 117 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
          For puppy diets, feeding guides are commonly presented as a matrix table by age (months) and expected adult weight (e.g., age on the vertical axis, expected adult body weight on the horizontal axis). This format helps owners adjust amounts step-by-step as growth progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Adult cat food model (ME \u2248 350 kcal\/100 g)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          4 kg adult cat (neutered\/spayed)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
          <\/i><\/div><\/div>
          \n
            \n
          1. RER = 70 \u00d7 4^0.75 \u2248 198 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. MER = 198 \u00d7 1.2 \u2248 238 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Feeding amount = 238 \u00f7 350 \u00d7 100 \u2248 68 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
            4 kg adult cat (weight-prone \/ low activity)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            <\/i><\/div><\/div>
            \n
              \n
            1. RER = 70 \u00d7 4^0.75 \u2248 198 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. MER = 198 \u00d7 1.0 \u2248 198 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Feeding amount = 198 \u00f7 350 \u00d7 100 \u2248 57 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
              For a 4 kg neutered\/spayed adult cat, MER is roughly RER \u00d7 1.2\u20131.4 \u2248 238\u2013278 kcal\/day, which corresponds to about 68\u201380 g\/day. Many commercial diets list values like \u201c4 kg adult cat: 75 g\/day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
              If the cat is weight-prone, you might start 10\u201320% lower (around 60 g) and adjust. If the cat is very active, you might increase to around 85 g. The label should clearly state: \u201cAdjust according to individual differences and activity level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
              Kitten food model (ME \u2248 400 kcal\/100 g)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              2.0 kg kitten (4 months to ~1 year)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              <\/i><\/div><\/div>
              \n
                \n
              1. RER = 70 \u00d7 2.0^0.75 \u2248 118 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. MER = 118 \u00d7 2.5 \u2248 295 kcal\/day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Feeding amount = 295 \u00f7 400 \u00d7 100 \u2248 74 g\/day<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                A 2 kg kitten (4 months to ~1 year) may require about 295 kcal\/day, corresponding to 74 g\/day\u2014roughly similar to the daily amount for a 4 kg adult cat. The key point is that per kg body weight, kittens eat nearly twice as much energy. Because kittens gain weight quickly, requirements can change significantly within 1\u20132 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                In feeding guides, it can be helpful to add an explanation such as: \u201cKittens under 4 months may require around 3\u00d7 the energy of adults; until 1 year, around 2.5\u00d7,\u201d and also include guidance on feeding frequency (e.g., 3\u20134 meals\/day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                \n\n\n\n
                Feeding models are built primarily around life stage (growth level) and body weight. As a developer, you calculate grams based on your product\u2019s energy content and the average energy needs of your target pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                It is important to set values that avoid both overfeeding and underfeeding while maintaining a safety margin. In actual label text, you should always add a disclaimer such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                \u201cThe above amounts are guidelines. Adjust according to age, activity level, and individual differences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Feeding tables are a guide for owners, but the desired outcome is to encourage them to adjust amounts based on the pet\u2019s body condition and health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Using a feeding amount calculator tool<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                How feeding amounts differ by energy density across food formats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                Because different product formats vary greatly in moisture and nutrient concentration, the amount (weight\/volume) needed to deliver the same calories can differ substantially. Development leaders must understand each product\u2019s energy density and set feeding amounts accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Below are typical energy density ranges and practical characteristics for dry, wet, freeze-dried, and air-dried foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Dry food (kibble)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                Dry foods typically have around 10% moisture, meaning nutrients are concentrated. Energy density is generally around 3.5\u20134.5 kcal\/g (3,500\u20134,500 kcal\/kg). Higher-fat products may approach 5 kcal\/g. For example, some premium high-protein cat foods list ME around 4,160 kcal\/kg (= 4.16 kcal\/g).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Because calories per gram are high, the daily feeding amount in grams is relatively small. However, owners may under-provide water intake, so feeding guides often include: \u201cAlways provide fresh water.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Dry foods are stable and easy to measure and manage, but because they deliver \u201chigh calories in a small amount,\u201d feeding tables should be designed to minimize the risk of overfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Wet food (cans\/pouches)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                Wet foods usually contain 75\u201380% moisture. Energy density is typically around 0.8\u20131.2 kcal\/g (800\u20131,200 kcal\/kg), roughly one-third to one-quarter that of dry food per gram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                As a result, feeding guides show larger quantities and often use units like \u201ccans per day\u201d or \u201cpouches per day.\u201d For example, where a 5 kg cat might need about 80 g\/day of dry food, it could require around 400 g\/day of wet food, depending on the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Wet foods provide satiety due to volume and can be useful for weight management when used to add bulk. They are often highly palatable and helpful for senior pets or poor appetite cases. On the other hand, they require refrigeration after opening and prompt use, and they may adhere to teeth more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                From a feeding guide design perspective, consider including advice such as: \u201cDivide into 2\u20133 meals per day,\u201d and \u201cRemove leftovers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Freeze-dried food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                Freeze-dried foods are made by rapidly freezing raw materials (e.g., raw meat) and drying under vacuum. Moisture is extremely low (often below 5%), so nutrient density is very high. Energy density commonly reaches 4.0\u20135.0 kcal\/g (4,000\u20135,000 kcal\/kg). Some freeze-dried raw diets list ME around 4,630 kcal\/kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Because these foods are so energy-dense, the feeding amount in grams appears very small. First-time owners may worry that \u201cit looks like too little,\u201d so it helps to include wording such as: \u201cThis product is highly nutrient-dense, so a small amount is sufficient,\u201d and to clearly state rehydration instructions if recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Many freeze-dried products also recommend rehydrating with lukewarm water. Rehydration increases weight and may improve palatability, but calories do not change\u2014so the correct practice is to weigh the dry amount first and then add water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Air-dried food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                Air-dried foods are dehydrated slowly (often with low-temperature airflow) and typically have around 10% moisture. Energy density tends to be very high, around 4.5\u20135.5 kcal\/g (4,500\u20135,500 kcal\/kg). For example, a New Zealand air-dried dog food may list ME around 4,900 kcal\/kg (beef recipe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Like freeze-dried foods, air-dried foods deliver high energy in a small amount, so the daily grams can be a very small number. Some products provide guidance using scoops. Because many air-dried recipes are high in animal protein and fat and highly palatable, overfeeding is a common risk. It can be appropriate to include a warning such as: \u201cBecause this product is highly nutrient-dense, do not exceed the recommended feeding amount.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                When formulating an air-dried product as \u201ccomplete and balanced,\u201d be mindful of vitamin\/mineral balance so that the diet meets AAFCO minimums without creating excessive levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                Setting feeding amounts in line with energy density<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                Because daily grams vary greatly by format, you must set feeding guides in a way that matches the product\u2019s energy density. This becomes especially important when you offer multiple formats under the same series (e.g., a dry and wet version of a similar recipe). Label wording should carefully prevent consumer confusion, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n