Why Step-Based Weight Loss Matters: "Plateaus and Pestering"
Gradual, stepwise calorie reduction helps preserve lean muscle mass, maintain metabolic rate, reduce weight or body condition plateaus, and improve long-term success. Rapid or excessive restriction can slow metabolism, increase hunger, and raise health risks, especially in cats. The step-based method supports steady progress, patient comfort, and better compliance.

APOP Veterinary Calculator

APOP Step Weight Loss Planner

What this planner does

This planner helps create a safe, step-based weight loss plan for dogs and cats. The calculation uses RER = 70 × kg0.75 to estimate resting energy needs.

Structure
Weight loss is divided into 3-month steps (0–3, 3–6, 6–9, 9–12 months). At the start of each step, calculate calories using the step-start weight, then reassess and adjust at the next step as needed.
Adjustment & Safety guidance
Recheck weight every 4–12 weeks and adjust feeding if progress is off target.
  • Dogs: safe loss is approximately 3–5% of body weight per month.
  • Cats: safe loss is approximately 0.5–2% per month or about 0.5 lb (0.25 kg) per month.

If weight loss is below target, reduce calories by 5–10% or change therapeutic diet formulation. If weight loss is faster than target, increase calories by 5–10%. If progress is within a safe range, continue the current plan.

Some pets may take longer to reach their target weight. Progress should be gradual and reassessed regularly. Never feed less than 70% of RER without consulting a veterinary nutritionist or the supervising veterinarian.

Clinical Note: This step-based planner estimates calorie targets using RER and structured weight-loss intervals. Reassess weight, body condition, and clinical response at regular rechecks and adjust the plan as needed.
Patient & Plan
Cats typically do best with a fixed monthly loss. Dogs are often set as a percent loss target.
Tip: For cats, keep monthly fixed loss about 0.5 lb (0.23 kg).
“Recommended start” is a typical starting point. Adjust at rechecks based on progress and patient factors.
Plan Summary
Start weight: —
Ideal weight: —
Total to lose: —
Projected loss in 12 months: —
Estimated time to reach ideal: —
Step Weight Loss 0–12 months
Feed at the Step Start Weight for each 3-month step; reassess at the end of each step.
Step Months Starting weightStart wt Target weight
(end of step)Target wt
(end)		 Daily kcals to feed for weight loss
(% of RER)Daily kcals
(% RER)		 RER
(70×kg^0.75)RER
Enter values and click “Estimate Plan”.
Tip: On phones, swipe left/right to view the full chart.
Follow-up
Choose a typical recheck interval for scheduling or documentation.
Defaults to the Step 1 estimate. Adjust if you are documenting an existing target at a recheck. This field does not recalculate the step table.
This matches the Species selected above.

Step Plan Feeding Amounts

Use your daily kcal target, subtract treat calories if needed, then convert to cups, cans, or pouches per day and per meal.

Enter the daily kcal target you plan to feed.
Common goal: treats ≤ 10% of daily calories.
Use when you have a real treat estimate (training treats, chews, toppers).
This controls how results are displayed (cups vs cans vs pouches).
Choose the format that matches the package label.
Example: “348 kcal/can” or “380 kcal/cup”.
Used when the label reports kcal/kg. (Common on dry food bags.)
Used when the label reports kcal/100 g.
Needed to convert kcal/kg or kcal/100 g into kcal per can/pouch/cup.
Used to calculate amount per meal.
Tip: If the label gives both kcal/kg and kcal/can, pick kcal per unit for fastest entry.
Enter a daily kcal target, choose a treat adjustment (optional), select unit type and label format, then enter label calories to see feeding amounts.
For veterinary professional use.

The tools on this page provide estimated values to support veterinarian-directed weight management and feeding decisions. They are calculation aids and do not replace clinical judgment, individualized assessment, or prescribed therapeutic diets. Results are based on user-entered inputs and manufacturer-reported label information; actual energy needs and feeding responses vary. Monitor body weight, body condition, and clinical status at regular rechecks and adjust plans as needed. No patient data are stored by these tools.