APOP Veterinary Calculator
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 Step Weight Loss Planner
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.
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 guide:
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 lbs (.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 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.