This table shows the number of kilocalories a dog must consume daily to meet NRC and FEDIAF recommended nutrient levels for adult dogs if the food the dog is eating is formulated to just meet AAFCO nutrient minimums per 1,000 kcal or dry matter bases, which is true of many AAFCO-compliant meat-based diets, especially for trace minerals.
| Dog | Weight in pounds | AAFCO adult, Atwater | AAFCO modified Atwater | FEDIAF adult, Atwater | FEDIAF less active | ADF indoor sedentary | ADF weight loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K=132 | K = 132 | K = 110 | K=95 | K = 85 | K = 70 | ||
| Mr. Pip | 10 | 410 | 450 | 340 | 295 | 265 | 220 |
| Popeye | 33 | 1000 | 1100 | 835 | 725 | 650 | 535 |
| BeeBop | 55 | 1475 | 1620 | 1230 | 1060 | 950 | 780 |
If feeding human-grade foods formulated in modified Atwater, which AAFCO recommends, add 10% to these numbers. For example, I think Darwin’s is formulated in modified Atwater, and, for a few supplemental minerals, may not exceed AAFCO minimums by more than a few %. Popeye ate an all-life stage food, and, when he got older, consumed K= 85 amounts. He may have consumed only 650/1100, about 60% of AAFCO minimums for many nutrients.
Most commercial meat-based diets need to be reformulated.