It uses the same RER formula veterinarians use. That said, every dog is different. A husky pulling sleds needs way more than a pug watching Netflix. Use this as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog's body condition.
No! Cut back gradually — about 10% per week. Sudden calorie drops mess with metabolism and your dog will act like you are starving them to death. Trust me, the guilt trips are real.
Absolutely. Those "just one" treats add up fast. A medium milk bone is about 40 kcal. Give five a day? That is 200 kcal your dog does not need. Either subtract from meals or switch to low-cal options like carrot sticks.
Run your hands along their ribs. You should feel them easily, like piano keys under a thin blanket. If you need to dig, they are overweight. If ribs are visible, they are underweight. Simple as that.
Technically no — cats have different metabolic needs. But honestly? The math is similar. Just know that cats are obligate carnivores and need way more protein. We might build a cat version if enough people ask.