How do I calculate a weight loss plan for both my cat and my dog without visiting a vet or buying a smart scale?

Paws & Pounds is 100% software-based. Use your regular home scale, complete our visual 9-point BCS assessment, and our algorithm calculates the exact RER/DER daily calories and portion size in grams. No smart scale, no vet visit required for initial assessment.

Is the Paws & Pounds app free to use?

Yes! The free tier lets you manage 1 pet, track unlimited weight entries, use the visual BCS tool, and get a daily feeding plan. Paws & Pounds Pro ($4.99/month or $29.99/year) unlocks unlimited pets, household collaboration, advanced analytics, and CSV export.

Can my partner also log feeding times?

Absolutely. Paws & Pounds Pro includes Household Collaboration — invite family members by email, and everyone in the household can log feedings, record weights, and see real-time status so nobody accidentally double-feeds your pet.

What is a Body Condition Score (BCS) and why is it better than weight alone?

Body Condition Score is a veterinary-standard 9-point scale that evaluates your pet's fat coverage through visual and hands-on checks. Unlike weight alone, BCS accounts for breed, frame size, and muscle mass. A 12-pound Maine Coon may be underweight while a 12-pound Siamese could be obese — BCS captures this difference.

How does Paws & Pounds compare to PetDesk, Pet Weight Tracker, or spreadsheet tracking?

Unlike general-purpose apps or spreadsheets, Paws & Pounds combines visual BCS assessment, veterinary-grade RER/DER calorie math, and a daily feeding plan in grams — all in one app. It covers 270+ breeds across cats and dogs, supports household collaboration, and gives you actionable portion sizes instead of just weight charts.

Which breeds does Paws & Pounds support?

Paws & Pounds includes a database of over 270 dog and cat breeds with breed-specific ideal weight ranges. If your pet is a mixed breed, you can enter a custom target weight based on your vet's recommendation.

How accurate is the calorie calculation?

Paws & Pounds uses the same RER (Resting Energy Requirement) and DER (Daily Energy Requirement) formulas used by veterinary nutritionists worldwide: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. We then apply species-specific, age, and neutered/intact multipliers to compute the daily calorie target.

Can I use Paws & Pounds for a puppy or kitten?

Yes. The app includes life-stage multipliers for kittens and puppies, which have higher energy requirements than adults. Select the appropriate life stage during pet setup and the feeding plan adjusts automatically.

Is my pet's data secure?

All data is stored in a secure, encrypted Supabase database with row-level security. Data is bound to your household — only invited household members can access it. We never sell or share your data with third parties.

What if my pet has a medical condition affecting their weight?

Paws & Pounds provides general nutritional guidance based on established veterinary formulas. If your pet has diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney disease, or other medical conditions, always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes. The app's feeding plan is a starting point, not a replacement for professional veterinary advice.

How do I convert pet calories to grams of food?

Take the main-food calorie budget (usually 90% of daily kcal), divide by your food's kcal per 100 g, then multiply by 100. Example: 270 kcal ÷ 350 kcal/100g × 100 ≈ 77 g/day.

Why weigh pet food in grams instead of cups?

A measuring cup can vary by up to 30% depending on kibble density and scooping style. A kitchen scale removes that error — critical for weight-loss plans. Consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

Grams-per-day feeding charts by breed

Pattern B pilot: turn RER/MER calorie targets into weighed portions for high-demand breeds. Pair with calorie charts by weight or the cup to grams converter.

By Paws & Pounds Research Team — reviewed against WSAVA/AAHA guidelines. Last updated August 1, 2026.

Cat breeds

RagdollGrams chart · 10–18 lb
Maine CoonGrams chart · 11–20 lb

Dog breeds

French BulldogGrams chart · 18–28 lb
Labrador RetrieverGrams chart · 55–80 lb
Golden RetrieverGrams chart · 55–75 lb

Sources & further reading

WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines — World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021
2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats — American Animal Hospital Association, 2014