Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is the Paws & Pounds app free to use?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can my partner also log feeding times?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Which breeds does Paws & Pounds support?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How accurate is the calorie calculation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is my pet's data secure?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.