Enteral / Feeding Tube Rate Calculator for Dogs and Cats
Calculate daily and per-feeding tube volumes from RER and a diet's caloric density, with an optional 4-day ramp-up schedule to reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome in at-risk patients.
Species
Body weight (kg)
Diet caloric density (kcal/mL)
Check your specific product's label - recovery/critical care diets commonly run about 1-2 kcal/mL, but this varies by brand.
Feedings per day
How to use this tool
The formulas
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75 - the same Resting Energy Requirement formula used on this site's calorie calculator.
Daily volume (mL) = RER (kcal/day) ÷ diet caloric density (kcal/mL). Volume per feeding = daily volume ÷ number of feedings per day. Always use the specific diet's labeled caloric density - recovery/critical care diets commonly range from about 1 to 2 kcal/mL depending on the brand.
Refeeding syndrome
Patients with prolonged anorexia - especially cats at risk of hepatic lipidosis - can develop dangerous shifts in phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium when full calories are reintroduced too quickly. The standard approach is a gradual ramp-up: 25% of the calculated goal on day 1, 50% on day 2, 75% on day 3, and 100% from day 4 onward, with close electrolyte monitoring during the first 48-72 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How is the feeding tube rate calculated?
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is calculated the same way as this site's calorie calculator - 70 × weight in kg^0.75 - then divided by the specific diet's caloric density to get the daily volume, split across the number of feedings per day.
What is refeeding syndrome and why does it matter for tube feeding?
A dangerous shift of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium into cells when calories are reintroduced too quickly after a period of starvation or anorexia - it can cause weakness, arrhythmia, and death if not anticipated. The standard prevention approach is introducing calories gradually over the first several days rather than feeding the full calculated amount immediately.
Which patients are at highest risk for refeeding syndrome?
Patients with prolonged anorexia or significant recent weight loss - cats at risk of or diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis are a classic high-risk group in small animal practice, given how commonly they present with a period of severe anorexia before diagnosis.
Does caloric density vary a lot between diets?
Yes significantly - always check the specific product label rather than assuming a value, since recovery/critical care diets can range roughly from about 1 to 2 kcal/mL depending on the brand and formulation.