How much fewer calories typically do spayed or neutered dogs need versus intact dogs?
Answer
About 20% to 30% fewer calories
A significant physiological change occurs in a dog's metabolism following sterilization. When dogs have been spayed or neutered, there is generally a measurable reduction in their resting metabolic rate compared to their intact counterparts. This metabolic slowing means that, in order to maintain the same healthy body weight they held previously, these dogs usually require a reduced daily caloric intake. The specific range cited for this necessary reduction is commonly between 20% and 30% fewer calories than what an intact dog of similar size and activity level would need.
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