The RFN Sheet has been updated to include new features and updated to requirement calculations to make formulations more nutritionally sound. This includes:

• Updated Create a Pet Profile tab to calculate requirements for weight loss and weight gain and adjust requirements for overweight cats (NRC and FEDIAF)
• NRC, FEDIAF and AAFCO requirements updated to be appropriate for pets of all energy intakes
• Recipe Builder feature to “cross check requirements” based on actual recipe profile compared to pet profile
• New requirement that considers both linoleic acid and arachidonic acid for dogs
• Updated vitamin E requirements for PUFAs for dogs
• New “AAFCO Converter” that converts AAFCO kibble analysis from manufacturers to RFN Sheet Food Database format
• Addition of imperial (oz) units for the Recipe Builder and Condensed Recipe Builder

Please see the video tutorial below for a tour on the new RFN Sheet as well on how to use the AAFCO Converter.

How to Update

This update is considered a major update. This means that to update your sheet, you must create a new copy of the RFN Sheet. (Tech support cannot update your current sheet to v4.) In your new copy, you will need to enter your order number (same as v3) and reconnect your RFN Sheet. If you are not sure about your order number, please look at the setup page on your RFN Sheet v3.

If you are using the RFN Sheet on mobile only, please make a copy of the v4 sheet, enter your order number, then add tech support to your sheet as an editor (support@bettercellsnutrition.com). We can connect your sheet for you. Make sure to leave a note stating what you need help with.

Outlined below is how to transfer your saved information from the RFN Sheet v3 to v4. If you would need additional help transferring data, please contact Jenny (jenny@bettercellsnutrition.com).

IMPORTANT

Please review the updated Terms of Service (see below) before switching to the v4 of the RFN Sheet. By switching to the RFN Sheet v4, you are agreeing to the updated terms of service.

This includes a new limitation: users are only allowed to make a maximum of two copies of the RFN Sheet. We recommend only creating one copy of the RFN sheet and saving the second copy as a backup in case you need to start fresh. You can still create multiple copies of the Recipe Builder and Condensed Recipe Builder within your RFN Sheet.

If you need to make additional copies of the RFN Sheet, please contact Jenny (jenny@bettercellsnutrition.com) to discuss your options.

Pet Profiles

RFN Sheet v4 is compatible with v3 pet profiles. You can simply copy and paste your previous pet profiles from the old Saved Profiles tab to the new Saved Profiles tab.

However, there were several major changes made to the way requirements are calculated for v4. For personal users (non-commercial), we recommend recreating pet profiles in the v4 Create a Pet Profile for the most up to date requirements. When creating new profiles, please make sure that the pet’s energy factor/multiplier and total energy goal are correct as this is what’s used to calculate the pet’s requirements. For AAFCO feline users, make sure the cat’s weight (in kilograms) is correct.

Copy and paste only the columns of the pet profiles you want to transfer. Do NOT copy the entire Saved Profiles tab from your previous RFN Sheet to the new RFN Sheet.

Saved Recipes (Recipe Database)

For saved recipes, you can copy and paste your previous recipes from the old Recipe Database tab to the new Recipe Database tab. Copy and paste only the rows of the recipes you want to transfer. Do NOT copy the entire Recipe Database tab from your previous RFN Sheet to the new RFN Sheet.

The v4 Recipe Database does include units, which v3 Recipe Database does not. You will need to enter these manually. Supplement units should match what is listed as the “Serving Size” for the supplement in the Food Database.

You can also enter serving sizes from the Recipe Builder. Load (using add-on or manually) the recipe into the Recipe Builder. Select the appropriate unit for each ingredient from the dropdown menu. 

Food Database (Including Saved Recipes)

The Food Database for v4 is compatible with the Food Database from v3. 

To copy your previous Food Database to your new sheet, delete all the columns in the new Food Database. Then copy and paste all the columns from your old Food Database tab to the new Food Database tab. Do NOT copy the entire Food Database tab from your previous RFN Sheet to the new RFN Sheet and delete the v4 Food Database.

RFN Sheet v4 comes with three sample NRC balanced recipes. If you would like a copy of those recipes, look for the last three entries in the RFN Sheet v4 Food Database. If you’ve deleted all the items in the Food Database already, you can copy these from the master copy of the RFN Sheet (available in your Google Group).

Transferring Unsaved Recipes

If you have recipes you are working in the Recipe Builder or Condensed Recipe Builder, and would like to transfer them to RFN Sheet v4, you will need to manually copy and paste each recipe.

For the Recipe Builder:

Copy the four rows of the ingredient section (Ingredient, Quantity, Unit, Add to Recipe?) and paste values only into the new Recipe Builder. Make sure to paste values only to avoid deleting spreadsheet formulas in the new Recipe Builder. If you’ve added additional rows to your Recipe Builder, you will need to add them to the new Recipe Builder before transferring your recipe.

For the Condensed Recipe Builder:

Copy the four columns of the ingredient section (Ingredient, Quantity, Unit, Add to Recipe?) and paste values only into the new Condensed Recipe Builder. Make sure to paste values only to avoid deleting spreadsheet formulas in the new Condensed Recipe Builder.

Premium Report

The premium report has been updated to be compatible with RFN Sheet v4. To access the v4 premium report, go to the master copy of the premium report here. 

Make a copy of the “Premium Report v4” tab into your spreadsheet by right clicking on the sheet name -> Copy to -> Existing Spreadsheet -> select your RFN Sheet from your drive. (You do NOT need to recopy the Price Database).

NRC

The RFN Sheet uses adjusted NRC ME requirements for cats and dogs. Standard NRC ME requirements can only be used for dogs with a minimum energy requirement (MER) of 130xMW and cats with a MER of 100xMW. As most pets have MER lower than the MER assumed by the NRC, the RFN Sheet includes automatic adjustments for the pet’s true MER for NRC requirements. This results in requirements that are very similar to NRC MW requirements

For example, let’s look at a dog whose MER is MW x 100. The dog weighs 20kg.

NRC MW protein requirement: 3.28g/MW

NRC ME protein requirement: 25/1000kcal ME

MW = 20 ^ 0.75 = 9.5

MER = 9.5 x 100 = 950 kcal

MW requirement: 3.28g x 9.5 = 31.1 g protein

To adjust ME requirements, you would multiply the requirement by the assumed energy factor (130) by the true energy factor (100).

ME requirement: 25 x 950 / 1000 x 130 / 100 = 30.9 g protein

While this method results in small rounding differences, this allows the RFN Sheet NRC requirements to be appropriate for pets of all energy intakes, rather than just for pets at NRC’s assumed MER.

To make sure requirements are calculated correctly, please ensure that the pet’s energy factor/multiplier and total calorie goal are set correctly.

FEDIAF

The RFN Sheet uses FEDIAF ME requirements for dogs with a MER of 95xMW and cats with a MER of 100xMW. As most pets have MER lower than the MER set by FEDIAF, the RFN Sheet includes automatic adjustments for the pet’s true MER for FEDIAF requirements. This is the same adjustment method FEDIAF uses to produce their second set of guidelines at a different MER (MWx110 for dogs, MWx70 for cats).

FEDIAF protein requirement for MW x 95: 52.1/1000kcal ME

FEDIAF protein requirement for MW x 110: 45/1000kcal ME

MW = 20 ^ 0.75 = 9.5

MER = 9.5 x 110 = 1045kcal

MW x 110 requirement: 45 x 1045 / 1000 = 47 g protein

To adjust ME requirements, you would multiply the requirement by the assumed energy factor (95) by the true energy factor (110).

MW x 95 requirement: 52.1 x 1045 / 1000 x 95 / 110 = 47 g protein

While this method can result in small rounding differences, this allows the RFN Sheet FEDIAF requirements to be appropriate for pets of all energy intakes, rather than just for pets at FEDIAF’s two assumed MERs.

To make sure requirements are calculated correctly, please ensure that the pet’s energy factor/multiplier and total calorie goal are set correctly.

AAFCO

The RFN Sheet uses adjusted AAFCO ME requirements for dogs and cats. AAFCO ME requirements can only be used for dogs with a MER of MW x 132 and cats with a MER of body weight (BW) x 70. As most pets have MER lower than the MER set by AAFCO, the RFN Sheet includes automatic adjustments for the pet’s true MER for AAFCO requirements. This results in requirements that can be used for pets of all energy requirements, rather than just the assumed AAFCO MERs.

Adjustments for AAFCO requirements are the same as the adjustments made for NRC and FEDIAF.

Please keep in mind that we do not recommend using AAFCO for fresh food diets. The requirements are similar to NRC requirements but have been adjusted for commercial use.

To make sure requirements are calculated correctly, please ensure that the pet’s energy factor/multiplier and total calorie goal are set correctly.

Cross Check Requirements

This is a blue checkbox feature on the Recipe Builder and Condensed Recipe Builder. It allows the user to double check the accuracy of their nutritional requirements.

All requirements (NRC, AAFCO, FEDIAF) are based on the pet profile’s “energy factor” (or “energy multiplier) and the pet’s calorie goal. When formulating, it can be easy to formulate a recipe that’s lower or higher in calories than expected. In these cases, checking the box to “cross check requirements” recalculates your requirements to be accurate for the recipe’s current calorie content and the respective energy factor.

Keep in mind that leaving this box checked does mean that requirements will recalculate any time calories are removed or added from a recipe (in other words, any time users add or remove ingredients from the recipe). This means requirements will constantly change any time the recipe changes

Weight Loss

The RFN Sheet makes recommendations for caloric intake based on the user’s settings for the pet’s ideal weight, which can be lower (for weight loss) or higher (for weight gain). This is only appropriate for healthy adult animals, not for growth.

Dogs

For dogs with a weight loss goal 15% or greater of their current body weight, the recommended calorie goal for weight loss is a 40% decrease from the calorie goal for maintenance. For dogs with a minor weight loss goal (less than 15% of current body weight), the recommended calorie goal for weight loss is a 25% decrease from the calorie goal for maintenance. This should result in a 1% body weight loss per week. We recommend the calorie goal be adjusted as the dog loses weight.

Cats

Restricting calories drastically is not recommended. For cats with a weight loss goal, the recommended calorie goal for weight loss is a 10% decrease from the calorie goal for maintenance. We recommend the calorie goal be adjusted frequently, but no faster than 10% calorie goal per week.

Weight Gain

For dogs and cats with a weight gain goal, the recommended weight gain calorie goal is calculated using the pet’s current energy level for maintenance and applying that to the pet’s ideal weight. This results in a gentle calorie increase. For pets who need to gain weight quickly, this recommendation may not be sufficient.

RFN Requirement Adjustments 

Linoleic Acid, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, and Arachidonic Acid

These fatty acids are typically not specifically analyzed by the USDA Food Database, which means the data for these fatty acids is typically missing. In cases where the data is missing, the fatty acids are estimated from the unspecified form data, if available.

• Linoleic acid: estimated from “18:2 undifferentiated” when linoleic acid data not available
• Alpha-Linolenic acid: estimated from “18:3 undifferentiated” when alpha-linolenic acid data not available
• Arachidonic acid: estimated from “20:4 undifferentiated” when arachidonic acid data not available 

Linoleic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Requirement (Dogs Only)

LA is an omega 6 fatty acid that is metabolized to ARA. In the NRC, FEDIAF and AAFCO, the LA requirements are set with the assumption that the converted ARA is needed. ARA has a higher “potency” in the body. Mainly animal based diets, especially with those containing organ meats, are usually rich in ARA but can be low in LA, especially in red meat diets. This typically means that diets need to be unnecessarily supplemented with oils to boost LA, which is not ideal as it increases calories and the dietary requirement for vitamin E.

To address this, the RFN Sheet creates an ARA requirement that uses both LA and ARA content. This is based on several studies of other species (rats and humans). Using conservative conversions, it’s been shown that only 14% of ARA is needed to fix deficiencies, when compared to LA. We’ve also accounted for age related changes in fatty acid metabolism to set a conversion rates as:

Younger dogs 10 g of LA = 1 gram of ARA

Older dogs 20 g of LA = 1 gram of ARA

Based on these conversions, the RFN Sheet displays a LA and ARA requirement. The RFN Sheet automatically calculates these conversions into the LA and ARA requirement, including your dog’s age status (based on the age listed in the pet profile and your dog’s weight).

Choline

Choline requirements are set to meet requirements (turn green) once 50% of the standard’s requirements are met. This is due to the fact that dogs and cats can synthesize their own choline.

From the RFN Full Course: “Choline functions as a methyl donor, mobilizes fat in the liver, forms the structure in cells, and is required for neurotransmitters. Choline deficiency is more of a concern in growing animals. Choline can be spared by several different compounds, including folate and b12, and partially synthesized by dogs, especially when not on low protein/plant based diets. Choline is often missing from food analysis as well. A diet that has a base of lean meat, organs, and eggs will often have adequate choline or choline sparing compounds in general. High animal based protein diets will generally see a reduced need for dietary choline. However, a diet should not have minimal choline- especially when higher fat diets are fed. An unofficial recommendation is that choline should not be below 50% of the RA but often does not need to be all the way at 100%. Please understand that many factors affect choline requirements.”

In cases where choline analysis is missing, or the animal may have higher choline requirements such as a high fat diet, or in diets with high levels of plant matter, choline requirements may be higher than 50% of RA.

Vitamin E

The requirement for Vit E includes your pet’s RA as well as the additional Vit E you need to account for levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet.

• For cats, the amount of additional vitamin E is 6.7mg per gram of PUFA.
• For dogs, the amount of additional vitamin E is 0.6 to 1.7mg per gram of PUFA, depending on the number of double bonds the PUFA has. (Changed from v3, which indicated 6.7mg per gram of PUFA)

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is not considered required, though NRC does list a vitamin K requirement. This is because healthy dogs and cats can produce enough vitamin K on their own. Due to this reason, AAFCO and FEDIAF do not list a vitamin K requirement.

From the RFN Full Course: “Vitamin K is referring to K1 per NRC. This is synthesized by healthy dogs- though plant matter will provide some in the diet which has its own benefits. Other forms of vitamin K are naturally present in a raw diet consisting of meat, bones, organs, eggs, and dairy.”

Phenylalanine and Tyrosine

For animals with black fur, greater amounts of phenylalanine and tyrosine are needed. In accordance with the NRC text, RFN Sheet requirements are adjusted as such:

Dogs with black fur: twice the standard requirements for phenylalanine and tyrosine

Cats with black fur: equal amounts of tyrosine as phenylalanine

Arginine

In high protein diets, arginine requirements are increased. In accordance with the NRC text, RFN Sheet requirements are adjusted as such:

Dogs: additional 0.01g arginine required for each gram of protein above 25g protein per 1000kcal, per day

Cats: additional 0.02g arginine required for each gram of protein above 50g protein per 1000kcal, per day

The RFN Sheet includes 3 examples of NRC balanced recipes, 1 raw recipe for dogs, 1 cooked recipe for dogs, and 1 raw recipe for cats.

These recipes are designed to be used as learning tools for users to use as a guide when formulating their own recipes and adjust the recipe as needed for their individual pets.

FAQs

Can I use these recipes as is for my pet?

These recipes are designed using NRC standards for dogs with caloric intakes of MW x 130 or higher, and cats with caloric intakes of MW x 100 or higher. If your pet meets this calorie requirement, you can use the recipes as is. You can use the calculator here to determine what your pet’s energy factor is. (If you are not sure of your pet’s current caloric intake, you can see common ranges for energy factors for activity level here.)

However, many pets eat far less calories due to breed and activity differences. If your pets do not meet this calorie requirement, you would need to adjust the recipes to be able to safely use them for your pet. Simply decreasing the amount of food fed does NOT ensure the diet is complete and balanced. We encourage users to create their pet’s profile in the RFN Sheet, compare their pet’s requirements against the recipe, and make adjustments as needed.

Why do these recipes include supplements?

The example recipes are made to complement popular feeding philosophies. However, ingredient driven methods of formulation can leave nutrient gaps that cannot easily be filled by whole foods.

In particular, vitamin E and iodine are supplemented in every recipe. Vitamin E is supplemented as there are no ideal whole food sources of vitamin E. Iodine is supplemented as human food databases do not compile data on iodine, so the RFN Sheet ingredients do not contain the iodine content of most foods. As iodine is an essential mineral, insurance amounts are included in each recipe.

More information on why supplements are necessary in NRC diet here and what nutrient gaps are common in homemade diets here.

These ingredients are hard to find/expensive/not accessible to me. What do I do?

The example recipes are designed to use the most nutrient dense, ideal whole food ingredients as possible to maximize nutrients. We understand while nutritionally ideal, these ingredients may not be ideal for practical considerations. We encourage users to adjust the diet using ingredients that are easily accessible to them.

Are there more example recipes?

Currently only 3 example recipes are provided with RFN Sheet purchases. However, more premade NRC recipes are available here for dogs and here for cats. These premade recipes come in energy ranges so you can select for the version of the recipe that’s the best fit for your pet.