1. What is Dry Matter Basis?

Dry matter basis is a method of comparing the nutrient content of pet foods after removing the moisture content. This allows for accurate comparison between wet and dry foods with different moisture levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dry matter basis formula:

Where:

• \( Nutrient \) — Nutrient percentage as listed on the food label
• \( Moisture \) — Moisture percentage of the food

Explanation: The formula removes the water content to show what percentage of the actual dry food is made up of the nutrient.

3. Importance of Dry Matter Calculation

Details: Comparing pet foods on a dry matter basis is essential because moisture content varies greatly between wet (70-85% moisture) and dry foods (10-12% moisture).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the nutrient percentage as listed on the food label and the moisture content. Moisture must be less than 100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use dry matter basis instead of as-fed values?
A: As-fed values include moisture which dilutes nutrient percentages, making wet foods appear less nutritious than they actually are.

Q2: How do I find the moisture content of my dog's food?
A: Check the guaranteed analysis on the packaging - it's usually listed. If not, contact the manufacturer.

Q3: What nutrients should I calculate on dry matter basis?
A: Protein, fat, and fiber are the most important nutrients to compare between foods.

Q4: Are there limitations to dry matter basis?
A: While it allows comparison between foods, it doesn't account for digestibility or bioavailability of nutrients.

Q5: How does dry matter basis affect calorie calculations?
A: Dry matter basis helps understand nutrient density, but calorie content is still best calculated using metabolizable energy values.