1. What is Dry Matter Calculation?

The dry matter calculation determines the actual nutrient content of dog food by removing the moisture component. This allows for accurate comparison between different types of dog food (dry, wet, raw) with varying moisture levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dry matter formula:

Where:

• \( Wet\ Amount \) — Total weight of the dog food including moisture (lbs)
• \( Moisture \) — Percentage of water content in the food (%)

Explanation: The equation calculates the solid portion of the food by subtracting the moisture percentage from the total weight.

3. Importance of Dry Matter Calculation

Details: Comparing dog foods on a dry matter basis is essential because moisture content varies significantly between dry kibble (typically 10% moisture) and wet food (typically 75-85% moisture).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total weight of the dog food in pounds and the moisture percentage (usually found on the product label). All values must be valid (weight > 0, moisture between 0-100%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is dry matter important for dog food?
A: Dry matter basis allows for accurate comparison of nutrient content between different types of dog food by removing the variable of moisture content.

Q2: What's a typical moisture percentage for different dog foods?
A: Dry kibble: ~10%, Semi-moist: ~25-35%, Wet/canned: ~75-85%, Raw food: ~65-75%.

Q3: How does this affect feeding amounts?
A: Foods with higher moisture content will require larger portions to provide the same amount of actual nutrients as drier foods.

Q4: Should I use this calculation for homemade dog food?
A: Yes, especially for raw or cooked homemade diets where moisture content can vary significantly depending on ingredients and preparation.

Q5: How does dry matter relate to guaranteed analysis?
A: Guaranteed analysis shows nutrient percentages including moisture. Converting to dry matter basis gives the "true" nutrient percentages.