1. What is Dry Matter Calculation?

Dry matter calculation is a method to determine the actual nutrient content of pet food after accounting for moisture content. This provides a more accurate comparison between different pet foods.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dry matter calculation formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation removes the water content from the calculation to show the true nutrient density of the food.

3. Importance of Dry Matter Calculation

Details: Comparing pet foods based on "as fed" values can be misleading due to varying moisture content. Dry matter basis allows for accurate nutrient comparison between different foods.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the nutrient percentage (protein, fat, etc.) and moisture percentage from the pet food label. Moisture must be less than 100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is dry matter important for puppy food?
A: Puppies have specific nutritional requirements. Dry matter calculation ensures you're comparing actual nutrient content when selecting foods.

Q2: Where can I find the moisture content?
A: Moisture content is usually listed in the guaranteed analysis or nutritional information on pet food packaging.

Q3: How does dry matter affect calorie content?
A: Foods with higher moisture content generally have fewer calories per gram, as water contributes no calories.

Q4: Should I use dry matter for all nutrient comparisons?
A: Yes, for accurate comparisons of protein, fat, fiber and other nutrients between different foods.

Q5: Does this work for both dry and wet foods?
A: Yes, the dry matter calculation works for all types of pet food, allowing direct comparison between kibble, canned, and fresh foods.