1. What is Dry Matter Basis?

Dry matter basis is a method of comparing pet food nutrients after removing the moisture content. This allows for accurate comparisons between wet and dry foods, as moisture content varies significantly between food types.

2. Why Calculate Dry Matter?

Comparing cat foods on an "as fed" basis can be misleading because:

• Wet foods typically contain 75-85% moisture
• Dry foods typically contain 6-10% moisture
• Nutrient percentages appear much lower in wet foods due to water content

Dry matter basis removes this variability for accurate nutritional comparisons.

3. How the Calculation Works

The dry matter calculation uses this formula:

Example: A wet food with 10% protein (as fed) and 80% moisture:

• 100 - 80 = 20% dry matter
• (10 / 20) × 100 = 50% protein on dry matter basis

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the nutrient percentage as listed on the food label (as fed basis) and the moisture percentage. The calculator will show the dry matter basis value.

Note: Moisture percentage must be less than 100%. Nutrient percentage must not exceed 100% minus moisture percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is dry matter basis important for cat food?
A: It allows accurate comparison of nutritional content between wet and dry foods by removing the variable of moisture content.

Q2: Where can I find the moisture percentage?
A: Most quality pet foods list moisture percentage in the guaranteed analysis or nutritional information panel.

Q3: Should I always choose food with higher dry matter protein?
A: Not necessarily - consider your cat's specific needs, but dry matter basis helps make informed comparisons.

Q4: How does this affect carbohydrate calculations?
A: The same principle applies - dry matter basis gives true carb content comparison between wet and dry foods.

Q5: Is dry matter basis used for other pets?
A: Yes, this calculation method is equally important for comparing dog foods and other pet foods.