1. What is Dry Matter Basis?

Dry matter basis is a method of comparing dog food nutrient content after removing all moisture. This allows for accurate comparison between foods with different moisture contents (like kibble vs. wet food).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dry matter conversion formula:

Where:

• As Fed — Nutrient percentage as listed on the label
• Moisture — Water content percentage of the food

Explanation: The formula mathematically removes the water content to show what the nutrient percentage would be if the food contained no moisture.

3. Importance of Dry Matter Conversion

Details: Converting to dry matter basis is essential for accurate nutritional comparison between different types of dog food, especially when comparing wet and dry foods or foods with different moisture contents.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the nutrient percentage as listed on the dog food label (as fed basis) and the moisture content percentage. Both values must be between 0-100%, and moisture must be less than 100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert to dry matter basis?
A: Wet food may appear to have lower protein when comparing label values directly, but on dry matter basis they may be similar or even higher than dry food.

Q2: Where do I find the moisture content?
A: Look for "moisture" or "water" in the guaranteed analysis section of dog food labels. Typical values: 10% for dry food, 75% for wet food.

Q3: What's a typical dry matter protein percentage?
A: Good quality dog foods typically have 25-35% protein on dry matter basis, but needs vary by life stage and health status.

Q4: Does this work for all nutrients?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to fat, fiber, and other nutrients listed in the guaranteed analysis.

Q5: What about treats and supplements?
A: The same principle applies, but moisture content may vary widely - always check the label.