1. What is Fat Dry Matter Basis?

Fat Dry Matter Basis (DMB) is a method of expressing nutrient content in pet food after removing the moisture component. This allows for accurate comparison between different products regardless of their moisture content.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Fat DMB equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Fat}_{\text{as-fed}} \) — Fat percentage as listed on the product label
• \( \text{Moisture} \) — Moisture percentage of the product

Explanation: The equation removes the water content from the calculation to show the fat concentration in the actual dry components of the food.

3. Importance of DMB Calculation

Details: Comparing pet foods on an as-fed basis can be misleading due to varying moisture levels. DMB provides a standardized way to compare nutritional content between wet, dry, and semi-moist foods.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fat percentage as listed on the product label and the moisture content (typically 10% for dry food, 75% for wet food). Moisture must be less than 100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate fat on dry matter basis?
A: It allows accurate comparison between different types of food (dry, wet, raw) by removing the variable of moisture content.

Q2: Where do I find the moisture content?
A: It's usually listed in the guaranteed analysis or nutritional information on the product packaging.

Q3: What's a typical fat DMB for dog food?
A: Dry foods typically range 10-20% fat DMB, while wet foods often range 30-60% fat DMB.

Q4: Does this work for other nutrients?
A: Yes, the same calculation can be used for protein, fiber, and other nutrients to compare them on a dry matter basis.

Q5: When is as-fed basis more appropriate?
A: As-fed values are more relevant when calculating actual calorie intake or portion sizes, as they reflect what the dog actually consumes.