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Protein Percentage Formula:
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Protein percentage represents the proportion of protein in relation to the total weight of the cat food. It's a crucial metric for evaluating the nutritional quality of cat food, as cats are obligate carnivores requiring high protein diets.
The calculator uses the protein percentage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation shows what percentage of the food's weight comes from protein, helping you compare different foods and ensure your cat gets adequate protein.
Details: Cats require higher protein levels than many other animals. Protein supports muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health. Most veterinarians recommend cat foods with at least 30-40% protein on a dry matter basis.
Tips: Enter the protein content in grams and the total food weight in grams. The values must be positive numbers. For dry food, use the values from the guaranteed analysis. For wet food, you may need to account for moisture content.
Q1: What's a good protein percentage for cat food?
A: For adult cats, aim for at least 30-40% protein on a dry matter basis. Kittens and active cats may need even more.
Q2: How does this differ from dry matter basis?
A: This calculator shows "as fed" percentage. For dry matter basis, you'd need to account for moisture content by removing water weight from calculations.
Q3: Should I only look at protein percentage?
A: No, also consider protein quality (animal vs plant sources), amino acid profile (especially taurine), and overall nutrient balance.
Q4: Why measure in grams?
A: Grams provide a precise weight measurement. If you only have percentages, you'll need to know the serving size to convert to grams.
Q5: How often should I check my cat food's protein content?
A: Check when switching foods or if your cat shows signs of nutritional deficiency (poor coat, low energy). Regular checks aren't needed if using a quality commercial food.