1. What is Dry Matter Basis Calculation?

The Dry Matter Basis calculation converts nutrient percentages from "as fed" values (which include moisture) to values that exclude moisture. This allows for accurate comparison between different pet foods with varying moisture content.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dry matter basis formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Nutrient}_{\text{as fed}} \) — Nutrient percentage including moisture
• \( \text{Moisture Percentage} \) — Percentage of water content in the food

Explanation: The equation removes the effect of moisture to show the true concentration of nutrients in the food.

3. Importance of Dry Matter Analysis

Details: Comparing pet foods on a dry matter basis is essential because moisture content varies widely (10% in dry food vs 75% in wet food). This calculation reveals the actual nutrient density.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is dry matter basis important?
A: It allows fair comparison between different types of pet food (dry, canned, raw) by eliminating the variable of moisture content.

Q2: Where can I find the moisture percentage?
A: Look in the guaranteed analysis section of the pet food label. It's often listed as "moisture (max)".

Q3: How does this affect protein comparison?
A: A wet food might show 10% protein as-fed, but could actually have higher protein on dry matter basis than a dry food showing 25% protein as-fed.

Q4: Should I use this for all nutrients?
A: Yes, it works for protein, fat, fiber, and other nutrients to understand their true concentration in the food.

Q5: What's a typical moisture percentage?
A: Dry foods ~10%, semi-moist ~25-35%, canned foods ~75%, raw foods ~70-80%.