Deciphering Dog Food Labels - Part II
Guaranteed Analysis

Compare Dry Dog Food with Canned Dog Food

It is normally found on the back of the packaging.

Click here to read more about AAFCO and the other organizations who regulate dog food.

Guaranteed Analysis

According to AAFCO rules, the guaranteed analysis must consist of the following:

•  Minimum Percentage of Protein
•  Minimum Percentage of Fat
•  Maximum Percentage of Fiber
•  Maximum Percentage of Moisture

How to Compare Dry Dog Food with Canned Dog Food

There is a huge difference in moisture content between dry dog food and canned. Canned dog food averages 75% water, whereas dry dog food averages about 10%.

Therefore, in order to make a true dog food comparison of the nutrient levels, we need to convert both products to dry matter.

The formula is quite simple, really ... Grab your calculators and follow along with our example.

Assuming a can of dog food contains:

•  9% protein
•  4% fat
•  1% fiber
•  81% moisture

At first glance, 9% protein looks on the very low side compared to dry dog food. Now watch this number after we convert it.

     1.  Calculate the dry matter of the canned food by deducting the moisture
          percentage (81%) from 100.   i.e. 100 - 81 = 19%.

     2.  Now, using this dry matter figure of 19%, apply the formula to each of
          the components, as follows:

          Protein: 9 divided by 19 x 100 = 47.4%
          Fat: 4 divided by 19 x 100 = 21%
          Fiber: 1 divided by 19 x 100 = 5.3%

Notice the protein percentage now. You will find in many cases, canned dog food values tend to exceed that of dry dog food.

If you're weighing up the pros and cons of Canned Dog Food Versus Dry Dog Food, we also recommend you read our eye-opening articles on:

Dog Food Storage - What you need to know Before You BUY dog food, and
Risks of Pet Food Containers - What you need to know Before You OPEN dog food.

CONTINUE to Dog Food Labels - Part III

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