Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis : What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Quick Guide
What is Guaranteed Analysis in Dog Food?
The guaranteed analysis typically includes:
- Crude protein – This is the minimum amount of protein in the food and is expressed as a percentage.
- Crude fat – This is the minimum amount of fat in the food and is expressed as a percentage.
- Crude fiber – This is the maximum amount of fiber in the food and is expressed as a percentage.
- Moisture – This is the maximum amount of water in the food and is expressed as a percentage.
- Ash – This is the maximum amount of inorganic matter in the food and is expressed as a percentage.
The guaranteed analysis may also include other nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and various vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of food.
It’s important to note that the guaranteed analysis only provides a rough estimate of the nutrient content, and other factors such as bioavailability and digestibility also play a role in determining the nutritional value of a food.
What is Crude Protein?
Crude protein is a measurement of the total amount of protein in a food, as determined by laboratory analysis. It is called “crude” protein because it is a rough estimate of the total protein content and does not distinguish between different types of protein or their quality.
Crude protein content is typically determined by measuring the amount of nitrogen in a food and using a conversion factor to estimate the protein content, as protein is made up of amino acids that contain nitrogen. The conversion factor used can vary depending on the source of the protein in the food, and different testing methods can also yield slightly different results.
While crude protein content is an important consideration when choosing a dog food, it’s also important to consider the source and quality of the protein, as well as the digestibility of the protein by dogs. High-quality animal-based proteins, such as chicken or beef, are generally considered to be more nutritious and digestible than plant-based proteins, such as soy or wheat.
What is Crude Fat?
Crude fat is a measurement of the total fat content in a food, as determined by laboratory analysis. It is called “crude” fat because it includes all types of fat in the food, regardless of their nutritional value or health benefits.
Crude fat content is typically determined by extracting the fat from a sample of the food using a solvent and then weighing the extracted fat. The result is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample.
While crude fat content is an important consideration when choosing a dog food, it’s also important to consider the source and quality of the fat, as well as the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. High-quality animal-based fats, such as chicken fat or fish oil, are generally considered to be more nutritious and beneficial for dogs than low-quality fats, such as vegetable oil or animal by-products. It’s also important to ensure that the fat content is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs, as some dogs may require higher or lower levels of fat depending on their activity level, age, and overall health.
What is Crude Fiber?
Crude fiber is a measurement of the total amount of indigestible plant material in a food, as determined by laboratory analysis. It is called “crude” fiber because it includes all types of fiber in the food, regardless of their nutritional value or health benefits.
Crude fiber content is typically determined by boiling a sample of the food in acid and alkali to remove all non-fiber components, then washing and drying the remaining fiber. The result is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample.
While crude fiber content can be an important consideration when choosing a dog food, it’s important to note that not all types of fiber are created equal. Some types of fiber, such as insoluble fiber found in whole grains and vegetables, can help promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Other types of fiber, such as soluble fiber found in certain fruits and vegetables, can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
It’s also important to consider the source and quality of the fiber, as well as the balance of different types of fiber in the food. High-quality dog foods often include a mix of different types of fiber to provide optimal digestive health and overall nutrition.
What is Moisture?
Moisture refers to the amount of water present in a dog food, as determined by laboratory analysis. It is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the food.
The moisture content of a dog food can vary widely depending on the type of food, the processing method, and the specific ingredients used. Wet or canned dog foods typically have a higher moisture content, often around 75-80%, because they contain a significant amount of water in order to create a soft, palatable texture. Dry dog foods, on the other hand, have a much lower moisture content, usually between 5-12%.
The moisture content of a dog food is important to consider because it affects the overall nutritional value of the food. When comparing the nutrient content of different dog foods, it’s important to look at the guaranteed analysis on a dry matter basis, which adjusts for the amount of water present in the food. This allows for a more accurate comparison of the protein, fat, fiber, and other nutrient levels between different types of dog food.
What is Ash?
In pet food, ash refers to the inorganic mineral content of a food, as determined by laboratory analysis. It is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the food, and includes minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
The term “ash” is used because these minerals remain after the organic material in the food has been incinerated, leaving behind a residue of mineral ash. Ash content can vary widely between different types of dog food, depending on the specific ingredients used and the processing methods involved.
While ash content is an important consideration when choosing a dog food, it’s important to note that not all minerals are created equal. Some minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are essential for healthy bone growth and development, while others, such as iron and zinc, are important for overall health and immunity.
It’s also important to ensure that the ash content is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs, as some dogs may require higher or lower levels of certain minerals depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. High-quality dog foods often contain a balanced ratio of essential minerals to provide optimal nutrition and promote overall health and well-being.
What is Dry Matter Basis?
Dry matter basis is a way of measuring the nutrient content of a dog food based on the percentage of dry matter (i.e., the remaining weight after all moisture has been removed) rather than the total weight of the food.
The dry matter basis allows for a more accurate comparison of the nutrient levels between different types of dog food, particularly between wet and dry foods, which can have vastly different moisture contents. By converting the nutrient levels to a dry matter basis, you can compare the protein, fat, fiber, and other nutrient levels on an equal footing.
To convert the nutrient levels to a dry matter basis, you first need to calculate the percentage of dry matter in the food. This can be done by subtracting the percentage of moisture listed on the label from 100%. For example, if a dog food has a moisture content of 10%, the dry matter content would be 90%.
Once you have calculated the dry matter content, you can then divide the nutrient percentage listed on the label by the dry matter percentage. For example, if a dog food has a crude protein level of 25% and a dry matter content of 90%, the dry matter basis crude protein level would be calculated as follows:
(25 / 90) x 100 = 27.8%
So the dry matter basis crude protein level in this example would be 27.8%. By using the dry matter basis, you can make more informed decisions about the nutritional quality of different dog foods and choose the best option for your dog’s individual needs.
Conclusion
The guaranteed analysis on dog food labels is a set of minimum and maximum nutrient levels that must be included on the label by law. These levels are determined by laboratory analysis and indicate the nutrient content of the food.
