What do these terms mean? Guaranteed Analysis, Ingredient Statement, and Ash Content?
Also – what’s the difference between “dry matter basis” and “as fed” basis?
Guaranteed Analysis gives the minimum and maximum for protein, fat, fiber and moisture. It does NOT give the true amount of the nutrient. Looking at the actual nutrient content of the manufacturer is a better way to evaluate the food.
REQUIRED on the pet food bag is the minimum amount of protein, minimum amount of fat, maximum amount of fiber, and maximum amount of moisture.
Ingredient Statement – Ingredients are listed in descending order by their predominance by WEIGHT according to the product’s formula. The nutrient value of ingredients cannot be identified from the ingredient statement.
Ash Content - Ash is the total mineral element of the formula. Ash is the sum of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium etc. The ash is the material that remains after combustion or hydrolysis of the organic material.
Dry matter basis versus as fed: The best way to compare foods is dry matter basis (DMB). Looking at the DMB helps us to understand what specific nutrients are in a product.
To convert a food from “as fed” to DMB
First: Subtract 100 by the moisture content
Example – 100% - 75% moisture = 25% DMB
Another example – 100% - 10% moisture = 90 % DMB
Second: Divide the nutrient by the DMB
Example – 10% protein, as fed / 25% DMB = 40% protein
Another example – 18% protein, as fed / 90% DMB = 20% protein
