Guaranteed Analysis Basics: Comparing Foods on a Dry-Matter Basis
Understand minimum and maximum values and convert to dry matter before comparing cat foods fairly.
Step-by-step checklist
- 01 Know what min/max values mean
- 02 Convert to dry matter to compare
- 03 Confirm added taurine
- 04 Check calcium-phosphorus ratio
- 05 Verify complete-and-balanced claim
- 06 Never use supplemental food as a staple
Overview
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Guaranteed analysis lists limits, not exact values: crude protein ≥36% means at least 36%, crude fiber ≤5% means no more than 5%. Adult dry foods commonly show 30-45% protein; kittens and pregnant or nursing cats need more, per the labeled life stage.
Never compare dry and wet numbers directly. Convert to dry matter: divide the nutrient percentage by (100% minus moisture%). A canned food with 10% protein and 80% moisture is 50% protein on a dry-matter basis, higher than most dry foods appear.
Beyond protein and fat, check that taurine is added, that calcium and phosphorus are declared at roughly 1:1 to 1.3:1, and that the food claims complete and balanced nutrition per AAFCO or FEDIAF for the right life stage. Foods labeled for supplemental feeding cannot serve as the sole diet.
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Owner questions
Is higher protein always better?
Healthy adult cats generally tolerate high protein, but a big number does not guarantee quality; check animal-protein share and digestibility. Protein strategy for conditions like kidney disease must follow veterinary advice.