Pet Food Dry Matter Calculator

Get the real nutritional facts. Standardize your pet's food labels to compare the actual protein, fat, and fiber content of different brands and formats.

Dry Matter Total = 100% - Moisture% Nutrient DM = (Nutrient% / Dry Matter Total) × 100
Scenario: A can of wet food has 10% protein and 75% moisture. Calculation: 1. Dry Matter Total = 100 - 75 = 25%. 2. Protein DM = (10 / 25) * 100 = 40%. Result: On a dry matter basis, this food is 40% protein.

What is "Dry Matter Basis" in pet food?

Dry matter basis is the amount of a nutrient (like protein or fat) in a food after all the moisture has been removed. This is the only accurate way to compare the nutritional value of wet food vs. dry kibble.

Why can't I just read the label?

The label shows "Guaranteed Analysis," which includes moisture. Because wet food is ~75% water and dry food is ~10% water, the protein percentages on the label are not directly comparable.

How do I calculate dry matter percentage?

First, find the total dry matter by subtracting the moisture percentage from 100. Then, divide the nutrient percentage (e.g., protein) by the total dry matter and multiply by 100.

What is a good protein level on a dry matter basis?

For a healthy adult dog, a dry matter protein level of 18-25% is typical. For high-energy or working dogs, it may be 30% or higher. For cats, it is often 30-45%.

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