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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Reviews
    • Wellness Blog
    • Know Your Proteins
    • Pet Food Carb Calculator
    • Pet Calorie Calculator
    • Canned Calorie Calculator
    • Shop Small
    • Who makes your pet's food
    • Visit Purrs McBarkin'
    • The Library
    • The Library page 2
    • Rewards
    • Tips for coping with loss
    • Calming Music for Pets
    • Documentary
    • Adopt DCHS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Conditions
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Wellness Blog
  • Know Your Proteins
  • Pet Food Carb Calculator
  • Pet Calorie Calculator
  • Canned Calorie Calculator
  • Shop Small
  • Who makes your pet's food
  • Visit Purrs McBarkin'
  • The Library
  • The Library page 2
  • Rewards
  • Tips for coping with loss
  • Calming Music for Pets
  • Documentary
  • Adopt DCHS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Conditions

 

🧮 Pet Food Carb & Dry Matter Calculator

Real nutrient data. Transparent methods. Smarter decisions.

Most pet food labels report nutrients “as-fed”—meaning they include all the moisture. That distorts the numbers and makes comparisons between foods unreliable.

This tool converts label values to Dry Matter Basis (DMB), the veterinary-standard method for evaluating nutrition. It also estimates true carbohydrate content, which is rarely listed on labels—yet has a major impact on your pet’s health.

No marketing. No guesswork. Just biology-backed clarity.


 

🧠 What Is Dry Matter—and Why It Matters

Every pet food contains two parts:

  • Moisture (water)
     
  • Dry Matter (everything else): protein, fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrates, and micronutrients
     

Moisture levels vary widely—from ~10% in dry kibble to ~80% in canned and raw diets. If you don’t remove the water first, you're not comparing nutrients—you’re comparing soup to crackers.

That’s why veterinary nutritionists, AAFCO, and NRC all use Dry Matter Basis (DMB) when formulating and evaluating pet foods. It levels the playing field so you can assess what your pet is truly consuming.

But here’s where it gets even more important.

Pet food labels list nutrients as-fed—with water included. That makes the protein, fat, and carb numbers look lower than they actually are, especially in wet foods. So when you read “10% protein” on a can, you’re not getting the full story. After adjusting for moisture, that number could jump to over 40%.

Dry Matter Basis strips out the water so you can see what’s really there. It reveals the actual nutrient density—the part of the food that fuels your pet’s health.

Veterinary professionals rely on this method to:

  • Compare protein levels across brands and formats
     
  • Spot high-carb, low-protein formulas hiding behind clever labels
     
  • Balance diets for specific health needs
     

This calculator does the work for you. It converts label data into real, meaningful information—so you’re not guessing or relying on marketing claims. If you’re switching foods, troubleshooting health issues, or just trying to do better, this is the lens that helps you see clearly.

📚 Source: Case et al., Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd ed.; AAFCO Official Publication; NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
 

✅ What This Calculator Works With


This tool works for any pet food with a Guaranteed Analysis:

  • Dry kibble
  • Canned food
  • Raw or gently cooked diets
  • Freeze-dried or air-dried formats
     

Just enter the label values, and the tool handles the math.


❓What If the Label Doesn’t Show All the Values?


Sometimes pet food packaging doesn’t list every value the calculator asks for. Here’s what to do:

  • No moisture listed?
    Use an estimate based on food type:
     
    • Kibble: 10–12%
    • Canned: 75–80%
    • Raw: 70–80%
    • Freeze-dried/air-dried: 5–20%
       
  • No ash listed?
    The calculator automatically uses 8% ash as a default. This is a widely accepted average found in veterinary nutrition literature and pet food analyses.
     

🧪 Note: Most label values are minimums or maximums—not exact amounts. This means carbohydrate results are estimates, but the method used is still accurate enough to expose major nutritional trends and imbalances.
 

🔬 How the Calculator Works

1. Dry Matter Conversion

Formula:
DM % = (Nutrient % ÷ (100 – Moisture %)) × 100

Example:
If protein = 10%, moisture = 75%
→ (10 ÷ 25) × 100 = 40% protein (DMB)


2. Estimated Carbohydrates

Pet food companies aren’t required to list carbs, so this tool calculates them by difference—a veterinary-standard method:

Carbs (DMB) = 100 – (Protein + Fat + Fiber + Ash)


If ash isn’t listed on the label, the calculator defaults to 8%, which reflects published averages across commercial diets.


📌 Note: Carbohydrate values are estimates unless lab-tested. But this method is widely used in clinical nutrition, and it provides a reliable, science-based approximation.
 

⚠️ High Carbs Can Be a Red Flag

Many dry pet foods exceed 40% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis—far above what dogs or cats would naturally consume. In nature, the average wild prey diet is under 10% carbs (DMB).

Yet some “premium” brands push those levels even higher to cut costs, improve texture, or extend shelf life—not to support health.

Dogs and cats have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates.
High-carb diets are linked to obesity, inflammation, metabolic stress, and chronic disease.


 

🧠 Why This Tool Exists

Understanding what’s in your pet’s bowl shouldn’t require a PhD—or blind trust.

Whether you're evaluating:


  • Obesity, diabetes, or insulin resistance
  • Chronic itching or skin inflammation
  • Digestive issues or food sensitivities
  • Kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease
     

…you need a clear view of the nutrients, not just what’s printed on the label. This tool helps you cut through the fog and make science-based feeding decisions.


🙌 Built for Clarity, Not Commerce

This calculator was created by Purrs McBarkin’, LLC, an independent pet nutrition resource in Hartsville, South Carolina. No sponsors. No marketing dollars.



📜 Legal Notice

This calculator and all related content are the property of Purrs McBarkin’, LLC. Reproduction, redistribution, or use for commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission.


Your pets deserve better than guesswork. This is where better begins.


© Purrs McBarkin’, LLC. All rights reserved.

 Learn the truth about animal vs. plant proteins in pet food in our Know Your Proteins guide. 

  

📌 Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Every pet is unique, and the content presented here should not be used to diagnose or treat health conditions. Please consult a qualified veterinary professional for personalized care.


🐾 Purrs McBarkin' – The Best Natural Pet Store in Hartsville, SC 

for Dogs & Cats

 Located in the heart of Hartsville, South Carolina (in Darlington County),  Purrs McBarkin' is your trusted source for premium, species-appropriate dog and cat food, treats, supplements, and pet supplies. Every product is hand-selected with care, prioritizing nutrition, safety, and quality over big-brand trends—because your pet deserves the best.

We proudly carry Farmina N&D, Fromm, Victor, Small Batch, and more top-quality pet food brands to support raw, grain-free, high-protein, and holistic pet diets. Whether you’re looking for the best pet food for allergies, senior pet nutrition, or premium raw pet food options, 

we're here to help.

📍 Visit Us

📍  126 East Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550


📞 Phone: (843) 917-0089
📧 Email: purrsmcbarkin@yahoo.com

🕒 Store Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday & Monday: Closed

🔹 Learn more about our mission | 🔹 Read our latest pet care tips

💬 Stay Connected

Get expert pet nutrition advice, product updates, and community news!
Follow Purrs McBarkin' on Facebook 


🛍️  Shop Local in Hartsville, SC – Your Independent Pet Supply Store! 

 Since 2021, Purrs McBarkin' has been Hartsville’s go-to destination for natural pet products, holistic nutrition, and expert pet care guidance. Proudly United States Armed Forces Veteran-Owned & Operated, the store is led by a certified canine and feline nutritionist, dedicated to helping pets thrive with the highest-quality nutrition available. 


🔎 Commitment to Transparency & Quality

At Purrs McBarkin’, decisions aren’t driven by corporate deals, profit margins, or trendy marketing tactics—

they’re made with one question in mind:
👉 “Is this truly the best for your pet?”


We do not “partner” with pet food manufacturers, nor do we accept sponsorships or financial incentives. Every product on our shelves is there because it has earned its place—chosen with integrity, backed by quality, and free from industry influence. No compromises. No shortcuts. Just the absolute best for your pets—like it should be.

Because your trust, and their health, are priceless.


♿ Accessibility Statement

Purrs McBarkin’, LLC is committed to creating an inclusive experience for people with disabilities. If you need assistance, please call: 

 📞 (843) 917-0089 or email purrsmcbarkin@yahoo.com.


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Closed: Aug. 10 through Aug. 18

 I’ll be out of the store attending SuperZoo in Las Vegas from August 10 through August 18, so Purrs McBarkin’ will be closed during that time. I can’t wait to bring back the latest nutrition insights and exciting new products for your furry friends.

I’ll be back behind the counter on Tuesday, August 19th.
Thanks for your support — see you then!
—Dave