What does the analysis on pet food labelling mean?

The Guaranteed Analysis or Nutrition Statement lists the quantity of nutrients in the food that will be present until the Best By Date on the packaging. They are pretty much the same types for all pet foods but their levels can differ widely depending upon the life-stage diet you chose and whether you chose a dry or wet food.

Protein % - proteins are the primary component of numerous body tissues and the main component of muscle tissue. Protein helps muscle development, increases strength, and improves athletic performance. Proteins also make up the outer layers of hair, nails and skin. Depending on the exercise level and energy demands of your dog you may need a food with higher levels of protein. Hard working dogs, puppies and bitches in pup will require higher level of protein to maintain or promote a healthy body mass. Frank's Pro Gold has a veterinarian formulated diet taking differing levels of work and protein requirement into consideration. Our Chooser will help you select the diet with the correct level of protein four your dog.

Fat % - fats, which are also called lipids, are almost pure energy for the body. Fat also protects organs, plays an insulation role in keeping your pet warm and transports fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K). Again, dogs in hard work that need instant energy reserves, young puppies that are growing quickly and bitches late in pup or with a litter will need higher levels of fat in their diet.

Fibre % - fibre is the name given to a number of substances that are found in the cell walls of plants. They give plants their shape and structure. The fibre in pet food comes from food like cereals and vegetables. Fibre acts a bit like a sponge, soaking up and holding onto water in the bowel promoting the smooth passage of waste through the body. Even though dogs and cats are predominantly carnivores , they still require a level of fibre in their diet to help keep their digestive tract mobile.

Ash % - ash is the proportion of the food that is not destroyed by heat - all other food ingredients are either carbon or moisture in different forms - the remaining ash percentage is the vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintaining life.

Moisture % - just as it sounds, the proportion of the food that is water.