Based on The Cornell Book of Cats Nutrition Information*
I developed
this "calculator" because I became frustrated that pet foods don't list
the carbohydrates in their "Guaranteed Analysis", and diabetic cats are
very sensitive to the carbohydrates in their diet. I think you'll be
amazed if you compare the carbohydrate content of different foods -- I
know I was. I assume it works to calculate the carbohydrates in dog food, too, but I don’t have a dog.
(To see calculations for a variety of common cat foods, click here.)
To use:
- Read the "Guaranteed Analysis" statement on the package of cat food, and use the *yellow* boxes to enter
the protein, fat, fiber, and moisture percentages from the
label. If "ash" is listed, or if any other minerals add up to more than
1%, enter the total in the yellow box for Ash.
- Don't worry about the fact that the
percentages are listed as "minimum" or "maximum" - just enter the
numbers. The actual analysis is supposed to be within a percent or two
of what they list. But if you get weird results, like negative values
for carbohydrates, this inaccuracy in the guaranteed analysis is why.
- Click "Calculate"
- Read the percentage of carbs in the food, the calories per 100g of food, and the calories per ounce of food, based on the numbers you entered. If you get a negative number for Carbohydrates, it’s because of the “minimum” and “maximum” ranges of the numbers you entered. It just means it’s a very low-carbohydrate food, but we can’t tell how low because of the rough percentages of nutrients provided on the label.
* Note about Carbohydrates: Dry Matter Carbohydrates are a more accurate measure of the carbs that your cat consumes, and are also important for comparing wet food to dry, so I've added them to the calculations.
Disclaimer: This calculator is NOT meant to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any medical condition in your pets. I am NOT a veterinarian or other medical professional, and this calculator only does the math on the numbers you enter, so I cannot be responsible for the results. Please make sure that your pets get regular veterinary care!