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Understanding the Guaranteed Analysis

In short

The guaranteed analysis lists minimum protein and fat and maximum fibre and moisture in a food. It is useful, but it shows guaranteed limits rather than exact amounts, and the high moisture in wet food means you can't compare a can to a kibble directly without thinking in 'dry matter'. Alongside the complete-and-balanced statement, it helps you understand a food — this page explains how to read it.

What the four basic figures mean

  • Crude protein (minimum): the guaranteed least amount of protein, by analysis.
  • Crude fat (minimum): the guaranteed least amount of fat.
  • Crude fibre (maximum): the guaranteed most fibre.
  • Moisture (maximum): the guaranteed most water — very low in dry food, high in wet food.
  • 'Crude' refers to the test method, not the quality of the nutrient.

Why you can't compare wet and dry directly

Moisture is the catch. A canned food can look 'low protein' simply because it is mostly water.

  • Wet foods are high in moisture, which dilutes the percentage figures.
  • To compare fairly, nutritionists convert to a 'dry-matter basis' (removing the water mathematically).
  • As a simpler check, compare foods of the same type (dry to dry, wet to wet).
  • The guaranteed analysis shows limits, not exact values — the complete-and-balanced statement tells you it meets a nutrient profile.

Reading-the-panel checklist

  • Find crude protein and fat (minimums) and fibre and moisture (maximums).
  • Note the moisture level before comparing foods.
  • Compare like with like — dry to dry, wet to wet.
  • Pair the panel with the complete-and-balanced (adequacy) statement.
  • Ask your veterinarian if a specific nutrient level matters for your pet.

What not to assume

  • Do not compare a wet food's percentages directly with a dry food's.
  • Do not assume 'crude' means low quality — it is just the test method.
  • Do not treat the guaranteed minimums/maximums as exact amounts.
  • Do not rely on the panel alone; the adequacy statement signals complete nutrition.

When to ask a veterinarian

Nutrition is individual, and this page cannot assess your specific pet. Ask a licensed veterinarian — ideally before major changes — especially in these situations.

  • Puppies, kittens, pregnancy or nursing, or seniors — life stages with particular needs.
  • Weight concerns, a changing body condition, or any recommended weight-loss or weight-gain plan.
  • Any diagnosed condition or prescription diet (for example kidney, urinary, diabetic, or allergy diets).
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, or refusal to eat that lasts or keeps coming back.
  • Before a major diet change, or if you are considering a raw, vegetarian, or home-prepared diet.

Understanding the Guaranteed Analysis — Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'crude protein' mean?
'Crude' refers to the laboratory method used to estimate protein, not to the protein's quality. 'Crude protein (minimum)' is the guaranteed least amount of protein in the food by that analysis.
Why does canned food look lower in protein than kibble?
Because canned food contains a lot of water, which dilutes the percentages. To compare fairly you convert to a 'dry-matter basis' (removing the moisture mathematically), or simply compare wet foods with other wet foods and dry with dry.
Is the guaranteed analysis enough to judge a food?
It is helpful but not the whole picture. Read it together with the nutritional-adequacy (complete and balanced) statement, which indicates the food is formulated to meet a recognised nutrient profile for a life stage.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative references used for general educational context. External links open in a new tab and these organisations do not endorse FaunaHub. Specific feeding amounts and diet choices depend on the individual animal and should be confirmed with the food label and a licensed veterinarian.