Dog food types
What does guaranteed analysis mean on dog food?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
The guaranteed analysis is a panel required on every pet food label listing minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture, giving a standardized way to compare the nutrient content of different products regardless of brand.
What each figure actually represents
Crude protein and crude fat are listed as minimums, meaning the food contains at least that percentage, while crude fiber and moisture are listed as maximums, meaning the food contains no more than that percentage, based on standardized laboratory testing methods.
Why crude does not mean low quality
The word crude refers to the specific testing method used, not the quality of the ingredient, so a high crude protein percentage from a quality named meat source is nutritionally different from the same percentage achieved with low quality protein, even though both would show the same number.
Using it to actually compare products
Because guaranteed analysis is listed on an as-fed basis, which varies with moisture content, converting to a dry matter basis, meaning recalculating percentages with moisture removed, gives a fairer comparison between a wet food and a dry food.
Key takeaways
- Guaranteed analysis lists minimum protein and fat, and maximum fiber and moisture, using standardized testing.
- Crude refers to the test method, not ingredient quality.
- Converting to a dry matter basis allows fair comparison between wet and dry foods with different moisture levels.