What is low-fat for dogs?

What does low-fat actually mean for dogs?

Dog labels are quite possibly one of the most confusing things I have read and can be incredibly confusing, especially if your dog has special dietary needs. 

Finding low-fat treats is just as confusing because when loose items are sold in shops, not many, if any, businesses have analytical constituents information available. 

For dogs with conditions such as Pancreatitis, it is often recommended by vets for them to have a low-fat diet. Only the other day I asked my vet what a low-fat diet is, what % of fat, and his response was, "I am not really sure" Well, if he doesn't know, we don't have a chance. 

It is recommended that below 10% fat on a  Dry Matter Basis (DMB) is recommended; however, every individual situation should be discussed with your vet first. 

Even more confused: low-fat and now DMB. Well, let me explain: Dry Matter Basis (DMB) is a way of comparing pet food/treats once all moisture has been removed.  

DMB shows the true concentration of nutrients in the food once all moisture has been removed. 

Why is DMB important?

A wet food may appear to contain less protein than a dry food, but that's often because it contains much more water.

For example:

• Dry kibble: 25% protein, 10% moisture
• Raw food: 18% protein, 70% moisture

At first glance, the kibble looks much higher in protein. However, after removing the water and comparing on a dry matter basis, the raw food may actually contain more protein.

How to calculate Dry Matter Basis

DMB (%) = (Nutrient % ÷ Dry Matter %) × 100

 

Where:

Dry Matter % = 100 − Moisture %

 

Example  - a natural treat contains

Protein 40%

Fat 10%

Moisture 8%

 

Step 1 - Calculate Dry Matter

100- Moisture Content 8% = 92% Dry Matter

 

Step 2 - Calculate Protein (DMB)

Protein 40 x 92  )Answer to Step 1) x 100 = 43.5% Protein (DMB)

 

Step 3 - Calculate Fat

Fat 10 / 92% DMB X 100 = 10.9% DMB

Why DMB is useful for natural dog treats

Using Dry Matter Basis allows you to:

• Compare different treats fairly, regardless of moisture content.
• Compare air-dried, dehydrated, baked, raw, freeze-dried, and wet foods on an equal basis.
• Better assess protein, fat, fibre, and mineral levels.
• Make more informed choices for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Quick comparison - 

As Fed refers to the nutritional content of a pet food or treat exactly as it is sold and fed to your dog, including its moisture (water) content.

Although the raw treat appears to have only 25% protein on the label, once the water is removed, it actually contains 71.4% protein on a dry matter basis.

In short, Dry Matter Basis is the most accurate way to compare the nutritional value of different pet foods and treats because it removes the effect of moisture.

Dogs that may need lower fat diets

Pancreatitis

Weigh management 

Sensitive tummies

 

Mistakes I made and many owners make

• Assuming chicken and fish are low-fat
• Feeding low-fat meals, but not checking the content of treats
• Only checking 'as fed' nutritional value
• Adding treats value into the overall food allowance   (example - Food allowance 250g - breakfast 250g, treats throughout the day 50g, the dog has now had 50g more than they should have - feed the dog 200g and add the treat value to their allowance. 

Final thoughts

One size does not fit all; each dog has different needs, even if they are on the same dietary requirements.

Always check the full nutritional values

Try to convert food/treat to DMB

Always transition food gradually