Determination of Moisture and Ash in Pet Food

Determining moisture and ash in pet food is fundamental for quality control, regulatory compliance, and nutritional evaluation. Pet food nutrient guarantees (protein, fat, fiber, etc.) are expressed on an as-fed basis and moisture content affects how these nutrients are calculated. High moisture content often reflects a lower nutrient concentration. To compare different pet food products fairly, nutrients are often converted to a dry matter basis, requiring accurate moisture data. High moisture content in non-canned pet food products can also lead to mold growth, toxin production, and yeast proliferation, which can be detrimental to an animal's health. This is especially important in semi-moist products, fresh/frozen diets, and treats.