Why Is Calculated Calories Lower Than Tested Pet Food

Understanding the difference between calculated and tested calories in pet food is crucial for ensuring your pet’s nutritional needs are met. This calculator helps you understand and bridge this gap.

1. Enter the percentage of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the pet food.
2. Enter the calorie density of the food in kcal/g.
3. Click ‘Calculate’ to see the calculated calories and a comparison with tested values.

The calculator uses the following formula to calculate calories:

Calculated Calories = (Protein % * 3.5) + (Fat % * 8.5) + (Carbs % * 3.5) + Calorie Density

The tested values are compared to these calculated values.

Comparison of Calculated and Tested Calories in Dry Dog Food

Brand	Calculated Calories	Tested Calories	Difference

Comparison of Calculated and Tested Calories in Wet Cat Food

• Always round to the nearest whole number when entering percentages.
• Consider using a combination of calculated and tested values for the most accurate feeding guidelines.

Why do calculated and tested calories differ?

Calculated calories are based on the macronutrient composition of the food, while tested calories are measured in a laboratory. The two methods can differ due to factors like moisture content and the way energy is stored in the food.

For more information, see the FDA’s guide to feeding pets safely and the AVMA’s guide to understanding pet food labels.