How to read the calorie line on a pet food label

The calorie content statement

AAFCO asks a pet food label to state its “Calorie Content” in kilocalories of metabolizable energy (kcal ME) per kilogram as fed, and also per familiar unit: a cup, a can or a piece. Look for a line such as “3,600 kcal/kg (360 kcal/cup)”.

In the calculators, pick the unit your label gives (per cup, per kilogram or per can) and type the number. The calculator divides your pet’s daily calories by it.

As fed, not dry matter

The calorie line is as fed: it counts the food as it comes out of the bag or can, water included. Use it as printed rather than converting percentages from the guaranteed analysis.

When a label has no calorie line

AAFCO’s modified Atwater estimate gives kcal per kg as (3.5 × crude protein % + 8.5 × crude fat % + 3.5 × NFE %) × 10, where NFE (nitrogen-free extract) is 100 minus protein, fat, fiber, moisture and ash.

For example, with 26% protein, 15% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture and 7% ash (made-up numbers, not a product), NFE is 38% and the estimate is (91 + 127.5 + 133) × 10 = 3,515 kcal per kg.

This is an estimate. The guaranteed analysis gives minimums and maximums, not averages, so the real figure can differ. Ask the maker for the calorie content, which AAFCO says the label should state.

Treats count

Complete and balanced food should be at least 90% of what a pet eats, and treats and everything else at most 10% (AAHA, 2021). The calculators show the 10% as a number of calories.