Analytical constituents explained - Crude fat, crude protein… but what does that actually mean?

A lesson in deciphering labels, without a lab coat (and with Marley & Raven as sidekicks)

You know that moment? You're standing with a bag of dog treats in your hand—your dog is looking at you pleadingly—and then you read: "Crude protein 68%, crude fat 4%, crude ash 6%." And somewhere in your head, a little voice says: "Um... sorry, crude ash? Did I accidentally buy barbecue charcoal?"

You're not alone. I once wondered if I was accidentally feeding Marley a mixture of sports powder and charcoal. Until I looked into it—because, well, that's what happens when you start an online store selling sustainable dog treats. Suddenly, you delve into the wonderful world of analytical ingredients .

Sounds exciting, but it's actually just a fancy word for: "what's really in that snack."

What exactly are analytical constituents?

Manufacturers are required to list the contents of a product. Not just the ingredients ("chicken, fish, love"), but also the nutritional value—what they call analytical constituents. It's a kind of nutrition passport: how much protein, fat, fiber, ash, and moisture is in that snack.

Those numbers say more than you think. They don't just tell you whether something is healthy, but also what type of dog it's suitable for . Think of it as the dog version of a nutritional value table we know from the products we consume ourselves.

How are those components measured?

Okay, this is the nerdy part—but still fun to know. To determine how much protein, fat, or ash a snack contains, the product is literally experimented on in a laboratory.

In short, it goes like this:

• A sample of the snack is taken and dried or burned.

• The remaining material is analyzed — what evaporates, what remains, and what nitrogen, fat, or minerals are present.

• The percentages are calculated on this basis.

For example:

• Crude protein is measured using the Kjeldahl method : the nitrogen content is determined and converted into protein.

• Crude fat via solvent extraction (think of a kind of grease wash).

• Crude ash is obtained by burning the sample at approximately 550°C; what remains are the minerals.

• Moisture by drying it until everything that can evaporate is gone.

The result: an accurate overview of what's actually in the snack. It might sound a bit technical, but it gives you—and us—the assurance that what's on the packaging is actually accurate.

The top five values ​​explained

1. Crude protein

Protein provides amino acids – the foundation for growth, muscle maintenance, coat, skin, and energy. It's the muscle builder among nutrients. Protein promotes growth, recovery, energy, and a shiny coat. A high percentage means plenty of nutrients – but quality counts. Protein from chicken, beef, or fish is more easily absorbed than protein from plant sources.

High values ​​(e.g., 60–85%) → This is usually a sign of pure meat or fish. The higher the value, the more concentrated the animal matter. Consider products that have been slowly dried, such as meat strips or fish sausages. Good sign : natural product, low moisture, high nutritional density.

Low value (below 40%) → May indicate vegetable additives, fillers, or increased moisture in the product. Not necessarily bad, but often less nutritious or intended more as a "treat." Not a disaster, but it says something about the purpose of the product: is it a nutritious snack or a tasty reward?

What to look for: High is good, but extremely high (>85%) can also mean the product is very dry or hard. Quality matters more than quantity: animal protein is much more absorbable than plant-based.

Quality check : Does it say "100% meat" and yet the protein percentage is low? → Then it's either very moist or not quite 100%. Does it say "with chicken" and the protein is less than 40%? → Then it probably contains more starch than chicken.

2. Crude fat

Fat isn't the enemy—it's your dog's flavor enhancer and energy source. Fat also acts as a carrier for vitamins A, D, E, and K. Good fats (like omega-3 from fish) keep the skin and coat healthy and contribute to that happy look after a snack.

High value (e.g. 15–30%) → A rich, energy-rich product. Think oily fish, lamb, or liver. Ideal for active dogs or dogs that could use some weight gain. However, too much fat may be less suitable for overweight dogs or dogs with sensitive intestines.

Low value (below 5%) → Easier to digest and often leaner. Perfect for dogs that gain weight quickly or are sensitive to fat. Usually lean meat (such as chicken or horse) or products that are deliberately low in fat. Perfect for overweight dogs, sensitive stomachs, or pancreatic problems.

What to watch out for: Too little fat (0-1%) = can be dry, tasteless, and less nutritious. Too much fat (over 25%) = caution in dogs with pancreatic problems.

Quality check : A good product has natural fat, not added oil to mask the flavor. Fat from the ingredient itself (fish, meat) is better than added fat (vegetable oil).

3. Crude ash

No, not barbecue charcoal. Ash is simply what's left after you burn the snack in the lab: it's the minerals. A little ash means there's bone, shell, or cartilage in it—rich in calcium and phosphorus. Too much isn't necessary, but a little ash is part of a natural product.

High value (above 10%) → Indicates that the product is rich in bone, cartilage, or shellfish—thus, many natural minerals. This can be fine, as long as it's balanced. Too much bone (as in some hard chews) can make stools somewhat harder.

Low value (below 5%) → Characteristic of boneless, meat-rich products – for example, dried muscle meat snacks or fish fillet.

What to look for: Higher ash content = rich in minerals, but can be difficult on the digestive system in sensitive dogs. Lower ash content = often leaner, but less calcium-rich.

Quality check: A slightly higher ash value is good for natural snacks, but extremely high (>15%) can mean the product contains a lot of “waste material” — bone meal or offal instead of real meat.

4. Crude fiber

In other words: fiber. Not sexy, but essential. It ensures that everything flows smoothly through the digestive system. A little fiber is good; too much makes a snack less nutritious.

High value (above 5%) → May indicate plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, fruit, or herbs. Good for the gut, but too much can reduce nutrient absorption.

Low value (under 1%) → Meat-rich snacks without additives. Highly digestible, but sometimes less beneficial for dogs who benefit from some extra fiber.

What to watch out for: Dogs with sensitive guts often benefit from a little fiber. Too much fiber? Then you'll often see it literally in their... output. 💩

Quality check: Too much fiber = often cheap filler. A little fiber = great for gut health. Check the ingredients: is it pumpkin or cellulose powder? That makes a world of difference.

5. Moisture

It simply indicates how much water a product contains. Dried snacks have a low moisture content—making them more concentrated, nutritious, and with a longer shelf life. Fresh meat or sausages, on the other hand, contain a lot of moisture; that's fine, as long as it suits the snack's purpose.

High value (above 50%) → Typically used in fresh meat, sausages, or wet food. Less concentrated, but tastier and often easier to digest.

Low value (under 10%) → Characteristic of air-dried snacks or freeze-dried products. Nutrients are concentrated, so you need less.

What to look for : The drier, the longer the shelf life. The wetter, the fresher – but therefore also the shorter the shelf life.

Quality check : Low protein content with high moisture? Then it's simply diluted. High protein content with low moisture? Then you have concentrated quality.

From now on you can read the label like a real pro

Let's put it all in a nutshell: how to read analytical components like a pro.
This chart shows what high and low values ​​mean, and what to look for when choosing a healthy, high-quality snack.

And there you have it—the secret language of the label, deciphered. Those numbers aren't abracadabra, but simply an honest look at what your dog is actually eating. The higher the protein and the more natural the ratios, the closer you are to pure, nutritious quality. And the more added junk or extreme values, the further you stray from what a dog actually needs.

So the next time you're holding a bag of treats, read this. Not with suspicion, but with knowledge. Because whoever understands what goes into the food bowl makes choices based on love—not marketing. 💚

Marley says knowledge is power. Raven says knowledge makes you hungry. Both are right.