Protein Requirement by Species and Life Stage
Growing puppies and kittens need more protein than adults.
- 18%: Adult dog min (AAFCO dry-matter basis)
- 26%: Adult cat min (obligate carnivore need)
- +8–10%: Growth/lactation (above adult maintenance)
- variable: Senior adjustment (kidney status dependent)
Species and life-stage protein need
Placeholder: protein target varies by species, growth stage, and activity level.
Placeholder callout: cats require higher dietary protein than dogs.
Fat Requirement for Energy and Skin Health
Fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient in pet food.
- 5%: Adult dog min (AAFCO dry-matter basis)
- 9%: Adult cat min (AAFCO dry-matter basis)
- linoleic: Essential fatty acids (skin/coat maintenance)
- ~30%: Upper practical cap (palatability & GI limit)
Fat share and essential fatty acids
Placeholder: fat supplies energy and essential fatty acids for coat health.
Placeholder callout: too little fat harms coat and skin condition.
Carbohydrate Role and Tolerance
Carbs are not strictly essential but provide usable energy.
- high: Dog tolerance (flexible digestive adaptation)
- lower: Cat tolerance (obligate carnivore biology)
- 30–50%: Typical dry food (carb remainder share)
- 2–5%: Fiber sub-fraction (supports gut function)
Carbohydrate remainder and tolerance limits
Placeholder: carbohydrate fills the remaining energy after protein and fat.
Placeholder callout: excess carbs can crowd out needed protein.
Balanced Ratio Target Range
A workable diet keeps all three macros inside reference bands.
- 25–40%: Protein band (general maintenance target)
- 12–20%: Fat band (general maintenance target)
- 30–55%: Carb band (derived remainder)
- composite: Balance score (distance from target center)
Target band and balance scoring
Placeholder: balance is scored by closeness to reference macro bands.
Placeholder callout: balanced ratios reduce metabolic strain.
Diet Formulation Feasibility Check
Final check confirms the mix is realistic to manufacture and feed.
- 100%: Sum constraint (protein+fat+carb must total)
- practical: Ingredient limits (sourcing & cost bounds)
- flagged: Palatability risk (extreme ratios reduce intake)
- pass/fail: Final status (feasibility classification)
Feasibility classification of the formulated mix
Placeholder: feasibility checks confirm the ratio can be realistically fed.
Placeholder callout: infeasible mixes need slider readjustment.