Analytical constituents
Analytical constituents are the declared contents of certain fractions in the finished feed. For dog and cat food they are crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat and crude ash (Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, Annex VII).
Is "crude ash" an added ingredient?
No. It is one of the four mandatory items of the analytical declaration, not a raw material added to the food.
What about mineral feed?
Complementary mineral feed for dogs and cats declares calcium, sodium and phosphorus instead.
When is moisture declared?
When it exceeds the thresholds in Annex I; for most feed the threshold is 14%. When comparing dry and wet food, allow for the difference in moisture.
Sources
Guide: How to read a dog and cat food label: a guide to Regulation (EC) No 767/2009
Educational information about the rules, not veterinary advice.