Ashes, information that must legally appear on the kibble label
On the label of your dog's croquettes or mash there is a box en titled "Average analysis" , "Nutritional analysis" or even "Analytical constituents" in which we find indicated the percentage of raw ash.
In reality, this statement is imposed by European regulation no. 14%) and crude fiber.
These values show the results of the analysis of the composition of the food in the laboratory.
What are ashes?
Contrary to popular belief, raw ashes are not materials added to food. They mainly correspond to the mineral matter contained in the food, in other words to everything that remains after having incinerated the food in the laboratory.
These are therefore trace elements (iron, zinc, cob alt, copper, fluorine, etc.) and minerals such as calcium or phosphorus (among others!) contained in the croquettes or pâtés of your dog.
What does high ash content mean in kibble?
The more a food has a high ash content, the more mineral matter it contains. If trace elements and minerals are essential to ensure various functions within the dog's body, not too much is needed!
Indeed, an excess of mineral intake can be harmful to the dog.We know, for example, that an excess of phosphorus can cause kidney damage and be the cause of urinary pathologies in elderly or sensitive dogs. We also know that too much calcium can cause growth problems in puppies.
What's more, high ash levels go hand in hand with poor quality raw materials. Very often, these are poor quality meat raw materials that are too rich in bones or carcass residues compared to their “good animal protein” content.
Thus, it is important to avoid choosing industrial foods that indicate high levels of raw ash. Always prefer croquettes whose ash content does not exceed 10% and mash which does not exceed 2% raw ash.