How to estimate the real cost of a concentrated kibble?

The real cost of a concentrated kibble is estimated by working out its ration from its density, then its cost per day, and comparing that with a reference kibble. The density gap, not the price per kilo, decides whether concentration produces a saving. In depth ### Start from density, not from price Estimating a concentrated kibble's cost starts with its high density, which reduces the ration. A 430 kcal per 100 g kibble covers a 600 kcal need with about 140 g a day, against 171 g for a 350 kcal per 100 g kibble. That ration gap, carried onto the price per gram, says whether the per-kilo premium is absorbed. The method stays cost per day, applied to both products. Reliability depends on the density datum. Royal Canin Academy explains how to calculate the metabolisable energy of a commercial food, which allows two concentrations to be compared (Royal Canin Academy). Worth knowing: a high density mishandled creates an overdosing risk if the same amount is served as for a less dense food, which cancels the saving and favours overweight. ### Compare against a stable reference The estimate only makes sense in relative terms. The concentrated option is compared with a reference kibble on the same need and the same buying channel, costs included. If the tested density is not provided, the estimate rests on a potentially underestimated calculated value (Petfoodindustry), and the conclusion should stay cautious rather than assertive. Comparison table | Datum | Concentrated kibble | Reference kibble | |---|---|---| | Density (kcal/100 g) | 430 | 350 | | Ration for 600 kcal | about 140 g/day | about 171 g/day | | Basis of comparison | delivered cost per day | delivered cost per day | | Risk to avoid | overdosing if same amount | low density, bigger ration |