Levels of Nutrients and Aflatoxins in Dry and Extruded Food to Cats / Níveis De Nutrientes E Aflatoxinas Em Alimentos Secos E Extrudados Para Gatos

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the composition on the label of dry complete food for adult cats with the nutritional composition determined by chemical analysis, to determine the occurrence of aflatoxins, and to list the most used ingredients. The determined parameters were: crude protein (CP), ether extract in acid hydrolysis (EEA), mineral matter (MM), moisture (MO), crude fiber (CF), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), calculated metabolizable energy (ME) and aflatoxins. In assessing the levels guaranteed on the label, MO, CP, CF, MM and P remained within the range, but with a variation on the limits. The metabolizable energy varied from 3,712 to 4,136 kcal/kg. There was a divergence in the levels of two diets, with Ca above and EE below the values declared on the label in relation to composition obtained by chemical analysis, and both non-compliant in 20% foods tested. Regarding sodium, the diets showed levels 130 -384% higher than stated on the label. Aflatoxin was found in 90% samples from zero to 4.37 ppb. The wide variation observed in the composition within the same super premium segment can cause losses due to the lack or excess of essential nutrients for the animal.