The Analysis of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Dried Dog Food Enriched with an Aurantiochytrium limacinum Biomass: Matrix Extension Validation and Verification of AOAC Method 996.06

Abstract

Background Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an important role in brain and retinal development in dogs. However, supranutritional dietary supplementation can result in health issues, including gastrointestinal bleeding, making the accurate analysis of DHA in dog food important for nutritional and welfare regulatory compliance. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a validation and verification of the AOAC 996.06 method, and hence establish its fitness for purpose, for the analysis of DHA in dried dog food supplemented with a heterotrophically grown unextracted DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium limacinum biomass. Methods The AOAC 996.06 method, which involves the use of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC-FID), was used to conduct a validation of the analysis of DHA in dried dog food and the results were verified in a second laboratory. Results The method was found to be linear over the ranges analysed and results were found to be within the acceptance criteria for precision and accuracy, verifying the applicability for this matrix. The selectivity and sensitivity of the method were also determined. Conclusions The AOAC 966.06 method is fit for purpose for the analysis of DHA in dry dog food kibble. Highlights The method can be applied to various dog food samples, supplemented with an unextracted Aurantiochytrium limacinum biomass, using alternative manufacturing methods i.e. pelleted and extruded with no significant matrix effects being observed.

Contaminación de alimento comercial seco para perro por Aspergillus flavus y aflatoxinas en Aguascalientes, México

“…En el caso de los cereales, la contaminación se ha atribuido a la exposición de los cultivos en varias etapas de la producción (floración, cosecha, transporte, procesamiento o almacenamiento) (47) . Estos ingredientes son ampliamente utilizados como fuente de carbohidratos, fibra, proteínas, grasas, minerales y vitaminas (48) ; por otra parte, la harina y el aceite de pescado son productos resultantes del procesamiento de pescados enteros o subproductos (cocción, prensado, deshidratación y molienda) y constituyen una fuente de proteína rica en ácidos grasos de alto valor nutricional (ácido eicosapentaenoico, docosahexaenoico y omega-3) (49) . Estos ingredientes se incluyen en las fórmulas por su bajo costo y porque mantienen un valor nutricional aceptable para la fisiología del perro, además, su inclusión no afecta la palatabilidad y digestibilidad de los nutrientes (38) .…”