Avaliação de ingredientes convencionais e alternativos em rações de cães e gatos

Abstract

Commercial foods for pets are formulated to meet the specific nutrient requirements to supply the different physiological stages of dogs and cats. The main manipulation occurs in nutrient targets including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals needed to sustain life and optimize the performance of these animals. Thus, the best ingredient, will be partially defined by the purpose of food or product. Further the nutritional requirements intrinsic in each physiological state related to the nutritional management of various pathological conditions, suggested the use of ingredients known as nutraceuticals. Another aspect to be questioned as a key point in the nutrition of dogs and cats is the nature of the sources of ingredients used and their relative bioavailability and digestibility in diets or commercial balanced food for these species, as well as ingredient quality for contamination as microorganisms Salmonella and metabolites produced by fungi as mycotoxins, which are of great importance in animal health. Furthermore, it is of paramount importance in vivo assessment of potential co-products used in animal feed primarily in the manufacture of foods for dogs and cats in order to search for longevity, aesthetics and maintenance of health and welfare of pets.