Teste de prateleira de rações secas para cães adultos de pequeno porte

Abstract

Currently, owners are increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of their dogs, seeking better quality and safety in their animals' food. The aim of the work was to evaluate the shelf life of Standard, Premium and Super Premium dog food for small breed dogs. The food packages were purchased online, and the accelerated shelf life test was carried out in the Food Analysis laboratory. , both from the Federal Technological University of Paraná – UTFPR Campus Dois Vizinhos – PR. Two different brands from each segment were used, totaling 6 rations, with the purpose of visually identifying whether the samples showed fungal growth, and whether the shelf life corresponds to the expiration date established on the packaging. The results showed that the economical feeds (Standard) did not present any changes in texture, odor or appearance (fungi) within their validity period established by the manufacturer. While Premium and S. Premium rations showed loss of odor and palatability, within the expiration date. In view of the above, it is concluded that only economical feeds (Standard) fully maintain their characteristics, when evaluated in a shelf test.