Análisis bromatológico de seis alimentos balanceados para Felis catus desde el destete hasta los 12 meses de edad

Abstract

In felines, as in all species, following weaning begins a crucial period for their development, constituting the most important stage for the animal’s adult health, hence it is essential that they receive all necessary nutrients for proper growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bromatological composition of balanced foods available in the Cuenca market intended for ‘Cats’ from weaning to twelve months of age, emphasizing the three categories: standard or generic, premium, and super premium. Six commercial brands were analyzed, with three samples taken from each, determining parameters such as moisture, dry matter, protein, fiber, fat, ash, and organic matter present in each balanced food. The methodology of each assay was established by the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC). Although the comparative study among different categories demonstrated the existence of significant differences in moisture (p=0.0007), dry matter (p=0.0007), fat (p=0.0002), ash (p=0.0013), and organic matter (p=0.0013); the nutrient values of the analyzed balanced foods do not vary greatly according to the category, meaning there is not a large variation between super premium, premium, and standard. Comparative analysis with the nutritional requirement standards established by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) demonstrated that all foods meet the nutritional requirements of cats within the established time period, emphasizing the analytes that this institution emphasizes, protein and fat