Residual de antioxidantes sintéticos e índice de peróxido em alimentos comerciais para cães e gatos

Abstract

Synthetic antioxidants are used by pet food industry, allowing greater safety and nutritional quality of the products. To meet market demands, we have observed products classified as natural, which have a proposal to maintain the stability of the food without the addition of synthetic antioxidants. This study determined the levels of acid hydrolyzed ether extract (EAE), residual concentration of synthetic antioxidants (BHA, BHT, TBHQ e Ethoxyquim) and peroxide index (PI) of 83 foods for dogs and cats classified as "Economical", "Premium", "Super Premium" and "Natural". The results were submitted to ANOVA and the means were compared by Tukey test (p<0,05). Significant differences were found in EAE and BHA residual (p<0,001), with higher levels in the Super Premium and Natural category. The total residual antioxidants (TRA) was higher in the Super Premium and Natural categories (p<0,05). The Natural category presented higher PI (p=0,021). Synthetic antioxidant levels were in accordance with national legislation. The Economic and Premium products presented lower levels of EAE and RTA. The Super Premium segment has higher levels of EAE and higher RTA. The Natural category presented on its composition similar amount of synthetic antioxidants to Super Premium foods, but presented the highest PI among the categories evaluated.