Ensuring the quality of food for pets has become an increasingly significant concern for both pet owners and manufacturers alike. Between 2013 and 2018, nearly 7 million domestic animals were registered in Brazil, according to IBGE and Instituto Pet Brasil. This report also highlighted the growing preference for dogs, with over 54 million dogs across the country. However, it was the number of cats that showed the most significant increase during the period, with more than 23 million cats recorded in Brazil by 2018.
These figures reflect the expanding population of domestic animals in Brazil and underscore the growth of the pet products industry, which contributed more than R$ 34 billion to the economy in 2018 alone. Of this amount, over R$ 15 billion was spent solely on pet food!
The potential for pet food producers to capitalize on this market is clear. However, offering products that ensure quality nutrition is equally critical. Pet owners are increasingly willing to spend more money on their furry companions, seeking out food that supports their pets' health and well-being.
To create and deliver appropriate pet food that contributes to the health and happiness of dogs and cats, meticulous care is required. Manufacturers must understand the unique nutritional needs of each species and select the best ingredients to ensure a balanced diet. Options range from beef, chicken, and fish to cereals, vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Below, we explore the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats, emphasizing how these needs should inform the formulation of pet food.
**Dogs' Nutritional Needs**
Like all domesticated animals, dogs require a balanced diet to live a healthy life. Here are the key components of a dog's diet:
- **Protein**: Essential for building muscle tissues, transporting substances, and enhancing immune function. Protein can be sourced from both plant and animal origins (with animal-based protein having a higher biological value).
During puppyhood, dogs need more protein to support growth. As they age and typically lose muscle mass, they require additional protein to compensate. For instance, puppies weighing up to 5 kg need about 56g of protein daily, while adult dogs weighing around 15 kg should consume approximately 25g of protein. Elderly dogs may benefit from higher protein content, around 75g per 1000 kcal.
- **Fats**: Critical for maintaining healthy skin and fur, supporting brain and vision development, and playing a structural role in cells.
Puppies fed low-fat diets often develop dry, thick hair and skin and are more prone to infections. Dogs up to 15 kg should consume around 14g of fats daily. For older dogs, who metabolize food less efficiently, diets lower in fat and calories are essential to prevent obesity.
Animal-derived oils, such as poultry oil and pig fat, are excellent lipid sources for dog food. These ingredients are highly digestible and palatable, ensuring the pet receives necessary fatty acids.
- **Carbohydrates**: The primary energy source in dog food, applicable throughout all stages of life.
According to guidelines, puppies up to 5 kg need 990 kcal/day, active adult dogs weighing about 20 kg require 1353 kcal/day, and active elderly dogs of the same weight need 1093 kcal/day.
- **Fiber**: Ensures proper intestinal function. Dogs with digestive issues, such as constipation, may require a higher fiber intake.
Adult dogs can include up to 50% carbohydrates in their diet, with 2.5 to 4.5% being fiber. At least 5.5% of the diet should come from fats, and 10% from proteins.
- **Vitamins**: Vital for overall health, vision, skin, antioxidant activity, and blood clotting.
Essential vitamins include A (379 µg), D (3.4 µg), E (8 mg), and thiamine (0.56 mg). Deficiencies can lead to various health issues, such as skeletal muscle rupture, reproductive failure, and neurological damage.
- **Minerals**: Involved in metabolic reactions, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and bone health.
Calcium (1.0 g) and phosphorus (0.75 g) are crucial for strong bones and teeth. Other necessary minerals include magnesium (150 mg), potassium (1.0 g), and sodium (200 mg).
**Cats' Nutritional Needs**
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning most of their nutrients must come from animal sources. Their ideal diet includes:
- **Protein**: Essential amino acids are vital for synthesizing antibodies, enzymes, hormones, tissues, and maintaining an appropriate pH balance.
Animal protein sources, such as poultry, beef, fish, and eggs, are more digestible for cats. Taurine, an essential amino acid, helps prevent eye and heart diseases. Kittens need between 35 and 56 mg daily, while adult cats require around 10g of protein per day.
- **Fat**: Important for cell integrity and metabolic regulation, contributing to shiny fur and improving food palatability.
Cats benefit from essential fatty acids like those in the omega-3 family. Kittens should consume 4g of fat daily, while adult cats need around 5.5g.
- **Carbohydrates**: Not a dietary necessity if protein and fat levels are sufficient.
Cats can derive energy from glycogenic amino acids and glycerol, making carbohydrates unnecessary.
- **Minerals and Vitamins**: Essential for physiological functions, including enzyme formation, pH balance, and nutrient absorption.
Understanding these nutritional needs is crucial for producing high-quality pet food. Ingredients like poultry meal, pork crackling meal, and feather meal offer valuable nutrients and contribute to digestibility and palatability. By selecting reliable suppliers and prioritizing quality, manufacturers can ensure their products promote the health and well-being of pets.
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