Abstract

Among the nutrients in feed, amino acids and minerals are important for the growth and development of pets. In particular, interest in nutritional components related to the health of pets is increasing as pet-raising households and pet food markets have recently grown. Therefore, in this study, 55 pet food products distributed in South Korea were purchased, and the content of 3 essential and conditionally essential amino acids (taurine, lysine, arginine) and 4 minerals (Ca, P, Na, K) was investigated. Among the three amino acids, arginine was found to have the highest content, and the average content was 1.79 and 1.37 % in cat and dog foods, respectively. On the other hand, the taurine content was the lowest, but it was found to be higher than the minimum requirement of 0.10 % for cats set by the American Association for Feed Control (AAFCO) and the European Federation of Pet Food Industries (FEDIAF). As a result of the four-component analysis of minerals, the content of Ca was found to be the highest, and the average content was confirmed to be 1.64 and 1.25 % in cat and dog food, respectively. On the other hand, Na was the lowest, but it was higher than the AAFCO minimum requirement and FEDIAF minimum requirement for young cat and dog food. Among all 55 samples examined, the content of the three amino acids and the four inorganic components was confirmed to be suitable for the recommended minimum intake and maximum allowable intake presented by AAFCO and FEDIAF.