BOAS PRÁTICAS, CONTROLE DE QUALIDADE E PARÂMETROS MICROBIOLÓGICOS NA FABRICAÇÃO DE RAÇÕES COMERCIAIS PARA CÃES E GATOS

Abstract

The presence of domestic animals in households, such as dogs and cats, is growing and verified in families with different economic and cultural profiles. Thus, there is frequent concern about their quality of life and health conditions. This care involves proper nutrition and quality products. The pet food market offers a range of opportunities for professionals, especially veterinarians. It is a market niche that has adapted to the needs found by people to offer a differentiated diet, which meet particularities such as: difference in dietary balance according to age group, animal size, foods aimed at diabetics, patients with kidney problems, metabolic and others. Above this diversification, the industry needs to pay attention to the quality and biological safety of the feeds offered. This quality control must be observed throughout the entire production chain, from the choice of raw material suppliers, care in production, industrial processes, storage under appropriate conditions of light and temperature, transport and proper conditioning at points of sale. It is also important to consider the period and storage of the final consumer. The offer of dry food to the animals is linked to the practicality for the tutor, who will store and offer them in portions, which are sometimes exposed for hours in ambient conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that throughout this process the food does not suffer microbial contamination, does not promote fungal growth and mycotoxins. These contaminations can lead to food poisoning and various health problems for animals. One of the points of attention in this production must be in relation to the shelf life given to the rations, considering that the fungal microbiota exerts greater influence on conservation throughout the process. The objective of this work is to review microbiological safety parameters, as well as good manufacturing practices and quality standards in commercial pet food for dogs and cats.