Occurrence of mycotoxins in different types of commercial dry dog food

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the presence and the level of contamination of the most important mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and zearalenone) in 6 samples of extruded dry dog food found on the Romanian market. Analyses were performed by ELISA method using the test RIDASCREEN®. Although the concentrations of mycotoxin in all samples proved to respect the European legislation, with regards to animal feed, the analyses revealed a presence of aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. These results revealed the need for further investigation into the potential risk derivind from chronic exposure to low doses of different types of mycotoxins that pet are currently exposed.