Chemical Evaluation of an Experimental Dog Cooked Feed

Balanced nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining canine health and preventing developmental disorders. Commercially available diets for dogs mainly include dry, wet, and semi-moist formulations. In addition to these, alternative feeding practices such as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) and cooked diets are gaining popularity. However, the primary concern with such alternative regimens is ensuring nutritional balance. In this study, we evaluated a cooked chicken-based diet produced on a HACCP-certified production line, formulated for adult, sterilized dogs of approximately 20 kg body weight (no breed specification). A comprehensive chemical evaluation was performed, including analyses of Protein, Fat, Fiber, Dry Matter, Moisture, Ash and Organic Matter, also Vitamins, Fatty Acids and mineral content in the experimental diet. The results revealed that the majority of nutrients met the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) minimum requirements for adult dog maintenance. However, some important micronutrients such as Vitamins A and D were unable to be determined and elevated choline values were observed. These findings indicate that adjustments in formulation are necessary to achieve optimal nutrient composition and ensure that cooked diets can provide a safe and balanced alternative for canine nutrition. Thus, important methods of specific micronutrients determination should be improved.