The Values of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Prescription and Non-prescription Dry Cat and Dog Diets in Turkey

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to high doses of certain toxic metals can cause cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects in cats and dogs. This study aimed to determine the levels of potentially toxic elements in various prescription and non-prescription commercial diets for cats and dogs. A total of 84 dry cat diets and 152 dry dog diets were analyzed. Prescription cat diets were subgrouped into digestive ( n = 24) and urinary ( n = 20), while prescription dog diets were categorized as digestive ( n = 28), urinary ( n = 16), hypoallergenic ( n = 20), and joint ( n = 12). Additionally, non-prescription diets from various brands and flavors were included for dogs ( n = 76) and cats ( n = 40). Chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), boron (B), aluminum (Al), and cobalt (Co) concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) (Thermo iCAP 6000 series) at appropriate wavelengths. No significant differences were found in mean As, B, and Co levels between total dog and cat diets ( p > 0.05). However, mean Cr and Al levels were significantly higher in dog diets compared to cat diets ( p < 0.001). Among cat diets, no significant differences were observed for Cr, As, B, Al, or Co ( p > 0.05). In non-prescription dog diets, mean Cr was significantly higher than in urinary group ( p < 0.001). Mean Al levels in digestive, joint, and non-prescription groups were higher than in urinary group ( p < 0.001). The levels of Cr, As, B, Al, and Co in both prescription and non-prescription diets were below the maximum tolerable limits established by FEDIAF, AAFCO, and FDA, indicating no risk of diet-related toxicosis in cats and dogs.

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