Determination of mammalian DNA in commercial canine diets with uncommon and limited ingredients. Issue 1 (29th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fossati, Lara A.; Larsen, Jennifer A.; Villaverde, Cecilia; Fascetti, Andrea J.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary medicine and science. Volume 5:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2018-10-29
• Subjects: adverse food reaction -- limited ingredient -- novel -- PCR analysis -- canine; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Animal Diseases; Veterinary medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1002/vms3.125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1095

Abstract

Abstract: Over‐the‐counter (OTC) limited ingredient canine diets could be reliable alternatives to veterinary therapeutic formulations for the diagnosis and management of adverse food reaction (AFR). However, the possibility of undeclared ingredients jeopardizes the efficacious use of OTC options for medical purposes. The objective was to determine the presence of undeclared ingredients in OTC canine dry diets marketed as limited or single protein source diets. Twenty‐one OTC adult canine diets marketed as limited or single protein source diets were purchased. Multiplex PCR was used to screen for DNA of 10 mammalian species with species‐specific primers that anneal to regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The presence of DNA from one or more species not declared on the label was identified in all 21 diets: cow (Bos taurus ), pig ( Sus scrofa ), sheep ( Ovis sp.), goat ( Capra hircus ) and bison ( Bison bison ). Twenty diets were positive for the declared protein source and one diet was negative for the declared species. Cat ( Felis catus ), dog ( Canis sp .), horse ( Equus sp .), mouse ( Mus musculus ) and rat ( Rattus norvegicus ) DNA was not identified in any samples. The presence of undeclared mammal species in OTC canine dry diets marketed as having limited or single protein source ingredients may complicate AFR diagnosis and treatment. However, PCR can detect a miniscule amount of DNA which might not be clinically significant, because the amount needed to elicit a response is unknown. Quantification of the contamination was not determined in this study, precluding discrimination of intentional adulteration from unavoidable cross‐contamination. Abstract : The aim of this study was to determine the presence of undeclared ingredients of mammal origin in over‐the‐counter canine dry diets marketed as limited ingredient or single protein source diets using Multiplex PCR. The presence of DNA from one or more species not declared on the ingredient list was identified in all 21 diets (bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and bison). The presence of undeclared species in over‐the‐counter canine dry diets marketed as having limited or single protein source ingredients may cause some patients with adverse food reactions to fail elimination diet trials.