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Fatty Acid Analysis and Stability of Selected Edible Oils Used in Homemade Pet Diets
Jennifer A Larsen1, Jonathan Stockman2, Xueqi Li3
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis, California, USA.
Background:
Edible oils often are included in recipes for home-prepared pet diets to supply essential fatty acids, but there may be discrepancies between database values and oil profiles. Furthermore, storage time and conditions influence quality.
Hypothesis/Objectives:
Determine the fatty acid profiles of commonly used oils and characterize fatty acid oxidation under recommended storage conditions.
Samples:
Fourteen products were purchased and stored according to label instructions, representing 2 brands each of walnut, corn, canola, and flaxseed oils, and 3 each of safflower and sunflower oils.
Methods:
Samples were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months and stored at -80°C until analysis. Aliquots were analyzed for fatty acid profile at baseline and 12 months, and at all 3 timepoints for free fatty acidity, peroxide value, and induction time.
Results:
Linoleic acid concentrations exceeded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) values except for 2/3 sunflower and 1/3 safflower oil samples. Peroxide value was static for 3/14 products and significantly increased at 6 or 12 months for 11/14 products. Induction time was static for 2/14 products and significantly decreased at 6 or 12 months for 12/14 products.
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Sunflower and safflower oils are not reliable sources of linoleic acid. Cold storage appeared to better maintain oil quality. Oils for home-prepared pet foods should be carefully selected to ensure nutritional adequacy and refrigerated to maintain quality, especially those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, high omega-6:omega-3 ratios, or both.
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