The Evaluation of Aflatoxin B1 Level in Commercially Dog and cat Foods Offered in Isfahan Province by ELISA Method

Aflatoxins are natural toxins that contaminate various types of food in humans and animals and pose a threat to their health. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of aflatoxin B1 in dry cat and dog food offered in Isfahan province by ELISA method. The samples used in this study included 96 samples including 48 dog food samples from 12 commercially brands and 48 samples from 12 cat food brands that were collected by referring to pet shops in Isfahan. 200 g of sample was taken from each brand and transferred to the laboratory. It was then thoroughly ground in a mixer and tested according to the manufacturer's AFB1 Commercial Ready Kit. The results of the present study showed that the presence of aflatoxin B1 with a concentration range of 24 to 38 ng/g was detectable in the all samples. In addition, all brands showed higher levels of aflatoxin than normal level (20 ng/g). Among the studied dog food brands, no significant difference was observed between foreign and domestic brands, but in the comparison of aflatoxin levels of foreign and domestic brands of cats, the amount of this mycotoxin was higher in domestic brands. Since this mycotoxin affects the health of animals and causes serious disorders in these animals, and considering that in all brands studied in this study, aflatoxin level was higher than the allowable limit. Continuous monitoring of Aflatoxin B1 by dog and cat food industries as well as control of feed imports is essential.