Comprehensive microbiological evaluation of dry foods for growing dogs marketed in Poland

Comprehensive microbiological evaluation of dry foods for growing dogs marketed in Poland. Microbiological safety is one of the most important parts of qualitative assessment and monitoring of commercially available products intended for canine nutrition. Twenty commercial dry dog foods formulated for growing dogs were surveyed for the prevalence of bacterial contamination. To assess total plate counts of mesophilic strains, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae family and Enterococcus ISO standards were applied. Moreover, the presence of major pathogenic bacteria was evaluated. The growth of molds was detected in five products. Enterobacteriaceae strains were identified in 12 examined foods. Escherichia coli was identified in four samples. Half of the analyzed foods showed apparent presence of enterococci. All analyzed samples were free from Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Listeria spp. contamination. During microscopic confirmation of suspicious colonies Bacillus spp. were identified in seven products. The results of our pilot study allowed to conclude that the principles of good manufacturing practice and hygienic regime were generally respected during factory processing, resulting in a relative low risk, with a clear necessity for continued control.