СHARACTERISTICS OF DIETARY FEEDS FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Complete and complementary dietary feeds are feeds intended for special nutritional purposes and used when the nutritional needs of the animal's body are met. The labeling of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes must contain the word "dietary". Their composition is balanced by proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and other pharmacologically active components that affect the digestive processes, excretion or prevention of kidney stones, strengthening joint tissue, suspending allergic reactions, renal dysfunction, liver, promote recovery from stress, etc. The article describes the characteristics of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes for pets, that are imported or the domestic products, which are authorized in Ukraine for the period 2015-2019. The names of finished feed products, in addition to trademarks, reflect the animal species and purpose, depending on the identified abnormalities in their health, which determines the special purpose for their use. According to the authorized products list, the largest number of names falls on dietary foods for pets used in kidney disease and kidney stones (70), digestive disorders (51) and allergies (37). A significant number (28) are low-calorie diets for overweight cats and dogs. The share occupied by certain groups of complete feeds by purpose meets the needs of the domestic market of complete dietary feeds for pets. This distribution of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes helps to ensure proper care for pets of different ages and breeds that are prone to disease. Feeds entering the market in Ukraine meet the requirements of national regulations and the main safety criteria of the European Federation of Animal Feed Manufacturers (FEDIAF) and the ISO standard 22 000: 2005. According to scientific research, the most common groups of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes for pets are described; the characteristics of the main feed ingredients in the formulas, and substantiated their function as a part of nutrition at special nutritional purposes of the animal's body.