Chemical Composition and Palatability of Nutraceutical Dog Snacks

The aim of this study was to evaluate self-produced nutraceutical treats, taking into account the nutritional preferences dogs, and analyze proximate composition, macrominerals trace elements content. Four variants snacks were prepared—two extruded two baked. consisted wholegrain buckwheat flour, spelt banded cricket meal, dried hemp inflorescences, dry spirulina biomass, linseed (in case baked snacks) guar gum snacks). composition determined according Association Official Analytical Chemists methods. Mineral heavy metal content analyzed by colorimetry mass spectrometry. with a scanning electron microscope. two-bowl test used as palatability test. It should be mentioned that when comparing ones, spaces between starch granules protein less visible in but air bubbles observed suggesting higher expansion. mean level crude fat twice high compared snacks. In total carbohydrates, had analyses showed differences terms magnesium average significantly than Dogs preferred variant difference flour also influenced their preferences—variants richer chosen often. This could probably related bitterness which translated frequent selection dogs. Treats containing insect meal can dog nutrition due good value potential health benefits.