# Comparison of Key Nutrient Content of Commercial Puppy Foods with Canine Dietary Requirements
## 4 Discussion  
Compliance with the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines assists manufacturers in ensuring that their products supply dogs with the necessary nutrients for optimal health and vitality. The FEDIAF nutritional guidelines take into account the different dietary requirements of dogs at different life stages, allowing manufacturers to develop specific diets that promote growth, energy levels and overall health. Pet owners aim to make the right nutritional choices for their pets, and products that meet recognized industry standards provide them with a sense of confidence and reliability. Failure to comply with the FEDIAF regulations may cause an imbalance in the nutritional composition of pet foods, leading to deficiencies or excessive amounts of key nutrients. Unbalanced diets can result in nutritional deficiencies or health issues for dogs [59, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73]. Several studies aim to evaluate the nutritional value of dry and moist foods for adult and growing dogs. These studies reveal inconsistencies in the actual contents of certain ingredients when compared to FEDIAF or AAFCO nutritional guidelines. [PERSON] et al. [55] analyzed the results of selected dog foods and compared them to the nutrient values declared on the product packaging. The study found that none of the samples were within \(\pm 5\%\) of the stated crude fat concentration. Furthermore, certain samples only partially matched the declared crude protein and crude fiber values. Proteins are crucial for tissue, organ, muscle and cell growth, making them especially important during the growth phase of a puppy's life for the formation of new tissues and the repair of damaged tissues. Insufficient intake leads to reduced protein turnover and progressive reduction in lean body mass, especially in older dogs [74, 75]. Fat serves crucial functions, not only providing energy, but also constructing cell membranes and contributing to diverse cellular processes. It plays a role in cell signaling, which can impact the immune system and inflammatory response [10, 14, 17]. [PERSON] et al. [76] and [PERSON] et al. [77] found that some feeds analyzed did not contain adequate levels of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. [PERSON] et al. [60] reported inadequate levels of macronutrients such as selenium, copper, potassium and magnesium in the feeds they investigated. The imbalance problem may be more common in diets containing multiple sources of protein than in diets containing a single source of animal protein [78]. Failing to meet minimum requirements for micronutrients and trace elements in dietary intake can lead to a variety of health problems in the future. Insufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus, as well as an abnormal ratio during the body's growth stage, can result in abnormal bone and cartilage tissue development [79]. They can also cause abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system or increase susceptibility to damage [80]. It is not just the balance of the diet that is important for the proper development of a dog, but also the safety of the nutritional products used. [PERSON] et al. [81] demonstrated the presence of mycotoxins in both adult and puppy dog food. Out of 32 samples, only 1 was found to be uncontaminated. [PERSON] et al. [82] showed that in addition to the presence of mold in one food, staphylococci were detected in others. [PERSON] [83] found microbial contamination in feeds with key ingredients such as corn, beets, oils of different origins, rice and wheat. [PERSON] et al. [84] discovered that dry dog food is a suitable habitat for mites during storage. Furthermore, the team detected mites in one sample right after opening,suggesting that the originally unopened food was already contaminated with mites. In [PERSON] et al. 's [85] study, the EU's permissible limits for microbiological contaminants in veterinary feeds were not exceeded, despite their presence.