Pet food is rich in nutrients and contains a certain amount of moisture. If stored improperly or exposed to dampness, it is easily invaded by microorganisms, leading to spoilage and mold. Pets consuming moldy and spoiled pet food often suffer poisoning, which can be fatal within just a few hours.

Figure 1: Severely moldy pet food

　　After observing and analyzing Figure 1, mold colonies on the surface of the food can be seen, including blue mold colonies with white edges, mold colonies topped with black spores, and yellow mold, etc., indicating a variety of mold species. Careful observation shows that white, blue, green, yellow, and black spots on the pet food surface are mainly Penicillium and Aspergillus.
　　Penicillium: A genus widely distributed in the class Ascomycetes, related to Aspergillus, with over two hundred species. The representative species is greenish-gray Penicillium.
　　Aspergillus: Aspergillus flavus, a semi-knowledge fungus and a common saprophytic fungus, often found on damp and moldy major feed granules, pet snacks, and other moldy organic matter. After pets consume it, it mainly causes liver damage, and the severity depends on species, age, gender, and nutritional status of the affected individual. Research shows that aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus can lead to decreased liver function (using Aspergillus flavus as an example).

Figure 2 Aspergillus flavus colonies

Figure 3 Aspergillus

　　Points to note to prevent pet food mold or prevent pets from eating mold and being poisoned:
　　1. Strictly control the moisture content standards corresponding to different types of pet food; generally, dry food moisture content ≤12%; meat snacks moisture content ≤30%; wet canned food moisture content ≤85%, etc.

Dry food

Snacks

　　2. Add pure natural antifungal agents within safe dosage levels to pet food;

Pure natural antifungal agent

　　3. During storage, pay attention to ventilation, moisture prevention, and avoid direct sunlight;
　　4. Once signs of spoilage or mold appear in pet food, immediately stop feeding the pet;

Reject moldy food