Evaluasi Kandungan Protein pada Pakan Kucing Khusus Urinary yang Tersedia Secara Komersial

Shofia Wahdha, Prof. drh. Hastari Wuryastuty, M.Sc., Ph.D.

2025 | Skripsi | KEDOKTERAN HEWAN

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) merupakan salah satu permasalahan kesehatan yang umum terjadi pada kucing, dimana ketidakseimbangan nutrisi, terutama asupan protein yang berlebihan menjadi faktor penyebab yang signifikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi kadar protein kasar dalam pakan kucing khusus urinary yang tersedia secara komersial serta menilai kesesuaian informasi kadar protein yang tercantum pada label produk. Sebanyak sebelas sampel, terdiri dari lima pakan kering dan enam pakan basah, dianalisis menggunakan metode Kjeldahl untuk mengukur kadar protein kasar. Kandungan air dianalisis menggunakan metode gravimetri guna memperoleh kadar protein berbasis bahan kering. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hanya sebagian kecil produk yang memiliki kesesuaian antara kadar protein yang tercantum pada label dengan hasil analisis laboratorium. Seluruh sampel telah memenuhi standar minimal kadar protein untuk kucing dewasa sesuai dengan rekomendasi National Research Council (NRC), American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), dan European Pet Food industry Federation (FEDIAF). Namun demikian, beberapa produk memiliki kadar protein yang melebihi ambang batas yang dianjurkan bagi kucing dengan FLUTD, terutama urolithiasis. Kandungan protein serta mineral yang terlalu tinggi dapat meningkatkan risiko pembentukan urolith, khususnya jenis struvit dan urat. Oleh karena itu, penting untuk memperhatikan kadar protein dalam pakan kucing khusus urinary agar dapat digunakan secara tepat dalam terapi gangguan saluran kemih.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a common health issue in cats, with nutritional imbalances, particularly excessive protein intake, being a significant contributing factor. This study aimed to evaluate the crude protein content in commercially available urinary-specific cat foods and assess the accuracy of the protein information stated on product labels. Eleven samples, consisting of five dry and six wet food products, were analyzed using the Kjeldahl method to determine crude protein content. Moisture content was assessed using the gravimetric method to calculate protein levels on a dry matter basis. The results showed that only a small number of products had protein values on their labels that were consistent with laboratory findings. All samples met the minimum crude protein standards for adult cats recommended by the National Research Council (NRC), the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). However, several products contained protein levels exceeding the recommended thresholds for cats with FLUTD, particularly those with urolithiasis. Excessive protein and minerals intake may increase the risk of urolith formation, especially struvite and urate types. Therefore, careful consideration of protein content in urinary-specific cat food is essential to ensure its appropriate use in the dietary management of urinary tract disorders.

Kata Kunci : kucing, pakan urinary, protein kasar, metode Kjeldahl, FLUTD, urolithiasis, cat, urinary diet, crude protein, Kjeldahl method, FLUTD, urolithiasis