Abstract:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of electron beam irradiation (E-beam) on semi-moist pet
foods at different absorbed doses. The samples were exposed to e-beam at dose levels of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 kGy.
Then, their effect on microbiological, nutritional, and physicochemical properties was analyzed during 60 days of
storage. A dose-dependent effect was observed in bacterial pathogens, especially, 10 kGy sterilized them without
further growth throughout the storage period. The nutrient analysis confirmed that 10 kGy of e-beam irradiation
did not significantly influence the nutritional components of semi-moist pet foods, ensuring they are nutritionally
safe for pets. Irradiated samples showed less changes in quality over time, with lower microbial growth and
stable attributes like water activity, pH, and redness (a*). While samples treated with 10 kGy initially showed
more lipid oxidation and protein degradation, these differences were not significant by day 60, suggesting that
higher doses did not affect physicochemical properties during storage. In contrast, non-irradiated samples
experienced microbial and physicochemical changes over the extended storage. Therefore, we conclude that e-
beam irradiation up to 10 kGy can secure microbial safety in semi-moist pet foods, preserving their nutritional
and quality attributes for pets’ consumption.
