Why is mold toxic?
Mycotoxins are produced by mold species. Mold is a type of fungus. Mold likes to grow on spoiled food or organic matter like plant matter. There are over 300,000 species of mold and they can be harmful or harmless.
Some molds produce highly toxic substances called mycotoxins, and it is these mycotoxins that can be fatal if our pets eat them. Not all mold produces dangerous mycotoxins, but it’s impossible to tell by looking at them because they all look like mold.
What mycotoxins are of concern to our pets?
There are many types of mycotoxins. They are divided into different groups.
The most common group is:
Tremorgenic mycotoxins – Molds found on rotting food and organic matter produce tremorgenic mycotoxins.
Another form of mycotoxin is:
Aflatoxins – Molds growing on plants and plant products produce aflatoxins. This type of mycotoxin is less common in the UK.
Where can they be found?
Mycotoxins are found where mold is found. Mold mainly grows where the environment is warm and humid.
Unlike plants, mold is a fungus and does not grow from seeds, but from tiny spores that float in the air. When these spores land in a sufficiently humid environment, at the correct temperature and with a good supply of oxygen, they transform into molds, some of which can produce these toxic substances called mycotoxins. It is these mycotoxins that can potentially cause serious health problems in our pets.
Places tremorgenic toxins are found.
- Moldy dairy products
- Moldy bread
- Moldy cheese
- Moldy fruits and nuts (fallen from the tree)
- Food waste
- Waste
- Compost
This is where aflatoxins are found.
- But I do
- Moldy nuts like peanuts
- Moldy grain
- Old or contaminated pet food
When do mycotoxins appearr?
Tremorgenic mycotoxins
When food waste is thrown into the trash, it is often a hot, humid environment. This is perfect for spores that have landed on food to turn into molds that can produce these highly toxic tremorgenic mycotoxins.
Aflatoxin mycotoxins
Fortunately, this type of mold is less common in the UK, but it can occur on pet food ingredients, such as types of cereals, or, more commonly, during storage, especially in high humidity and temperatures.
Why is it dangerous for our pets to eat moldy food?
Pets that eat moldy food can get sick very quickly. You may have seen him eating moldy food or noticed that he was no longer feeling well and showing some of the signs listed below. Mycotoxin poisoning and the effects it can have on your pet can be fatal. Therefore, the sooner your pet receives treatment, the better the results will be for them.
Who is at risk of being poisoned?
- Animals that raid trash cans containing moldy food waste.
- Curious dogs who are unsupervised in the garden which has a composting area, where decomposing organic matter such as fallen fruit, nuts, silage or rubbish can be found.
- Animals fed contaminated feed or improperly stored feed.
Common symptoms of tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning may include:
- Vomiting
- Wobbness
- Tremors
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- High temperature and panting
Common symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes, skin and whites of the eyes).
How to Prevent Mycotoxin Poisoning
Best tips:
- Do not feed moldy leftovers to your pet, food that is expired for humans will likely be toxic to our pets.
- Trash cans should be out of reach of your pet, perhaps stored in a cupboard equipped with child safety.
- Empty your bins regularly and carefully into a secure bin outside.
- Make sure the outdoor trash can is a sealed container with a lid that your pet can’t remove!
- Train your dog the “leave it” command (especially useful if he tries to pick something up from the ground)
- Supervise your pets’ visits to the garden so that they do not have access to a compost pile or a fruit tree whose fruit may have fallen.
- Consider having a secure container to put your compostables in.
- Clean your pet’s storage container before putting a new bag of food in, make sure the food container has been completely dried before putting the new food in.
- Make sure your pet’s food storage container is: airtight, not exposed to direct sunlight, kept away from moisture.
Aflatoxin poisoning is of much less concern for our pets in the UK, but mold which produces tremorgenic mycotoxins can be a cause for concern. By following the simple tips above, you will prevent your pet from encountering these molds.
Although pet foods containing grains have a slightly higher risk of containing aflatoxin-producing molds, this risk decreases significantly with proper storage. It’s important to consider all aspects of the food to find the one that’s best for your pet, including its storage requirements.