Non-conventional food plants (NCFPs) are edible species that remain underutilized in the human diet despite being potential sources of phenolic compounds. This study characterized the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of three botanically distinct NCFPs: sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.), nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.), and lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina K. Koch.). We evaluated how extraction conditions influence the recovery of these compounds. We compared ten extraction protocols that differed in solvent, acidification, and ultrasound assistance. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP) were determined spectrophotometrically, and UPLC-DAD quantified eleven individual phenolic compounds. Recovery depended on both the protocol and the plant matrix. The highest total phenolic contents were obtained with ultrasound-assisted acidified methanol extraction, reaching 3540.73, 3940.83, and 4497.19 mg GAE/100 g DW for Rumex acetosa, Tropaeolum majus, and Stachys byzantina, respectively; however, the integrated phenolic analysis revealed species-specific responses. Chlorogenic acid was the predominant compound across all species and protocols, indicating that these plants are relevant dietary sources of hydroxycinnamic acids. Principal component analysis explained 89.5%, 82.8%, and 75.3% of the total variance for the three species. These findings support valorizing these edible NCFPs as functional food sources and highlight the need for matrix-specific analytical characterization.

Although the nutritional management of domestic pet cats has been widely studied, research on the dietary needs of community cats, especially older individuals, remains limited, mainly due to environmental and biological challenges that prevent many cats from reaching advanced age. This case study examines the nutritional assessment and the implementation of feeding improvement strategies for a group of community cats, mostly elderly (11/13), living at the Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences (FAFICH) in the Pampulha campus of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. Data collection from October 2022 to July 2024 included demographic documentation, photographic records, direct observations, and caregiver interviews. Key strategies implemented: 1) installing feeding stations to protect dry food from stray dogs, 2) nutritional and body condition assessments, 3) creation of a Solidarity Food Bank to ensure food through donations. The diet consisted of ad libitum dry kitten food and a daily wet food meal. An innovative positive reinforcement self-weighing system was introduced for regular weight monitoring. During the study, cats’ body condition improved significantly, food security was achieved, and caregiver-cat bonds strengthened, showing the importance of targeted interventions to improve community cats’ general welfare, especially older ones.