Composition containing linoleic acid

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a healthy pet. In some embodiments, the diet or food additionally contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal. It also relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal for use in a method of treating a pet with a skin disease or disorder.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of compositions containing linoleic acid for improving the skin quality of healthy pets or treating pets suffering from skin or dermatological diseases.

[0002] Cross-reference of related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to European patent application EP18306184.5 filed on September 10, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Skin-related issues are among the most common problems experienced by dogs and cats, causing significant anxiety and requiring considerable time and effort to resolve. This is why maintaining a pet's skin in optimal condition can be considered a goal for pet owners. Since the condition of a pet's skin and coat provides a significant visual impact, offering visible improvements to animals that already possess healthy skin and coats attracts considerable interest. Pet skin, including that of dogs, is thinner than human skin, making it susceptible to skin problems. Therefore, improving skin condition is beneficial for pets, as the skin protects them from dehydration and changes in environmental temperature.

[0005] The health of the skin and coat, and consequently the visual appearance of the pet's coat, can be damaged during periods of nutritional deficiency.

[0006] It is well known in the industry that dietary factors play an important role in maintaining the healthy coat and skin of companion animals. The nutrient levels in companion food are well documented regarding a complete and balanced food supply for healthy animals. For example, dietary zinc is considered an important factor related to the healthy development of the coat and skin. The presence of zinc is particularly important in the rapidly dividing epidermis (Watson, 1998, J Nutr, Vol. 128 (12 Suppl): 27835-27895). Linoleic acid is also important for skin and coat condition. In particular, since dogs cannot synthesize this fatty acid, dietary sources are essential. Fatty acids are important for maintaining cell membrane fluidity and the cutaneous water permeability water barrier (Campbell, 1990, Vet Clin North Am Anim Pract., Vol. 29 (6):1373-1383). A wide range of other nutrients, including vitamin B, also play an important role in skin condition (Watson et al., 2006, Exp Dermatol, Vol. 15 (1) : 74-81).

[0007] It is known in the art that skin and coat conditions can be improved by providing a diet containing greater amounts of linoleic acid and zinc than are found in conventional pet foods. In particular, U.S. Patent No. 6,331,567 discloses a food for improving the skin condition of pets containing a combination of zinc and linoleic acid. This prior art document discloses tests on the skin and coat conditions of dogs for control and test diets containing, respectively, (i) 1.8 g / 400 kcal or 6 g / kcal of linoleic acid and (ii) 12.5 mg / 400 kcal or 40 mg / 400 kcal of zinc. Compared to the control diet, a significant increase in coat gloss and an improvement in skin scale were observed in the test diet. A reduction in transepidermal water loss of the dogs' skin was also measured by the test diet. A reduction in transepidermal water loss was also obtained by a diet supplemented only with zinc in the absence of supplemental linoleic acid. Excellent improvement in skin and coat condition characteristics was obtained by using a diet containing a smaller amount of zinc, namely a diet containing 6 g / kcal of linoleic acid and 25 mg / 400kcal of zinc.

[0008] There is a demand in the industry for pet diets, including dog food, that can maintain or improve the skin condition of healthy pets.

[0009] As mentioned above, in most domestic pets, healthy skin and coat generally indicate a healthy animal.

[0010] However, in some cases, companion animals can develop dermatological diseases. Therefore, improving the skin and hair condition of companion animals, particularly those suffering from skin diseases, is a continuous goal of our industry.

[0011] For example, canine skin diseases are one of the most common reasons companion animals seek veterinary care. It is suggested that animals suffering from such conditions account for approximately 15% of such medical procedures. The major conditions contributing to this statistic are flea allergy dermatitis, atopic (allergic) dermatitis, pyoderma (bacterial infection), seborrhea, and mange (follicular and sarcoptic) infestations. In most of these skin diseases, the skin's barrier properties are substantially impaired, particularly altering transepidermal water loss.

[0012] Therefore, in a separate aspect, there is also a need in the industry for a pet composition capable of treating pets suffering from skin diseases or conditions.

[0013] The present invention relates to the use of a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a pet. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal.

[0014] In some embodiments, linoleic acid is present in an amount of about 8 g / Mcal, for example, 8 g / Mcal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more sources of linoleic acid selected from the group consisting of, for example, safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, meat, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0016] In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount ranging from about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, in an amount ranging from 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. In certain embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more zinc sources selected from the group consisting of, for example, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complexes, such as chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pet is a dog.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a pet, particularly a dog, comprising the step of supplying a diet or food to the pet as described in the present invention.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a companion animal. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount of about 8 g / Mcal, for example, 8 g / Mcal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount ranging from about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, from 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. In certain embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the diet or food is a diet or food for dogs.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal for use in a method of treating a pet with a skin disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal for use in a method of treating a pet with a skin disease or disorder.

[0024] The present invention also relates to the use of linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal, for making a therapeutic diet or food for dogs with skin diseases or conditions.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a healthy pet, comprising feeding the healthy pet a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal.

[0026] In some embodiments, linoleic acid is present in an amount of about 8 g / Mcal, for example, 8 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more sources of linoleic acid selected from the group consisting of safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, meat, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0027] In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount ranging from about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, from 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more zinc sources selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complexes, such as chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is reduced in a healthy pet. In a specific embodiment, the healthy pet is a healthy dog.

[0029] The present invention also describes a method for treating a skin disease or condition in a companion animal that requires treatment, the method comprising supplying the companion animal with a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the skin disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, a skin-induced food allergy, pruritic disease, bacterial folliculitis, and boils.

[0030] In some embodiments, linoleic acid is present in an amount of about 8 g / Mcal, for example, 8 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more sources of linoleic acid selected from the group consisting of safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, meat, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0031] In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount ranging from about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, from 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. In certain embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises one or more zinc sources selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complexes, such as chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0032] In certain embodiments, TEWL is reduced in companion animals. In certain embodiments, the companion animal is a dog.

[0033] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present application to better facilitate the following detailed description. Additional features and advantages of the present application that form the subject matter of the claims of the present application will be described later. Those skilled in the art should recognize that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to perform the same purpose of the present application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that such equivalent configurations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application as set forth in the appended claims. Novel features considered to be features of the present application regarding both organization and driving method will be better understood from the following description, along with additional purposes and advantages. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates the results of measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in dogs fed different types of food. Vertical axis: TEWL, g / hr / m² 2 Indicated by. Horizontal coordinates: (A) Dogs fed diet A; (B) Dogs fed diet B; (C) Dogs fed diet C; (D) Dogs fed diet D. For each of panels A, B, C and D, the time after starting to feed the dogs with a specific diet, displayed in weeks. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] The inventors have shown that optimal improvement in skin health of healthy pets, particularly healthy dogs, can be achieved by providing healthy pets with a diet or food containing linoleic acid in a specific range of amounts. More specifically, the inventors have confirmed that by supplying healthy pets, particularly healthy dogs, with linoleic acid in a specific range of amounts, improved skin quality of healthy pets, namely reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), is obtained.

[0036] In addition, improvement in skin quality can have a beneficial effect on the body coat, such as gloss, softness, and smoothness, in certain situations.

[0037] As is widely known in the art, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is defined as the amount of water passing from the inside to the outside of the body through the epidermal layer (see, for example, [du Plessis J, Stefaniak A, Eloff F, John S, Agner T, Chou TC, Nixon R, Steiner M, Franken A, Kudla I, Holness L. International guidelines for the in vivo assessment of skin properties in non-clinical settings: Part 2. Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration. Skin Res Technol. 2013 Aug;19(3):265-78]).

[0038] The present invention relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal, particularly a diet or food for healthy companion animals. It also relates to the use of a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal to maintain or improve the skin quality of healthy companion animals, particularly to maintain or improve the skin quality of healthy companion animals.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “diet” or “food” refer to substances containing proteins, carbohydrates, and / or fats, which are used to maintain growth, recovery, and vitality processes within an organism and to supply energy. Food may also contain supplementary substances or additives, such as minerals, vitamins, and seasonings (see [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1993]). In a preferred embodiment, the diet or food according to the present invention consists of a nutritionally complete diet or food that provides complete and balanced nutritional requirements to a pet. Thus, the diet or food described herein is a complete pet food, such as a complete dog food, which is a nutritionally appropriate food that can be provided as a sole ration to a companion animal, such as a dog, and can sustain life without additional food (excluding water).

[0040] Dietary or food products may contain carriers, diluents, or excipients. Depending on the intended use, carriers, diluents, or excipients may be selected to be suitable for animal use, particularly for companion animals such as dogs and cats.

[0041] As used herein, "companion animals" consist of companion mammals. Companion mammals include dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice. Preferred companion animals in this specification are dogs and cats.

[0042] As used in this specification, "maintaining skin quality" means maintaining skin quality at a substantially stable level over time, for example, maintaining transepidermal water loss levels at a substantially stable level over time.

[0043] As used herein, “improving skin quality” means achieving a measurable improvement in skin quality, for example, achieving a measurable reduction in transepidermal water loss. The term “skin quality” may refer to skin characteristics such as skin hydration, skin texture, skin elasticity, skin integrity, and skin barrier. Those skilled in the art will select a known method for measuring the improvement in skin quality (e.g., the method described in the Examples). For example, the improvement in skin condition or skin quality may be evaluated by measuring a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as shown in the Examples of this Appendix.

[0044] To evaluate the improvement in skin quality of the test diet or food, separate diets or foods (each diet or food containing a given amount of linoleic acid) were fed to multiple healthy animal cohorts, and skin quality (e.g., TEWL) was measured at (i) a start time before feeding the given food and (ii) at continuous time intervals during the feeding period of the given food. The experimental results showed that substantial improvement in skin quality (e.g., substantial reduction in TEWL) was obtained with foods containing linoleic acid in amounts ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, e.g., 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal. Furthermore, when comparing the individual foods tested with one another, the most effective food, which measured a significant improvement in skin quality, was the food containing linoleic acid in amounts ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, e.g., 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal.

[0045] The expression "xg / Mcal" used herein for a given substance contained in a diet or food means that the substance is contained in an amount of xg per Mcal contained in the diet or food.

[0046] The inventors' results also showed that a diet or food containing more than 10 g / Mcal of linoleic acid does not provide any measurable improvement in skin quality, and in particular does not provide a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This latter finding is much more surprising than the prior art disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,331,567, which teaches that skin condition is improved by a diet or food containing at least 4 g / 400 kcal of linoleic acid (i.e., at least 10 g / Mcal of linoleic acid), for example, 7 g / 400 kcal (i.e., 17.5 g / Mcal).

[0047] In addition, it was found that diets or foods containing 6 g / Mcal or less of linoleic acid do not provide any significant improvement in skin quality, and in particular, do not provide any significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

[0048] In some embodiments, the diet or food contains about 8 g / Mcal of linoleic acid. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains 8 g / Mcal of linoleic acid.

[0049] In the diet or food described herein, linoleic acid may be present in variable amounts in a plurality of substances contained therein. However, in a preferred embodiment, the diet or food comprises one or more substances in which linoleic acid is present in somewhat large amounts. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the diet or food described herein comprises one or more substances that are sources of linoleic acid, namely linoleic acid-containing substances.

[0050] A preferred source of linoleic acid, i.e., a linoleic acid-containing substance, is preferably a vegetable oil, but animal oils or fats may also be used. A preferred source of linoleic acid, i.e., a linoleic acid-containing substance, includes safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, other vegetable or animal oils / fats, meat, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0051] Most preferably, the linoleic acid source included in the diet or food described herein, i.e., the linoleic acid-containing substance, is selected from the group comprising safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, the diet or food additionally contains zinc.

[0053] In the diet or food described herein, zinc may be present in variable amounts in a plurality of substances contained therein. However, in a preferred embodiment, the diet or food further comprises one or more substances in which zinc is present in high amounts, for example, in the form of a zinc salt or a zinc complex.

[0054] As shown in the examples, the diet or food disclosed herein comprises a specific amount of linoleic acid and additionally a specific amount of zinc. Zinc may be present in an amount of about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, zinc is present in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal. The diet or food disclosed herein comprising a specific amount of linoleic acid and additionally a specific amount of zinc, for example, in the amounts disclosed herein, may provide a measurable improvement in skin quality, for example, a significant reduction in TEWL.

[0055] In some embodiments, the diet or food described herein contains both linoleic acid and zinc in greater amounts than are contained in a conventional diet or food for companion animals, particularly a diet or food for dogs or cats, particularly a diet or food for dogs. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the diet or food described herein contains (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of about 50 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet of the food described herein contains (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of about 50 mg / Mcal.

[0056] The amount of zinc of “about 50 mg / Mcal” used herein includes an amount of zinc in the range of 45 mg / Mcal to 55 mg / Mcal, which includes the range of 48 mg / Mcal to 52 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, zinc is present in an amount of 50 mg / Mcal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal, e.g., 45 mg / Mcal to 55 mg / Mcal, e.g., 50 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal, e.g., 45 mg / Mcal to 55 mg / Mcal, e.g., 50 mg / Mcal.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, the zinc source, i.e., the zinc-containing material, comprises zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complexes, such as chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, or a combination of two or more of these. In some preferred embodiments, the zinc source, i.e., the zinc-containing material, is selected from the group comprising zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complexes, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0059] According to the present invention, when these substances are combined in the diet or food described herein, the concentrations of linoleic acid and zinc are at any concentration, namely, (i) any concentration of linoleic acid in an amount of about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, e.g., within the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal or 8 g / Mcal, and (ii) any concentration of zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, e.g., any concentration of zinc in the range of about 40 mg / Mcal to about 58 mg / Mcal, e.g., any concentration of zinc in the range of about 45 mg / Mcal to about 55 mg / Mcal, e.g., any concentration of zinc in the range of about 48 mg / Mcal to about 52 mg / Mcal, e.g., any concentration of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 58 mg / Mcal, e.g., any concentration of zinc in the range of 45 mg / Mcal to 55 mg / Mcal, e.g., 48 mg / Mcal to 52 mg / Mcal. It can be used with zinc at any concentration within. Such concentrations include about 8 g / Mcal linoleic acid and about 50 mg / Mcal zinc. Such concentrations also include 8 g / Mcal linoleic acid and 50 mg / Mcal zinc.

[0060] Since zinc and linoleic acid are ubiquitous in food, the concentration of each present in the ingredients of the diet or food is generally determined, and then a sufficient amount is added to raise the total concentration of each to the required level according to the present invention. For example, the required amount of linoleic acid or a linoleic acid-containing substance may be added to a conventional pet diet or food in an amount that already contains linoleic acid but is less than the required amount. Additionally, for example, one or more zinc-containing substances may be added to a conventional pet diet or food in an amount that already contains zinc but is less than the required amount.

[0061] To measure the content of linoleic acid in a food composition, those skilled in the art may refer to any well-known technique. For example, a method based on the standard NF EN ISO 5508 / 5509 via gas phase chromatography may be used for dry or wet diets.

[0062] To measure the zinc content in a food composition, those skilled in the art may refer to any well-known technique. For example, methods based on the standard NF EN ISO 6869 may be used through atomic absorption spectroscopy or ICP (wet dietary use).

[0063] As already specified in this specification, the diet or food described herein is most preferably composed of complete and balanced foods (e.g., as described in the literature [National Research Council, 1985, Nutritional Requirements for Dogs, National Academy Press, Washington DC, or Association of American Feed Control Officials, Official Publication 1996], the respective contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). That is, the concentration levels of zinc and linoleic acid specified in this specification are preferably used with high-quality commercial foods. As used herein, "high-quality commercial foods" means diets prepared to produce a protein digestibility of 80% or more, for example, for dogs, as specified in the recommendations of the aforementioned literature.

[0064] The diet or food described herein consists of a non-human animal diet or food that is a wet or dry composition (food). Wet food generally refers to food sold in cans and having a moisture content of 70 to 90%. Dry food generally refers to food with a similar composition but with a moisture content of 5 to 15%, provided as kibble such as small biscuits.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the diet or food described herein consists of a diet or food for dogs.

[0066] Dietary or food may be prepared by any known method, for example, according to the method described in the literature [Waltham Book of Dog and Cat Nutrition, Ed. ATB Edney, Chapter by A. Rainbird, entitled "A Balanced Diet" in pages 57 to 74, Pergamon Press Oxford], which is incorporated herein by reference. The concentrations of zinc and linoleic acid added to the dietary / food are calculated based on the energy content of the dietary / food and the additional nutrients that the animal can consume.

[0067] The present specification includes a method for manufacturing a diet or food described herein. The method for manufacturing the described food may be manufactured according to any method known in the art.

[0068] Dietary products or foods can be manufactured by mixing and kneading ingredients to create a consistent dough or meat emulsion suitable for cooking. This also applies to homogenized liquids where ingredients are mixed prior to the cooking stage in packaging. The process of creating dry pet food embodiments is generally carried out by baking and / or extrusion. The dough is typically fed into a machine called a leavener and / or extruder, which cooks the ingredients using pressurized steam or water. Inside the extruder, the dough is subjected to extreme pressure and high temperature. The dough is then pushed through a die (with holes of a specific size and shape) and cut using a knife. The risen dough pieces pass through a dryer to form kibble, ensuring the moisture content drops to a set level to guarantee food stability until consumption. The kibble is then sprayed with fat, oil, minerals, vitamins, a cocktail of natural extracts, or a palantant, and can optionally be sealed in a package.

[0069] The composition may be provided as a powder or crumb containing a white powder or a solid form. The powder is useful for adding to the animal's main food. Other forms include solid pellets, granules, tablets, or liquids.

[0070] In this invention, the food diet is preferably packaged. In this way, consumers can identify the ingredients of the food product from the package and determine whether it is suitable for the specific pet in question. The packaging may be metal, plastic, paper, or card.

[0071] A composition in the form of a diet or food may include any product that a companion animal consumes in its diet. Accordingly, the present invention includes standard food products as well as companion animal food snacks (e.g., snack bars, biscuits, and sweet products). The diet or food described herein is preferably a cooked product. It may include meat or animal-derived materials such as beef, chicken, turkey, pork, duck, kangaroo, sheep, or fish, plasma, bone marrow, or feather-derived materials (e.g., feather hydrolysates such as poultry feather hydrolysates). To provide a protein source, the product may alternatively be meat-free (preferably including meat substitutes such as soy, corn gluten, or soy hydrolysates). Such products may contain additional protein sources such as plant-based proteins (wheat gluten, pea protein) or soy protein concentrate or hydrolysates, milk protein, or gluten. The above product may also contain carbohydrates derived from starch sources such as one or more grains (e.g., wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, etc.) or other sources such as potatoes, or may be starch-free. The above product may include fibers such as chicory, sugar beet pulp, etc., and / or ingredients such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides, probiotics, most preferably, the combined ingredients of the diet or food provide all vitamins and minerals recommended for specific animals (complete and balanced food), as described in, for example, the literature [National Research Council, 1985, Nutritional Requirements for dogs, National Academy Press, Washington DC or Association of America Feed Control Officials, Official Publication 1996].

[0072] As already stated elsewhere in this specification, the diet or food of the present invention improves skin quality by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), particularly in companion animals such as dogs.

[0073] Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, the diet or food is suitable for feeding to a healthy dog.

[0074] In some preferred embodiments, the diet or food is used to maintain or improve the skin quality of a healthy dog.

[0075] As used herein, the term "healthy pet" means a pet animal that is free from skin diseases or conditions. For example, a healthy pet may be a healthy dog. As used herein, "healthy dog" consists of a dog that is free from skin diseases or conditions. The skin diseases or conditions include dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin-induced food allergies, pruritic diseases, bacterial folliculitis, and fistula. Dermatitis includes allergic dermatitis (e.g., flea bite allergic dermatitis or skin-induced food adverse reaction), atopic dermatitis (e.g., environmental atopy), pyoderma (bacterial infection), seborrhea and mites (follicular and mite), and immune or autoimmune dermatitis.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a healthy pet, comprising the step of supplying the healthy pet with the diet or food described herein.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of feeding a healthy pet a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of feeding a healthy pet a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount of about 8 g / Mcal, for example, 8 g / Mcal.

[0078] In some embodiments, the diet or food further contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal, for example, from about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal, for example, from about 45 mg / Mcal to about 55 mg / Mcal, for example, from 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal, for example, from 45 mg / Mcal to 55 mg / Mcal, for example, 50 mg / Mcal.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the feeding method, the diet or food described herein is fed daily to a healthy pet, e.g., a healthy dog. In another embodiment, the diet or food described herein is fed to a healthy pet, e.g., a healthy dog, on two or three days out of four.

[0080] The present invention also relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount of about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal, for example, about 8 g / Mcal, for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a companion animal. In some embodiments, the diet or food contains linoleic acid in an amount of 8 g / Mcal.

[0081] In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of about 40 mg / Mcal to about 60 mg / Mcal to maintain or improve the skin quality of the pet. In some embodiments, the diet or food comprises (i) an amount of linoleic acid in the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal and (ii) an amount of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal to maintain or improve the skin quality of the pet.

[0082] In some embodiments, the diet or food additionally contains zinc in an amount of about 50 mg / Mcal. In some embodiments, the diet or food additionally contains zinc in an amount of 50 mg / Mcal.

[0083] In some embodiments, the diet or food is a diet or food for dogs.

[0084] The experimental results included in the examples show that the diet or food described in this specification improves the quality of the skin, and that the improvement in skin quality brings beneficial effects to the body coat of healthy pets, such as gloss, softness, and smoothness of the body coat of a healthy dog.

[0085] In addition, the inventors have determined that the improvement in skin quality provided by the diet or food described herein may also be beneficial to companion animals suffering from skin diseases or disorders. In fact, skin diseases or disorders cause changes in the skin barrier, for example, resulting in altered transepidermal water loss, which can be resolved by providing the diet or food to unhealthy companion animals.

[0086] Accordingly, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the diet or food described herein may be used for therapeutic purposes to treat a pet suffering from a skin disease or disorder.

[0087] According to the second aspect above, the present invention relates to a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal, for use in treating a companion animal suffering from a skin disease or illness.

[0088] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for treating a pet with a skin disease or condition, the method comprising supplying the pet with a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal.

[0089] According to this second aspect, the present invention also relates to the use of linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal, for making a medical diet or food for treating a dog with a skin or dermatological disease.

[0090] In addition, according to this second aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for treating a pet suffering from a skin disease or disorder, comprising feeding the pet a diet or food containing linoleic acid in an amount ranging from about 7 g / Mcal to about 9 g / Mcal, for example, from 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal.

[0091] According to this second aspect, the skin disease or condition is preferably selected from the group comprising dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies of the skin-onset type, pruritic diseases, bacterial folliculitis and boils. Dermatitis includes allergic dermatitis (e.g., flea bite allergic dermatitis or skin-onset food adverse reaction), atopic dermatitis (e.g., environmental atopy), pyoderma (bacterial infection), seborrhea and mites (follicular and mite-onset), and immune or autoimmune dermatitis.

[0092] For clarity, in a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the food or diet used for therapeutic purposes for a companion animal with a skin disease or disorder may be any embodiment of the diet or food described elsewhere in the invention when used to improve the skin quality of a healthy companion animal. In other words, various embodiments of the diet or food described elsewhere in the invention for non-therapeutic purposes are explicitly included as possible embodiments of the diet or food used for therapeutic purposes for a companion animal with a skin disease or disorder.

[0093] The present invention is further illustrated without being limited in any way by the following examples.

[0094] Examples

[0095] Example 1: A specific combination of linoleic acid and zinc improves the skin properties of companion animals.

[0096] Objective of the Example

[0097] The objective was to investigate the effects of diets with different concentrations of zinc and linoleic acid on the skin characteristics of Black Labradors. The diets contained zinc and linoleic acid in amounts greater than the general minimums recommended by the NRC (National Research Council for Cats and Dogs), FEDIAF (Federation of European Industries of Foods for Animals), and AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), but lower than levels previously indicated for improving skin and coat.

[0098] A. Materials and Methods

[0099] Four diets were fed during the study period. A baseline diet containing minimum recommended levels of zinc (2 mg / l / 000 kcal) and linoleic acid (3.8 g / l / 000 kcal) was fed to all 34 Black Labradors for 12 weeks prior to the start of the study. Afterward, the dogs were randomly divided into four groups of eight dogs each. One group continued on the baseline diet (Diet A), while the other three groups were switched to Diets B, C, and D, which contained zinc and linoleic acid concentrations as shown in Table 1 below.

[0100] Tested diet Diet Zinc (mg / 1000kcal) Linoleic acid (g / 1000kcal) A 21 3.8 B 50 6 C 50 8 D 50 10

[0101] Other ingredients of each diet are also listed in Table 2 below.

[0102] Other dietary components Diet A Diet B Dietary C Diet D Ash % (w / w) 6.2 6.9 6.9 6.5 Cellulose % (w / w) 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.6 Fat % (w / w) 13.3 14.4 13.8 13.2 Protein % (w / w) 25.4 24.8 24.4 24.2 Arachidonic acid (g / Mcal) 0.129 0.129 0.143 0.163 EPA / DHA (g / Mcal) 0.15 0.11 0.12 0.15

[0103] To evaluate skin characteristics, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured at 0, 6, and 12 weeks after starting to feed the dogs each of the listed diets / foods.

[0104] TEWL measurements were performed at the end of the pre-feeding period, followed by staggered feeding periods of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Five individual measurements were performed for each dog at each time point. The dogs were evaluated in a quiet, draft-free space with constant environmental conditions. Measurements were performed using a Cutometer MPA580 equipped with the Tewameter Triple™ 330 T (three probes measuring TEWL simultaneously); the hair coat was first removed to ensure good contact between the probes and the skin, and they were placed 1–2 inches on one side of the lumber spine. The animal's lumbar region provided a good surface for the orientation of the three probes.

[0105] Prior to the start of the study, the dogs were immobilized for 1 minute at a time to improve reading stability. TEWL was measured twice in all dogs at each time point and recorded every second for up to 90 seconds using three probes for each measurement. Based on the probe manufacturer's literature, the expected profile increased to a plateau over 90 seconds, which was the TEWL value for the rm measurement. For analysis, the first 30 seconds of the recording were removed, and the remaining (up to) 60 seconds were used as repetitions. From a statistical perspective, TEWL was modeled for week, diet, and week-by-diet interactions as fixed effects using a random effects structure of nested probes in nested weeks and nested repeats in dogs. The same contrasts described for other models were applied.

[0106] B. Results

[0107] The estimated TEWL for each diet at weeks 0, 6, and 12 is described below with a 98.75% confidence interval (CI). The results are presented in Table 3 below.

[0108] Estimated TEWL response main Diet Estimate 98.75% CI TEWL 0 A 8.76 (4.51, 13.01) TEWL 6 A 9.03 (4.78, 13.28) TEWL 12 A 6.07 (1.82, 10.32) TEWL 0 B 10.74 (5.92, 15.56) TEWL 6 B 9.71 (4.90, 14.53) TEWL 12 B 5.81 (0.99, 10.62) TEWL 0 C 14.73 (10.22, 19.23) TEWL 6 C 6.61 (1.80, 11.43) TEWL 12 C 7.21 (2.39, 12.02) TEWL 0 D 9.52 (5.27, 13.77) TEWL 6 D 8.14 (3.64, 12.63) TEWL 12 D 7.52 (3.27, 11.77)

[0109] Differences between diets and differences between diets in changes from week 0 and between diets are shown in Table 4 and Figure 1 below.

[0110] Dietary TEWL response Preparation Estimate 98.75% CI p -value TEWL (Diet B: Week 6 - Week 0) - (Diet A: Week 6 - Week 0) -1.29 (-9.85, 7.28) 0.9998 TEWL (Diet B: Week 12 - Week 0) - (Diet A: Week 12 - Week 0) -2.24 (-10.80, 6.33) 0.9889 TEWL (Diet C: Week 6 - Week 0) - (Diet A: Week 6 - Week 0) -8.38 (-16.81, 0.06) 0.0137 TEWL (Diet C: Week 12 - Week 0) - (Diet A: Week 12 - Week 0) -4.82 (-13.26, 3.61) 0.4870 TEWL (Diet D: Week 6 - Week 0) - (Diet A: Week 6 - Week 0) -1.65 (-9.80, 6.51) 0.9981 TEWL (Diet D: Week 12-Week 0)-(Diet A: Week 12-Week 0) 0.70 (-7.32, 8.71) 1.0000 TEWL Diet A: Week 6-Week 0 0.26 (-5.40, 5.93) 1.0000 TEWL Diet A: Week 12-Week 0 -2.69 (-8.36, 2.97) 0.7216 TEWL Diet A: Weeks 12-6 -2.96 (-8.62, 2.71) 0.6100 TEWL Diet B: Week 6-Week 0 -1.02 (-7.45, 5.40) 0.9997 TEWL Diet B: Week 12-Week 0 -4.93 (-11.36, 1.49) 0.1293 TEWL Diet B: Weeks 12-6 -3.91 (-10.33, 2.52) 0.3996 TEWL Diet C: Week 6-Week 0 -8.11 (-14.36, -1.86) 0.0002 TEWL Diet C: Week 12-Week 0 -7.52 (-13.77, -1.27) 0.0010 TEWL Diet C: Week 12-Week 6 0.59 (-5.83, 7.02) 1.0000 TEWL Diet D: Week 6-Week 0 -1.38 (-7.24, 4.48) 0.9944 TEWL Diet D: Week 12-Week 0 -2.00 (-7.66, 3.67) 0.9326 TEWL Diet D: Week 12-Week 6 -0.61 (-6.48, 5.25) 1.0000

[0111] The results show that transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is significantly reduced when animals are fed diet C. Other diets were not tested, and in particular, diets B (6 mg / Mcal linoleic acid and 50 mg / Mcal zinc) and D (10 mg / Mcal linoleic acid and 50 mg / Mcal zinc) induce significant changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

[0112] * * *

[0113] Although the subject matter of the invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and changes may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of materials, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will readily understand from the disclosure of the subject matter of the invention currently disclosed that processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of materials, means, methods, or steps that are currently existing or may be subsequently developed and that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described in this specification may be utilized according to the subject matter of the invention currently disclosed. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of materials, means, methods, or steps within their scope.

[0114] Patents, patent application publications, product descriptions, and protocols are incorporated by reference in their entirety, and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a healthy pet animal, comprising supplying the healthy pet animal with a diet or foodstuff containing an amount of linoleic acid in the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal and an amount of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein linoleic acid is present in an amount of 8 g / Mcal. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, wherein the diet or food comprises one or more sources of linoleic acid selected from the group consisting of safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, meat, and combinations of two or more of these. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, wherein the diet or food contains zinc in an amount of 50 mg / Mcal. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, wherein the diet or food comprises one or more zinc sources selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complex, chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and combinations of two or more of these. Claim 6 A method according to claim 1, wherein trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is reduced in the healthy companion animal. Claim 7 A method according to claim 1, wherein the healthy companion animal is a healthy dog. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 A diet or food for maintaining or improving the skin quality of a healthy pet, comprising an amount of linoleic acid in the range of 7 g / Mcal to 9 g / Mcal and an amount of zinc in the range of 40 mg / Mcal to 60 mg / Mcal. Claim 16 In claim 15, a diet or food in which linoleic acid is present in an amount of 8 g / Mcal. Claim 17 In claim 15, the diet or food comprises one or more sources of linoleic acid selected from the group consisting of safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, canola oil, meat, and combinations of two or more of these. Claim 18 In claim 15, the diet or food comprises zinc in an amount of 50 mg / Mcal. Claim 19 In claim 15, the diet or food comprises one or more zinc sources selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, organic zinc complex, chelated zinc, zinc orotate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and combinations of two or more of these. Claim 20 In Clause 15, diet or food in which TEWL is reduced in companion animals. Claim 21 In Clause 15, the healthy companion animal is a healthy individual, diet, or food. Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 delete Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete Claim 29 delete Claim 30 delete Claim 31 delete Claim 32 delete Claim 33 delete Claim 34 delete Claim 35 delete Claim 36 delete Claim 37 delete Claim 38 delete

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