PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS.

Abstract

This document describes pet food compositions designed to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in companion animals. It also describes methods for manufacturing and using these compositions.

Description

Pets, especially cats, suffer from a number of diseases in which inflammation plays a significant role, including cystitis, gastritis, and arthritis. Additionally, inflammation plays an important but secondary role in other diseases and conditions such as obesity. Previous research in humans and other mammals has shown that certain long-chain omega-6 fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, have pro-inflammatory properties. Arachidonic acid is metabolized to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids during and after the inflammatory response, respectively. Arachidonic acid is also metabolized to inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids during and after physical activity to promote growth. Previous research in humans and other mammals has also shown that specific botanicals have anti-inflammatory properties. A method for improving hydration levels in cats is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,884,035. Cats fed diets containing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are adequately hydrated and have a reduced risk of developing urinary stones, feline idiopathic cystitis, or FLUTD. International patent publication WO / 2016 / 099477 discloses a composition and a method for reducing or treating oral inflammation. It describes a method for reducing or treating oral inflammation in an animal, comprising feeding the animal essentially disc-shaped kibble containing one or more botanicals, wherein a reduction of oral inflammation in the animal is achieved after or during ingestion of the disc-shaped kibble. That publication also describes a kibble comprising one or more botanicals, wherein the kibble is essentially disc-shaped and reduces oral inflammation in an animal when the animal ingests the kibble. U.S. Patent Publication 2017 / 0239314 discloses a composition that includes ginger for improving or preventing inflammatory conditions. The pet food compositions for a companion animal include an effective amount of ginger to prevent, improve the symptoms of, or treat inflammation or an inflammatory disorder in the companion animal, where the inflammation or inflammatory disorder is an arthritic condition or a gastrointestinal disorder. The arthritic condition may be osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or a condition QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi local inflammatory joint. Gastrointestinal disorders may include irritable bowel syndrome and chronic diarrhea. A method for controlling and prophylizing inflammation and mitigating inflammatory conditions in companion animals is taught in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0041020. A method for controlling and prophylizing inflammation and mitigating inflammatory conditions, particularly arthritis and joint pain, in companion animals, e.g., dogs or cats, comprises administering a diet comprising lipoic acid for a period of at least two weeks, wherein the diet comprises a food having 10-10,000 ppm of lipoic acid, e.g., a dry food comprising 50-200 ppm of lipoic acid.The pet's diet contains lipoic acid, for example, for a period of at least two weeks, where the diet comprises a food that has 10-10,000 ppm of lipoic acid, for example, a dry food that comprises 50-200 ppm of lipoic acid, to reduce the expression of one or more of the inflammation biomarkers. Although much progress has been made in formulating cat food compositions to address inflammation, many challenges remain due to cats' unique metabolism compared to other mammals, including humans. Cats have a reduced capacity to desaturate and elongate essential fatty acids compared to other mammals, resulting in a very limited ability to convert linoleic acid into arachidonic acid, which is a crucial component of their diets. BRIEF SUMMARY In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in companion animals. The present invention relates to the composition of a combination of botanicals and C20+ polyunsaturated fatty acid in a dietary composition and to the use of said composition to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in companion animals. The effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory substance, such as pet food, can be measured directly by monitoring inflammation. Alternatively, the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory substance can be measured by the reduction of selected circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pet. Appropriate pro-inflammatory cytokines include TNFα, MCP-1, IL-12, and IL-18. Feeding cats a combination of arachidonic acid and botanicals in pet food has shown a very significant anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by the reduction of TNFα, MCP-1 and IL-18. In other embodiments, the present invention also relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising more than approximately 0.10% of QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and a botanical; wherein all % by weight are with respect to dietary composition on a dry matter basis. Examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids comprising 20 or more carbons include methylene-interrupted polyenes, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, polyunsaturated omega-9 fatty acids, Additional examples of omega-3 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain as long as the last double bond is between the third and fourth carbon of the omega end of the fatty acid and wherein each of the double bonds in each of the acids can be either cis or trans. Examples of omega-6 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosadienoic acid, tetracosatrienoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain as long as the last double bond is between the sixth and seventh carbons of the omega end of the fatty acid. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid selected from the group consisting of eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid and mixtures thereof; and a botanical. Arachidonic acid is a specific isomer of eicosatetraenoic acid, specifically (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid. It is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, with the formula CH3-(CH2)4-(CH=CH-CH2)4-(CH2)2-COOH, where all double bonds are cis. Examples of botanicals include substances derived from the group consisting of licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, calendula, fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, savory, green tea, tulsi, basil, alfalfa, parsley, fennel, goldenseal, and mixtures of these. QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yii The composition of the invention may be a liquid or solid food. When the composition is a solid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical may be coated onto the composition, incorporated into the composition, or both. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and a botanical, wherein the botanical is selected from the group consisting of green tea, fenugreek, tulsi, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, all three botanical ingredients are necessarily present in the dietary composition. Green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi may be present in any amount effective in treating inflammation in a pet. In one formulation, each green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi is present in the composition at more than approximately 0.0010% by weight. In another formulation, the dietary composition comprises more than approximately 0.20% by weight of green tea, more than approximately 0.020% by weight of fenugreek, and more than approximately 0.0010% by weight of tulsi. The invention is defined by at least twenty aspects. In the first aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the second aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid and mixtures thereof; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the third aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons selected from the group consisting of eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid and mixtures thereof; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the fourth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and 4 or more double bonds QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi carbon-carbon; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the fifth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds selected from the group consisting of eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid and mixtures thereof; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the sixth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons comprising arachidonic acid; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the seventh aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.20% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the eighth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical selected from the group consisting of licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, calendula, fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, savory, green tea, tulsi, basil, alfalfa, parsley, goldenseal and mixtures thereof, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the ninth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical selected from the group consisting of green tea, fenugreek, tulsi and mixtures thereof, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the tenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical comprising a mixture of green tea, fenugreek and tulsi, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi In the eleventh aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical comprising a mixture of green tea, fenugreek and tulsi, wherein each of the green tea, fenugreek and tulsi is present in the composition in more than approximately 0.0010% by weight; wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the twelfth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical comprising a mixture of green tea, fenugreek and tulsi, comprising more than approximately 0.20% by weight of green tea, more than approximately 0.020% by weight of fenugreek and more than approximately 0.0010% by weight of tulsi, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. In the thirteenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis, wherein the dietary composition comprises a nutritionally complete pet food. In the fourteenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis, wherein the dietary composition comprises a nutritionally complete cat food. In the fifteenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis, wherein the dietary composition is a dry composition. In the sixteenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis, wherein the pet is a cat. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi In the seventeenth aspect, the invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising epigallocatechin-3-gallate and more than approximately 0.10% by weight of arachidonic acid. In the eighteenth aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in a companion animal in need, comprising providing the companion animal with a dietary composition comprising an effective amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and a botanical. In the nineteenth aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in a companion animal in need, comprising providing the companion animal with a dietary composition comprising an effective amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and comprising 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds and a botanical. In the twentieth aspect, the invention relates to a method for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in a companion animal in need, comprising providing the companion animal with a dietary composition comprising an effective amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and a botanical, wherein the dietary composition comprises a nutritionally complete cat food. DETAILED DESCRIPTION For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by reference to several illustrative embodiments thereof. Although certain embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, a person skilled in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable and may be employed in other apparatus and methods. Before explaining in detail the embodiments of the present invention that are described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment shown. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limiting purposes. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular form of any class of ingredients refers not only to a single chemical species within that class but also to a mixture of such chemical species; for example, the term omega-6 fatty acid, in the singular form, may refer to a mixture of compounds, each of which is also an omega-6 fatty acid. The singular form of the ingredient defined as botanical may also be a mixture of ingredients, each of which may be defined as botanical. The terms a, one or more, and at least one may be used interchangeably herein. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi description. The terms that comprise, that include and that have” can be used interchangeably. Abbreviations and symbols as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, have their ordinary meanings. The abbreviation “% by weight” means percentage by weight. The abbreviation LS(mean) is a least squares statistical mean. The characters “α”, “β”, “γ”, “ω”, and “Δ” are the uppercase Greek letters alpha, beta, gamma, omega, and delta, respectively. When referring to chemical structures and names, the symbols C, H, and O stand for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. The symbols Z, E, and = stand for cis, trans, single bond, and double bond, respectively. The term approximately when referring to a number means ± 5%. For example, the phrase approximately 0.050% by weight refers to a number between 0.047500% and 0.052500% by weight, which includes both 0.047500% and 0.052500%. As used throughout the description, intervals are used as shorthand to describe each and every value that falls within the interval. Any value within the interval can be selected as the interval term. The selected terms listed below can be used as more than one part of speech. For example, the term botanical can be used as a noun or as an adjective. The term "mixture" should be interpreted broadly. When referring to a list of ingredients, unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "mixture" refers to a mixture of the aforementioned ingredients with each other, a mixture of any of the aforementioned ingredients with other ingredients not mentioned above, and a mixture of several of the aforementioned ingredients with other ingredients not mentioned above. For example, the term "mixture" in the phrase "the polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid, and mixtures thereof" refers to a mixture of omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acid and omega-9 fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-6 fatty acid and omega-9 fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and omega-9 fatty acid.or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-6 fatty acids and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-9 fatty acid and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid; or a mixture of; QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid and any other polyunsaturated fatty acid. For each of these, the phrase any other polyunsaturated fatty acid means one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids in addition to omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid or omega-9 fatty acid. Any member of a list of species used to exemplify or define a genus may be mutually distinct from, overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly equal to or identical to, any other member of the species list. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, such as when reciting a Markush group, the list of species defining or illustrating the genus is open, and it is understood that other species may exist that define or illustrate the genus as well as, or better than, any other species on the list. The phrase "companion animal" refers to a domesticated or home-bred animal whose physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs can be readily met as a companion in the home or in a close daily relationship with one or more humans. In one sense, the species included in the definition of a companion animal include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other selected small mammals. In another sense, the species included in the definition of a companion animal include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals, birds, small reptiles, fish, and farm animals kept in the home. The definition of the term cat includes a domestic cat, Felis catus, and a wild cat, Felis silvestris catus. The definition of the term cat includes breeds such as Abyssinian, Aegean, American Curl, American Bobtail, American Shorthair, American Wirehair, Aphrodite Giant, Arabian Mau, Australian Mist, Asian, Asian Semi-Longhair, Bali, Bambino, Bengal, Burmese, Bombay, Brazilian Shorthair, British Angora, British Semi-Longhair, British Shorthair, British Longhair, Burmilla, California Spotted, Chantilly-Tiffany, Chartreux, Chausie, Cheetoh, Colorpoint Shorthair, Colorpoint Persian, Corniche Rex, Cymric, Cyprus, Devon Rex, Donskoy, Don Sphynx, Dragon, Dwelf, Egyptian Mau, European Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Foldex, Foreign Longhair, German Rex, Havana Brown, Highlander, Himalayan, Japanese Bobtail, Javanese, Karelian Bobtail, Khao Manee, Korat, Korean Bobtail, Korn yes,bobtail kurilian, bobtail of the Kuril Islands, laPerm, liebling, manx of long hair, lykoi, coon de Maine, mandarín, manx, manx of long hair, bobtail mekong, minskin, munchkin, nebelung, napoleón, del bosque noruego, ocicat, eyes azules, rex de Oregon, oriental bicolor, oriental of short hair, oriental of long hair, persa, peterbald, pixie-bob, raas, ragamuffin, ragdoll, azul ruso, negro ruso, tabby ruso, blanco ruso, sam sawet, savannah, fold escoces, rex selkirk, serengeti, serrade petit, siamés, siberiano, bosque de siberia, neva masquerade, singapura, rackets de, QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi nieve, sokoke, somalí, sphynx, suphalak, tailandés, lila tailandés, tonkinés, toyger, angora turco, van turco, levkoy ucraniano, wichien maat, wila krungthep y York chocolate. The phrase "dietary composition" refers to food for a pet or cat. This phrase should be interpreted broadly; it includes food consumed exclusively by the pet or cat, food consumed regularly by the pet or cat, food consumed occasionally by the pet or cat, and food consumed by the pet or cat on rare occasions. The present invention relates to a dietary composition for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in companion animals. The present invention relates to the composition of a combination of botanicals and C20+ polyunsaturated fatty acid in a dietary composition and to the use of said composition to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in companion animals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and a botanical; wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis. The dietary composition of the present invention comprises a polyunsaturated fatty acid containing 20 or more carbon atoms. A polyunsaturated fatty acid is a fatty acid that contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds in its carbon chain. A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain. The polyunsaturated fatty acid has the formula CH3-[(CH2)m(CH=CH)n]u-COOH, where m, n, and y are non-negative integers 0, 1, 2, ... Examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids comprising 20 or more carbons include methylene-interrupted polyenes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and omega-9 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids may be contained in triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines. The definition of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons specifically includes those acids that are rarely found. For example, although the most common omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated omega-9 fatty acids comprising 20 or more carbons include (5Z,8Z,11Z)docos-5,8,11-trienoic acid, (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z)tetracos-4,7,10,17-tetraenoic acid, and similar compounds. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons is selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid, and mixtures thereof. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi One or more omega-3 fatty acids are important for the normal metabolism of companion animals. Mammals cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids, but they can obtain the short-chain omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid through their diet and use it to form the more important long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The ability to produce longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids from alpha-linolenic acid can be impaired with age. Examples of omega-3 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosatrienoic acid, ETE, (11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, ETA, (8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-8,11,14,17-tetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, HPA, (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z)-heneicosa-6,9,12,15,18-pentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, clupanodonic acid, DPA (7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docose-7,10,13,16,19-pentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)docose-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, (9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z,21Z)tetracose-9,12,15,18,21-pentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, nisinic acid, (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z,21Z)-tetracose-6,9,12,15,18,21-hexaenoic acid and mixtures thereof. Additional examples of omega-3 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain as long as the last double bond is between the third and fourth carbons of the omega end of the acid QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yi fatty. Thus, for example, examples of omega-3 fatty acids eicosatrienoic acid include eicosa-2,4,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,5,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,6,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,7,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,8,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,10,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,5,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,6,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,7,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,8,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,10,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,6,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,7,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,8,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,10,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,11,17-trienoic acid;eicosa-4,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,7,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,8,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,10,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,8,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,10,17-trienoic acid; QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi eicosa-6,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,14,17-trienoic; eicosa-6,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,9,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,10,17-trienoic; eicosa-7,13,17-trienoic; eicosa-7,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,15,17-trienoic; eicosa-8,10,17-trienoic; eicosa-8,13,17-trienoic; eicosa-8,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-9,11,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-9,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,15,17-trienoic; eicosa-9,13,17-trienoic; eicosa-9,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-9,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-10,12,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-10,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-10,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-10,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-11,13,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-11,15,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-12,14,17-trienoic acid; eicosa-12,15,17-trienoic acid; and eicosa-13,15,17-trienoic acid. Additional examples of omega-3 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain as long as the last double bond is between the third and fourth carbon of the omega end of the fatty acid and wherein each of the double bonds in each of the acids can be either cis or trans. Thus, for example, the definition of the phrase eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid includes (11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, (11E,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-11,14,17trienoic acid, (11Z,14E,17Z)-eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, (11Z,14Z,17E)-eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, (11E,14E,17Z)-eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, (11E,14Z,17E)eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, and (11E,14Z,17E)eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid. (11Z,14E,17E)-icosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid, (11E,14E,17E)eicosa-11,14,17-trienoic acid and mixtures of any of the aforementioned acids with each other. An omega-6 fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid in which the final carbon-carbon double bond is in the n-6 position, that is, the sixth bond counting from the omega end. An omega-6 fatty acid can have pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects. The biological effects of an omega-6 fatty acid occur largely during and after physical activity to promote growth and during the inflammatory cascade to halt cell damage and promote cell repair by converting it into an omega-6 eicosanoid that binds to various receptors found in all tissues of the body. Examples of omega-6 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosadienoic acid, (11Z,14Z)-eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, DGLA, (8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid, arachidonic acid, AA, ARA, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, (13Z,16Z)-docose-13,16-dienoic acid, adrenic acid, (7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)-docose-7,10,13,16-tetraenoic acid, Osbond's acid, and other fatty acids. (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)-docose-4,7,10,13,16-pentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, (9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z)-tetracose-9,12,15,18-tetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid and (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z)-tetracose-6,9,12,15,18-pentaenoic acid. Additional examples of omega-6 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosadienoic acid, tetracosatrienoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid and mixtures of these, tetracosatetraenoic acid, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain as long as the last double bond is between the sixth and seventh carbons of the omega end of the fatty acid. Thus, for example, examples of omega-6 fatty acids eicosatrienoic acid include eicosa-2,4,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,5,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,6,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,7,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,8,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-2,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,5,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,6,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,7,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,8,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-3,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,6,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,7,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,8,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-4,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,7,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,8,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-5,11,14-trienoic acid;eicosa-5,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,8,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-6,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,9,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-7,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,10,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-8,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-9,11,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-9,12,14-trienoic acid; eicosa-10,12,14-trienoic acid and mixtures of any of the aforementioned acids together. Additional examples of omega-6 fatty acids with 20 or more carbons include eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and other fatty acids. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi tetracosadienoic acid, tetracosatrienoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid and mixtures thereof, tetracosatetraenoic acid, wherein for each of the acids the double bonds can be anywhere in the chain provided that the last double bond is between the sixth and seventh carbon of the omega end of the fatty acid and wherein each of the double bonds QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yi in each of the acids can be cis or trans. Thus, for example, the definition of the phrase eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid includes (8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid, (8Z,11E,14Z)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid, (8E,11E,14Z)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid, ... (8E,11E,14E)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic and mixtures of any of the aforementioned acids with each other. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid selected from the group consisting of eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid and mixtures thereof; and a botanical. Eicosadienoic acid is one of the isomers of a 20-carbon linear fatty acid containing two carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of eicosadienoic acid include (11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dienoic acid. Eicosatrienoic acid is one of the isomers of a 20-carbon linear fatty acid containing three carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of eicosatrienoic acid include the omega-6 isomer (8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid, also known as dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is an elongation product of another omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Gamma-linolenic acid is a desaturation product of another omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid is found in trace amounts in animal products. The production of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid from GLA increases when high levels of alpha-linolenic acid are present, which blocks the pathway of arachidonic acid. Docosadienoic acid is a 22-carbon fatty acid with two carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of docosadienoic acid include the isomer (13Z,16Z)docose-13,16-dienoic acid. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds; and a botanical. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising: more than approximately 0.10% by weight of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds selected from the group consisting of eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and a botanical. Any of these acids may have one or more isomeric forms. For example, eicosatetraenoic acid can be the omega-6 isomer of eicosatetraenoic acid (such as (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid) or the omega-3 isomer of eicosatetraenoic acid (such as (8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa-8,11,14,17-tetraenoic acid). Eicosatetraenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 20-carbon linear fatty acid containing four carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of eicosatetraenoic acid include the omega-6 fatty acid isomer (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid and the omega-3 fatty acid isomer (8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosa8,11,14,17-tetraenoic acid. Eicosatetraenoic acid is found in the green-lipped mussel and appears to act as a dual inhibitor of arachidonic acid oxygenation via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Eicosapentaenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 20-carbon linear fatty acid chain comprising 5 carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of eicosapentaenoic acid include the omega-3 fatty acid isomer (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid, commonly known as timnodonic acid. Timnodonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that acts as a precursor to prostaglandin-3, which inhibits platelet aggregation; thromboxane-3; and leukotriene-5 eicosanoids. Timnodonic acid is both a precursor and a hydrolytic degradation product of eicosapentaenoylethanolamide. Heneicosapentaenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 21-carbon linear fatty acid containing 5 carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of heneicosapentaenoic acid include the omega-3 fatty acid isomer (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z)-heneicosa-6,9,12,15,18-pentaenoic acid. Docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) is a 22-carbon fatty acid with four carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of DTA include the omega-6 isomer (7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)-docosatetraenoic acid, commonly known as adrenic acid. Adrenic acid is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid formed by the elongation of the two-carbon chain of arachidonic acid. Adrenic acid is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain during early human development. Adrenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that is metabolized by QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi the cells to biologically active products, such as dihomoprostaglandins, dihomoepoxyeicosatrienoic acids and dihomo-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is one of the isomers of a 22-carbon linear fatty acid containing five carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of DPA include the omega-6 fatty acid isomer (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16-pentaenoic acid, commonly known as Osbond's acid; and the omega-3 fatty acid isomer (7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)eicosa(7,10,13,16,19)pentaenoic acid, commonly known as clupanodonic acid. Osbond's acid is formed by stepwise elongation and desaturation of arachidonic acid to a 24-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid intermediate, followed by the reverse conversion of that intermediate to Osbond's acid. Clupanodonic acid is an intermediate between the omega-3 isomer eicosapentaenoic acid and omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid in a pathway in which clupanodonic acid is a precursor of said docosahexaenoic acid and the final product can be reverse-converted to clupanodonic acid. Docosahexaenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 22-carbon linear fatty acid containing six carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of docosapentaenoic acid include (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19hexaenoic acid, commonly known as cervonic acid. Omnivores and carnivores, such as cats, primarily obtain cervonic acid from their diet. Some amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and cervonic acid are possible products of allinolenic acid metabolism in young mammals. Cervonic acid in breast milk is important for a developing young mammal. Tetracosapentaenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 24-carbon linear fatty acid containing five carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of tetracosapentaenoic acid include the omega-3 fatty acid (9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z,21Z)docose-9,12,15,18,21-pentanoic acid. Tetracosahexaenoic acid is one of the isomers of a 24-carbon linear fatty acid comprising six carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of tetracosahexaenoic acid include (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z,18Z,21Z)-tetracose6,9,12,15,18,21-hexaenoic acid, commonly known as nisinic acid. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising: more than approximately 0.10% by weight of arachidonic acid and a botanical. Arachidonic acid is a specific isomer of eicosatetraenoic acid, specifically (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid. It is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, with the formula CH3-(CH2)4-(CH=CH-CH2)4-(CH2)2-COOH, where all double bonds are cis. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi Although arachidonic acid is not considered an essential fatty acid for most mammals, it is essential in cats due to their reduced elongation and desaturation activity. Furthermore, arachidonic acid becomes essential in all mammals if there is a deficiency of linoleic acid or an inability to convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid. Some mammals lack the ability, or have a very limited ability, to convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid, making it an essential part of their diets. Since little or no arachidonic acid is found in common plants, these animals are obligate carnivores; the cat is a common example of a mammal with a reduced capacity to desaturate essential fatty acids. Arachidonic acid is a precursor to a series of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, compared to those produced from omega-3 fatty acids. Virtually all cellular arachidonic acid is esterified in membrane phospholipids, where its presence is tightly regulated through multiple interconnected pathways. Free arachidonic acid is a critical transient substrate for the biosynthesis of eicosanoid second messengers. The receptor-stimulated release, metabolism, and reuptake of free arachidonic acid are all important aspects of cell signaling and inflammation. The present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and a botanical. The term "botanical" refers to a substance obtained from a plant and used as an additive in a composition. In one modality, the term "botanical" refers to a food or dietary supplement extracted or derived from a plant or herbal source. In another modality, the term refers to a food or dietary supplement extracted or derived from a plant or herbal source that may provide health benefits, such as the treatment or prevention of a disease or health condition. Examples of botanical ingredients include substances derived from curcumin, green tea, pomegranate, chamomile, rosemary, aloe, nettle, gotu kola, ginkgo biloba, birch, witch hazel, grape skin, grape seed, grapefruit, grapefruit seed, cranberry, blueberry, soy isoflavones, black cohosh, St. John's wort, echinacea, and chamomile. Botanicals can be extracted or derived from sources such as lime, aloe vera, Asian ginseng, astragalus, cranberry, bitter orange, black cohosh, butterbur, cat's claw, chamomile, chasteberry, cinnamon, blueberry, dandelion, echinacea, ephedra, European elderberry, European mistletoe, evening primrose oil, fenugreek, feverfew, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, goldenseal, grape seed extract, green tea, hawthorn, hoodia, and chestnut. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi Indian herbs, kava, lavender, licorice root, milk thistle, noni, passionflower, peppermint oil, red clover, sage, dwarf palm soybean, St. John's wort, tea tree oil, thunder god vine, turmeric, valerian, and yohimbe. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dietary composition for a pet comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and a botanical selected from the group consisting of licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, calendula, fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, savory, green tea, tulsi, basil, alfalfa, parsley, fennel, goldenseal and mixtures thereof. For each of the above plants, the botanical name can be derived from one or more parts of the plant. Furthermore, the botanical may be an extract of such plants. A plant extract, as used herein, is any preparation containing substances extracted from that plant, including fluid extracts, tinctures, essential oils, distillates, and oleoresins. Plant extracts may be prepared by any of the methods described herein or as known in the art by a skilled worker. Examples of extracts include chamomile extract, grape skin extract, grape seed extract, grapefruit extract, grapefruit seed extract, cranberry extract, and blueberry extract. The term licorice refers to the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra and its derivatives. Licorice is a herb native to the Mediterranean, southern and central Russia, Asia Minor, and Iran, but it is now cultivated in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For example, licorice includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the licorice plant. Licorice can be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Licorice can be cooked or raw. The root of licorice from many species is believed to be beneficial for numerous health problems that pets may experience.Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has properties similar to adrenal cortex hormones like cortisol. Therefore, licorice root can exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial in cases of arthritis or allergies. Licorice root can also act as an antihepatotoxic agent, inhibiting liver damage caused by toxins and viruses. This makes it a good option for elevated liver enzymes resulting from acute or chronic hepatitis. The term "licorice root" includes both compositions containing glycyrrhizin and compositions that are deglycyrrhizinated. Angelica refers to any of approximately 60 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the Apiaceae family. Angelica is a woody perennial plant. QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yii is a tall, robust plant that thrives best in slightly acidic, moist soils in light shade. It is native to Syria but has spread to many European countries. For example, angelica includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of any of the angelica plants. Angelica may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Angelica may be cooked or raw. The roots have high levels of terpenes, including α-pinene and β-phellandrene. Fenugreek refers to the plant Trigonella foenum-graecum, an annual plant in the Fabaceae family. Fenugreek is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. For example, fenugreek includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the fenugreek plant. Fenugreek can be found in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Fenugreek can be cooked or raw. Fenugreek is used as a common spice, particularly in India and other regions where curries are popular. Traditional medicine practitioners have considered fenugreek helpful in managing metabolic and nutritional disorders such as diabetes, as a phlegm displacer, digestive aid, labor inducer, and for breaking up stagnant energy and reducing inflammation. Calendula is a short-lived, aromatic, herbaceous perennial native to southern Europe. In one sense, the term calendula refers to Calendula officinalis. In another sense, the term calendula refers to the genus Calendula in the Asteraceae family. Calendula blooms in vibrant yellow, orange, and gold. For example, calendula includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the ginger plant. Calendula can be found in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Calendula can be cooked or raw. Calendula extract is commonly used in pet food due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and fight viruses and bacteria. The flavonoids in the extract can add flavor and are also a source of plant-based antioxidants.Calendula contains high amounts of lutein, which is found in the retina of the eye. Lutein protects the eye from the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Fennel refers to the plant Foeniculum vulgare and its derivatives. Native to the Mediterranean, fennel is now found worldwide. Fennel is a perennial aromatic herb with yellow flowers and a bulbous stem. For example, fennel includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the fennel plant. Fennel may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Fennel can QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi can be cooked or raw. Fennel has a scent similar to licorice or anise. Fennel is added to pet food as a source of several key vitamins or as a digestive aid. Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint, and is native to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint oil is high in menthol and also contains menthone and carboxylic esters, such as menthyl acetate. Peppermint oil also contains small amounts of many other compounds, including limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene, and pinene. Peppermint contains terpenoids and flavonoids such as eriocitrin, hesperidin, and kaempferol 7-O-rutinoside. Peppermint helps control peristalsis in pets, meaning it regulates the contractions that help move food through their digestive tracts. Giving your pet some peppermint may help improve irritable bowel syndrome. When combined with catnip, peppermint may also reduce nausea in pets. Chamomile refers to any of several daisy-like plants in the Asteraceae family and their derivatives. In one sense, chamomile refers to the plant *Matricaria chamomilla* and its derivatives. In another sense, chamomile refers to the plant *Chamaemelum nobile* and its derivatives. For example, chamomile includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of a chamomile plant. Chamomile may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Chamomile may be cooked or raw. The dandelion refers to any one of several flowering plants of the genus Taraxacum and its derivatives. Dandelions are flowering plants native to Eurasia and North America. Several dandelion species, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots, are edible and nutritious. For example, dandelion products include those derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of a dandelion plant. Dandelion may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Dandelion may be cooked or raw. Dandelion leaves contain abundant vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron, and manganese. Raw flowers contain high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic. Savory refers to the plant *Satureja*, a genus of aromatic plants in the Lamiaceae family, related to rosemary and thyme and their derivatives. For example, savory includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of a savory plant. Savory may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground savory, spray-dried savory, freeze-dried savory, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Savory may be cooked or raw. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is believed to have originated in the Yunnan province of China. Green tea is considered an excellent source of antioxidants and alkaloids, containing vitamins such as A, D, E, C, B, B5, H, and K, manganese, and other minerals like zinc, chromium, and selenium. Green tea contains approximately 30 percent polyphenols by weight, including high amounts of the catechin EGCG. Catechins are natural antioxidants believed to help prevent cell damage. Tulsi refers to the plant Ocimum tenuiflorum and its derivatives. Tulsi is also known as holy basil, tulasi, or thulasi. It is a perennial aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Indian subcontinent and widely cultivated in the tropics of Southeast Asia. For example, tulsi includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the tulsi plant. Tulsi can be found in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Tulsi can be cooked or raw. Some of the phytochemical components of tulsi include oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. Tulsi essential oil consists mainly of eugenol, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, and germacrene. Basil refers to the plant Ocimum basilicum and its derivatives. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia and is used in cuisines worldwide. For example, basil includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of a basil plant. Basil can be found in the form of ground powder, fresh ground basil, spray-dried basil, freeze-dried basil, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Basil can be cooked or raw. In traditional medicine practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, basil is believed to have therapeutic properties. Alfalfa refers to the plant Medicago sativa and its derivatives. Also called alfalfa, it is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries worldwide. It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as well as for green manure and cover crops. For example, alfalfa includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the alfalfa plant. Alfalfa may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground alfalfa, spray-dried alfalfa, freeze-dried alfalfa, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil-in-water, or solution. Alfalfa may be cooked or raw. Parsley refers to the plant Petroselinum crispum and its derivatives. Parsley is a biennial flowering plant species in the Apiaceae family, native to the central Mediterranean region and widely cultivated as an herb, spice, and vegetable. For example, parsley includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the plant. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi a parsley plant. Parsley can be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Parsley can be cooked or raw. Goldenseal refers to the plant Hydrastis canadensis and its derivatives. It is a perennial herb in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. For example, goldenseal includes products derived from the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of the goldenseal plant. Goldenseal may be in the form of ground powder, fresh ground, spray-dried, freeze-dried, wet root, extract, oil, suspension, oil and water, or solution. Goldenseal may be cooked or raw. In traditional medicine, the roots and rhizomes of goldenseal are harvested and used as a multipurpose remedy due to their high concentrations of berberine and hydrastine. The herb is believed to be anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, and an immune system booster.Goldenseal is used to control muscle spasms, treat cancer, stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure, treat gastrointestinal disorders, treat conjunctivitis, control painful and heavy menstruation, treat infections by topical application, reduce swelling, and relieve edema. The composition of the present invention can be prepared by any means used to prepare pet food. Arachidonic acid can be obtained commercially from any number of sources. It can be prepared from the fungus Mortierella alpina. The composition of the invention may be a liquid or solid food. When the composition is a liquid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical component may be mixed with other components. When the composition is a solid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical component may be coated onto the composition, incorporated into the composition, or both. In various embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical ingredient may be added to pet food. In certain embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical ingredient may be added to the pet food by a mixer or manufacturer at a site. In one particular embodiment, the pet owner may add the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical ingredient to the pet food before feeding the animal. In other embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical ingredient may be added during the processing of pet food, such as during and / or after mixing other components of the composition that are subsequently packaged and made available to consumers. Such processing includes extrusion, canning, baking, and similar methods. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi or any other pet food production process method known in the art. As described herein, the compositions of the present invention are intended to encompass nutritionally complete and balanced animal feed compositions that further comprise the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and the botanical component. A “nutritionally complete diet” is a diet that includes sufficient nutrients for the maintenance of the normal health of a healthy pet animal on that diet. Nutritionally complete and balanced pet food compositions are understood by someone skilled in the art. For example, substances such as nutrients and ingredients suitable for nutritionally complete and balanced animal food compositions, and their recommended amounts, can be found, for instance, in the Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials, Inc. (AAFCO), Atlanta, GA, 2005, or the Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats of the National Research Council, The National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2006. As used in this description, an ingredient refers to any component of a composition. The term nutrient refers to a substance that provides nourishment. In some cases, an ingredient may comprise more than one nutrient. The distinction between these terms is familiar to someone skilled in the art. A nutritionally complete and balanced dog food composition of the present invention may comprise: approximately 0% by weight to approximately 90% by weight, preferably approximately 5% by weight to 60% by weight of carbohydrates; approximately 5% by weight to approximately 70% by weight, preferably approximately 10% by weight to approximately 60% by weight of protein; approximately 2% by weight to approximately 50% by weight, preferably approximately 5% by weight to approximately 40% by weight of fat; approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 20% by weight, preferably from approximately 1% by weight to approximately 11% by weight of total dietary fiber; from approximately 0% by weight to approximately 15% by weight, preferably from approximately 2% by weight to approximately 8% by weight of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that support the nutritional requirements of the animal; from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 3% by weight, or from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 1.5% by weight, or from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 0.6% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and from approximately 0.0010% in. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi weight to approximately 1.0% by weight of botanicals, or from approximately 0.0010% by weight to approximately 0.01% by weight of botanicals. For example, a nutritionally complete and balanced cat food composition of the present invention may comprise: from 0 to approximately 90%, preferably from approximately 5% to approximately 50% by weight of carbohydrates; from approximately 5% to approximately 70%, preferably from approximately 20% to approximately 60%, by weight of protein; preferably from approximately 2% to approximately 50%, from approximately 5% to approximately 40%, by weight of fat; preferably from approximately 0.1% to approximately 20%, preferably from approximately 1% to approximately 11%, by weight of total dietary fiber; from approximately 0% to approximately 15%, preferably from approximately 2% to approximately 8%, by weight of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support the animal's nutritional requirements; from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 3% by weight, or approximately 0.1% to approximately 1.5% by weight, or approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 0.6% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acids comprising 20 or more carbons; and approximately 0.0010% by weight to approximately 1.0% of botanical, or approximately 0.0010% by weight to approximately 0.01% by weight of botanical. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet animal comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbon atoms; and a botanical, wherein the botanical is selected from the group consisting of green tea, fenugreek, tulsi, and mixtures thereof. The botanical may be green tea, fenugreek, tulsi, green tea and fenugreek, green tea and tulsi, fenugreek and tulsi, or green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi. Furthermore, the botanical may be green tea mixed with other botanicals; or fenugreek mixed with other botanicals; or tulsi mixed with other botanicals; or green tea and fenugreek, mixed with other botanicals; or green tea and tulsi, mixed with other botanicals; or fenugreek and tulsi, mixed with other botanicals; or green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi, mixed with other botanicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary composition for a pet comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbon atoms; and a botanical comprising a mixture of green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi. In this embodiment, all three botanical ingredients are necessarily present in the dietary composition. In addition, in one embodiment, other botanical ingredients besides green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi may be present. Green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi can be present in any amount that is effective in treating inflammation in a pet. In one formulation, each tea QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi Green tea, fenugreek, and tulsi are present in the composition at more than approximately 0.0010% by weight. In one modality, the dietary composition comprises more than approximately 0.20% by weight of green tea, more than approximately 0.020% by weight of fenugreek, and more than approximately 0.0010% by weight of tulsi. The effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory substance, such as pet food, can be measured directly by monitoring inflammation. Alternatively, the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory substance can be measured by the reduction of selected circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pet. Appropriate pro-inflammatory cytokines include TNFα, MCP-1, IL-12, and IL-18. As used in this description, the term synergy or synergistic is intended to Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory protein produced primarily by activated macrophages. It can also be produced by CD4 lymphocytes, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils. Reducing TNFα has been shown to decrease inflammatory responses in several disease conditions, including glomerulonephritis, bowel disorders, and dermatitis. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) is also called chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). MCP-1 recruits monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to the site of injury, but does not attract neutrophils or eosinophils. Anti-CCL2 reduces the severity of kidney dysfunction (glomerulonephritis), indicating that a reduction in MCP-1 is beneficial for restoring kidney function. Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily produced by dendritic cells and macrophages. IL-12 is involved in the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th1 cells and also stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory TNFα and interferon-gamma (IFNγ). IL-12 also stimulates the production of natural killer (NK) cells and enhances the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and CD8+ T cells. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a cytokine produced primarily by macrophages. One of the pro-inflammatory actions of IL-18 is due to its ability to stimulate NK cells and certain T cells to release IFN-γ. Previous studies have suggested that adding arachidonic acid to pet food may be pro-inflammatory. However, feeding cats cat food containing added arachidonic acid did not significantly change levels of TNFα, MCP-1, or IL-18. Other previous studies have suggested that adding botanicals to pet food could have anti-inflammatory effects. However, feeding cats cat food containing botanicals did not significantly change levels of TNFα, MCP-1, or IL-18. QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yii However, feeding cats a combination of arachidonic acid and botanicals in pet food has shown a very significant anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by the reduction of TNFα, MCP-1 and IL-18. EXAMPLES A two-factor, two-level experiment was conducted. The first factor was the presence or absence of a botanical mixture. The second factor was the presence or absence of additional arachidonic acid beyond the naturally occurring amount in the food. Forty-eight cats were divided into four groups of twelve cats each. The control group (Group 1) cats were fed a nutritionally balanced cat food. The botanical-only group (Group 2) cats were fed the nutritionally balanced cat food with added botanical supplements. The arachidonic acid-only group (Group 3) cats were fed the nutritionally balanced cat food with added arachidonic acid. The arachidonic acid-botanical supplement group (Group 4) cats were fed the nutritionally balanced cat food with added arachidonic acid and a botanical supplement. The cat food in Groups 2 and 4 each contained 0.5% by weight of green tea, 0.05% by weight of fenugreek, and 0.003% by weight of tulsi. The cat food in Groups 1 and 2 contained approximately 0.05% to 0.06% by weight of arachidonic acid, which occurs naturally in the cat food's meat product. Each of the cat foods in Groups 3 and 4 contained an added arachidonic acid blended to produce approximately 0.13% by weight of arachidonic acid. Each group was fed their respective diet for 85 days, after which the inflammatory status of the cats was assessed using specific cytokines as a measure of the inflammatory response. QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yii Table 1 Group Δ TNFa, LS(mean) Standard error Pr > |t| 1 -64.78 80.2 0.4237 2 -0.3992 80.2 0.9961 3 54.21 80.2 0.5028 4 -243.6 80.2 0.0040 Group Δ IL18 LS(mean) Standard error Pr > |t| 1 -179.3 286.0 0.5339 2 100.8 286.0 0.7262 3 140.67 286.0 0.6253 4 -756.7 286.0 0.0113 Group Δ MCP I LS(mean) Standard error Pr > |t| 1 34.83 434.3 0.9364 2 -322.14 434.3 0.4622 3 371.87 434.3 0.3965 4 -1345.1 434.3 0.0034 QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi As illustrated in Table 1 (above), there was a statistically significant decrease in the amounts of each cytokine. The one-tailed p-value for the decrease in TNFα was less than 0.5%. The one-tailed p-value for the decrease in IL-18 was less than 0.12%. The one-tailed p-value for the decrease in MCP1 was less than 0.4%. Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purpose of providing a complete description of the invention, such embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting or to represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention will be determined by the appended claims. Furthermore, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made to such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A pet food composition comprising: (a) more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons; and (b) a botanical, wherein all % by weight are with respect to the dietary composition on a dry matter basis.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acid and mixtures thereof.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid is a fatty acid selected from the group consisting of eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid and mixtures thereof.

4. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

5. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

6. The pet food composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises arachidonic acid.

7. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the dietary composition comprises more than approximately 0.20% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons.

8. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the botanical is selected from the group consisting of licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, calendula, fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, savory, green tea, tulsi, basil, alfalfa, parsley, goldenseal, and mixtures thereof. QRncnn / Lznz / B / Yi 9. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the botanical is selected from the group consisting of green tea, fenugreek, tulsi and mixtures thereof.

10. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the botanical product comprises a mixture of green tea, fenugreek and tulsi.

11. The pet food composition according to claim 10, wherein green tea, fenugreek and tulsi are present in the composition in more than approximately 0.0010% by weight.

12. The pet food composition according to claim 10 or 11, comprising more than approximately 0.20% by weight of green tea, more than approximately 0.020% by weight of fenugreek and more than approximately 0.0010% by weight of tulsi.

13. The pet food composition of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dietary composition comprises a nutritionally complete pet food.

14. The pet food composition of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the dietary composition comprises a nutritionally complete cat food.

15. The pet food composition of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the dietary composition is a dry composition.

16. The pet food composition of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pet is a cat.

17. A dietary composition for a pet comprising epigallocatechin-3-gallate and more than approximately 0.10% by weight of arachidonic acid.

18. A pet food composition comprising: a nutritionally complete carrier; and an effective amount of an anti-inflammatory complex comprising: a botanical mixture comprising a plurality of botanicals; and a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons.

19. The pet food composition according to claim 18, wherein the botanical mixture comprises a botanical selected from the group consisting of licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, calendula, fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, savory, green tea, tulsi, basil, alfalfa, parsley, goldenseal, and mixtures thereof. QRncnn / Lznz / E / Yii 20. The pet food composition according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the botanical is selected from the group consisting of green tea, fenugreek, tulsi and mixtures thereof.

21. The pet food composition according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the botanical mixture comprises green tea, fenugreek and tulsi.

22. The pet food composition according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein each of the green tea, fenugreek and tulsi is present in the composition in more than approximately 0.0010% by weight.

23. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 18 to 22, comprising more than approximately 0.20% by weight of green tea, more than approximately 0.020% by weight of fenugreek and more than approximately 0.0010% by weight of tulsi.

24. The pet food composition according to any of claims 18 to 23, comprising more than approximately 0.10% by weight of polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons.

25. The pet food composition according to any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the composition provides a synergistic reduction of inflammatory cytokines.

26. The pet food composition according to claim 25, wherein the inflammatory cytokines are selected from TNFα, IL 18 and MCP1.

27. A method for treating an inflammatory condition in a pet animal, comprising administering a pet food composition according to any preceding claim to a pet animal in need of it.

28. A method for reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in a pet animal in need, comprising providing the pet animal with a pet food composition comprising an effective amount of a polyunsaturated fatty acid comprising 20 or more carbons and a botanical mixture.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises 4 or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

30. The method of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the pet food composition comprises a nutritionally complete cat food.