Food compositions and uses thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a food composition, product and kit thereof; comprising a combination of (i) a source of carnosic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin. The present disclosure also relates to the food composition, product and kit for use as an antiseptic and / or as a medicament in a method for eliciting or increasing an immune response in an animal, in particular.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. EP 20198127.1, filed on 24 September 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the fields of food compositions, particularly food additives, and therapeutic methods. These food compositions are especially suitable for companion animals, particularly pets. Advantageously, this disclosure relates to a food composition having dual properties (as a preservative and for improving health) alone or in the form of a companion animal food. Background Technology

[0004] Food can become rancid when fats undergo chemical and physical changes. Lipid oxidation is a common and undesirable chain reaction consisting of three main stages: initiation, propagation, and termination. During this oxidation process, unsaturated fatty acids are slowly oxidized. As a result, a series of breakdown products are produced, which contribute to the rancid taste and reduce the palatability of the food.

[0005] This phenomenon poses nutritional risks, especially to animals such as pets. In particular, rancid foods have lower nutritional value because oxidation destroys beneficial fats and some vitamins. Experts agree that frequent consumption of rancid foods or oils may lead to inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, growth inhibition, bone formation and immune function impairment, and even the development of certain cancers. To extend the shelf life of food and overcome these nutritional problems, adding antioxidants to susceptible materials is useful. Antioxidants are classified as feed additives (Annex I of Regulation (EC) No. 1831 / 2003) and are defined as substances that slow down the oxidative degradation process of food compositions, thereby improving their oxidative stability.

[0006] In animal foods, such as pet food compositions, these antioxidants primarily include propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as synthetic antioxidants. However, these synthetic antioxidants have no nutritional activity and are suspected carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.

[0007] As a precautionary principle, some food compositions have been replaced with antioxidant systems that are typically based on mixed tocopherols from natural sources only, instead of synthetic preservatives. These tocopherol-based natural preservative systems are not as effective as synthetic systems in reducing lipid oxidation in food compositions, such as dry food compositions, i.e. kibbles.

[0008] WO2017 / 085099 describes a combination of natural antioxidants that enhance the antioxidant effect of tocopherols in fat-containing compositions, including tocopherols, carnosic acid, and hydrolysable gallotannins.

[0009] Martinez et al. (Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Rosemary, Pomegranate and Olive Extracts in Fish Patties; Antioxidants; 2019) describe that pomegranate, rosemary and olive extracts, which readily contain phenolic compounds such as hydroxytyrosol, can be used as antioxidants and microbiological agents in food compositions, replacing synthetic additives.

[0010] However, these tocopherol-based preservative systems are not as effective as synthetic systems in reducing lipid oxidation, which results in compromised freshness of the product, increased rancidity, which in turn results in product rejection, vomiting, diarrhea and / or nutritionally unbalanced food compositions. Indeed, natural antioxidants tend to be less stable than synthetic antioxidants.

[0011] WO2012 / 125772 describes oral formulations comprising natural antioxidants that promote cellular detoxification and reduce inflammation.

[0012] Most notably, the pet food industry is currently concerned about the use of natural antioxidants, as they can have a negative impact on the food palatability of pets.

[0013] However, these foods do not have a specific preservation activity and are not palatable.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for new food compositions having stronger antioxidant properties, higher stability and which facilitate the preparation of companion animal foods.

[0015] There is a need for new food compositions as preservatives for companion animal foods.

[0016] There is a need for new food compositions that maintain palatability of companion animal foods over time.

[0017] There is a need for new food compositions that include natural sources and / or are free of synthetic additives.

[0018] There is a need for new food compositions that include lower amounts of tocopherols or even no such tocopherols.

[0019] There is also a need for new food compositions that do not compromise palatability, overall acceptance and appearance of companion animal food compositions; in particular those administered to pets such as dogs and cats.

[0020] There is a need for new companion animal foods that increase the vaccine response of a companion animal.

[0021] There is a need for new companion animal foods that elicit or increase the immune response of a companion animal.

[0022] There is a need for new foods that prevent or reduce the likelihood of a companion animal developing a condition selected from the group consisting of cellular oxidative stress and inflammation.

[0023] It is an object of the present disclosure to meet all or part of the above-mentioned needs. SUMMARY

[0024] The purposes and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and / or can be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. The purposes and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities particularly pointed out in the written description and claims and appended drawings.

[0025] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a combination of several plant extracts that have been proven to be more effective than tocopherols in terms of antioxidant properties and / or therapeutic purposes, and as effective as synthetic antioxidants, while having palatability.

[0026] Accordingly, this dual effect is particularly convenient, especially in the pet food industry. Surprisingly, the present disclosure shows that the natural antioxidant composition according to the present disclosure does not negatively affect the palatability of companion animal foods to pets such as cats and dogs.

[0027] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a food composition comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of: (i) a source of carnosic acid; (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and (iii) a source of tannins.

[0028] In certain embodiments, at least one of (i) the source of rosmarinic acid, (ii) the source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) the source of tannins can each be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm; particularly in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm. In such exemplary embodiments, the source of tannins can be present in an amount less than 40 ppm.

[0029] In certain embodiments, at least two of (i) the source of rosmarinic acid, (ii) the source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) the source of tannins can each be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm; particularly in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the source of rosmarinic acid, the source of hydroxytyrosol, and the source of tannins can each be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm; particularly in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the total combined amount of the source of rosmarinic acid, the source of hydroxytyrosol, and the source of tannins can be less than about 40 ppm; particularly in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the source of tannins can include a hydrolysable tannin source. In certain other embodiments, the source of tannins can include a gallotannin source and / or an ellagitannin source. In certain other embodiments, the source of tannins can include a source of gallic acid, a source of ellagic acid, a source of gallic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a combination of a source of gallic acid and a source of gallic acid. In certain embodiments, the ratio of gallic acid to ellagic acid can range from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50. In certain specific embodiments, the ratio of gallic acid to ellagic acid can be about 1 : 10 to about 1 :40. In certain specific embodiments, the ratio of gallic acid to ellagic acid can be about 1 : 15 to about 1 :30.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure does not include a tocopherol. In certain specific embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure does not include a gamma and / or a delta tocopherol.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the source of rosmarinic acid can be rosemary extract.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the source of hydroxytyrosol can be olive extract.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can be a gall extract.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a food composition comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of: (i) rosemary extract; (ii) olive extract; and (iii) gall extract.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the food composition can be a functional food, a meal, a food additive, a food preservative, a supplement, a pharmaceutical, a food or a nutritionally complete food composition.

[0039] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a companion animal food comprising a food composition as defined above.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food can comprise a tannin source in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food does not comprise tocopherol.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food can be a nutritionally complete food.

[0043] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit for preparing a companion animal food comprising: (i) a carnosic acid source; (ii) a hydroxytyrosol source; and (iii) a tannin source. In certain embodiments, the tannin source can comprise a hydrolysable tannin source. In certain embodiments, the tannin source can comprise a gall tannin source and / or an ellagitannin source. In certain other embodiments, the tannin source can comprise a tannic acid source, an ellagic acid source, a gallic acid source or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the tannin source can be a tannic acid source. In certain other specific embodiments, the tannin source can be a gallic acid source. In certain other specific embodiments, the tannin source can be a combination of a tannic acid source and a gallic acid source; in certain embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can range from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50. In certain specific embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can range from about 1 :10 to about 1 :40. In certain specific embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can range from about 1 :15 to about 1 :30.

[0044] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of a food composition, product or kit as defined in the present disclosure as a preservative for a companion animal food.

[0045] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a food composition, product or kit as defined in the present disclosure for use as a medicament.

[0046] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a food composition as defined herein for use in a method of eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal, or preventing or reducing the likelihood of a companion animal developing an infection and / or an allergic reaction.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the food composition as defined herein can be used in a method of eliciting or increasing an immune response against a viral or bacterial or parasitic infection.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the food composition as defined herein can be used in a method of preventing or reducing the likelihood of a companion animal developing a condition selected from the group consisting of cellular oxidative stress and inflammation. In certain specific embodiments, the food composition as defined herein can be used to reduce DNA damage.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the companion animal can be a pet. In certain specific embodiments, the pet is a canine or a feline. In certain specific embodiments, the pet is a dog or a cat. In certain specific embodiments, the pet is a senior dog or a senior cat.

[0050] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an animal food product, comprising the steps of: mixing (i) a source of ursolic acid; (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and (iii) a source of tannins.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the method for manufacturing an animal food product can comprise the steps of: a) providing an extrudate of a combination of (i) a source of hydroxytyrosol and (ii) a source of tannins; and b) coating the extrudate with a source of ursolic acid.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining the PV (peroxide value) of a companion animal food product, the method comprising the step of contacting the companion animal food product with a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid; (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and (iii) a source of tannins. In certain embodiments, the PV of the companion animal food product is less than 10 milliequivalents per kilogram (mEq / kg) of fat for at least 12 months. In certain embodiments, the (i) source of ursolic acid is present in the companion animal food product in an amount less than about 40 ppm, the (ii) source of hydroxytyrosol is present in the companion animal food product in an amount less than about 40 ppm, and the (iii) source of tannins is present in the companion animal food product in an amount less than about 40 ppm.

[0053] In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining a hexanal value of a companion animal food, the method comprising the step of: contacting the companion animal food with a combination of (i) a source of juncunin; (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and (iii) a source of tannin. In certain embodiments, the hexanal value of the companion animal food is less than about 15 ppm for at least about 12 months. In certain embodiments, (i) the source of juncunin is present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm, (ii) the source of hydroxytyrosol is present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) the source of tannin is present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm.

[0054] In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for treating or preventing cellular oxidative stress or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of cellular oxidative stress, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of (i) a source of juncunin, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin; and administering to a companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for treating or preventing cellular oxidative stress or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of cellular oxidative stress, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of (i) a source of juncunin, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin; and administering to a companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for treating or preventing inflammation or an inflammatory condition or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of inflammation or an inflammatory condition, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of (i) a source of juncunin, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin; and administering to a companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for eliciting or preventing an immune response in a companion animal, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of (i) a source of juncunin, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin; and administering to a companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment as defined above, for example, for preventing or reducing the likelihood of an infection and / or allergic reaction in a companion animal, the method comprising a) providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of (i) a source of carnosic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins; and b) administering to the companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present disclosure aims to provide a food composition for the preservation of a companion animal food. The present disclosure also aims to provide a food composition that can have therapeutic health benefits. The present disclosure also aims to provide a food composition for the preservation of a companion animal food that can also have therapeutic health benefits.

[0060] Provided herein is a food composition for a companion animal food comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of a source of carnosic acid, a source of hydroxytyrosol, and a source of tannins.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the combination slows down rancidity in the food. In certain embodiments, the combination elicits or increases an immune response in a companion animal, or prevents or reduces the likelihood of an infection and / or allergic reaction in a companion animal. In certain embodiments, the combination can perform both functions: slow down rancidity in the food, and elicit or increase an immune response in a companion animal, or prevent or reduce the likelihood of an infection and / or allergic reaction in a companion animal.

[0062] Surprisingly, it has been found that an effective amount of a combination of a source of carnosic acid, a source of hydroxytyrosol, and a source of tannins is more effective as a food preservative than mixed tocopherols, and at least as effective as a reference synthetic antioxidant (e.g., propyl gallate, BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, TBHQ, etc.), while maintaining good palatability of the final companion animal food. Furthermore, it has also been found that the combination can also be used as a medicament, for example, for eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal. In certain embodiments, the combination can also be used as a functional nutritional food, for example, for eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal.

[0063] Advantageously, the food composition of such active ingredients can also be derived from natural sources, for example, plant extracts or sources and / or vegetables.

[0064] As provided in the present disclosure and shown in the examples, such food compositions can include or consist of an effective amount of a combination of several plant extracts to preserve raw materials, particularly fat-containing raw materials, and dry or wet finished products against rancid spoilage. Further, as shown in the examples provided herein, such preservative compositions increase the shelf life of companion animal foods in paper bags or under modified atmosphere conditions (ATCO) while being palatable to companion animals.

[0065] As further provided in the present disclosure and shown in the examples provided herein, such food compositions can elicit or increase the immune response of a companion animal. In particular, in certain embodiments, such combinations can increase the response to a vaccine and increase the proliferation of lymphocytes.

[0066] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a food composition or kit for making a companion animal food, comprising a combination of a source of carnosic acid, a source of hydroxytyrosol, and a source of tannins.

[0067] The present disclosure further provides a companion animal food comprising the food composition of the present disclosure. These and other aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in further detail below.

[0068] Definitions

[0069] The terms used in the specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the context of the present disclosure and in the specific context of their use in the particular aspects. Certain terms are defined below to provide additional guidance to the practitioner in describing the compositions and methods of the disclosed subject matter and how to make and use them.

[0070] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound” includes mixtures of compounds.

[0071] The term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within three or more standard deviations, as is applied in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean ranges approximately 20%, preferably approximately 10%, more preferably approximately 5%, and even more preferably approximately 1% of a given value. Further, particularly with respect to systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within five-fold and more preferably within two-fold.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "at least" and "less than" include the recited values. For example, "at least 40 ppm" must be understood to also include "40 ppm".

[0073] As used herein, the terms "animal" or "pet" can be used, for example, to refer to a domestic or wild animal. In certain embodiments, these terms can refer to a cat or feline animal, or a dog or canine animal.

[0074] As used herein, the term "amino acid source" refers to a material containing amino acids. The amino acid source can include or be derived from, but is not limited to, plant proteins, animal proteins, proteins from single-celled organisms, and free amino acids.

[0075] As used herein, the term "animal protein" refers to an animal-based protein source. Such animal proteins include, but are not limited to, for example, meat (such as pork, beef, or veal), poultry (such as chicken), fish, organs (such as liver, spleen, or heart), offal (such as chicken or pork offal), and combinations thereof.

[0076] As used herein, the term "antioxidant" refers to any molecule, composition, or product that retards or prevents oxidation of an animal food, in particular oxidizable fats. The preservative food composition of the present disclosure prevents or inhibits the oxidation process. Furthermore, the preservative of the present disclosure keeps the animal food comprising it in a fresh attribute and nutritional quality. Advantageously, the antioxidant present in such preservative food composition consists only of non-synthetic (i.e., natural) antioxidants.

[0077] As used herein, the term "synthetic antioxidant" refers to a chemically synthesized, non-naturally occurring compound that can be added to food as a preservative to help prevent lipid oxidation. Accordingly, this term includes in a non-exhaustive manner the following compounds: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), TBHQ (tert-butylhydroxyquinone), propyl gallate (PG), dodecyl gallate (DG), octyl gallate (OG), and chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

[0078] As used herein, the term "natural antioxidant" refers to a naturally occurring compound having antioxidant properties.

[0079] The "antioxidant" properties of a given product or composition (i.e., the preservative food composition of the present disclosure) can be assessed by determining its ability to retard or prevent oxidation of molecules (e.g., lipids, lipoproteins, proteins, or DNA) over a given time period.

[0080] As used herein, the term "canine" encompasses animals selected from the group consisting of recognized dog breeds, some of which are further subdivided, including pet animals, which can include Afghan Hound, Airedale, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basset Hound, Beagle, Belgian Sheepdog, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Borzoi, Boxer, Bulldog, Bulldog, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Corgi, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Setter, Fox Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Greyhound, Brussels Griffon, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, King Charles Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Pekingese, Pointer, Pomeranian, Pug, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, Skye Terrier, Springer Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, Whippet, Yorkshire Terrier, and the like.

[0081] As used herein, the term "companion animal" refers to a pet. Pets include dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice. In certain specific embodiments of the present specification, the preferred pet herein is a feline or canine, especially a dog or cat.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0083] In the detailed description of the application, references are made to "embodiments," "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "in various embodiments," etc., which means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in that implementation but is not required per se in one or more of the other implementations. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described or claimed. Aspects of the disclosure described can be modified a priori by one skilled in the art to affect the use of the present disclosure in contexts

[0084] As used herein, "food composition" means a combination of any molecule or substance or mixture thereof that can be added to a food product (including beverages) to prevent undesirable chemical changes. The term "food composition" encompasses the terms "natural antioxidant composition," "preservative food composition," "antioxidant composition," and "composition."

[0085] As used herein, the term "companion animal food" or "animal food" or "food" or "product" or "diet" means a composition or product taken by a companion animal or pet. Animal foods can include, but are not limited to, any suitable daily feed and treat, nutritionally balanced or unbalanced, nutritionally complete or incomplete composition or product. In certain embodiments, such compositions can contain proteins, carbohydrates, and / or fats that are used in the body for the maintenance of growth, repair, and life processes and to provide energy. Foods can also contain supplemental substances or additives such as minerals, vitamins, and flavorings (see Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1993).

[0086] The preservative food compositions and animal foods disclosed herein can be dry foods or wet foods. In particular, the animal foods or preservative food compositions can be dry animal foods or dry food compositions.

[0087] As used herein, the term "functional food" means a food that provides a nutritional component that is important in maintaining health. These functional food compositions contain compounds that have biological activity or bioavailability, such as probiotics, amino acids, various vitamins, and antioxidants, and are found to be generally useful in treating diseases and conditions or maintaining normal health status.

[0088] As used herein, the term "dry animal food" or "dry preservative food composition" generally refers to a food or composition having a moisture content of less than 12% by weight, typically even less than 7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the food or composition. The dry animal food can be formed by an extrusion process. In some embodiments, the dry animal food can be formed from an inner core and a coating to form a coated dry animal food, also referred to as a coated dry animal food. It should be understood that when the term "dry animal food" is used, it can refer to an uncoated dry animal food or a coated dry animal food. The dry animal food composition can be a kibble.

[0089] As used herein, the term "kibble" includes a particulate animal feed (e.g., dog and cat feed) ingredient that generally has a moisture or water content of less than 12% by weight, relative to the total weight of the kibble. The texture of the kibble varies from hard to soft. The internal structure of the kibble varies from expanded to dense.

[0090] As used herein, the term "inner core" or "core matrix" refers to a particulate dry animal food, i.e., a kibble, that is generally formed from a core matrix of individual ingredients. The particulate can be coated to form a coating over the inner core, which can be a coated dry animal food. The inner core can be uncoated or can be partially coated. In uncoated embodiments, the particulate can comprise the entire dry animal food. The inner core can include starch-containing materials, protein-containing materials, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the inner core can include a core matrix of protein, carbohydrate, and fat.

[0091] As used herein, the term "coating" refers to a covering, generally partially or completely over the inner core, that covers at least a portion of the surface, e.g., the surface of the inner core. In one embodiment, the inner core can be partially covered with a coating such that only a portion of the inner core is covered and a portion is not covered and thus exposed. In another embodiment, the inner core can be completely covered with a coating such that the entire inner core is covered and thus not exposed. Thus, the coverage of the coating can vary from a trace amount to the entire surface. In one embodiment, the preservative food composition of the present disclosure can be suitable for use in the preparation of a dry animal food by coating. For example, a source of carnosic acid can be added to a dry animal food by coating.

[0092] As used herein, "extrudate" refers to any product, e.g., an animal food, that has been passed through, e.g., an extruder or a pelleting process for processing. The extrudate can be dry or wet. In certain embodiments, the extrudate is a dry extruded product. In certain specific embodiments, the extruded product is a dry animal food, particularly a kibble. In certain embodiments of extrusion, the kibble is formed by an extrusion process in which raw materials, including starch, can be extruded under heat and pressure to gelatinize the starch and form the kibble in the form of a granular kibble that can be an inner core. Any type of extruder can be used, non-limiting examples of which include single-screw extruders and twin-screw extruders.

[0093] Unless specifically stated otherwise, amounts (particularly amounts in parts per million (ppm) or milliequivalents per kilogram (mEq / kg) of fat) are expressed herein by weight of the product of reference (e.g., the preservative food composition according to the present disclosure). In the present disclosure, ranges are stated in a shorthand, manner to avoid the need to enumerate every value within the range. In the appropriate context, any suitable value within the range can be selected as the upper value, lower value, or terminal point of the range. For example, the range of 1 to 10 indicates terminal values of 1 and 10, as well as intermediate values of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and all intervening ranges within the indicated range, e.g., 2 to 5, 2 to 8, 7 to 10, etc.

[0094] The term "ppm" or "parts per million" is used herein according to its conventional meaning. More precisely, it is meant herein by weight (mg / kg) relative to the total weight of the preservative food composition or animal food comprising the preservative food composition (unless otherwise stated).

[0095] As used herein, the term "feline" encompasses animals selected from the group consisting of cheetah, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, lynx, panther, tiger, panther, bobcat, caracal, saber-toothed tiger, serval, ocelot, and cat, including pet animals. As used herein, cat includes wild cat and domestic cat. In specific embodiments, the cat is a domestic cat.

[0096] As used herein, the term "nutritionally complete" means an animal food that contains all known nutrients required by the intended recipient of the animal food, in appropriate amounts and proportions, e.g., based on the recommendations of recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition. Thus, such a food is capable of serving as a sole source of dietary intake for maintenance of life, without the need for added supplemental sources of nutrition.

[0097] As used herein, the term "nutritionally balanced" refers to an animal food that provides a nutritionally required level of fat, protein or amino acid source, and dietary fiber through a single or reference serving of the food. Thus, as used herein, the term "nutritionally balanced" can refer to a nutritionally complete animal food. Alternatively, as used herein, "nutritionally balanced" can also refer to a nutritionally incomplete animal food.

[0098] As used herein, the term "palatability" or "palatable" refers to the desirability to the taste or flavor. Further, as used herein, the term "palatability" or "palatable" refers to the degree of appeal of a pet food to the taste or flavor of an animal. This is suitably measured by feeding trials, such as difference tests or ranking tests. In certain embodiments, "palatability" can mean the relative preference for one food over another. For example, when an animal exhibits a preference for one of two or more foods, the preferred food is more "palatable" and has "enhanced palatability" or "increased palatability." In certain embodiments, the relative palatability of one food compared to one or more other foods can be determined, for example, in a side-by-side, free choice comparison, such as by the relative consumption of the food, or other suitable measure of preference indicative of palatability, i.e., the "two-bowl test."

[0099] As used herein, the term "protein source" can encompass "animal protein source," "plant protein source," or any other amino acid source or combinations thereof.

[0100] The preservative food compositions of the present disclosure can also include synthetic or natural antioxidants. Advantageously, the preservative food compositions can include a reduced amount of synthetic antioxidants. According to some embodiments, such preservative food compositions contain a minimal amount of synthetic antioxidants. For example, such preservative food compositions can include synthetic antioxidants in an amount of less than about 1 ppm.

[0101] As used herein, the term "wet animal food" or "wet preservative food composition" generally refers to a food or composition having a moisture content higher than 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the food or composition, and often even higher than 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the food or composition.

[0102] As used herein, the term "fat" refers to the total amount of digestible, partially digestible and non-digestible fat or oil present in embodiments of the present disclosure; in particular animal foods, especially animal foods for which fat oxidation is to be prevented or retarded. As used herein, the terms "lipid," "fat" and "oil" are synonymous.

[0103] The constituents of oils and fats known in chemistry have a tendency to absorb and react with oxygen. The formation of rancidity is mainly caused by products formed during the oxidation process. Dissolved or absorbed oxygen usually reacts first to form peroxides. Moisture, heat, light or catalysts can accelerate the formation of peroxides. In further decomposition, lower molecular weight aldehydes, ketones and acids are formed, which can give the oil or fat an undesirable odor and taste.

[0104] For the quality assessment, there are various methods known to the skilled person, such as peroxide value determination (PV), hexanal value determination, ferric thiocyanate method (FTC), thiobarbituric acid method (TBA), anisidine index determination, conjugated dienes determination or any method for determining stability, such as oxygen bomb or rancimat. Thus, according to one preferred embodiment, the determination of the main primary products of lipid oxidation (i.e. hydroperoxides) as well as secondary compounds (including alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, acids and hydrocarbons) can be used to assess the antioxidant performance. Thus, in a non-exhaustive manner, these antioxidant performances can be assessed by determining the “peroxide value” (PV) or the “hexanal value”.

[0105] As used herein, the “peroxide value” (PV) refers to a marker of the primary oxidative degradation compounds of fatty acids. Moreover, the PV is used for the quantification of primary fat oxidation products. Fresh food has a peroxide value of less than about 10 milliequivalents per kilogram (mEq / kg), whereas when the peroxide value is between about 20 and about 40 mEq / kg, the food is considered rancid. According to one preferred embodiment, these values must be determined at the end of the shelf life. According to one embodiment, a value of up to 10 mEq / kg is considered rancid. Methods for analyzing the PV of animal food are well known to the skilled person. Illustratively, the person skilled in the art can use the European Standard NF EN ISO 3960 (Version of April 2017), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] As used herein, "hexanal value" refers to a marker of secondary oxidative degradation compounds of fatty acids. Fresh food has a hexanal value of less than about 15 ppm, while the food is considered rancid when the hexanal value is between about 15 and about 40 ppm. According to a preferred embodiment, these values must also be determined at the end of shelf life. According to one embodiment, values of up to 15 ppm are considered not to be rancid. Methods for analyzing the level of hexanal in animal food are well known to the skilled person. Illustratively, the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) method Cg 4-94 (AOCS. 1997) can be used by the person skilled in the art, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] The term "tocopherol" as used herein refers to the gamma and / or delta isomers of tocopherols and / or derivatives thereof. When referring to "tocopherols", it refers to a combination of gamma and delta tocopherols, such as those found in their natural form (whether in esterified or non-esterified form) for natural preservation against rancidity. When referring to "tocopherols", it does not encompass vitamin E for nutritional purposes.

[0108] Vitamin E is a general description for all tocopherol (Toc) and tocotrienol (Toc-3) derivatives. Tocopherols have one phytyl chain, while tocotrienols have a similar chain but with three double bonds at the 3', 7' and 11' positions. Both tocopherols and tocotrienols have four isomers, designated alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-, which differ in the number and position of the methyl groups on the chroman ring. All of these molecules have antioxidant activity, although alpha-tocopherol (a-Toc) is the most biologically active. Alpha-tocopherol is the predominant vitamin E in the body, with the highest biological activity. Gamma- and delta-tocopherols have the highest preservative activity for resistance to lipid oxidation in food. Tocopherols are found in polyunsaturated plant oils and the germ of cereal seeds, while tocotrienols are found in the aleurone and sub-aleurone layers of cereal seeds and in palm oil.

[0109] The term "carnosic acid" as used herein refers to a phenolic diterpene of the chemical formula C 20 H 28 O4 and / or derivatives thereof. The term "carnosic acid" encompasses carnosic acid and / or carnosol (chemical formula C 20 H 26O4). The term "rosemary" refers to all plant material (Rosmarinus officinalis) or any extract, fraction or fraction of an extract from the plant material, e.g. from leaves or roots. In addition to carnosic acid (and carnosol), rosemary can include rosmanic acid and / or rosmanol.

[0110] The term "hydroxytyrosol" as used herein refers to a chemical compound of the formula C8H 10 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,2-benzenediol (CAS No.: 10597-60-1) of O3 and / or derivatives thereof, e.g. tyrosol, which can be obtained from vegetable sources, e.g. olives. The term "olive" refers to all plant material or any extract, fraction or fraction of an extract from the plant material, e.g. leaves, fruits, pulp, pits, plant water and / or olive oil from olive oil production. In addition to hydroxytyrosol (and tyrosol), olives can include oleuropein and / or ligstroside.

[0111] The term "tannin" as used herein refers to a series of natural and non-natural polyphenols, which can generally be divided into "hydrolysable" or "non-hydrolysable" and / or "condensed" tannins, and / or can alternatively include low molecular tannins and monomeric tannins, e.g. tannins with a molar mass below 1000 Dalton. Reference is made to the review of Karamali Khanbabaee and Teunis van Ree ("Classification and Definition"; The Royal Society of Chemistry; 2001, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference) - see DOI: 10.1039 / b1010611 - for a complete report on the classification of tannins based on their structural properties.

[0112] When tannins originate from plants, they are typically polyphenolic secondary metabolites and are either (i) gallate esters and derivatives thereof, wherein a gallate moiety or derivative thereof is attached to a polyol core, a catechin core, and a triterpene core, or (ii) they originate from oligo- and / or polymeric proanthocyanidins, which can optionally have an interflavanyl coupling and substitution pattern. Thus, the term "tannin" as used herein can encompass "gallotannins", "ellagitannins", "complex tannins", and "condensed tannins".

[0113] In particular, the term "hydrolysable tannin" can thus encompass gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and mixtures thereof. More particularly, the hydrolysable tannin typically consists of gallotannins and ellagitannins or mixtures thereof.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the gallotannins can consist of tannins, wherein a gallate unit or meta-depsidic derivative thereof is bound to one or more polyol units, catechin units, or triterpene units. Thus, such gallotannins typically include at least a polyphenol residue and a polyol residue, such as a polyol residue derived from D-glucose in gallotannins of plant origin. For example, the gallotannins can be represented by the following formula:

[0115]

[0116] wherein R and R 1 are selected from the group consisting of a-OH, b-OH, a-OG, and b-OG;

[0117] wherein R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are the same or different and can independently be a gallate moiety or any other substituent, such as but not limited to H, G, cinnamoyl, and coumaroyl;

[0118] wherein G is:

[0119] or a meta-depsidic derivative thereof.

[0120] According to some embodiments, the ellagitannin can be a tannin in which at least two galloyl units are C-C coupled to each other and which does not contain glycosidically linked catechin units. Specific embodiments include, but are not limited to, ellagitannins having two galloyl units connected to each other through their aromatic carbon atoms to form an axially chiral hexahydroxydiphenacyl (HHDP) unit selected from the group consisting of:

[0121]

[0122] For example, but not by way of limitation, the ellagitannin can be a compound represented by formula (II):

[0123]

[0124] wherein each R is the same or different and can be independently selected from a galloyl moiety or any other substituent, such as, but not limited to, H, G, cinnamoyl, and coumaroyl, as defined above.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the complex tannin is a tannin in which a catechin unit is glycosidically bound to a gallotannin or ellagitannin unit, such as those defined above. For example, the complex tannin can be represented by formula (III):

[0126]

[0127] wherein each R is the same or different and can be independently selected from a galloyl moiety or any other substituent, such as, but not limited to, H, G, cinnamoyl, and coumaroyl, as defined above.

[0128] According to some embodiments, the condensed tannin is a tannin in which a catechin unit is glycosidically bound to a gallotannin or ellagitannin unit as defined above. In certain embodiments, such condensed tannins are oligomeric and / or polymeric proanthocyanidins, or condensed proanthocyanidins. For example, but not by way of limitation, the condensed tannin can be represented by formula (IV):

[0129]

[0130] wherein each R is the same or different and can include or consist of a galloyl moiety or any other substituent, such as, but not limited to, H, G, cinnamoyl, and coumaroyl, as defined above.

[0131] As used herein, the term "ellagic acid" refers to a compound of the chemical formula C14H6O8: 14A form of gallotannins of H6O8. Gallic acid (CAS Registry Number 476-66-4), also known as 4,4',5,5',6,6'-hexahydroxydiphenic acid 2,6,2',6'-dilactone, is an organic heterotetracyclic compound resulting from the dimerization of gallic acid forms.

[0132] The source of gallic acid can include, but is not limited to, natural sources such as pomegranate, eucalyptus, strawberry, grape, blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, guava, pecan, walnut, and chestnut, or any extract, portion, or portion of an extract of a natural source.

[0133] As used herein, the term "tannic acid" refers to a chemical formula of C 76 H 52 O 46A form of gallotannins, belonging to the hydrolysable class. Tannic acid (CAS Registry Number 1401-55-4) is a complex polyphenolic organic compound that, if hydrolyzed, can yield gallic acid and glucose or quinic acid. Tannic acid is a yellow-white to light brown substance that is an amorphous solid, loose powder, shiny scales, or spongy clumps. It is either odorless or has a weak characteristic odor, and has astringent taste. Tannic acid can be obtained by solvent extraction of galls or excrescences formed on the young branches of Quercus infectoria Oliver or related species of oak. Tannic acid can also be obtained by solvent extraction of the seed pods of Caesalpinia spinosa or galls of various species of Rhus, including Rhus semialata, R. coriaria, R. galabra, and R. typhia. Other examples of suitable tannic acid plant sources include, but are not limited to, Rhus chinensis, Rhus javanica, Rhus semialata, Rhus coriaria, Rhus potaninii, Rhus punjabensis var. sinica (Diels) Rehder & E.H. Wilson, Camellia sinensis, Berry, Bixa orellana, Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris, Acacia mearnsii, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Caesalpinia spinosa, Beech hayata Palib. ex Hayata, or Machilus thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc. Tannic acid sources can also include, but are not limited to, other natural sources such as, but not limited to, galls, pomegranates, or wood, such as oak, walnut, redwood, sumac, or any extract, portion, or partial extract of the natural source.

[0134] As used herein, the term "gallic acid" refers to a form of gallic tannin with the chemical formula C6H2(OH)3COOH, belonging to the hydrolysable class. Gallic acid (CAS Registry Number 149-91-7), also known as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, is a trihydroxybenzoic acid, a phenolic acid.

[0135] As used herein, the term "drug" refers to any compound or composition that provides a benefit or therapeutic effect to a subject. This benefit or therapeutic effect can be realized at the time of initial application and / or with continued use over time. The term "drug" can be used for the treatment of human or non-human subjects, particularly for animals.

[0136] As used herein, the term "preventing" can also encompass reducing the likelihood of the occurrence or recurrence of a disorder.

[0137] As used herein, the term "cellular oxidative stress" refers to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants favoring oxidants, leading to disruption of redox signaling and control and / or molecular damage. Cellular oxidative stress was defined by Helmut Sies in 1985 ("Oxidative stress", Academic press, eBook ISBN: 9781483289113, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0138] As used herein, the term "immune response" refers to a homeostatic mechanism with the ability to detect and recognize foreign molecules, such as antigens. The initial response to a foreign molecule is called "innate immunity", which is characterized by the rapid migration of natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and other white blood cells to the site of the foreign pathogen. These cells can phagocytose, digest, lyse, or secrete cytokines that lyse the pathogen within a short time. The innate immune response is not antigen-specific, but is generally considered the first line of defense against foreign pathogens until an "adaptive immune response" occurs. Both T cells and B cells are involved in the adaptive immune response. The development of an adaptive immune response involves multiple mechanisms. Consideration of all possible mechanisms of adaptive immune response development is beyond the scope of this section; however, some well-characterized mechanisms are antigen B cell recognition, followed by antigen-specific activation to secrete antibodies and activation of T cells by binding to antigen-presenting cells.

[0139] As used herein, the term "eliciting an immune response" is understood to mean the ability of a subject to produce a specific antibody response and / or a specific T cell response to an antigen. In certain specific embodiments, the immune response is an antibody response.

[0140] As used herein, the term "increasing an immune response" refers to enhancing an immune response and / or prolonging the duration of an immune response. In particular, within the meaning of the present disclosure, the term "increasing an immune response" refers to a property or process that increases the magnitude and / or effectiveness of an immune responsiveness to a given antigen. The administration of the antigen can be intentional, e.g., administration of a live vaccine strain.

[0141] As used herein, the term "infection" has the meaning commonly used and understood by persons skilled in the art and includes the invasion and multiplication of a microorganism, i.e., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a parasite (e.g., an antigen), in or on a subject with or without manifestations of disease. The infection can occur at one or more sites in or on the subject. The infection can be unintentional, e.g., accidental ingestion, inhalation, wound contamination, or intentional, e.g., administration of a live vaccine strain. In particular, the term "infection" can encompass viral infections, parasitic infections (e.g., infections associated with fungi), and bacterial infections.

[0142] Examples of viral infections include, but are not limited to, rabies virus; cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, HSV-1 mucositis and HSV-2 mucositis, HSV-6 encephalitis, BK-virus hemorrhagic cystitis, viral influenza, respiratory multinuclear virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

[0143] Examples of fungal infections include, but are not limited to, aspergillosis; coughs and sore throats (caused by Candida albicans); cryptococcosis (caused by Cryptococcus); and histoplasmosis. Thus, examples of fungi that infect include Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, Blastomyces dermatitidis.

[0144] Examples of infectious bacteria include: Helicobacter pylori, Borelia burgdorferi, Legionella pneumophilia, Mycobacteria sps (human tuberculosis) M. tuberculosis, M. avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, M. kansaii, M. gordonae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), Streptococcus, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Viridans streptococci (Streptococcus (viridans group)), Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus (anaerobic sps.), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pathogenic Campylobacter species (Campylobacter species sp.), Enterococcus sp., Haemophilus influenzae, Bacillus anthracis, corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium sp.), Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Clostridium perfringers, Clostridium tetani, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Bacteroides sp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Treponema pallidium, Treponema pertenue, Leptospira, and Actinomyces israeli. Other infectious organisms (such as protozoa) include: Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii.

[0145] As used herein, the term "allergic reaction" is a clinical response of an individual to an allergen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can affect the skin (e.g., hives, angioedema, itching), respiratory system (e.g., wheezing, coughing, throat swelling, runny nose, eye tearing / itching), gastrointestinal tract (e.g., vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), and / or cardiovascular (if a systemic reaction occurs) system.

[0146] As used herein, the term "allergen" is an antigen that (i) elicits an IgE response in an individual; (ii) causes an asthmatic reaction (e.g., chronic airway inflammation characterized by eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus hypersecretion), whether or not such a reaction includes a detectable IgE response; and / or (iii) causes an allergic reaction (e.g., sneezing, tearing, itching, diarrhea, anaphylaxis), whether or not such a reaction includes a detectable IgE response.

[0147] As used herein, the term "inflammation" refers to a biological response of a subject's tissue to a harmful stimulus, such as a pathogen, damaged cells, or irritants. It is often characterized by the secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

[0148] Inflammation is a local reaction of living tissue to injury, which can be caused by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors. Exogenous factors include physical, chemical and biological factors. Endogenous factors include inflammatory mediators, antigens and antibodies. Endogenous factors usually develop under the influence of exogenous injury. The inflammatory response is usually accompanied by changes in the structure and permeability of the cell membrane. Endogenous factors, such as mediators and antigens, define the nature and type of the inflammatory response, in particular its course in the area of injury. In the case of tissue damage limited to the production of mediators, an acute inflammation will develop. If an immune response is also involved in this process, through the interaction of antigens, antibodies and autoantigens, a long-term inflammatory process will be formed.

[0149] According to some embodiments, “inflammation” can thus be associated with inflammatory diseases. In this context, such inflammatory diseases are caused by the activation, degranulation and subsequent secretion of inflammatory biochemical substances of mast cells. Thus, in a non-exhaustive manner, inflammatory diseases resulting therefrom can include the group consisting of allergic inflammation, arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, atherosclerosis, coronary artery inflammation, ischemia, chronic prostatitis, eczema, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, sunburn, periodontal disease of the gums, superficial dilator vasodilator flush syndrome, hormone-dependent cancer and endometriosis.

[0150] As used herein, the term “cellular oxidative stress” refers to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants favoring the oxidants, leading to disruption of redox signaling and control and / or molecular damage. Cellular oxidative stress was defined by Helmut Seis in 1985 (“Oxidative stress”, Academic press, eBook ISBN: 9781483289113, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). Cellular oxidative stress can be characterized by the occurrence of cell damage, in particular by the occurrence of DNA damage.

[0151] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount of an ingredient which is sufficient to achieve the intended composition or physiological effect when included in a composition. Thus, a "therapeutically effective amount" refers to a nontoxic but sufficient amount of an active agent to achieve a therapeutic result in the treatment or prevention of a condition for which the active agent is known to be effective. It is understood that various biological factors can affect the ability of a substance to perform its intended task. Thus, an "effective amount" or "therapeutically effective amount" can in some instances depend on such biological factors. Furthermore, while the achievement of a therapeutic effect can be measured by a physician or other qualified medical personnel using assessments known in the art, it is recognized that individual differences and responses to treatment can make the achievement of a therapeutic effect subjective. The determination of an effective amount is well within the ordinary skill in the art of pharmacy and nutrition as well as medicine, referring to an amount of conjugate (e.g., carnosic acid, hydroxytyrosol, tannin, ellagic acid, gallic acid) or combination necessary or sufficient to realize a desired biological effect.

[0152] As used herein, "administration" and "administering" refer to the manner and mode of providing an active agent or a composition containing an active agent to a subject. Administration can be accomplished by various routes well known in the art, such as oral and non-oral means. As used herein, "oral administration" refers to an administration route that can be accomplished by swallowing, mastication, or sucking on an oral dosage form comprising the food composition or animal food. Examples of oral dosage forms include tablets, capsules, gels, granules, beverages, jellies, kibbles, or other animal foods mentioned in the present disclosure.

[0153] Food compositions and food products

[0154] The present disclosure provides a food composition, a companion animal food comprising the food composition of the present disclosure, or a kit for preparing the companion animal food of the present disclosure, comprising a combination of:

[0155] (i) a source of carnosic acid;

[0156] (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and

[0157] (iii) a source of tannin.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the source of tannin can include a hydrolysable tannin source, such as a source of gallic tannin, a source of ellagic tannin, or a combination thereof.

[0159] In some embodiments, the tannin source may include a tannic acid source, a gallic acid source, or a combination thereof. In some specific embodiments, the tannin source may be a tannic acid source. In some other specific embodiments, the tannin source may be a gallic acid source. In some other specific embodiments, the tannin source may be a combination of a tannic acid source and a gallic acid source; specifically, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid ranges from about 1:5 to about 1:50. In some specific embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid may be from about 1:10 to about 1:40. In some more specific embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid may be from about 1:15 to about 1:30.

[0160] In some embodiments, the ellagitannin source may include an ellagic acid source.

[0161] The food compositions according to this disclosure are prepared using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0162] In some embodiments, the food composition, the companion animal food comprising the food composition, or the kit for preparing the companion animal food includes non-naturally occurring succinic acid, hydroxytyrosol, tannins such as tannic acid, ellagic acid, and / or gallic acid. In some embodiments, the succinic acid source, hydroxytyrosol source, tannin source such as tannic acid source, ellagic acid source, and / or gallic acid source may be selected from natural sources; for example, those derived from plant or vegetable sources.

[0163] The sources of caryophyllic acid, hydroxytyrosol, tannins such as tannic acid, ellagic acid, and / or gallic acid may refer to the same source or different sources.

[0164] In some embodiments, the caryopsis acid source, hydroxytyrosol source, tannin source such as tannic acid source, ellagic acid source and / or gallic acid source may refer to different sources; in particular, different natural sources.

[0165] In some embodiments, the carrageenan source, hydroxytyrosol source, and tannin sources such as tannic acid source, ellagic acid source, and / or gallic acid source may be present in amounts less than about 40 ppm; particularly in amounts ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0166] In some embodiments, the tannin source may be a hydrolyzable tannin source. In some specific embodiments, the tannin source may be a gallic tannin source and / or an ellagic tannin source.

[0167] In some embodiments, the tannin source may be a tannic acid source, a gallic acid source, an ellagic acid source, or a combination thereof.

[0168] In certain embodiments, the food composition, companion animal food comprising the food composition, or kit for making a companion animal food includes a minimum amount of tocopherol or even no tocopherol.

[0169] According to some embodiments, the food composition, companion animal food comprising the food composition, or kit for making a companion animal food can include tocopherol in an amount less than about 1 ppm.

[0170] According to other embodiments, the companion animal food comprising the food composition according to the present disclosure can be a coated animal food, such as a coated dry animal food, wherein the coated animal food includes an inner core and a coating at least partially covering the inner core.

[0171] In certain other embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be in the inner core of a companion animal food.

[0172] In certain other embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be in the coating of a companion animal food.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source and the tannin source can be in the inner core, and the carnosic acid source can be in the coating.

[0174] In some embodiments, the carnosic acid source in the coating can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm (relative to the total weight of the food composition or product).

[0175] In some embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source in the inner core, and at least one of the tannin source, the ellagic acid source, or the gallic acid source can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0176] According to some other embodiments, the carnosic acid source and the hydroxytyrosol source can be in the inner core, and the tannin source can be in the coating.

[0177] In some embodiments, the tannin source in the coating can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0178] In some embodiments, the carnosic acid source and the hydroxytyrosol source in the inner core can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0179] According to some other embodiments, the tannin source and the carnosic acid source can be in the inner core, and the hydroxytyrosol source can be in the coating.

[0180] In some embodiments, the source of hydroxytyrosol in the coating can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0181] In some embodiments, the source of tannin and the source of carnosic acid in the inner core can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm, in particular in an amount ranging from about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm.

[0182] In certain embodiments, the food composition, companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure does not comprise tocopherol.

[0183] In certain specific embodiments, the food composition or kit of the present disclosure can be a combination of a source of carnosic acid, a source of hydroxytyrosol and a source of tannin, for example a source of tannic acid, a source of ellagic acid and / or a source of gallic acid. In other words, the source of carnosic acid, the source of hydroxytyrosol and the source of tannin, for example a source of tannic acid, a source of ellagic acid and / or a source of gallic acid can be the only antioxidants in the combination.

[0184] Advantageously, the food composition of the present disclosure can be in powder form or in liquid form. Thus, in certain specific embodiments, the natural food composition of the present disclosure further comprises a suitable carrier. The person skilled in the art is able to determine a suitable carrier depending on the use, in particular depending on the form of the combination, i.e. liquid or powder, and / or depending on the hydrophilic or hydrophobic form of the combination.

[0185] The present disclosure further provides a companion animal food comprising a food composition according to the present disclosure.

[0186] In particular, the food composition of the present disclosure can be a companion animal food as defined above, or a food composition that can be sequentially incorporated into a companion animal food.

[0187] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food can comprise protein, carbohydrate and / or crude fat. The animal food can also contain supplemental substances or additives, such as minerals, vitamins and flavorings (see See Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1993, the content being incorporated by reference, the content being incorporated by reference). Such companion animal food can be nutritionally complete or incomplete. In certain embodiments, the companion animal food according to the present disclosure can be a nutritionally complete food.

[0188] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food includes at least a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins. The source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin source, such as a source of gallotannins, a source of ellagitannins, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin selected from a source of tannic acid, a source of gallic acid, a source of ellagic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of tannic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a combination of a source of tannic acid and a source of gallic acid; in particular, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid ranges from about 1 : 10 to about 1 : 40. In certain embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be from about 1 : 15 to about 1 : 30. In certain embodiments, it can further include less than about 1 ppm of tocopherols.

[0189] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food includes at least a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins. The source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin source, such as a source of gallotannins, a source of ellagitannins, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin selected from a source of tannic acid, a source of gallic acid, a source of ellagic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of tannic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannins can be a combination of a source of tannic acid and a source of gallic acid; in particular, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid ranges from about 1 : 10 to about 1 : 50. In certain specific embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be from about 1 : 10 to about 1 : 40. In certain other embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be from about 1 : 15 to about 1 : 30. In certain embodiments, it can not include tocopherols.

[0190] In certain other embodiments, the companion animal food includes at least a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) a source of tannins in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm; and it includes less than about 1 ppm of tocopherols.

[0191] In certain embodiments, the companion animal food includes at least a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins. The source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin source, such as a source of gallotannins, a source of ellagitannins, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the source of tannins can be a hydrolysable tannin selected from a source of tannic acid, a source of gallic acid, a source of ellagic acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, it can not include tocopherols.

[0192] In certain specific embodiments, the companion animal food includes a combination of at least (i) a source of cannabichromene in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) a source of tannin in an amount ranging from at least about 3 ppm to less than about 40 ppm; and which can not include a source of tocopherol.

[0193] In certain embodiments, the sources of the animal food can be natural sources. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the source of cannabichromene can be rosemary extract, the source of hydroxytyrosol can be olive extract, and the source of tannin can be gall nut and / or pomegranate extract.

[0194] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a companion animal food including a combination of at least (i) rosemary extract, (ii) olive extract, and (iii) gall nut extract.

[0195] In certain other embodiments, the companion animal food of the present disclosure can be a dry animal food. In certain other embodiments, the dry animal food can be a kibble. For example, and without limitation, kibble includes particulate, pellets, and pieces of pet food, dehydrated meat, meat analogs, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet treats such as meat or vegetable jerky, rawhide, and biscuits. Dry animal foods can be manufactured by mixing the ingredients together and kneading to make a consistent dough that can be cooked. Typically, it can be the end product of a process that includes an extrusion step and a subsequent drying step.

[0196] In certain other embodiments, the companion animal food according to the present disclosure is palatable to an animal such as a feline or canine, particularly a cat or dog.

[0197] According to some embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be in any form selected from a functional food, a meal, a food additive, a food preservative, a supplement, a medicament, a food, or a nutritionally complete food composition.

[0198] Non-limiting examples of components that can be incorporated into the food composition of the present disclosure are further provided below.

[0199] Cannabichromene

[0200] In certain embodiments, the food compositions of the present disclosure can include a source of ursolic acid. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the source of ursolic acid can comprise or can consist of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) or common sage (Salvia officinalis) or a combination thereof.

[0201] In another embodiment, the source of ursolic acid can comprise or can consist of a rosemary extract.

[0202] In certain embodiments, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount of less than about 40 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0203] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the food composition in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even about 5 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0204] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0205] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0206] In certain embodiments, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the companion animal food in an amount of less than about 40 ppm relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0207] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the companion animal food in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even 5 ppm relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0208] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the companion animal food in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm.

[0209] For example, the source of ursolic acid can be present in the companion animal food in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm.

[0210] Hydroxytyrosol

[0211] In certain embodiments, the food compositions of the present disclosure can include hydroxytyrosol. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source can include or consist of olives or extracts thereof.

[0212] In certain other embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source can include or consist of an olive extract.

[0213] In certain embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source of the preserved food composition can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0214] In certain embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source of the preserved food composition can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm.

[0215] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0216] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0217] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm relative to the total weight of the preserved food composition.

[0218] In certain embodiments, the hydroxytyrosol source of the companion animal food can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0219] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even 5 ppm relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0220] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0221] For example, the hydroxytyrosol source can be present in the preserved food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm relative to the total weight of the animal food.

[0222] Tannins

[0223] In certain embodiments, the food compositions of the present disclosure can include one or more tannins. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the tannins can include or consist of hydrolysable tannins or condensed tannins, or a combination thereof.

[0224] In certain embodiments, the tannins can include gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and condensed tannins, or a combination thereof.

[0225] In certain embodiments, the hydrolysable tannins can include gallotannins and ellagitannins, or a combination thereof.

[0226] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can include a gallotannin source, an ellagitannin source, or a combination thereof.

[0227] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can include an ellagitannin source.

[0228] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can include a gallotannin source.

[0229] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can include a combination of an ellagitannin source and a gallotannin source. In such embodiments, the ratio of ellagitannins to gallotannins can range from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50. In one embodiment, the ratio of ellagitannins to gallotannins can be from about 1 :10 to about 1 :40. In one embodiment, the ratio of ellagitannins to gallotannins can be from about 1 :15 to about 1 :30.

[0230] In certain embodiments, the tannins used in the food products of the present disclosure can be provided from two or more different sources. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, ellagitannins from Quercus spp. can be combined with gallotannins from Rhus spp., the ratio of ellagitannins to gallotannins ranging from 1 :5 to 1 :50. In certain embodiments, the ellagitannins used in the compositions of the present disclosure, and more specifically the food compositions according to the present disclosure, can be further hydrolyzed during food processing (e.g., extrusion), resulting in hydrolysis products (including gallotannins), thereby affecting the ratio of ellagitannins to gallotannins in the final product. One skilled in the art would anticipate such hydrolysis in order to incorporate the appropriate amount of ellagitannins and ultimately gallotannins to achieve a final ratio ranging from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50, from about 1 :10 to about 1 :40, or from about 1 :15 to about 1 :30. In one embodiment, no gallotannins can need to be added, as hydrolysis of the ellagitannins can be sufficient to achieve a final ratio ranging from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50.

[0231] In certain embodiments, the ellagitannin source can include an ellagic acid source.

[0232] In certain embodiments, the tannin source can include a gall extract.

[0233] In certain embodiments, the ellagic acid source can include a pomegranate extract.

[0234] The tannin source can include a natural source, such as a fruit and a plant, such as gall, strawberry, grape, blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate, guava, pecan, walnut, chestnut, or any extract, portion, or portion of an extract of the natural source.

[0235] In certain embodiments, the tannin source of the preservative food composition can be present in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm.

[0236] For example, the tannin source can be present in the food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even 5 ppm, relative to the total weight of the food composition.

[0237] For example, the combination of the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even 5 ppm, relative to the total weight of the food composition.

[0238] For example, the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the food composition.

[0239] For example, the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the food composition in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm, relative to the total weight of the food composition.

[0240] In certain embodiments, the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm, 35 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, or even 5 ppm, relative to the total weight of the companion animal food.

[0241] For example, the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 0.1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the companion animal.

[0242] For example, the tannin acid source, the ellagic acid source, and / or the gallic acid source can be present in the companion animal food in an amount less than about 40 ppm and more than about 3 ppm, relative to the total weight of the companion animal.

[0243] Method of manufacture

[0244] In certain aspects, a method for manufacturing a companion animal food is provided. In certain embodiments, one or more dry ingredients can be mixed with one or more wet ingredients to form an emulsion or a dough. In certain embodiments, one or more dry ingredients can be mixed with one or more dry ingredients to form an emulsion or a dough.

[0245] In certain non-limiting embodiments, one or more wet ingredients can be mixed with one or more wet ingredients to form an emulsion or a dough.

[0246] In certain non-limiting embodiments, one or more wet ingredients can be mixed with one or more dry ingredients to form an emulsion or a dough.

[0247] The emulsion or dough can be heated to a predetermined temperature under pressure and gradually cooled. Alternatively, an emulsion can be formed, which can be comminuted and heated to a predetermined temperature, and then introduced into a processing zone. In the processing zone, the emulsion can be subjected to a predetermined pressure and discharged. To produce a kibble product, alternatively, a slurry can be introduced into a scraped-surface heat exchanger under a predetermined pressure and heated to produce a heat-treated product having a specific temperature. In certain non-limiting embodiments, one or more dry ingredients can be mixed with one or more wet ingredients, such as water, to form a dough. The dough can be cooked in an extrusion process under conditions of high temperature, high pressure, or a combination thereof. The extruder can be provided with a die having a specific shape, and the extrudate can be segmented into pellets or small pieces as the product is extruded.

[0248] According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a companion animal food comprising the steps of mixing (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin. The source of tannin can be a hydrolysable tannin source, such as a source of gallotannin, a source of ellagitannin, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the source of tannin can be a hydrolysable tannin selected from a source of tannic acid, a source of gallic acid, a source of ellagic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the source of tannin can be a source of tannic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannin can be a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the source of tannin can be a combination of a source of tannic acid and a source of gallic acid; in particular, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid ranges from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50. In certain embodiments, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be from about 1 :10 to about 1 :40. In one embodiment, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be from about 1 :15 to about 1 :30.

[0249] The companion animal food manufactured can be a dry food or a wet food. In certain embodiments, the companion animal food can be a dry food.

[0250] In particular, in certain embodiments, the method for manufacturing an animal food product comprises the steps of:

[0251] a) mixing (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol and (iii) a source of tannin, thereby providing a mixture; and

[0252] b) heating the mixture.

[0253] In certain specific embodiments, the method for manufacturing an animal food product comprises the steps of mixing (i) a source of ursolic acid in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and (iii) a source of tannin in an amount of less than about 40 ppm.

[0254] In certain specific embodiments, the method for manufacturing a companion animal food product comprises the steps of:

[0255] a) mixing (i) a source of ursolic acid in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount of less than about 40 ppm and (iii) a source of tannin in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, thereby providing a mixture; and

[0256] b) heating the mixture.

[0257] The mixing step is not limited to any particular type of mixing. According to exemplary embodiments, the mixing step comprises the steps of:

[0258] a1 ) providing an extrudate comprising at least two sources selected from (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin;

[0259] a2) coating said extrudate with at least a third source, different from the two sources mentioned in step a1 ), and optionally selected from i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol and (iii) a source of tannin.

[0260] Advantageously, the method for manufacturing a companion animal food product comprises the steps of a1 ) providing an extrudate of a combination of (i) a source of hydroxytyrosol and (ii) a source of tannin; and a2) coating said extrudate with a source of ursolic acid.

[0261] According to certain specific embodiments, the method for manufacturing a companion animal food product comprises the steps of:

[0262] a1 ) providing an extrudate of a combination of (i) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount of less than about 40 ppm relative to the total weight of the extrudate and (ii) a source of tannin in an amount of less than about 40 ppm relative to the total weight of the extrudate;

[0263] a2) coating said extrudate with a source of ursolic acid, thereby providing a mixture;

[0264] b) heating the mixture.

[0265] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of methods of manufacturing animal foodstuffs are applicable to the present disclosure.

[0266] Use of food compositions as preservatives

[0267] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of a food composition or kit as described herein as a preservative for a companion animal foodstuff.

[0268] According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure describes the use of an antioxidant combination of (i) a source of carnosic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannin, such as a source of tannic acid, a source of ellagic acid, and / or a source of gallic acid, as a preservative for a companion animal foodstuff.

[0269] In other words, the food composition of the present disclosure can be used as a preservative for a companion animal foodstuff, or the food composition can be used as an antioxidant for a companion animal foodstuff.

[0270] As mentioned above, the food composition according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into any animal foodstuff, in particular any companion animal foodstuff containing fat.

[0271] In some embodiments, the food composition can be used for the preservation of meat products, such as meat, poultry products, fish, crustaceans, vegetables, pre-cooked meals, ready-to-eat meals, dairy products, jams, jellies, beverages, and kibbles.

[0272] In some embodiments, the food composition can be used for the preservation of companion animal foodstuffs, in particular for wet foodstuffs and dry foodstuffs. In certain specific embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be used for the preservation of dry foodstuffs.

[0273] The food composition can be added to the final stage of the companion animal foodstuff to be preserved, or can be added to the initial stage with the advantage of treating the companion animal foodstuff, whereby the food composition can be added to the companion animal foodstuff to be preserved as a dry product, or in the form of a solution or dispersion.

[0274] In particular, the present disclosure describes the use of a combination of (i) a source of carnosic acid in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) a source of tannin in an amount of less than about 40 ppm, as a preservative for a companion animal foodstuff.

[0275] Thus, the combination can comprise (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain specific embodiments, the combination can comprise (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the combination can comprise (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of gallic acid. In certain other specific embodiments, the combination can comprise (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a combination of a source of tannic acid and a source of gallic acid; particularly, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid ranges from about 1 :5 to about 1 :50. In one embodiment, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be about 1 : 10 to about 1 :40. In one embodiment, the ratio of tannic acid to gallic acid can be about 1 : 15 to about 1 :30.

[0276] According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining the PV (peroxide value) of an animal foodstuff, the method comprising the step of contacting the companion animal foodstuff with a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins.

[0277] In particular, the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining the PV of an animal foodstuff below 10 mEq / kg fat for at least 12 months, the method comprising incorporating into the foodstuff a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid in an amount less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) a source of tannins in an amount less than about 40 ppm.

[0278] In certain specific embodiments, the method can be adapted to maintain the PV value of a companion animal foodstuff below about 10 mEq / kg fat for at least about 12 months under paper bag conditions.

[0279] In certain specific embodiments, the method can be adapted to maintain the PV value of a companion animal foodstuff below about 10 mEq / kg fat for at least about 18 months under controlled atmospheric conditions.

[0280] According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining the hexanal value of a companion animal foodstuff, the method comprising the step of contacting the foodstuff with a combination of (i) a source of ursolic acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) a source of tannins.

[0281] In particular, in certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a hexanal value of a companion animal food below about 15 ppm for at least about 12 months, the method comprising incorporating into the food a combination of: (i) a source of jasmolinic acid in an amount less than about 40 ppm, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol in an amount less than about 40 ppm, and (iii) a source of tannin in an amount less than about 40 ppm.

[0282] In certain specific embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure can be adapted to maintain a hexanal value of an animal food below about 15 ppm for at least about 12 months under paper sack conditions.

[0283] In certain specific embodiments, the methods can be adapted to maintain a hexanal value of an animal food below about 15 ppm for at least about 18 months under controlled atmosphere conditions.

[0284] Method of treatment

[0285] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a food composition or companion animal food or kit as described herein for use as a medicament.

[0286] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a food composition, product or kit thereof for use as a medicament, the food composition, product or kit thereof comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of:

[0287] (i) a source of jasmolinic acid;

[0288] (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and

[0289] (iii) a source of tannin.

[0290] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a food composition, product or kit thereof for use as a medicament, the food composition, product or kit thereof comprising at least a combination of:

[0291] (i) a source of jasmolinic acid;

[0292] (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and

[0293] (iii) at least one source of hydrolysable tannin.

[0294] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a food composition, product or kit thereof for use as a medicament, the food composition, product or kit thereof comprising at least a combination of:

[0295] (i) a source of jasmolinic acid;

[0296] (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; and

[0297] (iii) at least one of a tannin source, a gallic acid source, and a ellagic acid source.

[0298] In some embodiments, the food composition, product, or kit according to the present disclosure can be used in a method of treating or preventing cellular oxidative stress or reducing the likelihood of cellular oxidative stress occurring.

[0299] In some embodiments, the food composition, product, or kit according to the present disclosure can be used in a method of treating or preventing inflammation or an inflammatory condition or reducing the likelihood of inflammation or an inflammatory condition occurring.

[0300] In some embodiments, the food composition, product, or kit according to the present disclosure can be used in a method of eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal, or for preventing or reducing the likelihood of a companion animal developing an infection and / or an allergic reaction, for example, a method of eliciting or increasing an immune response to a viral or bacterial or parasitic infection.

[0301] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a novel food composition that can be used to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an infection and / or an allergic reaction occurring. In certain embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be used to counteract or attenuate the negative effects of a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection in a companion animal.

[0302] As previously mentioned, even healthy animals, regardless of their age, have a weakened immune system that results in greater sensitivity to allergens and a higher susceptibility to infections such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. In certain embodiments, administering the food composition of the present disclosure can mitigate the effects of an infection and / or an allergic reaction on the health of a companion animal.

[0303] In certain embodiments, the use of the food composition or companion animal food or kit of the present disclosure can counteract, attenuate, or reverse the age-related effects on the immune response to a viral or bacterial or parasitic infection in an animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is an elderly animal.

[0304] The food composition of the present disclosure can elicit an immune response to a viral or bacterial or parasitic infection and / or an allergic reaction when administered to a companion animal.

[0305] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for preventing or reducing the likelihood of a companion animal developing an infection and / or an allergic reaction, the method comprising the step of providing at least an effective amount of a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure to be administered to the companion animal.

[0306] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment for preventing or reducing the likelihood of an infection and / or an allergic reaction in a companion animal, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and administering to the companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0307] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for treating or preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of cellular oxidative stress, the method comprising at least the step of providing an effective amount of a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure to be administered to a companion animal.

[0308] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment for treating or preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of cellular oxidative stress, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and administering to the companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0309] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for preventing or reducing the likelihood of an infection and / or an allergic reaction in a companion animal, the method comprising at least the step of providing an effective amount of a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure to be administered to a companion animal.

[0310] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment for preventing or reducing the likelihood of an infection and / or an allergic reaction in a companion animal, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and administering to the companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0311] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for treating or preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of inflammation or an inflammatory condition in a companion animal, the method comprising at least the step of providing an effective amount of a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure to be administered to a companion animal.

[0312] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment for treating or preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of inflammation or an inflammatory condition, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and administering to the companion animal an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit.

[0313] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal, the method comprising the step of providing at least an effective amount of a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure to be administered to the companion animal.

[0314] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for eliciting or increasing an immune response in a companion animal, the method comprising: providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and administering an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit to the companion animal.

[0315] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treatment as defined above, for example for preventing or reducing the likelihood of a companion animal developing an infection and / or an allergic reaction, the method comprising:

[0316] a) providing a food composition or companion animal food or kit according to the present disclosure; and

[0317] b) administering an effective amount of the food composition or companion animal food or kit to the companion animal.

[0318] In some embodiments, the food composition or companion animal food or kit disclosed herein can be provided to an animal to be treated during treatment. According to these embodiments, the food composition is provided to the companion animal daily during treatment.

[0319] In certain embodiments, the food composition of the present disclosure can be formulated to provide an effective amount of active agent according to a particular dosage regimen. The food composition herein can provide each active agent according to the required daily dosage.

[0320] In another aspect, the food composition of the present disclosure can be administered to an animal to deliver a required amount of active agent on a per body weight basis. Administration can be configured according to the species of companion animal and other factors such as gender, age, medical condition, and the like.

[0321] In certain specific embodiments, the food compositions of the present disclosure can be formulated to provide an animal with an effective amount (mg / kg bw) of one or more active agents per daily dose based on the body weight of the animal. In certain embodiments, the effective amount of the food composition can be formulated to include i) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of carnosic acid, ii) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of hydroxytyrosol, and iii) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of tannins, ellagic acid, or gallic acid.

[0322] In certain specific embodiments, the effective amount of the food composition can be formulated to include i) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of carnosic acid, ii) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of hydroxytyrosol, and iii) about 0.01 to about 10 mg / kg bw, about 0.01 to about 1 mg / kg bw, or about 0.04 to about 0.6 mg / kg bw of a source of tannins, gallic acid, and / or ellagic acid.

[0323] It is also contemplated that the formulations and methods discussed herein can be used in conjunction with other treatments.

[0324] It will be appreciated that in the daily practice of feeding companion animals, the animal owner is not able to follow a systematic approach of giving the animal the food composition every day. However, the beneficial effects of eliciting or increasing an immune response are fully provided when the food composition described herein is given to the animal every other day.

[0325] The period of time during which the food composition described herein elicits or increases an immune response, or prevents the occurrence of, or reduces the likelihood of, an infection and / or an allergic reaction in a companion animal can vary from a few days to several weeks.

[0326] According to certain other embodiments, the time during which the food composition is provided to the companion animal can be extended, for example, for about 12 weeks or more; for example, for about 24 weeks or more, or for example, for about 30 weeks or more, either (i) according to a feeding plan that includes providing only the food composition described herein to the companion animal, or (ii) according to a plan in which the food composition described herein is alternated with another food composition.

[0327] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides the use of (i) a source of ursolic acid; (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol; (iii) a source of tannin, such as a source of tannic acid, a source of ellagic acid, and / or a source of gallic acid; for the manufacture of a medicament, in particular for any one of the therapeutic conditions reported herein.

[0328] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the food composition for use as a medicament can be in the form of a functional food, a meal, a food additive, a food preservative, a supplement, a medicament, a food or a nutritionally complete food composition.

[0329] Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments. These examples should not be viewed as limiting the present disclosure, but merely serving as an illustration of the subject matter of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the principles and the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited except as by the claims set forth below.

[0330] EMBODIMENTS

[0331] The subject matter of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following examples, which are offered by way of illustration of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The materials and methods used in the examples are summarized below.

[0332] Abbreviations:

[0333] ATCO: controlled atmosphere

[0334] BHA: butylated hydroxyanisole

[0335] NS: not significant

[0336] PG: propyl gallate

[0337] PV: peroxide value

[0338] RMs: raw materials

[0339] VHS: very highly significant Example 1

[0340] 1.1 Materials and methods

[0341] Peroxide value and hexanal level

[0342] The foodstuffs obtained are analyzed to determine the peroxide value (PV) and the level of hexanal. The PV is determined according to the method for determining the peroxide value of animal and vegetable fat substances by iodometric method, by visual detection at the end of the determination: NF EN ISO 3960 (April 2017 version) or NF EN ISO 27107 (June 2010 version).

[0343] The level of hexanal is determined according to the AOCS method Cg 4-94 (AOCS. 1997) or according to the method described in the literature (Azarbad, Determination of hexanal - an indicator of lipid oxidation by HS-GC-FID in food matrices, 2014).

[0344] The foodstuffs stored under ambient conditions are analyzed on the first day of the study (T0) and after 12 months (M12) and 18 months.

[0345] The foodstuffs stored under accelerated storage conditions are analyzed on the first day of the study (T0) and at the end of the study (after 120 days - D120).

[0346] Commercial formulations for use in food products

[0347] For cats, the foodstuffs are based on the commercial formulation ROYAL Fit 32 (F32).

[0348] For dogs, the foodstuffs are based on the commercial formulation ROYAL Medium adult (M25).

[0349] Antioxidant combinations

[0350] Three antioxidant combinations are provided and tested throughout the example:

[0351] • a synthetic antioxidant reference (SA) using BHA, PG and citric acid;

[0352] • a natural antioxidant reference (NA1G) using mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract;

[0353] • a new natural antioxidant combination (NA2G) using olive extract, gall extract and rosemary extract.

[0354] Food products

[0355] The preparation of animal food is well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0356] For cats, the food tested was produced as follows:

[0357] • F32 SA (positive control): commercial formula F32 was mixed with 75 ppm of BHA mixed, then extruded, then 50 ppm of BHA + 17 ppm of PG + 17 ppm of Citric acid were applied by fat coating.

[0358] • F32 NA1 G (positive control): commercial formula F32 was mixed with 120 ppm of Tocopherol Carnosic acid mixed, then extruded, then 7 ppm of Gallic acid tannins from rosemary extract were applied by fat coating.

[0359] • F32 NA2 G: commercial formula F32 was mixed with 22.5 ppm of Hydroxytyrosol from gall extract and 25 ppm of Carnosic acid from olive extract, then extruded, then 7 ppm of BHA from rosemary extract were applied by fat coating.

[0360] For dogs, the food tested was produced as follows:

[0361] • M25 SA (positive control): commercial formula M25 was mixed with 75 ppm of BHA mixed, then extruded, then 50 ppm of PG + 17 ppm of Citric acid + 17 ppm of Tocopherol were applied by fat coating.

[0362] • M25 NA1 G (positive control): commercial formula M25 was mixed with 120 ppm of Carnosic acid Gallic acid tannins mixed, then extruded, then 11 ppm of Hydroxytyrosol from rosemary extract were applied by fat coating.

[0363] • M25 NA2 G: commercial formula M25 was mixed with 22.5 ppm of Carnosic acid from gall extract and 25 ppm of Storage of food products from olive extract, then extruded, then 11 ppm of Study design for cat consumption tests from rosemary extract were applied by fat coating.

[0364] Each food was produced twice (2 production batches) in separate ways.

[0365] Study design for dog consumption tests

[0366] The foods were stored under ambient conditions or accelerated conditions for a defined period of time.

[0367] Ambient conditions: storage at room temperature with a relative humidity (RH) of 50%.

[0368] Accelerated conditions: storage at 40°C with a RH of 50%.

[0369] Packaging: paper bag or controlled atmosphere bag (ATCO bag)

[0370] A.1 Accelerated storage conditions

[0371] The test protocol used was a paired comparison, also known as a "two-bowl test".

[0372] In this test, two cat foods (A and B) were placed side by side in two identical bowls for consumption by n cats. The cats were free to choose between the two foods. At the end of the test, the consumption of each food was measured. The two-bowl test evaluates the palatability of one food relative to another. Since the cats enrolled are known to be able to self-regulate their food intake, they were given free access to food for 16 hours per day. During this period, the cats could make a choice between the two bowls of food. At the end of the feeding period, only the cats that consumed more than 10 g of product were considered in the results.

[0373] The consumption ratio is the percentage of each food consumed by a group of animals relative to the total consumption of the group. This ratio is calculated as follows:

[0374]

[0375] The consumption ratio of each animal was first calculated individually. Then the average of the individual ratios was calculated to obtain the average result for the group.

[0376] Table 1: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for cat food

[0377] For dogs, two bowls of dog food (A and B) were offered to each dog at a predetermined time in the morning and in the afternoon. The total amount of food in the 4 bowls (2 bowls fed in the morning + 2 bowls fed in the afternoon) met the energy maintenance requirements. Food preference was then determined by the first bowl eaten, observed by the animal caretaker.

[0378] 1.2 Results

[0379] The results shown are the average of batch 1 and batch 2.

[0380] A. The natural antioxidant combinations of the present disclosure work on the stability and preservation of animal food.

[0381] Table 2: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for dog food

[0382]

[0383] A.2. Ambient storage conditions

[0384]

[0385] Table 3: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for cat food (paper bags)

[0386] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the NA2G combination is comparable to SA and NA1G for maintaining PV below 10 mEq / kg fat and hexanal below 15 ppm in cat and dog food for 120 days under accelerated storage conditions. Thus, the NA2G is found to be a good novel natural preservative food composition which can preserve animal food very well.

[0387] Table 4: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for cat food (ATCO bags)

[0388]

[0389] Table 5: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for dog food (paper bags)

[0390]

[0391] Table 6: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for dog food (ATCO bags)

[0392]

[0393] Table 7: Consumption of cat food

[0394]

[0395] Table 8: Consumption of dog food

[0396] As shown in Tables 3 and 6, the NA2G combination is comparable to SA and NA1G for maintaining PV below 10 mEq / kg fat and hexanal below 15 ppm in cat and dog food for 12 months in paper bags under ambient conditions and for 18 months in ATCO bags under ambient conditions. Thus, the NA2G combination is found to be a good novel natural preservative food composition which can preserve animal food very well.

[0397] B. The natural antioxidant combinations of the present disclosure work on the palatability of animal food

[0398]

[0399] Example 2

[0400]

[0401] Peroxide values and hexanal levels

[0402] As shown in Tables 7 and 8, the sensory performance of the foods containing the NA2G combination for cats and dogs was equivalent or superior to the foods containing the SA combination over the shelf life. In addition, as shown in Table 8, the foods containing the NA2G combination were significantly more palatable than the commercial foods (Pro Plan and Hill’s products).

[0403] Commercial formulations for use in food products

[0404] 2.1 Materials and methods

[0405] Antioxidant combinations

[0406] The foods obtained were analyzed to determine the peroxide value (PV) and the hexanal level. The peroxide value was determined according to the method for determining the peroxide value of animal and vegetable fat substances by iodometric method, by visual detection at the end of the determination: NF EN ISO 3960 (April 2017 version) or NF EN ISO 27107 (June 2010 version).

[0407] The hexanal level was determined according to the AOCS method Cg 4-94 or according to the method described in the literature (Azarbad and Jelen, Determination of hexanal - an indicator of lipid oxidation by Static Headspace Gas Chromatography (SHS-GC) in Fat-Rich Food Matrices, Food Analytical Methods 8(7), 2014).

[0408] Food products

[0409] For cats, the first food was based on the commercial formula ROYAL Sensible 33 (S33). The second food was based on the commercial formula ROYAL Urinary feline moderate calorie (UMC).

[0410] For dogs, the first food is based on the commercial formula ROYAL Mobility (MOB). The second food is based on the commercial formula ROYAL Skin care small dog (SCD).

[0411] BHA

[0412] Two antioxidant combinations were provided and tested throughout the examples:

[0413] • Synthetic antioxidant reference (SA) using BHA, PG and citric acid

[0414] • New natural antioxidant combination (NA2G) using olive extract (source of hydroxytyrosol), gall extract (source of hydrolysable tannins) and rosemary extract (source of carnosic acid).

[0415] BHA

[0416] The preparation of animal foods is well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0417] For cats, the first tested food is produced as follows:

[0418] • S33 SA (positive control): the commercial formula S33 is mixed with 75 ppm of PG then extruded then applied with a fat coating of 119 ppm of Citric acid + 40 ppm of Gallic acid tannins + 40 ppm of Hydroxytyrosol .

[0419] • S33 NA2G: the commercial formula S33 is mixed with 22.5 ppm of Carnosic acid from gall extract and 25 ppm of BHA from olive extract then extruded then applied with a fat coating of 7 ppm of BHA from rosemary extract.

[0420] The second tested food is produced as follows:

[0421] • UMC SA (positive control): the commercial formula UMC is mixed with 75 ppm of PG then extruded then applied with a fat coating of 25 ppm of Citric acid + 9 ppm of Gallic acid tannins + 9 ppm ofHydroxytyrosol .

[0422] • UMC NA2G: commercial formula UMC mixed with 22.5 ppm of Carnosic acid and 25 ppm of BHA from olive extract, then extruded, then applied by fat coating with 7 ppm of BHA .

[0423] For dogs, the foods of the first test were produced as follows:

[0424] • MOB SA (positive control): commercial formula MOB mixed with 75 ppm of PG , then extruded, then applied by fat coating with 32 ppm of Citric acid + 11 ppm of Gallic acid tannins + 11 ppm of Hydroxytyrosol .

[0425] • MOB NA2G: commercial formula MOB mixed with 22.5 ppm of Carnosic acid and 25 ppm of BHA from olive extract, then extruded, then applied by fat coating with 11 ppm of BHA .

[0426] The foods of the second test were produced as follows:

[0427] • SCD SA (positive control): commercial formula SCD mixed with 75 ppm of PG , then extruded, then applied by fat coating with 130 ppm of Citric acid + 43 ppm of Gallic acid tannins + 43 ppm of Hydroxytyrosol .

[0428] • SCD NA2G: commercial formula SCD mixed with 22.5 ppm of Carnosic acid and 25 ppm of BHA from olive extract, then extruded, then applied by fat coating with 11 ppm of BHA .

[0429] Each food was produced 2 times (2 production batches) in an independent manner.

[0430] PG

[0431] The foods were stored under ambient conditions for a determined period of time.

[0432] Environmental storage conditions: Room temperature storage, RH of 50%.

[0433] Packaging: Paper bag or controlled atmosphere bag (ATCO bag)

[0434] 2.2 Results

[0435] The results shown are the average of Batch 1 and Batch 2.

[0436] A. The natural antioxidant combination of the present disclosure works on the stability and preservation of animal food.

[0437] A.1 Environmental storage conditions

[0438]

[0439] Citric acid

[0440]

[0441] Gallic acid tannins

[0442]

[0443] Hydroxytyrosol

[0444]

[0445] Carnosic acid

[0446] As shown in Tables 9-12, NA2G is comparable to SA in maintaining PV below 10 mEq / kg fat and hexanal below 15 ppm in cat and dog food in paper bags under environmental conditions for 12 months and in ATCO bags under environmental conditions for 18 months. Thus, it was found that the antioxidant combination comprising a source of oleuropein, a source of hydroxytyrosol, and a source of tannin, ellagic acid, or gallic acid (NA2G) was effective in preserving food compositions. Thus, it was found that NA2G is a good novel preservative food composition that can provide good preservation of animal food.

[0447] B. The natural antioxidant combination of the present disclosure works on the palatability of animal food

[0448]

[0449] Storage conditions for food products

[0450]

[0451] Table 9: Peroxide values (mEq / kg fat) and hexanal (ppm) for cat food (paper bags - S33 and UMC)

[0452]

[0453] Table 10: Peroxide values (mEq / kg fat) and hexanal (ppm) for cat food (ATCO bags - S33 and UMC)

[0454] As shown in Tables 13 to 15, the sensory performance of the food products comprising the NA2G combination was equivalent or superior to the food products comprising the SA combination over the shelf life of the cat and dog food.

[0455] In particular, it was observed in Table 13 that cat food containing the NA2G combination was significantly more consumed by cats than food containing the SA combination at 3.5 or 5 months. Thus, it has been observed that cat food comprising a preservative food composition containing a source of cannabicitriol, a source of hydroxytyrosol and a source of tannin, ellagic acid or gallic acid is significantly more palatable than cat food comprising a synthetic antioxidant combination.

[0456] Furthermore, Tables 14 and 15 show that food products comprising the NA2G combination were more appreciated by cats and dogs, respectively, at 3.5 months and 5.5 months than food products comprising the SA combination.

[0457] Thus, it is observed that the preservative food composition of the disclosure comprising a source of cannabicitriol, a source of hydroxytyrosol and a source of tannin is palatable to animals.

[0458] Table 11: Peroxide values (mEq / kg fat) and hexanal (ppm) for dog food (paper bags - MOB and SCD)

[0459] 3.1 Materials and methods

[0460] Table 12: Peroxide values (mEq / kg fat) and hexanal (ppm) for dog food (ATCO bags - MOB and SCD)

[0461] The food products obtained were analyzed to determine the peroxide value (PV) and the level of hexanal. The PV was determined according to the method for determining the peroxide value of animal and vegetable fat substances by iodometric method, by visual detection at the end of the determination: NF EN ISO 3960 (April 2017) or NF EN ISO 27107 (June 2010).

[0462] The level of hexanal was determined according to the AOCS method Cg 4-94 or according to the method described in the literature (Azarbad, Determination of hexanal - an indicator of lipid oxidation by HS-GC-FID in food matrices, 2014).

[0463] Table 13: Consumption of cat food

[0464] Dry food (kibble) is based on a comprehensive and balanced dry animal food formulation comprising 25% of dry animal protein source (duck meat), fat source, carbohydrate source and other active ingredients. The dry protein source contains the following antioxidants:

[0465] • Synthetic antioxidant reference (SA) (positive control): 80 ppm of Table 14: Preference of cat food , 26 ppm of Table 15: Preference of dog food and 26 ppm of Example 3

[0466] • Natural antioxidant reference (NA1G) (positive control): 180 ppm of gamma and delta Peroxide values and hexanal levels and 30 ppm of Formulations for dry food products BHA

[0467] • New natural antioxidant combination (NA2G): 180 ppm of gamma and delta PG and 30 ppm of Citric acid. .

[0468] Tocopherol

[0469] Three antioxidant combinations were provided and tested throughout the examples:

[0470] • BHA-based product SA;

[0471] • Mixed gamma and delta (g+d) tocopherol-based product NA1G;

[0472] • Olive extract, gall nut extract and pomegranate extract-based product NA2G.

[0473] Carnosic acid;

[0474] The preparation of the animal dry food (kibble) used standard processes for pet food well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0475] The dry food tested in this example was prepared as follows:

[0476] The ingredients were received and stored at ambient temperature until use. The ingredients being milled were pre-mixed for 2 minutes using a paddle mixer, then milled in a hammer mill (with a 0.8 mm sieve). This milled mixture and all other antioxidant ingredients (including olive and gall nut extracts for NA2G) were added to a second mixer for final mixing. The final mixture was mixed in a paddle mixer for 5 minutes, then extruded under the following conditions: about 2.5 minutes at 100°C in a conditioner, about 1 minute at 30 kPa and 120°C in an extruder.

[0477] Half of the uncoated kibbles were then stored at ambient conditions in paper bags, and the remaining half of the uncoated kibbles were dried (25 minutes at 90°C), then coated with fat and natural flavours (3.5 minutes at 60°C) and rosemary extract of NA2G. The coated kibbles were then cooled to ambient temperature (typically 20-25°C) for about 30 minutes and temporarily stored in silos (0-90 minutes) before being packed in paper, plastic or aluminium-coated plastic bags of different sizes flushed with nitrogen.

[0478] The ingredients of the dry animal food formula with each antioxidant combination were as follows:

[0479] • Product SA (positive control): 75 ppm of Tocopherol ;

[0480] • Product NA1 G (positive control): 130 ppm of gamma and delta tocopherols;

[0481] • Product NA2G: 32 ppm of Carnosic acid , 10 ppm of Antioxidant combinations (pomegranate extract) and 5 ppm of Dry food products and production (olive extract).

[0482]

[0483] Each dry food was produced 2 times in independent ways (2 production batches)

[0484] BHA

[0485] The dry foods (uncoated and coated) were stored at ambient conditions for a determined period of time.

[0486] Ambient storage conditions: in paper bags stored at room temperature at 50% RH, or in bags stored in a controlled atmosphere room (ATCO bags) at 50% RH.

[0487] 3.2 Results

[0488] The results shown are the average of the batches.

[0489] A. The natural antioxidant combination NA2G of the disclosure has a stabilizing and preserving effect on coated dry animal foods

[0490]

[0491] Carnosic acid

[0492]

[0493] Ellagic acid

[0494] As shown in Table 16, the uncoated food was not able to maintain PV below 10 mEq / kg fat, but the uncoated food in paper bags under ambient conditions was able to maintain hexanal below 15 ppm for 90 days.

[0495] As shown in Table 17, the coated food containing the NA2G combination was equivalent to the food containing the SA combination in maintaining PV below 10 mEq / kg fat and hexanal below 15 ppm for 12 months in paper bags under ambient conditions.

[0496] Thus, the use of a mixture of rosemary extract, olive extract, and pomegranate extract (NA2G) in a kibble food was as effective as BHA or mixed tocopherols in maintaining PV below 10 mEq / kg fat and hexanal below 15 ppm for 12 months in paper bags.

[0497] In summary, it was found that a food composition containing an effective amount of a source of cannabichromene, a source of cannabielsoin, and at least one source of tannin is a novel, more effective preservative food composition and can be used in animal foods. Furthermore, a food composition containing an effective amount of a source of cannabichromene, a source of cannabielsoin, and at least one source of tannin is as effective as a food composition without tocopherols.

[0498] Hydroxytyrosol

[0499] 4.1 Materials and Methods

[0500] The physiological parameters measured in this example were Storage of dry food products : Lymphocyte proliferation assay.

[0501] Table 16: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for uncoated dry food products

[0502] PBMC proliferation measurement The ability of lymphocytes placed in short-term tissue cultures to clonally proliferate in vitro in response to stimulation by foreign molecules, antigens, or mitogens. CD4+ lymphocytes proliferate in response to antigenic peptides associated with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

[0503] This proliferative response of lymphocytes to antigens in vitro only occurs in animals that have been immunized to the antigen, either by recovering from infection with a microorganism containing the antigen or by vaccination. Thus, some normal individuals do not respond to a given antigen, but most animals respond to at least one of several common microbial antigens.

[0504] Blood was used to analyze the mitogenic proliferative responsiveness of PBMC to phytohemagglutinin (PHA, Sigma), concavalin A (Con A, Sigma) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM, Sigma), to mimic in vivo conditions.

[0505] Heparinized blood was diluted with culture medium to reach 2.5, 5, 10, 20 μl blood / 100 μl / well. All manipulations were performed in triplicate in 96-well flat bottom plates (total volume of 200 μl per well). The culture medium was RPMI 1640 + 10% FCS, 4 mM L-glutamine, 10 U / ml penicillin and 100 μg / ml streptomycin. Our preliminary studies with blood diluted to 2.5, 5, 10, 20 μl blood / 100 μl / well showed that the best reproducibility and response to mitogens was obtained with 5 μl blood per well for ConA and PWM and 2.5 μl blood per well for PHA. Mitogens were tested at concentrations intermediate between 50% and 95% of the maximum (EC50 and EC95): PWM 0.01 to 0.05 μg / ml, ConA 0.1 to 0.5 μg / ml, PHA 1 to 5 μg / ml. Mixtures were incubated for 72 hours at 37°C in a humidified incubator under 5% C02atmosphere. Eight hours before the end of the incubation, 10 μl of [3H]-thymidine (1 μCi / well) were added. Tritiated thymidine uptake was measured by liquid scintillation and the proliferative response of PBMC was expressed as the ratio of counts per minute (cpm) of stimulated cultures over cpm of unstimulated cultures as a stimulation index (SI %). Analysis was performed using GraphPrism software, generating variable slope four parameter curve fitting. EC50 was calculated for each mitogen, if possible.

[0506] Table 17: Peroxide values mEq / kg fat and hexanal ppm for coated dry food products

[0507] For dogs, the tested animal food was based on ROYAL Medium adult (M25), without non-essential "nutritional" antioxidants (green tea polyphenols, lutein...). All raw materials are identical and synthetically preserved (the difference lies in the absence of antioxidant in the fat coating).

[0508] Example 4

[0509] Three antioxidant combinations were provided and tested throughout the examples:

[0510] - Eluting diet, based on a low dose of synthetic preservation system, based on BHA and propyl gallate (PG).

[0511] - Placebo diet (control), based on tocopherol.

[0512] - Antioxidant 2G diet (test), based on gallotannins extract (gallus tannins), olive extract (hydroxytyrosol) and rosemary extract (carnosic acid).

[0513] Immune function

[0514] The preparation of animal food is well known to the person skilled in the art. The animal food is a complete dry food, which complies with the minimum requirements of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

[0515] In Table 18, the details of the respective preservation system of the 3 test animal foods are shown (precision), as well as the dose of active compounds and the application point during the process.

[0516]

[0517] Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation

[0518] The final product is packaged in an aluminium-coated bag, containing a sachet of oxygen absorber, to reduce the differences in stability during storage due to the different preservation systems.

[0519] Commercial formulations for animal food products

[0520] The test animal foods are distributed according to the energy requirements. The drinking water is not restricted. The daily consumption of each dog is recorded.

[0521] The inclusion criteria for the dogs are: (i) various breeds and races, (ii) age: over 3 years, (iii) good general health, (iv) absence of pathologies, (v) unrestricted experimental diet.

[0522] The exclusion criteria for the dogs are: (i) declared pathologies before or during the study, (ii) refusal to eat.

[0523] 17 female dogs are fed the same eluting food for 8 weeks.

[0524] Dogs were divided into two groups: Antioxidant 2G (test) and placebo (control). Then 2G or placebo food was administered for 8 weeks, followed by an 8-week washout period. Then, for the last 8 weeks, the 2G and placebo groups were reversed. Blood samples were collected every 8 weeks and physiological parameters were monitored to assess the effect of the antioxidant combination (i.e. the animal food) on immune function. Thus, the study duration was 32 weeks.

[0525] 2G group: 8 dogs; placebo group: 9 dogs.

[0526] Antioxidant combinations / food compositions

[0527] Two related samples of the lymphocyte proliferation test were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

[0528] 4.2 Results

[0529] 4.2.1 Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation

[0530]

[0531] Animal food products

[0532] Mean ± standard error

[0533] p values calculated using the Wilcoxon test

[0534] After 8 weeks of consumption, the PBMC proliferation response was higher in the 2G group than in the placebo group (Table 19).

[0535] After 8 weeks, dogs fed with the 2G diet had a significantly higher proliferation response to PWM (0.01 μg / ml and 0.05 μg / ml), ConA (0.1 μg / ml) and PHA (1 g / ml).

[0536] Thus, after 8 weeks of supplementation with hydroxytyrosol, gallotannins and carnosic acid, the proliferation response of lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation (low concentrations of PHA and Con A and low and high concentrations of PWM) was significantly increased (p>0.05).

[0537] In summary, it was found that the 2G antioxidant mixture was able to positively modulate the immune response in healthy dogs.

[0538] Table 18: Preservation systems for experimental diets

[0539] 5.1 Materials and methods

[0540] The physiological parameters measured in this example were Study design : lymphocyte proliferation test and vaccine response.

[0541] Statistical analysis

[0542] PBMC proliferation measures the ability of lymphocytes placed in short-term tissue cultures to clonally proliferate when stimulated in vitro by foreign molecules, antigens or mitogens.

[0543] The method used consists in isolating PBMC, placing the isolated cells in each well of a 96-well plate containing or not containing various stimulants, and allowing the cells to proliferate for two days in a CO2 incubator at 37°C. The amount of proliferation is detected the following day by adding yellow tetrazolium MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) for 4 hours. MTT is reduced by metabolically active cells, in part by the action of dehydrogenases, to generate reduced equivalents such as NADH and NADPH. The intracellular purple formazan produced can then be solubilized and quantified by spectrophotometry at 560 nm and 690 nm. This is directly proportional to the number of proliferating cells, which in turn varies with the number of lymphocytes entering into the proliferative response with a given mitogenic stimulus.

[0544] The mitogens used are concanavalin A (for dogs, Con A 5 and 1 μl / ml, for cats, 2.5 and 0.25 μl / ml), phytohemagglutinin A (for dogs, PHA 20 and 2 μl / ml, for cats, 1.25 and 0.25 μl / ml), pokeweed mitogen (for dogs, PWM 2 and 0.25 μl / ml, for cats, 0.25 and 0.05 μl / ml).

[0545] Table 19: PBMC proliferation results

[0546] For dogs, the animal food tested is based on ROYAL CANIN® Mature (M25), without non-essential "nutritional" antioxidants (green tea polyphenols, lutein...).

[0547] For cats, the animal food tested is based on ROYAL CANIN® FIT 32 (F32), without non-essential "nutritional" antioxidants (green tea polyphenols, lutein...).

[0548] All the raw materials are identical and are synthetically preserved (with the exception of the fat coating, which does not contain any antioxidant).

[0549] Example 5

[0550] Three antioxidant combinations are provided and tested throughout the example:

[0551] - Eluted diet, without the addition of preservatives.

[0552] - Placebo diet (control), without the addition of preservatives.

[0553] - Antioxidant 2G (test), based on a combination of gall extract (gall tannins), olive extract (hydroxytyrosol) and rosemary extract (carnosic acid).

[0554] Immune function

[0555] The preparation of animal food is well known to those skilled in the art. The animal food is a complete dry food, which meets the minimum requirements of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

[0556] In Table 20, the details of the respective preservation system of the 3 animal food tested are shown, as well as the dose of active compounds and the application points during the process. The dose of carnosic acid is different only for cats or dogs.

[0557]

[0558] Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation

[0559] The final product is packaged in an aluminium-coated bag, containing a sachet of oxygen absorber, to reduce the stability differences due to the preservation system during storage.

[0560] Commercial formulations for animal food products

[0561] The inclusion criteria were: (i) various breeds and races, (ii) age: over 3 years, (iii) good general health, (iv) no pathologies, (v) no restrictions on experimental diet, (vi) both females and males, (vii) body weight: over 7 kg, (viii) no current medication, including systemic steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment.

[0562] The exclusion criteria were: (i) declared pathologies before or during the study, (ii) refusal to eat, (iii) dogs vaccinated in the last 6 months before the study.

[0563] 30 healthy dogs were fed with the washout food (based on M25) for 4 weeks.

[0564] After 4 weeks, the dogs were divided into two groups: antioxidant 2G (test) and placebo (control). The 2G or placebo food was then administered for 40 weeks. Blood was collected from the fasted dogs at weeks 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 28, 36 and 44. At week 12, the rabies vaccine was administered after the blood collection scheduled at that time.

[0565] 2G group: 15 dogs; placebo group: 15 dogs.

[0566]

[0567] Antioxidant combinations

[0568] Inclusion criteria for cats were: (i) various breeds and races, (ii) age: 3 years or older, (iii) good general health, (iv) no pathology, (v) no restrictions on experimental diet, (vi) both females and males, (vii) no current medication, including systemic steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment.

[0569] Exclusion criteria were: (i) declared pathology prior to or during the study, (ii) refusal to eat, (iii) cats vaccinated within the last 6 months prior to the study.

[0570] 21 healthy cats were fed the washout food (Feline 32) for 4 weeks.

[0571] Cats were divided into two groups: Antioxidant 2G (test) and placebo (control). Then 2G or placebo food was given for 40 weeks. Blood was collected from fasted cats at weeks 0, 2, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 28, 36 and 44.

[0572] The mitogen used was concanavalin A (Con A) at 0.25 μg / ml (referred to as low concentration).

[0573] 2G group: 10 cats; placebo group: 11 cats.

[0574] Animal food products Table 20: Preservation systems for animal food products for cats and dogs Study design for dogs Table 21: Study design for cats Statistical analysis

[0575] The effects of time (from level 2 to level 9), food (level 2) and their respective interactions on all measured parameters were tested using a mixed model. Dog effect was modelled as a random term. Maximum likelihood estimation was based on the Restricted Maximum Likelihood method (REML method).

[0576] Residual distribution was checked and, if appropriate, a mathematical transformation was used. P values were adjusted by the Scheffé method to avoid alpha risk inflation. The level of significance was set at 5%.

[0577] 5.2 Results

[0578] 5.2.1 Lymphocyte proliferation in dogs

[0579] There was a significant difference in the stimulation index of lymphocytes over time between groups when low dose PHA, low dose ConA and high dose PWM were used (Table 22). The stimulation index at week 12 was higher than at week 4 in the 2G group. The stimulation index at week 12 was also higher in the 2G group than in the placebo group. Values normalised between groups as expected after 12 weeks and after vaccination. PHA and ConA indicate stimulation of lymphocytes T, while PMW indicates stimulation of lymphocytes B and T.

[0580]

[0581] 5.2.2 Rabies booster vaccine response in dogs

[0582] At week 12, all dogs were vaccinated with a rabies booster vaccine after blood sampling (this represented the initial baseline for each animal). Blood samples were analysed every 2 weeks until week 20, and then every 8 weeks until week 44. Rabies antibodies reached a peak in both groups after 2 weeks, indicating a response to vaccination.

[0583] The rate of decline of rabies antibodies was lower in the 2G group than in the control group (Table 23). Dogs in the 2G group responded significantly more to the rabies vaccine over time compared to the control group (Table 24).

[0584]

[0585] Table 23: Results of immune response post rabies booster vaccination

[0586]

[0587] Table 24: Statistical results of vaccine response for Group 2G versus placebo

[0588] Therefore, the supplementation of the 2G food composition (hydroxytyrosol 25 ppm, tannins / gallic acid 22.5 ppm and cannabichromene 11 ppm) over 40 weeks showed an improvement in the immune response to the rabies vaccine over time by increasing rabies-specific neutralising antibodies.

[0589] 5.2.3 Lymphocyte proliferation test in cats

[0590] There was a significant difference in the stimulation index of lymphocytes over time between groups when low and high doses of PHA, low and high doses of ConA were used (Table 25). The stimulation index at week 12 was higher than at week 4 in the 2G group. The stimulation index at week 12 was also higher in the 2G group than in the placebo group. Values normalised between groups as expected after 12 weeks and after vaccination. PHA and ConA indicate stimulation of lymphocytes T.

[0591]

[0592] In summary, the experimental data show that food compositions comprising at least an effective amount of a combination of a source of carnosic acid, a source of hydroxytyrosol, and at least one of a source of tannin, a source of ellagic acid, or a source of gallic acid elicit an immune response in animals. In other words, the food compositions of the present disclosure induce a significant beneficial modulation of the immune function in animals.

[0593] Example 6

[0594] 6.1 Materials and Methods

[0595] The physiological parameters measured in this example were local immunity and intestinal inflammation. One key strategy of intestinal immune protection is the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the most abundant antibody isotype produced in the body, although it is the second largest major isotype in blood circulation, after IgG. IgA is mainly produced in mucosal lymphoid tissues and plays an important role in mucosal immunity.

[0596] Canine calprotectin, the S100A8 / A9 protein complex, and S100A12 (also known as calgranulin C) are Ca2+ binding proteins of the S100 / calgranulin family that have been shown to be associated with acute and chronic inflammation and malignant transformation. These proteins are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and metastasis and act as endogenous danger signal molecules (alarmins) upon their extracellular release. Calprotectin and S100A12 have the potential to be markers of inflammation in dogs. Fecal calprotectin and S100A12 have been shown to be associated with certain clinical disease activity. Fecal calprotectin, S100A12, and IgA are useful markers to assess intestinal inflammation or local immunity.

[0597] The study design, food, and antioxidant combination used in this example were the same as described previously in Example 5 for use and description in dogs.

[0598] Fecal samples were collected every week for 3 consecutive days at weeks 20, 28, 36, and 44. Samples were collected individually for each dog or pooled for two dogs (within the same group) when housed in pairs. Samples were frozen and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

[0599] 6.2 Results

[0600] Results for each group were analyzed using the average of the 3 consecutive days over the entire period of consideration.

[0601] Fecal IgA was significantly lower in the 2G diet group than in the control group throughout the time period (Wilcoxon / Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.173). Fecal IgA ranged from 0.11 to 15.09 mg / g feces in the 2G diet group and from 0.15 to 21.22 mg / g feces in the control group. The median was 0.675 and 1.36 mg / g feces in the 2G group and the control group, respectively.

[0602] Fecal calprotectin was significantly lower in the 2G diet group than in the control group throughout the time period (Wilcoxon / Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.0142). Fecal calprotectin ranged from 0.37 to 22.57 pg / g feces in the 2G diet group and from 0.37 to 58.9 pg / g feces in the control group. The median was 0.41 and 0.59 pg / g feces in the 2G group and the control group, respectively.

[0603] Fecal S100A12 was significantly lower in the 2G diet group than in the control group throughout the time period (Wilcoxon / Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.0178). Fecal S100A12 ranged from 1.00 to 8952.86 ng / g feces in the 2G diet group and from 1.67 to 15390.14 ng / g feces in the control group. The median was 11.56 and 21.24 ng / g feces in the 2G group and the control group, respectively.

[0604]

[0605]

[0606] 6.2.4 Conclusions

[0607] The fecal parameters of IgA, calprotectin and S100A12 were significantly lower in the 2G diet group, indicating that the supplementation of the 2G food composition (hydroxytyrosol 25 ppm, 10 tannic acid / gallic acid 22.5 ppm and carnosic acid 11 ppm) for 40 weeks has a beneficial effect on the local immunity and intestinal inflammation of the dogs.

[0608] ***

[0609] Although the presently disclosed subject matter and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure herein, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein can be utilized according to the presently disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps.

[0610] For any patent, patent application, publication, product description, or protocol, cited herein, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, the citation of such references is intended as a disclaimer of any correspondence in terms of subject matter between the description, claims, and / or abstract of this application and / or the material contained in such references.

Claims

1. A food composition comprising an effective amount of a combination of the following substances: (i) Sage acid source; (ii) Hydroxytyrosol source; and (iii) Tannin source; in, The (i) sarsaparilla acid source is present in an amount of 7-32 ppm, the (ii) hydroxytyrosol source is present in an amount of 5-25 ppm, and the (iii) tannin source is present in an amount of 10-22.5 ppm, and the food composition is free of tocopherol.

2. The food composition according to claim 1, wherein, The (i) sarsaparilla acid source is sarsaparilla acid, the (ii) hydroxytyrosol source is hydroxytyrosol, and the (iii) tannin source is ellagic acid or gallic tannin.

3. The food composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The food composition is a functional food, food additive, supplement, or nutritionally complete food composition.

4. The food composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The food composition is a food preservative.

5. A companion animal food comprising the food composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the companion animal food is free of tocopherol.

6. A kit for preparing companion animal food, the kit comprising: (i) Sage acid source; (ii) Hydroxytyrosol source; and (iii) Tannin source; in, In the companion animal food prepared by the kit, (i) sarsaparilla acid source is present in an amount of 7-32 ppm, (ii) hydroxytyrosol source is present in an amount of 5-25 ppm, and (iii) tannin source is present in an amount of 10-22.5 ppm, and the companion animal food is free of tocopherol.

7. Use of the food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 as a preservative for animal food.

8. A method for manufacturing companion animal food, the method comprising the step of mixing (i) a source of sarsaparilla acid, (ii) a source of hydroxytyrosol and (iii) a source of tannin; and wherein, In the companion animal food prepared by the method described herein, (i) sarsaparilla acid source is present in an amount of 7-32 ppm, (ii) hydroxytyrosol source is present in an amount of 5-25 ppm, and (iii) tannin source is present in an amount of 10-22.5 ppm, and wherein the companion animal food is free of tocopherol.

9. A method for maintaining the PV (peroxide value) of a companion animal food, the method comprising the step of contacting the companion animal food with a combination of (i) sarsaparilla acid source, (ii) hydroxytyrosol source and (iii) tannin source; and wherein, (i) the amount of the sarsaparilla acid source is 7-32 ppm, (ii) the amount of the hydroxytyrosol source is 5-25 ppm, and (iii) the amount of the tannin source is 10-22.5 ppm, and wherein the companion animal food is free of tocopherol.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The PV of the companion animal food is below 10 mEq / kg fat over a period of 12 to 18 months.

11. A method for maintaining the hexanal value of a companion animal food, the method comprising contacting the companion animal food with a combination of (i) a caryopsisic acid source, (ii) a hydroxytyrosol source and (iii) a tannin source, wherein (i) the amount of the caryopsisic acid source is 7-32 ppm, (ii) the amount of the hydroxytyrosol source is 5-25 ppm, and (iii) the amount of the tannin source is 10-22.5 ppm, and wherein the companion animal food is free of tocopherol.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The hexanal value of the companion animal food is below 15 ppm for 12 to 18 months.

13. Use of a combination of (i) sarsaparilla acid, (ii) hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) tannins in the preparation of compositions for modulating intestinal immune protection, said use comprising: The companion animal was given an effective amount of a combination of (i) sarsaparilla acid source, (ii) hydroxytyrosol source and (iii) tannin source, wherein the amount of (i) sarsaparilla acid source was 7-32 ppm, the amount of (ii) hydroxytyrosol source was 5-25 ppm and the amount of (iii) tannin source was 10-22.5 ppm, and no tocopherol was administered.

14. Use of (i) a combination of sarsaparilla acid, (ii) hydroxytyrosol, and (iii) tannins in the preparation of compositions and / or nonspecific immune enhancers for enhancing immune responses to rabies vaccines, said use including: The companion animal was given an effective amount of a combination of (i) sarsaparilla acid source, (ii) hydroxytyrosol source and (iii) tannin source, wherein the amount of (i) sarsaparilla acid source was 7-32 ppm, the amount of (ii) hydroxytyrosol source was 5-25 ppm and the amount of (iii) tannin source was 10-22.5 ppm, and no tocopherol was administered.

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