Pet food composition comprising beta-1, 3-1, 6-glucan and polyphenol isoflavonoids

Abstract

Provided herein are pet food compositions and methods. The present invention relates to a pet food composition typically comprising an enteric microbiome component comprising: (i) P-1, 3 / 1, 6-glucan; the weight ratio of (i) (3-1, 3 / 1, 6-glucan to (ii) polyphenol isoflavones of the pet food composition is from about 1: 1 to about 5: 1, and the weight ratio of (i) (3-1, 3 / 1, 6-glucan to (ii) polyphenol isoflavones of the pet food composition is from about 1: 1 to about 5: 1. And wherein the enteric microbiome component is present in an amount effective to produce an increase in the weight ratio of propionate to branched short chain fatty acids in pet faeces and an increase in the weight ratio of short chain fatty acids to branched short chain fatty acids in pet faeces after about 3 days after pet ingestion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 344,980, filed on May 23, 2022, entitled “PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS”; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] The health of domestic animals is closely related to their feeding. Proper feeding results in a robust and healthy pet. To achieve proper feeding, one can utilize certain ingredients and concentrations of these ingredients that produce beneficial effects on the animal. Such beneficial effects may include protection against inflammation, kidney damage, renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, and / or high urine solute concentrations.

[0004] Renal failure is one of the most common causes of death in dogs. In animals with kidney disease, several blood indices are used to determine the severity of the disease. These indices include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. During the course of renal failure, the levels of BUN and creatinine in the bloodstream increase because damage to the animal's kidneys makes the kidneys inadequate to filter waste products. Because inadequate filtering of waste products is the fundamental basis of kidney disease, BUN and creatinine are considered the main indicators of kidney disease.

[0005] Current dietary therapies for reducing the measured BUN, creatinine, and phosphorus levels include reducing the amount of dietary protein to a level where amino acids are present in insufficient amounts. Reducing the level of dietary protein reduces BUN because urea is ultimately derived from protein. However, such a diet may lead to other problems for the animal because the animal's protein needs are not met.

[0006]

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for pet food compositions and methods for alleviating, reducing or alleviating kidney disease without potentially inducing other health problems in the pet. Summary of the invention

[0007] Summary of the invention is only intended to introduce a brief overview of some aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Other applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent according to the specific embodiments provided below. Summary of the invention is not an exhaustive overview, nor is it intended to identify the key elements or important elements of this teaching, nor is it intended to delimit the scope of the present disclosure. On the contrary, its purpose is only to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a preface to the following specific embodiments.

[0008] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions that increase the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of pets that consume such pet food compositions, and preferably increase the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of pets that consume such pet food compositions. According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided, the pet food composition having a gut microbiome component, the gut microbiome component comprising: (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan; (ii) polyphenolic isoflavones, wherein the weight ratio of (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to (ii) polyphenolic isoflavones of the pet food composition is from about 1:1 to about 5:1, and wherein the gut microbiome component is present in an amount effective to produce an increase in the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of the pet and an increase in the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of the pet after about 3 days of ingestion by the pet.

[0009] According to another aspect, a pet food composition is provided, the pet food composition having a prebiotic component and a gut microbiome component, the gut microbiome component having (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan and (ii) polyphenolic isoflavones, wherein the weight ratio of the pet food composition (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to (ii) polyphenolic isoflavones is from about 1:1 to about 5:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones is from about 1:1 to about 3:1. In still other embodiments, the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones is about 2:1.

[0010] The pet food composition may preferably contain β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan in an amount of about 0.3 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the pet food composition. Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition may contain polyphenol isoflavones in an amount of about 0.05 to about 0.5 based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method for alleviating, reducing and / or reducing kidney disease in a pet is provided. The method typically comprises administering an effective amount of a pet food composition disclosed herein to increase the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in pet feces, and to increase the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in pet feces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] For the purpose of illustration, the principle of the present invention is described by reference to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are specifically described herein, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the same principles are equally applicable and can be applied to other compositions and methods. Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the details of any particular embodiment disclosed in terms of its application. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description rather than for the purpose of limitation.

[0013] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context indicates otherwise. The singular form of any class of components refers not only to one component within that class, but also to mixtures of these components. The terms "a" (or "a"), "one or more / one or more", and "at least one / at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" may be used interchangeably. The term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to". The term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to".

[0014] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing individual values ​​and each value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. Therefore, ranges 1 to 5 specifically include 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and subranges such as 2 to 5, 3 to 5, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, 1 to 4, etc. The term "about" when referring to a number means any number within 10% of the number. For example, the phrase "about 2 wt %" refers to a number between and including 1.8 wt % and 2.2 wt %.

[0015] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated, abbreviations and symbols as used herein take their ordinary meanings. The abbreviation "% by weight" means the weight percentage relative to the pet food composition. The symbol "°" refers to degrees, such as degrees of temperature or degrees of angle. The symbols "h", "min", "mL", "nm", "μm" mean hours, minutes, milliliters, nanometers and micrometers, respectively. The abbreviation "UV-VIS" referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy means ultraviolet-visible. The abbreviation "rpm" means revolutions per minute.

[0017] Any member of a species list used to exemplify or define a genus may be mutually distinct from, overlap with, be a subset of, be equivalent to, be nearly identical to, or be identical to any other member of the species list. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, such as when listing Markush groups, a species list defining or exemplifying a genus is open-ended and gives the possibility that there may be other species that define or exemplify the genus just as well as or better than any other species listed.

[0018] All components and elements that are positively set forth in the present disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the pet food composition of the present disclosure may be free of or substantially free of all components and elements that are positively listed throughout the present disclosure. In some cases, the pet food composition of the present disclosure may be substantially free of the ingredients or compounds described herein in an unincident amount. The unincident amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of an ingredient or compound that is added to the pet food composition alone. For example, the pet food composition may be substantially free of an unincident amount of a certain ingredient or compound, although such an ingredient or compound may exist as part of a raw material (included as a blend of two or more compounds). Unless otherwise defined or described herein, substantially free generally refers to an ingredient or compound that is about 2% by weight or less, about 1.5% by weight or less, about 1% by weight or less, about 0.5% by weight or less, about 0.1% by weight or less, or about 0.05% by weight or less, or about 0.01% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0019] Some of the components of the different categories identified may overlap. In such cases where there may be overlap and the pet food composition contains two components (or the composition contains more than two overlapping components), the overlapping compounds do not represent more than one component. For example, certain components or ingredients may be described as containing both ancient grains and amaranth. If a particular pet food care composition lists both ancient grains and amaranth, a compound that may be described as both ancient and amaranth will only act as one of ancient or amaranth - not both.

[0020] As used herein, the term "pet" can be used interchangeably with "companion animal" and refers to an animal of any species that is kept as a pet by a caregiver, or any animal of various species that has been widely domesticated as a pet, including canines (Canis familiaris) and felines (Felis domesticus). Thus, pets may include, but are not limited to, working dogs, pet dogs, cats kept for rodent control (i.e., farm cats), pet cats, ferrets, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and fish.

[0021] Insofar as foods and food ingredients contain water / moisture, dry matter refers to everything in a sample other than water, including, for example, protein, fiber, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, etc. The dry matter weight is the total weight minus the weight of any water. A skilled artisan will readily recognize and understand nutrient amounts and percentages expressed as dry matter amount, dry matter weight, and dry matter percentage.

[0022] Daily dry matter intake is calculated as the total nutritional intake per day excluding all water. For example, the amount of an ingredient that equals a particular percentage of daily nutritional intake refers to the amount of the ingredient in dry matter form (i.e., excluding all water) relative to the total amount of dry matter (also excluding all water) consumed in a day.

[0023] "Daily nutrient intake" and "total nutrient intake per day" refer to daily dry matter intake. That is, the weight of water is not included when calculating the amount of nutrients consumed per day. To calculate the percentage of an ingredient in the total daily intake on a dry matter basis, water is removed from the total intake to obtain the total daily dry matter intake, and the percentage of the ingredient is based on the amount of the ingredient present as dry matter.

[0024] As used herein, "ingredient" refers to any component of a pet food composition. The term "nutrient" refers to a substance that provides nutrition and therefore has nutritional value. In some cases, an ingredient may contain more than one "nutrient", for example, a composition may contain corn containing important nutrients, including both protein and carbohydrates.

[0025] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions that increase the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of pets that consume such pet food compositions, and preferably increase the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the feces of pets that consume such pet food compositions. The increase in the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in pet feces is unexpected because the metabolic pathways used to produce short-chain fatty acids are complex and therefore it is difficult to selectively increase specific short-chain fatty acids by controlling the diet of pets. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that pet food compositions can promote metabolic benefits (e.g., increase useful gut hormones) and reduce the expected results of obesogenic foods by increasing the amount of propionate relative to branched short-chain fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids, thereby regulating appetite and energy homeostasis to reduce obesity.

[0026] Furthermore, it has conventionally been considered difficult to simultaneously reduce blood circulating uremic solute postbiotics such as indoles while increasing their levels in the colon where such indoles provide benefits to intestinal immunity. According to certain embodiments, pet food compositions advantageously increase the amount of indole present in the intestine and in pet feces while reducing the amount of indole circulating in the pet's blood.

[0027] According to one aspect, a pet food composition is provided, the pet food composition having a gut microbiome component comprising β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan and polyphenolic isoflavones, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones of the pet food composition is from about 1:1 to about 5:1, and wherein the gut microbiome component is present in an amount effective to produce an increase in the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the pet's feces and an increase in the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the pet's feces after about 3 days after ingestion by the pet.

[0028] The microbiome component can be formulated to have a weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones of about 1:1 to about 4:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones is about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, about 2:1 to about 5:1, about 3:1 to about 5:1, or about 2:1 to about 4:1. In at least one instance, the pet food composition has a microbiome component having a weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenolic isoflavones of about 2:1 or 2:1.

[0029] Preferably, the pet food composition may have a gut microbiome component present in an amount effective to produce a reduction in sulfated indole in the pet's blood and an increase in indole in the pet's feces after about 3 days of ingestion by the pet. In some cases, the pet food composition comprises a gut microbiome in an amount of about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the gut microbiome may be present in the pet food composition in the following amounts, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis: about 0.05% to about 12% by weight, about 0.05% to about 10% by weight, about 0.05% to about 8% by weight, about 0.05% to about 6% by weight, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, about 0.05% to about 4% by weight, about 0.05% to about 3% by weight, about 0.05% to about 2% by weight, about 0.05% to about 1% by weight, about 0.05% to about 10% by weight, about 0.05% to about 15 ... 0.75 wt %; about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.75 wt %; about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 12 wt %. %, about 0.3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 0.75 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about % to about 6 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %; about 0.7 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.7 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 1.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 1.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 1.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1.5 wt % From about 8 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 3 wt %; from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %, or from about 2 wt % to about 3 wt %, including any ranges or sub-ranges thereof.

[0030] In some cases, the pet food composition has a concentrated amount of intestinal microbiome components. For example, in some embodiments, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the intestinal microbiome components can be present in the pet food composition in the following amounts: about 3% by weight to about 15% by weight, about 3% by weight to about 12% by weight, about 3% by weight to about 10% by weight, about 3% by weight to about 8% by weight, about 3% by weight to about 6% by weight; about 5% by weight to about 15% by weight, about 5% by weight to about 12% by weight, about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, about 5% by weight to about 8% by weight; about 7% by weight to about 15% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 12% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 10% by weight; about 9% by weight to about 15% by weight, about 9% by weight to about 12% by weight; about 11% by weight to about 15% by weight or about 13% by weight to about 15% by weight, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof. A concentrated amount of intestinal microbiome components may be preferred, for example, when the pet food composition is in the form of a pet food supplement suitable for mixing with pet food.

[0031] The gut microbiome components typically include β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans (also known as β(1-3; 1-6) glucans) and polyphenolic isoflavones. β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans are compounds that include a plurality of glucoses that can be linked together in different ways to produce different physical and chemical properties. For example, the β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans can have a linear or relatively linear structure, which can provide a rheological effect such as a thickening effect to the pet food composition. The β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans can also have a plurality of substitutions (e.g., side chains) that can affect the solubility of the β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans and / or the gut microbiome components in the pet food composition.

[0032] Some suitable β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans can be obtained or derived from yeast, bacteria, fungi and cereal grains, among other sources. For example, β-1,3 / 1,6-glucans can be obtained or derived from S. cerevisiae, S. delbrueckii, S. rosei, S. microellipsodes, S. carlsbergensis, S. bisporus, S. fermentati, S. rouxii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces polysporus, Candida albicans, C. cloacae, C. tropicalis, C. utilis, Hansenula wingei), H.arni, H.henricii, H.americana, H.canadiensis, H.capsulata, H.polymorpha, Pichia kluyveri, Pichia pastoris, P.polymorpha, P.rhodanensis, P.ohmeri, Torulopsis bovin, and T.glabrata.

[0033] β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan can be in various granular forms and / or in soluble forms in pet food compositions. An example of a suitable form of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan is whole glucan particles (whole glucan particle, WGP). -1,3 / 1,6-glucan WGP can be derived from purified cell wall preparations obtained from yeast, fungi and cereal grains. The particle size of WGP can be about 1 micron or larger. In some cases, it can be expected to include a particle size of about 10 microns or larger, 100 microns or larger, or 500 microns or larger -1,3 / 1,6-glucan WGP.

[0034] Another example of the form of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan is microgranular glucan particles. Microgranular glucan particles can be a portion of whole glucan particles, which are produced by finely grinding yeast cell wall β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to a particle size of about 1 micron or less. For example, the particle size of the microgranular glucan particles can be about 1 micron or less, about 0.1 micron or less, or about 0.01 micron or less. In yet another example, the form of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan can be neutral soluble β-glucan. Neutral soluble glucan can be prepared by a series of acid treatment steps, alkaline treatment steps, and neutral treatment steps to produce a conformationally pure neutral soluble glucan preparation.

[0035] Based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the gut microbiome component can include beta-1,3 / 1,6-glucan in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %. For example, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the amount of beta-1,3 / 1,6-glucan present in the gut microbiome component can be about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.6 wt %; about 0.2 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 0.6 wt %; about 0.3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 2 wt %; % to about 10 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 0.8 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 1 wt % to From about 6 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %; from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %; from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %; from about 4 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 4 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 4 wt % to about 6 wt %; from about 6 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about 6 wt % to about 8 wt %, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0036] The gut microbiome component also includes polyphenolic isoflavones in amounts that can vary, but typically in amounts of, for example, about 0.01% to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the gut microbiome component can include polyphenolic isoflavones in amounts of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.8% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.6% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight; about 0.05% to about 1% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.8% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.6% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.4% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.2% by weight, about 0.05% to about 0.1% by weight. % by weight; about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.6 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %; about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 0.6 wt %, about 0.2 wt % to about 0.4 wt %; about 0.3 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 0.6 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 0.4 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 0.8 wt %, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0037] The intestinal microbiome components may include various polyphenolic isoflavones. Polyphenolic isoflavones worth mentioning include, but are not limited to, genistein; soybean flavonoids; formononetin; and biochanin A; as well as glucosides, acetylglucosides and malonyl glucoside conjugated forms of isoflavones. Polyphenolic isoflavones are generally polyphenolic compounds having a 3-phenylchromene-4-one skeleton. In at least one embodiment, the polyphenolic compound is soy isoflavones, conjugated forms thereof and / or derived from soybeans. Polyphenolic isoflavones can be obtained from legumes (e.g., soybeans, chickpeas, lentils), beans (fava beans, kidney beans, kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, etc.), gram (Bengal, horse and green) and clovers. Examples of plant species from which polyphenolic isoflavones can be obtained or derived include, for example, Indian licorice (Abrus precatorius); various Acacia spp. species, including A. aneura, A. cibaria, A. longifolia, and A. oswaldii; ground nut (Apio tuberosa); ground pea (Arachis hypogea); Astragalus edulis; Bauhinia esculenta; Cajanus cajan indicus; Canavalia ensiformis; Canavalia gladiata; Canavalia rosea; various Cassia species; spp., including C. floribunda, C. laevigata, and C. occidentalis; carob (Ceratonia siliqua); chickpea (Cicer arietinum); Cordeauxia edulis; various Crotalaria spp., including C. laburnifolia and C.pallida; guar (Cyamopsispsoralioides); Chinese tallow tree (Detariaum senegalense); sword bean (Entada scandens); balu (Erythrina edulis); soybean (Clycine max); Inga bean (Inga edulis); Tahitian chestnut (Inocarpusfagifer); purple lentil (Lablab purpureus); sweet pea or Indian vetch (Lathyrus sativus); Cyprus vetch (Lathyrus ochrus); lentil (Lens culinaris); jumping bean (Leucaenal eucocephala); various lupins (Lupinus spp.), including white lupin (L.albus), yellow lupin (L.luteus), narrow-leaved lupin (L.angustifolium), variable lupin (L.mutabilis), and downy blue lupin (L.cosentinii); ground bean (Macotylma geocarpa); hard bean (Macrotyloma uniflorum); alfalfa (Medicago sativa); velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens); yam bean (Pachyrhyzuzerosus, P.tuberosus); fern-leaved ball bean (Parkia clappertoniana); beautiful ball bean (Parkia speciosa); oil bean tree (Pentaclethramacrophylla); various Phaseolus spp.), including P. acutifolius, P. vulgaris, P. luntus, P. coccineus, P. adenathus, P. angulris, P. aureus, P. calcaratus, P. mungo, and P. polystachyus; pea (Pisum sativum); pea (Pithecolobium lobatum); mesquite (Prosopis spp.); Psophocarpus scandens, P. tetragonolobus; various Psoralea spp.); Sesbania bispinosa; Sphenostylis stenocarpa; Tamarindus indica; Trigonella foenum-graecum; Vetch (various Vivia spp., including V. sativa, V. atropurpurea, V. ervilia, and V. monantha); Vicia faba; Vigna mungo; Vigna spp., including V. radiata, V. aconitifolia, V. adanatha, V. angularis, V. tribolata, V. umbelata, and V. unguiculata; Peanut (earthpea); pea)(Voandzeia subterranea); etc. .

[0038] According to the specific combination of other ingredients and the form of pet food composition, suitable components such as those listed below can be included in the preparation for pet food composition or excluded from the preparation for pet food composition. In some embodiments, pet food composition disclosed herein can be in the form of independent pet food, as a supplement of pet food, as pet food snacks, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the composition described herein can be used as a dietary supplement and co-administered with another pet food composition. Dietary supplements can be in any suitable form, such as gravy, drinking water, beverage, yogurt, powder, granules, paste, suspension, chew, a small amount of food (morsel), snacks, dessert, pellets, pills, capsules, tablets, pouches or any other suitable delivery form. Dietary supplements can include dietary preparations and optional compounds, such as vitamins, preservatives, probiotics, prebiotics and antioxidants. This allows supplements to be applied to pets in small amounts, or alternatively, can be diluted before application.

[0039] The pet food composition may include a prebiotic component. The prebiotic component may include at least one prebiotic ingredient and may be included in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the pet food composition may include a prebiotic component or one or more prebiotic ingredients in the following amounts: about 0.5% to about 15%, about 0.5% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.5% to about 6%, about 0.5% to about 4%; about 1% to about 20%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 8%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 4%; about 2% to about 20%, about 2% to about 15%, about 2% to about 10 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 6 % by weight; about 4 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, about 4 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, about 4 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 4 % by weight to about 8 % by weight; about 6 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, about 6 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, about 6 % by weight to about 10 % by weight; about 8 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, about 8 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, about 8 % by weight to about 10 % by weight; about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, about 10 % by weight to about 15 % by weight; about 12 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, about 12 % by weight to about 15 % by weight; about 14 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, or about 16 % by weight to about 20 % by weight.

[0040] Prebiotic ingredients are dietary fibers that generally promote the growth of healthy bacteria that have a favorable effect on the intestinal flora. The prebiotic component may comprise one or more prebiotic ingredients selected from fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylooligosaccharides (CBS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), manno-oligosaccharides, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0041] The prebiotic ingredients may be obtained or derived from sprouted seeds or grains.The terms "sprouted seeds" and "germinated seeds" have equivalent meanings. Sprouted seeds and grains suitable for use in the pet food composition of the present invention include chia seeds, rice, whole grain wheat, oats, buckwheat, broccoli seeds, carrot seeds, adzuki beans, almonds, amaranth, annatto seeds, fennel seeds, arugula, basil, brown rice, navy beans, pinto beans, lima beans, rapeseed, caragana, cauliflower, celery, chickpeas, chives, cilantro / coriander / dhania, clover, watercress, dill fennel, fenugreek, garlic, hemp, kale, kamut, kat, leek, green lentils, lupine, pearl millet, mizuna, mustard greens, onions, black-eyed peas, green peas, pigeon peas, snow peas, Prebiotic ingredients can also be obtained or derived from other sources. For example, oligofructose (FOS) is naturally present in many foods such as wheat, onions, bananas, honey, garlic and leeks.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition may include a probiotic component containing one or more probiotics. The probiotic component and / or one or more probiotics may be included in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the pet food composition can include a probiotic component and / or one or more probiotics in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, about 0.1% to about 6% by weight, about 0.1% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, about 0.5% to about 8% by weight, about 0.5% to about 6% by weight, about 0.5% to about 4% by weight; % to about 4 weight %; about 2 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 15 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 10 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 8 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 6 weight %; about 4 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 4 weight % to about 15 weight %, about 4 weight % to about 10 weight %, about 4 weight % to about 8 weight %; about 6 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 6 weight % to about 15 weight %, about 6 weight % to about 10 weight %; about 8 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 8 weight % to about 15 weight %, about 8 weight % to about 10 weight %; about 10 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 10 weight % to about 15 weight %; about 12 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 15 weight %; about 14 weight % to about 20 weight %, or about 16 weight % to about 20 weight %.

[0043] Typical probiotics include, but are not limited to, probiotic strains selected from Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria or Enterococci, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus ruminis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, as well as Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus. In some embodiments, the probiotic strain is selected from Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2581; CNCM 1-2448), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2592; CNCM 1-2450), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCC2583; CNCM 1-2449), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2603; CNCM 1-2451), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2613; CNCM 1-2452), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCC2628; CNCM 1-2453), Bifidobacterium adolescentis (e.g., NCC2627), Bifidobacterium sp. NCC2657, or Enterococcus faecium SF68 (NCIMB 10415).

[0044] The pet food composition is formulated to contain fat in an amount that may vary, but typically ranges from about 8 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, inclusive, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.For example, the pet food composition can include fat in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 50% by weight, about 12% to about 50% by weight, about 14% to about 50% by weight, about 16% to about 50% by weight, about 18% to about 50% by weight, about 20% to about 50% by weight, about 22% to about 50% by weight, about 24% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; about 8% to about 40% by weight, about 10% to about 40% by weight, about 12% to about 40% by weight, about 14% to about 40% by weight, about 16% to about 40% by weight, about 18% to about 50% by weight, about 20% to about 50% by weight, about 22% to about 50% by weight, about 24% to about 50% by weight; % to about 40 wt%, about 22 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 24 wt% to about 40 wt%; about 8 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 12 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 14 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 16 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 18 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 22 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 24 wt% to about 35 wt%; about 8 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 12 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 14 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 16 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 18 wt% to about 30 wt%, about % to about 27 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 22 wt % to about 27 wt %; about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 27 wt %, about 22 wt % to about 27 wt %; about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 24 wt %. %; about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 22 wt ...0 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 20 wt %, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0045] The term "fat" generally refers to a lipid or lipid mixture that can be generally solid or liquid at normal room temperature (e.g., 25° C.) and pressure (e.g., 1 atmosphere). In some cases, at standard room temperature and pressure, the fat can be a viscous liquid or an amorphous solid. The fat can be fully incorporated into the food composition, deposited on the outside of the pet food composition, or can be a mixture of the two methods. In some embodiments, the pet food composition also includes an effective amount of one or more substances selected from the following: glucosamine, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (methylsulfonylmethane, "MSM"), creatine, antioxidants, tubular mussels (Perna canaliculata), and mixtures thereof.

[0046] Fat can include dietary fat, such as triglycerides. In some embodiments, triglycerides can account for about 20% to about 100%, about 40% to about 100%, about 50% to about 100%, about 60% to about 100%, about 70% to about 100%, about 80% to about 100%, about 90% to about 100% of the total amount of fat in the pet food composition. In other embodiments, triglycerides account for about 20% to about 95%, about 40% to about 95%, about 50% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%, about 70% to about 95%, about 80% to about 95%, about 90% to about 95% of the total amount of fat in the pet food composition. In some other embodiments, triglycerides account for about 20% to about 90%, about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 60% to about 90%, about 70% to about 90%, about 80% to about 90% of the total amount of fat in the pet food composition. In still other embodiments, triglycerides comprise about 20% to about 80%, about 40% to about 80%, about 50% to about 80%, about 60% to about 80%, about 70% to about 80% of the total amount of fat in the pet food composition.

[0047] Triglyceride can comprise one or more compositions containing fatty acid component / part.For example, triglyceride can comprise one, two or three isoluminous path length chains selected from fatty acid component.The limiting examples of fatty acid component include but are not limited to ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margarine oleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetraenoic acid and a combination of both or more thereof.The fatty acid moiety can be polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids or a combination of both or more thereof.The limiting examples of ω-3 fatty acid component include those selected from linolenic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and a combination of both or more thereof. Examples of omega-6 fatty acid moieties include linolenic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosopentaenoic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0048] Triglyceride can be selected from triglyceride with at least one aliphatic carbon chain comprising 6 to 10 carbons. For example, triglyceride can have one, two or three aliphatic carbon chains of 6 to 10 carbons. In some embodiments, triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain of 6 carbons, 7 carbons, 8 carbons, 9 carbons, and / or 10 carbons. For example, the aliphatic carbon chain of medium chain triglyceride can include 6 to 9 carbons, 6 to 8 carbons, 6 or 7 carbons; 7 to 10 carbons, 7 to 9 carbons, 7 or 8 carbons; 8 to 10 carbons or 8 or 9 carbons or 9 or 10 carbons. In some embodiments, triglyceride comprises an aliphatic carbon chain with 6 carbons, 8 carbons or 10 carbons. For example, triglyceride can have an aliphatic carbon chain selected from caprylate, caprate and / or decanoate.

[0049] The pet food composition may optionally include one or more fatty acids. One or more fatty acids may be selected from monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and / or saturated fatty acids. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids include, but are not limited to, ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margarine oleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, and a combination of two or more thereof. Fatty acids may be polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids, or a combination of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of ω-3 fatty acids include those selected from linolenic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and a combination of two or more thereof. The pet food composition may include linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition includes alpha-linolenic acid and / or gamma-linolenic acid. Additionally or alternatively, polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ω-6 fatty acids. Examples of ω-6 fatty acids include linolenic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracospentaenoic acid or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, polyunsaturated fatty acids include the ω-6 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0050] The pet food composition can be formulated to have a weight ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids of about 0.5: 1 to about 7: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids of the pet food composition is about 0.5: 1 to about 6: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 5: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 4: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 3: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 2.5: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 2: 1, about 0.5: 1 to about 1.5: 1, or about 0.5: 1 to about 1: 1; about 1: 1 to about 6: 1, about 1: 1 to about 5: 1, about 1: 1 to about 4: 1, about 1: 1 to about 3: 1, about 1: 1 to about 2.5: 1, about 1: 1 to about 2: 1, about 1: 1 to about 1.5: 1, or about 1: 1 to about 1: 1, including ranges or sub-ranges thereof.

[0051] The amount of fatty acid present in the pet food composition can be from about 1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the pet food composition can include fatty acids in the following amounts: from about 1% to about 20% by weight, from about 1% to about 18% by weight, from about 1% to about 16% by weight, from about 1% to about 14% by weight, from about 1% to about 12% by weight, from about 1% to about 10% by weight, from about 1% to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; from about 5% to about 20% by weight, from about 5% to about 18% by weight, from about 5% to about 16% by weight, from about 5% to about 14% by weight, from about 5% to about 12% by weight, from about 5% to about 10% by weight, from about 5% to about 8% by weight; from about 7% to about 20% by weight, from about 7% to about 18% by weight, from about 7% to about 16% by weight, from about 7% to about 14% by weight, from about 5% to about 12% by weight, from about 5% to about 10% by weight, from about 5% to about 8% by weight; % to about 14 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 10 wt %; about 9 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 9 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 9 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 9 wt % to about 14 wt %, about 9 wt % to about 12 wt %; about 11 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 12 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 14 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 18 wt %, or about 14 wt % to about 16 wt %, including any ranges or subranges thereof.

[0052] In some cases, the pet food composition can be formulated so that the fatty acid comprises a weight ratio of about 7:1 to about 1:7 polyunsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids. For example, the weight ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids can be about 5:1 to about 1:5, about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:2, or about 1:1. Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition can be formulated to have a weight ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids of about 7:1 to about 1:9. For example, the weight ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids of the pet food composition can be about 5:1 to about 1:7, about 3:1 to about 1:5, about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:3, or about 1:1 to about 1:2.

[0053] Fat can be supplied by any source in various sources known to those skilled in the art, including meat, meat by-products, canola oil, fish oils such as anchovy oil and herring oil and plants. Meat fat sources include poultry fat, turkey fat, pork fat, lard, tallow and beef fat. Plant fat sources include wheat, linseed, rye, barley, rice, sorghum, corn, oats, millet, wheat germ, corn germ, soybean, peanut and cottonseed, and oil derived from these and other plant fat sources, such as corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil and / or olestra oil.

[0054] In some cases, the fat in the composition is crude fat. Based on the gross weight based on dry matter of pet food composition, crude fat can be included in the composition with respect to the above disclosed amount (for example, about 8 % by weight to about 50 % by weight) of total fat. In some embodiments, based on the gross weight based on dry matter of pet food composition, pet food composition comprises crude fat with the amount of about 10 % by weight to about 40 % by weight, about 12 % by weight to about 35 % by weight, about 14 % by weight to about 30 % by weight, about 16 % by weight to about 24 % by weight. In some cases, it may be preferred that about 50 % by weight or more, about 60 % by weight or more, about 70 % by weight or more, about 80 % by weight or more, or about 90 % by weight or more of total fat are obtained from animal sources. Alternatively, about 50 % by weight or more, about 60 % by weight or more, about 70 % by weight or more, about 80 % by weight or more, or about 90 % by weight or more of total fat can be obtained from plant sources.

[0055] Pet food compositions typically include protein in an amount ranging from about 15% to about 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some cases, the total amount of protein in the pet food composition is in the range of about 15% to about 50% by weight, about 15% to about 48% by weight, about 15% to about 46% by weight, about 15% to about 44% by weight, about 15% to about 42% by weight, about 15% to about 40% by weight, about 15% to about 38% by weight, about 15% to about 36% by weight, about 15% to about 34% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; about 20% to about 55% by weight, about 20% to about 50% by weight, about 20% to about 48% by weight, about 20% to about 46% by weight, about 20% to about 44% by weight, about 15% to about 42% by weight, about 20% to about 40% by weight, about 20% to about 38% by weight, about 15% to about 36% by weight, about 15% to about 34% by weight % to about 48 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 46 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 44 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 42 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 38 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 36 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 34 wt %; about 30 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 48 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 46 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 44 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 42 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 38 wt %, or about 30 wt % to about 36 wt %, including ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0056] The protein of the pet food composition comprises one or more amino acids selected from the following: tryptophan, taurine, histidine, carnitine, carnosine, alanine, cysteine, arginine, methionine (including DL-methionine and L-methionine), tryptophan, lysine, asparagine, aspartic acid (Aspartate / Aspartic acid), phenylalanine, valine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, glycine, glutamine, taurine, tyrosine, homocysteine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamic acid (Glutamate / Glutamic acid), proline and / or serine, and a combination of two or more thereof. The pet food composition may comprise two or more amino acids. For example, the pet food composition may comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more amino acids. In some embodiments, the pet food composition comprises glycine and proline, and optionally one or more additional amino acids.

[0057] In some cases, one or more amino acids may include essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized de novo or in sufficient amounts by an organism, and therefore must be supplied in a diet. Essential amino acids vary from species to species, depending on the metabolism of the organism. For example, it is generally understood that the essential amino acids for dogs and cats (and humans) are phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine and arginine. In addition, although taurine is not an amino acid technically, but a derivative of cysteine, it is an essential nutrient for cats.

[0058] A portion of the protein in the composition can be digestible protein. For example, the composition can include a certain amount of protein, wherein about 40% by weight or more, about 50% by weight or more, about 60% by weight or more, about 70% by weight or more, about 80% by weight or more, about 90% by weight or more, about 95% by weight or more, about 98% by weight or more, or about 99% by weight or more of the protein are digestible proteins. In some embodiments, for example, when the desired composition promotes weight loss, based on the total amount of the protein in the pet food composition based on dry matter, the portion of the protein that is digestible protein in the protein is about 60% by weight or less, about 50% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, about 30% by weight or less, about 20% by weight or less, or about 10% by weight or less. In other embodiments, the amount of protein that is digestible protein, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, is from about 10% to about 99%, from about 10% to about 95%, from about 10% to about 90%, from about 10% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 30%; from about 30% to about 99%, from about 30% to about 95%, from about 30% to about 90%, from about 30% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 50%; from about 50% to about 99%, from about 50% to about 95%, from about 50% to about 90%, from about 50% to about 70%; or from about 70% to about 99%, from about 70% to about 95%, from about 70% to about 90%, including ranges and subranges therein.

[0059] Protein can be supplied by any source in various sources known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including plant origin, animal origin, microbial origin or a combination of these. For example, animal origin can include meat, meat by-products, seafood, dairy products, eggs, etc. Meat, for example, can include animal meat (for example, poultry, fish, and mammals include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.). Meat by-products can include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, and intestines. Vegetable protein includes, for example, soybeans, cottonseeds, and peanuts. Microbial origin can be used for synthesizing amino acids (for example, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine) or complete proteins (for example, proteins from sources listed below).

[0060] Examples of proteins or protein ingredients can include chicken meal, chicken, chicken by-product meal, lamb, lamb meal, turkey, turkey meal, beef, beef by-products, offal, fish meal, intestines, kangaroo, whitefish, venison, soy meal, soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, corn protein concentrate, dried distiller's grains, and / or dried distiller's grains solubles and single cell proteins, such as yeast, algae and / or bacterial cultures.

[0061] The protein can be intact, fully hydrolyzed, or partially hydrolyzed. The protein content of a food can be determined by any method known to those skilled in the art, for example, as disclosed in the Official Methods of Analysis ("OMA") of the American Association of Analytical Chemists, Method 988.05. The amount of protein in the compositions disclosed herein can be determined based on the amount of nitrogen in the composition according to methods familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0062] The pet food composition is typically formulated to contain fiber in an amount of about 3.5% to about 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the total amount of fiber present in the pet food composition can be about 3.5% to about 32%, about 3.5% to about 29%, about 3.5% to about 26%, about 3.5% to about 24%, about 3.5% to about 22%, about 3.5% to about 20%, about 3.5% to about 18 ...5 wt % to about 16 wt %; about 5 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 16 wt %; about 8 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 1 8 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 16 wt %; about 11 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 11 wt % to about 16 wt %; about 14 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 18 wt %; about 16 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 20 wt %; about 18 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 32 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 29 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 26 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 18 wt % to about 22 wt %; about 20 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 20 wt % From about 20% to about 29% by weight, from about 20% to about 26% by weight, from about 20% to about 24% by weight; from about 22% to about 35% by weight, from about 22% to about 32% by weight, from about 22% to about 29% by weight, from about 22% to about 26% by weight; from about 24% to about 35% by weight, from about 24% to about 32% by weight, from about 24% to about 29% by weight; from about 26% to about 35% by weight, from about 26% to about 32% by weight, from about 26% to about 29% by weight; from about 28% to about 35% by weight, or from about 28% to about 32% by weight, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0063] The total amount of fiber present in the pet food composition generally includes the amount of crude fiber and dietary fiber. The crude fiber and / or dietary fiber of the amount can be present in the pet food composition in any of the above amounts disclosed for the total amount of fiber. Crude fiber includes indigestible components contained in the cell walls and cell contents of plants (e.g., cereals), such as the husks of cereals such as rice, corn, and beans.

[0064] Dietary fiber refers to the component of plant that is resistant to digestion of animal digestive enzymes.Dietary fiber includes soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.Soluble fiber resists digestion and absorption in the small intestine and undergoes complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine, such as beet pulp, guar gum, chicory root, psyllium, pectin, blueberry, cranberry, pumpkin, apple, oat, beans, citrus, barley or pea.Insoluble fiber can be supplied by any source in various sources, including for example cellulose, whole wheat products, wheat oats, corn bran, linseed, grape, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels, vegetable peels, peanut shells and soy fiber.Crude fiber includes the indigestible components included in the cell wall and cell content of plants (such as cereals), such as the shell of cereals such as rice, corn and beans.

[0065] In some embodiments, the pet food composition has a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of about 20: 1 to about 8: 1. For example, the pet food composition may have a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of about 18: 1 to about 8: 1, about 16: 1 to about 8: 1, about 14: 1 to about 8: 1, about 12: 1 to about 8: 1, about 10: 1 to about 8: 1. The pet food composition may have a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of about 11: 1.

[0066] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fiber component of the pet food composition can include acidic detergent fiber and / or neutral detergent fiber. In some cases, the pet food composition includes acidic detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, for example, based on the gross weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, with an amount of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % including acidic detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber. For example, based on the gross weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, the pet food composition can include one of acidic detergent fiber and / or neutral detergent fiber in the following amount: about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %; about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 10 wt %; about 7 wt % to about 15 wt % or about 7 wt % to about 12 wt %, including its range and sub-range. In some embodiments, the pet food composition has a weight ratio of acid detergent fiber to neutral detergent fiber of about 3:1 to about 1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:2, or about 1:1.

[0067] The pet food composition may also include ash. As described herein, ash is composed of compounds that are not organic or water, and is typically produced by the combustion of biomass. Ash may be present in the pet food composition in an amount ranging from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the food composition on a dry matter basis, including all amounts and subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, ash can be present in the food composition in an amount within the following ranges, based on the total weight of the food composition on a dry matter basis: about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %; about 4 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 4 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 4 wt % to about 6 wt %; about 5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0068] The pet food composition may, for example, contain carbohydrates in an amount up to about 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. The term "carbohydrate" as used herein includes polysaccharides (e.g., starch and dextrin) and sugars (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose and fructose) that are metabolized to energy when hydrolyzed. Those skilled in the art can control the texture of the final product by properly balancing the carbohydrate sources. For example, short-chain polysaccharides have viscosity and gelatinous properties, and long-chain polysaccharides have lower viscosity and gelatinous properties than short-chain polysaccharides; the desired texture of this mixed food is achieved by long-chain polysaccharides and modified starches (e.g., natural or modified starch, cellulose, etc.). The carbohydrate mixture may additionally include optional components, such as added salt, spices, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, coloring agents, etc. The amount of the optional components depends at least in part on the nutritional requirements of the different life stages of the animal.

[0069] Carbohydrate can be supplied by any source in various sources well known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to oat fiber, cellulose, peanut shells, beet pulp, parboiled rice, corn starch, corn gluten meal, cereals and sorghum. The cereals supplying carbohydrates can include but not limited to wheat, durum wheat, semolina, corn, barley and rice. In certain embodiments, the carbohydrate component comprises a mixture of one or more carbohydrate sources. The carbohydrate content of food can be determined by any method well known to those skilled in the art.

[0070] Generally, the carbohydrate percentage can be calculated as a nitrogen free extract ("NFE"), which can be calculated as follows: NFE% = 100% - (moisture%) - (protein%) - (fat%) - (ash%) - (crude fiber%). Based on the total weight of the pet composition on a dry matter basis, the amount of carbohydrate present in the composition (e.g., calculated as NFE) can be in an amount up to about 65% by weight, in an amount up to about 60% by weight, in an amount up to about 55% by weight, in an amount up to about 50% by weight, in an amount up to about 45% by weight, in an amount up to about 40% by weight, in an amount up to about 35% by weight, in an amount up to about 30% by weight, in an amount up to about 25% by weight, in an amount up to about 20% by weight, in an amount up to about 15% by weight, in an amount up to about 10% by weight, in an amount up to about 5% by weight; about 1 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 35 wt %; about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %; about 5 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 35 wt % % by weight; about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 35 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 25 wt %; about 15 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 45% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 15% by weight to about 35% by weight; about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight; about 20% by weight to about 65% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 55% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight; about 25% by weight to about 65% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 55% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 25% by weight to about 35% by weight;From about 30% to about 65% by weight, from about 30% to about 55% by weight, from about 30% to about 50% by weight, from about 30% to about 45% by weight; from about 35% to about 65% by weight, from about 35% to about 55% by weight, from about 35% to about 50% by weight; from about 40% to about 65% by weight, from about 40% to about 55% by weight, from about 45% to about 65% by weight, from about 45% to about 55% by weight; or from about 50% to about 65% by weight, including ranges and subranges thereof.;

[0071] In certain embodiments, the pet food composition comprises moisture. Moisture can exist in various amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, based on the gross weight of the pet food composition, moisture can exist in an amount of about 3 % by weight to about 20 % by weight. For example, based on the gross weight of the pet food composition, moisture can exist in the following amounts: about 3 % by weight, about 5 % by weight, about 5.5 % by weight, about 6 % by weight, about 6.5 % by weight, about 7 % by weight, about 7.5 % by weight, about 8 % by weight, about 8.5 % by weight, about 9 % by weight, about 9.5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 10.5 % by weight, about 11 % by weight, about 11.5 % by weight, about 12 % by weight, about 12.5 % by weight, about 13 % by weight, about 13.5 % by weight, about 14 % by weight, about 14.5 % by weight, or about 15 % by weight. In another example, moisture can be present in an amount of about 6% to about 12%, about 9% to about 13%, about 9% to about 11%, or about 9% to about 13%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, moisture is present in an amount of about 5% to about 12%, about 6% to about 11%, or about 7% to about 10.0%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In other embodiments, moisture is present in an amount of about 65% to about 85%, about 60% to about 80%, or about 60% to about 75%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0072] Pet food compositions can include glucose mimics, carotenoids, and / or arginine and derivatives thereof of one or more ingredients and / or sources. The source of glucose mimics can include glucose antimetabolites (including 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methyl glucose), dehydrated sugars (including 1,5-dehydrated-D-glucitol, 2,5-dehydrated-D-glucitol and 2,5-dehydrated-D-mannitol), mannoheptulose, and / or an avocado extract comprising mannoheptulose. The source of carotenoids can include lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, carmine, lycopene and / or beta-carotene. The source of antioxidant ingredients can include tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin C, vitamin A, plant-derived materials, carotenoids (described above), selenium and / or CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10). In a preferred embodiment, pet food compositions include high levels of arginine and derivatives thereof. Based on the total weight of the composition based on dry matter, the amount of arginine present in the composition can be about 0.01 wt % to about 10.0 wt %, about 0.01 wt % to about 5.0 wt %, about 0.01 wt % to about 2.0 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 10.0 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 5.0 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2.0 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 5.0 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2.0 wt %, about 1.5 wt % to about 5.0 wt %, about 1.5 wt % to about 2.0 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 1.0 wt %, about 1.4 wt %, about 1.44 wt %, about 1.8 wt %, or about 2.0 wt %. The arginine present in the composition can be L-arginine, D-arginine, or a mixture thereof.

[0073] The pet food compositions disclosed herein can be wet or dry compositions, and ingredients can be incorporated into the food compositions and / or incorporated onto the surface of any composition component, for example by spraying, agglomerating, dusting or precipitating on the surface. In addition, the pet food compositions can be formulated and produced to be in various forms and / or consistencies. For example, the pet food compositions can be, for example, dry, moist or semi-moist animal food compositions. "Semi-moist" refers to a food composition that contains about 25% to about 35% moisture. "Moist" food refers to a food composition that has a moisture content of about 60% to 90% or more. "Dry" food refers to a food composition that has a moisture content of about 3% to about 12%, and is typically manufactured in the form of small pieces or coarse granules.

[0074] The food product may also include components of more than one consistency, such as soft, chewable meat-like particles or pieces and kibble with an outer coating and an inner "core" component. In some embodiments, the pet food composition may be in the form of kibble or food kibble. As used herein, the term "kibble" or "food kibble" refers to a granular pellet, such as a component similar to a feline or canine feed. In some embodiments, the moisture or water content of the food kibble is less than 15% by weight. The texture of the food kibble may range from hard to soft. The internal structure of the food kibble may range from expanded to dense. The food kibble may be formed by an extrusion process or a baking process. In a non-limiting example, the food kibble may have a uniform internal structure or a varying internal structure. For example, the food kibble may include a core and a coating to form a coated kibble. It should be understood that when the term "kibble" or "food kibble" is used, it may refer to uncoated kibble or coated kibble.

[0075] The compositions of the present disclosure may additionally include other additives in amounts and combinations familiar to those skilled in the art. Such additives should be present in amounts that do not impair the purposes and effects provided by the present invention. Examples of additives include substances with stabilizing effects, organoleptic substances, processing aids, and substances that provide nutritional benefits.

[0076] For example, stabilizing substances can include substances that tend to increase the shelf life of pet food compositions. Other examples of other such additives that may be suitable for inclusion in the composition of the present invention include, for example, preservatives, antioxidants, synergists and chelating agents, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents and humectants. The example of emulsifier and / or thickener includes gelatin, cellulose ether, starch, starch ester, starch ether and modified starch. Additives for coloring, palatability and nutritional purposes can include coloring agents, salts (including but not limited to sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride and other edible salts), vitamins, minerals and flavoring agents. Other additives can include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vegetable extracts, herbal extracts, etc.

[0077] The concentration of such additives in the pet food composition can typically be up to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the additive can be present in the following amounts, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis: about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 3% by weight, about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, about 0.01% to about 1% by weight; about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 0.1% to about 4% by weight, about 0.1% to about 4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 3% by weight, about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, about 0.01% to about 1% by weight; 3 weight %, about 0.1 weight % to about 2 weight %, about 0.1 weight % to about 1 weight %; about 1 weight % to about 5 weight %, about 1 weight % to about 4 weight %, about 1 weight % to about 4 weight %, about 1 weight % to about 3 weight %, about 1 weight % to about 2 weight %; about 2 weight % to about 5 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 4 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 4 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 3 weight %; about 3 weight % to about 5 weight %, about 3 weight % to about 4 weight %; or about 4 weight % to about 5 weight %. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the concentration of such additives (especially when such additives are mainly nutritional balancers, such as vitamins and minerals) is about 0 weight % to about 2.0 weight %. The amount of additives including vitamins can be in addition to the amount of vitamin B discussed above. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the concentration of such additives (again, especially when such additives are mainly nutritional balancers) is about 0 weight % to about 1.0 weight %. While the foregoing list of additives may be potentially suitable in some embodiments, one or more of the foregoing additives may be excluded from other embodiments of the pet food composition.

[0078] In certain embodiments, pet food compositions and food products are formulated to address specific nutritional differences between species and breeds of animals, as well as one or more of the attributes of the animal. For example, cat foods are typically formulated based on life stage, age, size, weight, body composition, and breed.

[0079] Sources of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, balancers, and the like suitable for inclusion in pet food compositions, particularly food products to be administered in the methods provided herein, can be selected from those conventional materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0080] The pet food composition may include or in some cases not include one or more ingredients selected from the following: beef broth, brewer's dried yeast, eggs, egg products, flax meal, DL methionine, amino acids, leucine, lysine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, aspartic acid, polyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate; zinc chloride, copper gluconate, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, triclosan, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green lipped mussel, blue lipped mussel, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), boron, boric acid, phytoestrogens, phytoandrogens, genistein, diadzein, L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid / base modifiers, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate; eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint The invention also includes but is not limited to: antioxidants, antioxidants, antioxidants, succinic acid, hydroxyethyl esters, hydroxypropyl ...

[0081] Pet food compositions can be produced by various methods to achieve the desired pet food composition or the form of the desired pet food composition. For example, dry food can be baked or extruded and then cut into separate shaped parts, such as coarse grits. In some embodiments, pet food compositions can be prepared in canned or wet form using conventional food preparation processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, ground animal protein tissue is mixed with other ingredients such as cereal grains, suitable carbohydrate sources, fats, oils and balanced ingredients, including special purpose additives such as vitamins and mineral mixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose, beet pulp, etc. and water sufficient for processing. The ingredients are mixed in a container suitable for heating while the components are blended. The heated mixture is carried out using any suitable means, such as direct steam injection or using a container equipped with a heat exchanger. After adding all the ingredients of the preparation, the mixture can be heated to a temperature of 50°F to 212°F. Although temperatures outside this range can be used, this may be commercially impractical without the use of other processing aids. When heated to an appropriate temperature, the material will generally be in the form of a viscous liquid, which is dispensed into a tank. A lid is applied and the container is hermetically sealed. The sealed can is then placed in a conventional apparatus designed to sterilize the contents. Sterilization is typically accomplished by heating to a temperature greater than 230° C. for an appropriate time, which depends on the temperature used, the nature of the composition, and related factors. The pet food compositions and food products of the present disclosure may also be added to or combined with food compositions before, during, or after their preparation.

[0082] In some embodiments, food products can be prepared in dry form using conventional processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, dry ingredients including dried animal protein, vegetable protein, cereals, etc. are ground and mixed together. Liquid or moist ingredients including fat, oil-water, animal protein, water, etc. are added in combination with dry materials. The specific formulation, order of addition, combination, and method and equipment for combining various ingredients can be selected from those known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the resulting mixture is processed into coarse abrasive particles or similar dry blocks, which are formed using an extrusion process, in which a mixture of dry ingredients and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical work at high pressure and high temperature, forced to pass through a small opening or orifice, and cut into coarse abrasive particles, for example, with a rotating knife. The resulting coarse abrasive particles can be dried and optionally coated with one or more surface coatings, which include, for example, flavorings, fats, oils, powdered ingredients, etc. Coarse abrasive particles can also be prepared by baking rather than extrusion of dough, wherein the dough is placed in a mold and then subjected to dry heat treatment.

[0083] When preparing the composition, any ingredient can generally be incorporated into the composition during the processing of the formulation, for example during and / or after mixing the other components of the composition. The distribution of these components in the composition can be accomplished by conventional means. In certain embodiments, ground animal and / or poultry protein tissue is mixed with other ingredients, including nutritional balancers, inorganic salts, and may also include cellulose, beet pulp, bulking agents, etc., together with water sufficient for processing.

[0084] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for alleviating, reducing and / or reducing kidney disease in a pet, the method comprising administering an effective amount of a pet food composition described herein to increase the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the blood, and increasing the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the blood of a pet. The method may include providing and / or feeding a pet food composition disclosed herein to a canine. In some cases, the method may include providing and / or feeding a pet food composition to a canine for 1 day or more, preferably 5 days or more, preferably 7 days or more, preferably 10 days or more, preferably 14 days or more, preferably 30 days or more, or preferably 42 days or more. The method may include feeding a pet once a day, twice a day, three times a day, or four times a day or more in some embodiments.

[0085] Example

[0086] Example 1

[0087] A non-limiting exemplary pet food composition ("Example Composition A") and a comparative pet food composition ("Comparative Composition 1") were prepared according to aspects of the present invention. The formulations of Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1 are shown in Table 1 provided below. Table 2 provides a summary of the nutritional value of Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1.

[0088] Table 1

[0089]

[0090] Table 2

[0091]

[0092] Example 2

[0093] Example composition A was evaluated compared to comparative composition 1 to evaluate the health effects of example composition A. As a pre-feeding regimen, thirty-six canines were fed comparative composition 1 for four weeks. Specifically, nineteen castrated male and seventeen neutered female canines of various ages ranging from 1 to 10 years old and with an average age of 4.6 years old were evaluated in this study. All canines were designated as healthy. The canines were then randomly divided into two groups, wherein as a first feeding regimen, the first group consumed example composition A for four weeks, and the second group consumed comparative composition 1 for four weeks. After four weeks, as a second feeding regimen, the canines of the first group were fed comparative composition 1 for four weeks, and the canines of the second group were fed example composition A for four weeks. After each of the pre-feeding regimen, the first feeding regimen, and the second feeding regimen, blood samples and fecal samples were obtained from each canine. The blood samples were analyzed by a dependent sample t-test, wherein the endpoint of the statistical standard of significance was set to a=0.05.

[0094] All canines were housed in pairs in spacious indoor rooms with natural light. Canines received behavioral enrichment through interaction with each other and through playtime with caregivers, daily opportunities to run outdoors, and play with toys. Canines were fed once daily and had free access to water. All canines were immunized against canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, Bordetella, and rabies, monitored for parasites, and received routine heartworm prevention.

[0095] Example composition A improved markers associated with intestinal microbiome and host metabolic support. Notably, the levels of short chain fatty acids ("short chain fatty acid, SCFA"), specifically propionate, increased, while acetate and butyrate did not change (see Table 3 below). In addition, two of the three detected branched short chain fatty acids ("branched short chain fatty acid, BSCFA") were reduced by Example composition A.

[0096] Table 3

[0097]

[0098] Interestingly, Example Composition A increased the amount of propionate in canines while reducing the total amount of BSCFA. In addition, the increase in the amount of propionate in canines consuming Example Composition A was the main driving force for the total increase in SCFA. In particular, the ratio of propionate to SCFA and the ratio of propionate to acetate ("P: A ratio") also increased, indicating that Example Composition A is more specific for increasing propionate than other SCFA. In canines consuming Example Composition A, the total ratio of SCFA to BSCFA also increased.

[0099] Example composition A improves intestinal microbiome markers of intestinal immune function (see Table 4 below), as indicated by the increase in multiple indole ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ("arylhydrocarbonreceptor, AHR") in the feces of canines fed Example composition A. In addition, Example composition A specifically increases multiple AHR-activated indole products (e.g., indole lactate, indoleacetylglycine, hydroxyindole acetate) of the intestinal microbiome, while reducing products of the tryptophanase pathway (e.g., indole-2-one, hydroxyindole-2-one).

[0100] Table 4

[0101]

[0102] In addition, Example Composition A reduced the risk of kidney disease as indicated by a decrease in the amount of 9 of the 20 indoles tested in the serum of canines consuming Example Composition A, and an increase in none of the 20 indoles (see Table 5 below). The overall reduction in indoles in the serum from canines consuming Example Composition A was unexpected and beneficial in view of the increase in indoles in the feces (see Table 4). Prominent among the indoles reduced by Example Composition A was indoxyl-3-sulfate, a uremic solute form associated with a worse prognosis for kidney disease and disease progression.

[0103] Table 5

[0104]

[0105] Example 3

[0106] A non-limiting exemplary pet food composition ("Example Composition B") and a comparative pet food composition ("Comparative Composition 2") were prepared according to aspects of the present invention. The formulations of Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2 are shown in Table 6. Table 7 provides a summary of the nutritional value of Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2.

[0107] Table 6

[0108]

[0109] Table 7

[0110]

[0111] Example 4

[0112] Example composition B was evaluated compared to comparative composition 2 to assess the health effects of Example composition B. As a pre-feeding regimen, twenty felines were fed comparative composition 2 for four weeks. All felines were designated as healthy. The felines were then randomly divided into two groups, wherein as a first feeding regimen, the first group consumed Example composition B for four weeks, and the second group consumed comparative composition 2 for four weeks.

[0113] After four weeks, as a second feeding regimen, the first group of canines were fed with Comparative Composition 2 for a period of four weeks, and the second group of canines were fed with Example Composition B for a period of four weeks. After each of the pre-feeding regimen, the first feeding regimen, and the second feeding regimen, blood samples and fecal samples were obtained from each feline. The blood samples were analyzed by a dependent sample t-test, with the endpoint of the statistical standard of significance set at a=0.05.

[0114] All felines were housed in pairs in spacious indoor rooms with natural light. Felines received behavioral enrichment through interaction with each other and through playtime with caregivers, daily opportunities to run outdoors, and playing with toys. Felines were provided with food once daily, with access to such food for 22 hours per day, and free access to water. All felines were immunized.

[0115] A summary of the polyphenols from the fecal analyses is provided in Table 8.

[0116] Table 8

[0117]

[0118]

[0119] *Indicates metabolites identified by characterization of molecular weight and mass spectral fragmentation pattern in the absence of the same internal standard.

[0120] **Indicates that although the entire molecular structure has not been determined, the compound type / class of metabolites can be determined.

[0121] (2) Indicates alternative forms of a metabolite with a given name.

[0122] Example composition B increased the amount of isoflavonoids (e.g., glycitein, daidzein, genistein, genistein sulfate*, glycitein sulfate (2), daidzein sulfate, equol sulfate, and equol) in feces and decreased the amount of non-isoflavonoid polyphenols. It was unexpectedly determined that Example composition B decreased the amount of fecal plant flavonoid molecules, although the isoflavonoid-containing ingredients in Example composition B were not increased enough relative to Comparative composition 2 (e.g., corn and rice) to explain the meaningful reduction in plant flavonoid levels, as seen in Table 6. For example, plant flavonoids were reduced in Example composition B compared to Comparative composition 2, although they were the same in both diets. In contrast, Example composition B produced much more isoflavonoids than Comparative composition 2. This suggests that the reduction in isoflavonoids in the formulation of Example composition B compared to Comparative composition 2 is not through a biological mechanism, nor is it due to the replacement of flavonoids by isoflavonoids.

[0123] A summary of the amino acids from the feces analysis is presented in Table 9.

[0124] Table 9

[0125]

[0126] Example Composition B reduced the amount of fecal proteolyzed amino acids compared to Comparative Composition 2, which was surprising because the protein digestibility of Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2 was essentially the same (95.4% protein digestibility for Example Composition B and 96% protein digestibility for Comparative Example 1). Therefore, the reduction in fecal amino acids and apparent microbial proteolysis in felines fed Example Composition B was not due to changes in overall protein digestibility, but rather to a direct effect of Example Composition B on microbial metabolic propensity. Since amino acids are typically produced in the colon by microbial breakdown of dietary proteins that bypass digestion, the reduction in fecal amino acids indicates a reduction in proteolysis by the intestinal microbiome.

[0127] A summary of the urobilins from the fecal analysis is presented in Table 10. As seen in Table 10, Example Composition B reduced the amount of hemolytic urobilin in the feces of the felines.

[0128] Table 10

[0129]

[0130] *Indicates metabolites identified by characterization of molecular weight and mass spectral fragmentation pattern in the absence of the same internal standard.

[0131] **Indicates that although the entire molecular structure has not been determined, the compound type / class of metabolites can be determined.

[0132] (1) to (3) represent alternative forms of the metabolites with the given names.

[0133] A summary of the ethanolamide to acylglycerol ratios from stool analyses is presented in Table 11.

[0134] Table 11

[0135]

Claims

1. A pet food composition comprising: A gut microbiome component, the gut microbiome component comprising: (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan; (ii) polyphenol isoflavones, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan (i) to polyphenol isoflavones (ii) of the pet food composition is from about 1:1 to about 5:1, wherein the gut microbiome components are present in an amount effective to produce an increase in the weight ratio of propionate to branched short-chain fatty acids in the pet's feces and an increase in the weight ratio of short-chain fatty acids to branched short-chain fatty acids in the pet's feces after about 3 days after ingestion by the pet.

2. The pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan (i) to polyphenol isoflavones (ii) is from about 1:1 to about 3:

1.

3. The pet food composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan (i) to polyphenol isoflavones (ii) is about 2:

1.

4. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the gut microbiome component is present in an amount effective to produce a reduction in sulfated indole in the pet's blood and an increase in indole in the pet's feces after about 3 days following ingestion by the pet.

5. A pet food composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising a prebiotic component.

6. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein the prebiotic component comprises beet pulp, citrus pulp, or a mixture thereof.

7. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the prebiotic component comprises one or more sprouted seeds.

8. The pet food composition of claim 7, wherein the one or more sprouted seeds are selected from the group consisting of chia seeds, rice, whole grain wheat, oats, buckwheat, broccoli seeds, carrot seeds, adzuki beans, almonds, amaranth, annatto seeds, anise seeds, arugula, basil, brown rice, navy beans, pinto beans, lima beans, rapeseed, caragana, cauliflower, celery, chickpeas, chives, cilantro / coriander / cilantro, clover, cress, dill fennel, fenugreek, garlic, hemp, kale, kamut, khat, leek, green lentils, lupine, pearl millet, mizuna, mustard greens, onions, black-eyed peas, green peas, pigeon peas, snow peas, peanuts, psyllium, quinoa, radish, rye, sesame, soy, tatsoi, triticale, watercress, wheat berries, and combinations of two or more thereof.

9. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

10. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the amount of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan is from about 0.3 wt% to about 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

11. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the polyphenol isoflavones are present in an amount of about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

12. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the amount of polyphenol isoflavones is from about 0.05 to about 0.5 based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

13. A pet food composition comprising: Prebiotic components; and A gut microbiome component, the gut microbiome component comprising: (i) β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan; (ii) polyphenol isoflavones, The weight ratio of the β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan (i) to the polyphenol isoflavones (ii) of the pet food composition is about 1:1 to about 5:

1.

14. The pet food composition of claim 13, wherein the β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan is present in an amount of about 0.3 wt% to about 5 wt% based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

15. The pet food composition of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the polyphenol isoflavones are present in an amount of about 0.05 to about 0.5 based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

16. The pet food composition of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenol isoflavones is from about 1:1 to about 3:

1.

17. The pet food composition of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the weight ratio of β-1,3 / 1,6-glucan to polyphenol isoflavones is about 2:

1.

18. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids of from about 7:1 to about 1:

7.

19. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids of from about 7:1 to about 1:

9.

20. A method for alleviating, alleviating and / or reducing kidney disease in a pet, the method comprising: An effective amount of a pet food composition according to any preceding claim is administered to increase the weight ratio of propionate to branched short chain fatty acids in the blood and to increase the weight ratio of short chain fatty acids to branched short chain fatty acids in the pet's blood.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the pet food composition is fed to the canine at least once a day, preferably at least twice a day, or preferably at least three times a day.

22. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the pet food composition is fed to the canine for 1 day or more, preferably 5 days or more, preferably 7 days or more, preferably 10 days or more, preferably 14 days or more, preferably 30 days or more, or preferably 42 days or more.

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