Pet food composition

Abstract

Disclosed herein are pet food compositions and methods for minimizing pet tartar and / or improving pet health. The pet food composition typically comprises about 20% by weight or more of fat comprising medium chain triglycerides having an octoate component wherein the medium chain triglycerides comprising an octoate component comprise about 10% by weight or more of the fat based on the total weight of the fat on a dry matter basis. The pet food composition may also have a ketogenic ratio of about 1.5 or greater as calculated using formula 1: (0.9 F + 0.46 P) / (0.1 F + 0.58 P + C), where F is the weight percent of fat, P is the weight percent of protein, and C is the weight percent of carbohydrate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 352,434, entitled “PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS,” filed on June 15, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Many pets suffer from dental health problems. It is estimated that more than 70% of dogs have some degree of gum or periodontal disease. Plaque formation on the surface of pet teeth is a major factor in the development of such problems. Dental plaque is a combination of bacteria, bacterial byproducts that form a glycoprotein matrix, and salivary deposits that bind to the tooth surface.

[0004] The cause of this problem is the buildup of tartar or calculus (mineralized plaque). Tartar forms on the surface of the teeth and acts as a base for additional plaque to accumulate. If left untreated, it can have an unsightly appearance in addition to leading to gum irritation and potential periodontal disease.

[0005] Pets are more susceptible to plaque and tartar formation than animals in the wild. This is due to the nature of the food that pets eat. In the wild, many animals eat a diet that mechanically wears away plaque and tartar from their teeth. In contrast, pets are often fed pet foods that tend to provide better nutritional value but generally do not subject their teeth to sufficient abrasiveness to clean them.

[0006] Maintenance of optimal dental health depends on regular professional cleaning of all these accumulations above and below the gum line, as well as adequate home care. Mechanical cleaning of tooth surfaces by brushing is an effective way to control plaque and tartar accumulation in both humans and pets. However, most pet owners are unwilling or unable to provide the daily brushing necessary to maintain good oral health for their pets.

[0007] Various attempts have been made to provide products for improving the dental health of pets. One such attempt has focused on the use of chews made from rawhide or rawhide substitutes. By having the pet gnaw or chew such rawhide products, the pet wears away tartar and plaque from its teeth. Various oral care agents may also be incorporated into such chews, as described in European Patent Application 0272968. However, a disadvantage of these products is that they are generally expensive. Furthermore, they are generally only effective for dogs that are prone to chewing and gnawing.

[0008] Therefore, pet food compositions that cause mechanical abrasive cleaning of pet teeth when chewed by the pet have been developed and studied. Summary of the invention

[0009] 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.

[0010] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions and methods of use thereof for reducing plaque and tartar accumulation in pets and / or improving oral health in pets. In addition, the inventors have found that certain pet food compositions can advantageously provide health benefits associated with a ketogenic diet in addition to reducing plaque and tartar accumulation. According to one aspect, a pet food composition is provided, the pet food composition comprising about 20% by weight or more of fat, wherein the fat comprises one or more medium-chain triglycerides having a caprylate component. Based on the total weight of the fat on a dry matter basis, the one or more medium-chain triglycerides comprising a caprylate component account for about 10% by weight or more of the fat. In addition, the pet food composition comprises protein and fiber, wherein the pet food composition comprises about 10% by weight or less of carbohydrates and about 5% by weight or less of digestible starch. In addition, pet food compositions are typically formulated to have a ketogenic ratio of about 1.5 or greater as calculated according to Formula 1: (0.9F+0.46P) / (0.1F+0.58P+C), wherein F is the weight percent of fat, P is the weight percent of protein, and C is the weight percent of carbohydrates, and all weight percents are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0011] According to another aspect, a pet food composition is provided, the pet food composition comprising about 20% by weight to about 60% by weight of fat, wherein the fat comprises one or more medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate component. The one or more medium chain triglycerides comprising a caprylate component account for about 10% by weight or more of the fat. The pet food composition also comprises about 15% by weight to about 55% by weight of protein, about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of fiber and one or more fatty acids, wherein the pet food composition comprises about 10% by weight or less of carbohydrates and about 5% by weight or less of digestible starch, and wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter.

[0012] According to another aspect, a method for reducing dental plaque accumulation is provided, the method comprising administering a pet food composition disclosed herein to a companion animal. 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of certain embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Graph showing the abundance levels of Orange Complex bacterial species in subgingival plaque of canines receiving non-limiting exemplary pet food compositions according to aspects of the present invention and comparative pet food compositions.

[0015] It should be understood that the aspects are not limited to the compositions, arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For the purpose of illustration, the principle of the present invention is described by reference to multiple exemplary embodiments 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 used for 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.

[0017] 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 ingredients refers not only to one ingredient within that class, but also to mixtures of these ingredients. The terms "a / an", "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 "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to".

[0018] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing individual values ​​and each value within a range. Any value within a 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 %.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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, given that there may be other species that define or exemplify the genus just as well as or better than any other species listed.

[0022] 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 a non-incident amount. The non-incident 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 a non-incident amount of a certain ingredient or compound, although such an ingredient or compound may exist as a part of a raw material (included as a blend of two or more compounds). Unless otherwise defined or described herein, substantially free of generally refers to the total weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, with an amount of 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 of ingredients or compounds.

[0023] Some of the different categories of components 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 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] "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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions and methods of use thereof for reducing plaque and tartar accumulation in pets and / or improving oral health of pets. The inventors have found that certain pet food compositions, in addition to reducing tartar accumulation, can also advantageously provide health benefits typically associated with a ketogenic diet. For example, certain embodiments disclosed herein can be used in methods for alleviating, reducing and / or reducing symptoms of pets suffering from indications or conditions including, but not limited to, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, chronic inflammation, antibiotic resistance of the gut microbiome, or pathogenic disorders of the gut microbiome, neurological seizures, hyperglycemia, metabolic stress, or a combination thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the pet food composition is formulated to have a ketogenic ratio of about 1.5 or greater as calculated according to Formula 1: (0.9F+0.46P) / (0.1F+0.58P+C), wherein F is the weight percentage of fat, P is the weight percentage of protein, and C is the weight percentage of carbohydrates, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the ketogenic ratio of the pet food composition as calculated by Formula 1 is about 1.75 or greater, about 2 or greater, about 2.25 or greater, about 2.5 or greater, about 2.75 or greater, about 3 or greater, about 3.5 or greater, about 4 or greater, or about 5 or greater. Although the pet food composition can be formulated to have a ketogenic ratio as calculated according to Formula 1 of greater than 5, in some embodiments, the ketogenic ratio of the pet food composition as calculated by Formula 1 is about 1.5 to about 4, about 1.7 to about 4, about 2 to about 4, or about 2.5 to about 4. Further discussion of pet food compositions having formulations that may have desirable ketogenic ratios as calculated according to Formula 1 may be found in US Patent Application No. 17 / 250,440, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pet food composition is formulated to contain less than about 2% phosphorus by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the pet food composition may contain less than about 1.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.7% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition is substantially free of or free of phosphorus.

[0032] Depending on the specific combination of other ingredients and the form of the pet food composition, suitable components such as those listed below may be included in or excluded from the formulation for the pet food composition. In some embodiments, the pet food composition disclosed herein may be in the form of a stand-alone pet food, as a supplement to a pet food, as a pet food treat, etc.

[0033] The pet food composition is formulated to contain fat in an amount typically in the range of about 20% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the amount of fat present in the pet food composition can be in the following ranges, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis: about 20% to about 60% by weight, about 20% to about 55% by weight, about 20% to about 50% by weight, about 20% to about 45% by weight, about 20% to about 40% by weight, about 20% to about 35% by weight, about 20% to about 30% by weight; about 23% to about 60% by weight, about 23% to about 55% by weight, about 23% to about 50% by weight, about 23% to about 45% by weight, about 23% to about 40% by weight, about 23% to about 35% by weight, about 26% to about 30% by weight; about 23% to about 60% by weight, about 23% to about 55% by weight, about 23% to about 50% by weight, about 23% to about 45% by weight, about 23% to about 40% by weight, about 23% to about 35% by weight; about 26% to about 30% by weight. % to about 60 wt%, about 26 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 26 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 26 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 26 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 26 wt% to about 35 wt%; about 29 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 29 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 29 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 29 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 29 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 29 wt% to about 35 wt%; about 32 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 32 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 32 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 32 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 32 wt% to about 40 wt%.

[0034] The term "fat" generally refers to a lipid or a mixture of lipids that can be generally solid or liquid at normal room temperature (e.g., 25° C.) and pressure (e.g., 1 atmosphere). In some cases, the fat can be a viscous liquid or an amorphous solid at standard room temperature and pressure.

[0035] The fat in the pet food composition typically comprises one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride has a caprylate component. In addition, the pet food composition is usually formulated so that the medium chain triglyceride with a caprylate component accounts for about 5% by weight or more of the fat in the pet food composition.For example, the total amount of fat in the pet food composition can include medium chain triglycerides with caprylic acid esters in an amount of about 5% to about 60% by weight, about 5% to about 50% by weight, about 5% to about 45% by weight, about 5% to about 40% by weight, about 5% to about 37% by weight, about 5% to about 34% by weight, about 5% to about 31% by weight, about 5% to about 28% by weight, about 5% to about 25% by weight, about 5% to about 22% by weight, about 5% to about 17% by weight, about 5% to about 12% by weight, about 12% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; %, about 12 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 31 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 28 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 17 wt %; about 17 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 31 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 28 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 25 wt %; about 23 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 31 wt %; about 27 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 27 wt % to about From about 31 weight % to about 60 weight %, from about 31 weight % to about 50 weight %, from about 31 weight % to about 45 weight %, from about 31 weight % to about 40 weight %, from about 31 weight % to about 37 weight %; from about 35 weight % to about 60 weight %, from about 35 weight % to about 50 weight %, from about 35 weight % to about 45 weight %, from about 35 weight % to about 40 weight %; from about 39 weight % to about 60 weight %, from about 39 weight % to about 50 weight %, from about 39 weight % to about 45 weight %; from about 43 weight % to about 60 weight %, from about 43 weight % to about 50 weight %, from about 47 weight % to about 60 weight %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0036] In addition to at least one medium chain triglyceride with an aliphatic chain comprising a caprylate component, fat can also include one or more other triglycerides. Other triglycerides can have one, two or all three aliphatic chain components selected from: pentanoic acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, nonanoic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid and mixtures thereof. In at least one preferred embodiment, other triglycerides are selected from medium chain triglycerides.

[0037] As used herein, "medium chain triglycerides" refer to triglycerides having at least one aliphatic carbon chain containing 6 to 10 carbons. For example, medium chain triglycerides can have one, two, or three aliphatic carbon chains of 6 to 10 carbons. In some embodiments, other medium chain triglycerides have aliphatic carbon chains of 6 carbons, 7 carbons, 8 carbons, 9 carbons, and / or 10 carbons. For example, the aliphatic carbon chain of medium chain triglycerides can contain 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, medium chain triglycerides contain aliphatic carbon chains with 6 carbons, 8 carbons, or 10 carbons. For example, other medium chain triglycerides can have aliphatic carbon chains selected from caprylate and / or caprate.

[0038] The pet food composition may contain two, three, four, five, six, seven or more triglycerides, all of which may be selected from medium chain triglycerides. In some preferred embodiments, the pet food composition may be formulated such that at least 50% by weight of the total amount of medium chain triglycerides is medium chain triglycerides with a caprylate component, based on the total weight of the medium chain triglycerides. For example, the medium chain triglyceride may include the medium chain triglyceride having a caprylate component in an amount of about 50 wt % to 100 wt %, about 55 wt % to 100 wt %, about 60 wt % to 100 wt %, about 65 wt % to 100 wt %, about 70 wt % to 100 wt %, about 75 wt % to 100 wt %, about 80 wt % to 100 wt %, about 85 wt % to 100 wt %, about 90 wt % to 100 wt %, about 95 wt % to 100 wt %, about 97 wt % to 100 wt %, about 98 wt % to 100 wt %, about 10 ... %, about 99 wt % to 100 wt %; about 50 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 55 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 60 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 65 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 70 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 75 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 85 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 90 wt % to about 95 wt %; about 50 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 55 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 60 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 65 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 70 wt % to about 90 wt % %, about 75 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 80 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 85 wt % to about 90 wt %; about 50 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 55 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 60 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 65 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 70 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 75 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 80 wt % to about 85 wt %; about 50 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 55 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 60 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 65 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 70 wt % to about 80 wt % %, about 75% by weight to about 80% by weight; about 50% by weight to about 75% by weight, about 55% by weight to about 75% by weight, about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight, about 65% by weight to about 75% by weight, about 70% by weight to about 75% by weight; about 50% by weight to about 70% by weight, about 55% by weight to about 70% by weight, about 60% by weight to about 70% by weight, about 65% by weight to about 70% by weight; about 50% by weight to about 65% by weight, about 55% by weight to about 65% by weight, about 60% by weight to about 65% by weight; about 50% by weight to about 60% by weight, about 55% by weight to about 60% by weight.In at least one embodiment, the one or more medium chain triglycerides consist essentially of, or consist of, medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate component.

[0039] In some cases, the pet food composition may include a medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component. For example, the fat of the pet food composition may include a medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprylate component and a medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component.

[0040] The inventors have recognized that medium chain triglycerides with a caprylate (C8) component are more ketogenic than medium chain triglycerides with a caprate (C10) component or a dodecanoate (C12) component. Without being limited by any particular theory, it is believed that pet food compositions with an increased amount of medium chain triglycerides containing a caprylate component and preferably a reduced amount of medium chain triglycerides containing a caprate component can produce metabolic benefits achieved in ketosis. In certain preferred embodiments, the pet food composition is formulated to control the amount of medium chain triglycerides with an aliphatic carbon chain of 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., a caprate (C10) component). For example, the pet food composition can be adjusted so that the fat contains medium chain triglycerides with aliphatic carbon chains of 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., caprate components or dodecanoate components) in an amount of about 4 wt % or less, such as about 3 wt % or less, about 2 wt % or less, about 1 wt % or less, about 0.5 wt % or less, about 0.1 wt % or less, about 0.05 wt % or less, about 0.02 wt % or less, or about 0.01 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition can be substantially free of medium chain triglycerides with aliphatic carbon chains of 10 to 12 carbons and / or caprate components, or free of medium chain triglycerides with aliphatic carbon chains of 10 to 12 carbons and / or caprate components.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition can be formulated to have a weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain including a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain including a caprate component of from about 200:1 to about 500:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain comprising a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain comprising a caprate component is from about 250:1 to about 500:1, e.g., from about 300:1 to about 500:1, from about 350:1 to about 500:1, from about 400:1 to about 500:1; from about 250:1 to about 450:1, from about 300:1 to about 450:1, from about 350:1 to about 450:1, from about 400:1 to about 450:1; from about 250:1 to about 400:1, from about 300:1 to about 400:1, from about 350:1 to about 400:1, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0042] However, in some embodiments, the weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain comprising a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain comprising a caprate component is from about 2:1 to about 20:1, from about 2:1 to about 17:1, from about 2:1 to about 15:1, from about 2:1 to about 13:1, from about 2:1 to about 11:1, from about 2:1 to about 9:1, from about 2:1 to about 7:1; from about 4:1 to about 20:1, from about 4:1 to about 17:1, from about 4:1 to about 15:1, from about 4:1 to about 13:1, from about 4:1 to about 11:1, from about 2:1 to about 9:1, from about 2:1 to about 7:1; From about 1 to about 11:1, from about 4:1 to about 9:1, from about 4:1 to about 7:1; from about 5:1 to about 20:1, from about 5:1 to about 17:1, from about 5:1 to about 15:1, from about 5:1 to about 13:1, from about 5:1 to about 11:1, from about 5:1 to about 9:1, from about 5:1 to about 7:1; from about 6:1 to about 20:1, from about 6:1 to about 17:1, from about 6:1 to about 15:1, from about 6:1 to about 13:1, from about 6:1 to about 11:1, from about 6:1 to about 9:1, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pet food composition is formulated such that the total amount of medium chain triglycerides accounts for about 10% by weight or more of the fat in the pet food composition. The total amount of medium chain triglycerides can include, for example, medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component and any additional medium chain triglycerides, if present.For example, the total amount of fat in the pet food composition can include medium chain triglycerides in a total amount of about 10% to about 60% by weight, about 10% to about 50% by weight, about 10% to about 45% by weight, about 10% to about 40% by weight, about 10% to about 37% by weight, about 10% to about 34% by weight, about 10% to about 31% by weight, about 10% to about 28% by weight, about 10% to about 25% by weight, about 10% to about 22% by weight, about 10% to about 17% by weight, about 10% to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; % to about 60 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 31 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 28 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 17 wt %; about 17 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 34 wt %, %, about 17 wt % to about 31 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 28 wt %, about 17 wt % to about 25 wt %; about 23 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 23 wt % to about 31 wt %; about 27 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 37 wt %, about 27 wt % to about 34 wt %, about 27 wt % to about % to about 31 wt %; about 31 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 31 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 31 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 31 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 31 wt % to about 37 wt %; about 35 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 40 wt %; about 39 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 45 wt %; about 43 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 47 wt % to about 60 wt %, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, one or more triglycerides can include the polyunsaturated fatty acid component selected from ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids or the combination of both or more thereof.The example of the ω-3 fatty acid component of the aliphatic chain that can include other triglycerides includes those selected from linolenic acid, stearic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and / or docosahexaenoic acid.The example of the ω-6 fatty acid component of the aliphatic chain that can include other triglycerides includes linolenic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid and / or tetracospentaenoic acid.In some embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acid component of other triglycerides is selected from linolenic acid and / or arachidonic acid.

[0045] Pet food composition can optionally include one or more fatty acids. Based on the gross weight based on dry matter of pet food composition, the amount of fatty acid (when present in pet food composition) is typically about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %. For example, based on the gross weight of pet food composition, fatty acid can be present in the following amount: 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 0.5 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 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 5 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 3 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 4 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0046] One or more fatty acids can be selected from ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetra acid, and a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one preferred embodiment, one or more fatty acids include ω-3 fatty acids, ω-6 fatty acids, or a combination of two or more thereof. The example of ω-3 fatty acids includes linolenic acid, stearatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. The example of ω-6 fatty acids includes linoleic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, and tetracospentaenoic acid.

[0047] In some embodiments, the pet food composition comprises one or more ω-3 fatty acids and one or more ω-6 fatty acids. In some cases, the pet food composition is formulated to have a weight ratio of ω-3 fatty acids to ω-6 fatty acids of about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, 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, about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, about 0.6:1 to about 7:1, about 0.6:1 to about 3:1, about 0.6:1 to about 2.5:1, about 0.6:1 to about 2:1, about 0.6:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 0.6:1 to about 1:1.

[0048] The fat may be fully incorporated into the food composition, deposited on the outside of the pet food composition, or may be a mixture of the two methods. In some embodiments, the pet food composition further comprises an effective amount of one or more substances selected from the group consisting of glucosamine, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane ("MSM"), creatine, antioxidants, Perna canaliculata, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In some cases, the fat in the pet food composition is crude fat. Based on the gross weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, crude fat can be included in the composition with respect to the above disclosed amount of total fat, for example, about 8 % by weight to about 50 % by weight. In some embodiments, based on the gross weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, the pet food composition comprises crude fat with the following amount: 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 obtain 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 obtain from plant sources.

[0051] The pet food composition comprises protein in an amount that can vary. For example, the pet food composition can comprise protein in an amount of about 15 wt % to about 55 wt %, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the amount of protein present in the pet food composition is from about 15% to about 50% by weight, from about 15% to about 45% by weight, from about 15% to about 40% by weight, from about 15% to about 35% by weight, from about 15% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; from about 20% to about 55% by weight, from about 20% to about 50% by weight, from about 20% to about 45% by weight, from about 20% to about 40% by weight, from about 20% to about 35% by weight, from about 20% to about 30% by weight; from about 23% to about 55% by weight, from about 23% to about 50% by weight, from about 23% to about 45% by weight, from about 23% to about 40% by weight, from about 23% to about 35% by weight; from about 26% to about 55% by weight, from about 26% to about 50% by weight, from about 26% to about 4 % to about 55 wt %, about 26 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 26 wt % to about 35 wt %; about 29 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 29 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 29 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 29 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 29 wt % to about 35 wt %; about 32 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 32 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 32 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 32 wt % to about 40 wt %; about 35 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 40 wt %; about 38 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 38 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 38 wt % to about 45 wt %; about 41 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 50 wt %; or about 43 wt % to about 55 wt %, including ranges or sub-ranges thereof.

[0052] The protein of the pet food composition can include 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, aspartate (aspartic acid), phenylalanine, valine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, glycine, glutamine, taurine, tyrosine, homocysteine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamate (glutamic acid), proline and / or serine, and a combination of two or more thereof. 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 the 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. Additionally, taurine, although not technically an amino acid but a derivative of cysteine, is an essential nutrient for cats.

[0053] A portion of the protein in the composition can be a protein that is digested (e.g., hydrolyzed). 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 is a protein that is digested (e.g., hydrolyzed). In some embodiments, for example, when it is desired that the composition promotes weight loss, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food composition based on dry matter, the portion of the protein that is digested (e.g., hydrolyzed) 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 digested (e.g., hydrolyzed) protein is from about 10% to about 99% by weight, from about 10% to about 95% by weight, from about 10% to about 90% by weight, from about 10% to about 70% by weight, from about 10% to about 50% by weight, from about 10% to about 30% by weight, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; from about 30% to about 99% by weight, from about 30% to about 95% by weight, from about 30% to about 90% by weight, from about 30% to about 70% by weight, from about 30% to about 50% by weight; from about 50% to about 99% by weight, from about 50% to about 95% by weight, from about 50% to about 90% by weight, from about 50% to about 70% by weight; or from about 70% to about 99% by weight, from about 70% to about 95% by weight, from about 70% to about 90% by weight, including ranges and subranges therein.

[0054] 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. For example, meat can include animal meat, such as poultry, fish and mammals, including 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 such as proteins from the following sources.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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") by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 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.

[0057] Pet food compositions are typically formulated to contain fiber in an amount of about 10% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the amount of fiber present in the pet food composition can be from about 10% to about 55%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 45%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 35%, from about 10% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; from about 15% to about 60%, from about 15% to about 55%, from about 15% to about 50%, from about 15% to about 45%, from about 15% to about 40%, from about 15% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 30% by weight; from about 20% to about 60%, from about 20% to about 55%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 45%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 20% to about 35%, from about 20% to about % to about 30 wt %; about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 35 wt %; about 30 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 55 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 30 wt % to About 40 weight %; about 35 weight % to about 60 weight %, about 35 weight % to about 55 weight %, about 35 weight % to about 50 weight %, about 35 weight % to about 45 weight %; about 40 weight % to about 60 weight %, about 40 weight % to about 55 weight %, about 40 weight % to about 50 weight %; about 45 weight % to about 60 weight %, about 45 weight % to about 55 weight %; about 50 weight % to about 60 weight %, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0058] The total amount of fiber present in the pet food composition generally includes a certain amount of crude fiber and dietary fiber. The amount of crude fiber and / or dietary fiber can be present in the pet food composition in any amount in 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 such as cereals, for example the husks of cereals such as rice, corn and beans.

[0059] 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 peel, fruit peel (for example, pear peel), vegetable peel, peanut shell, almond shell, walnut shell, pecan shell, citrus pulp, beet pulp and soy fiber.In some embodiments, dietary fiber can be selected from pecan shell, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and a combination of both or more thereof.Crude fiber includes the indigestible components included in the cell wall and cell contents of plants such as cereals, such as cereals such as the shell of rice, corn and beans.

[0060] In some preferred embodiments, the pet food composition may include one or more stone cells. One or more stone cells may be obtained from: nut shells, such as pecan shells, almond shells, walnut shells, etc.; seeds, such as pea seeds, bean seeds, soybean seeds, etc.; and / or fruit peels, such as pear peels, etc. In one embodiment, the pet food composition comprises pecan shell particles containing one or more stone cells. The stone cells may have a microstructure and preferably act as an abrasive. For example, the stone cells may be selected to provide mechanical destruction of debris, food and / or bacteria on the teeth of a pet that eats a pet food composition disclosed herein containing such stone cells. In at least one embodiment, the stone cells may be selected to include one or more polyphenols.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fiber component of the pet food composition can include acid detergent fiber and / or neutral detergent fiber. In some cases, the pet food composition, for example, includes acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber in an amount of about 6% 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 can include one of the acid detergent fiber and / or neutral detergent fiber in the following amounts: about 3% to about 15% by weight, about 3% to about 12% by weight, about 3% to about 10% by weight, about 3% to about 8% by weight, about 3% to about 6% by weight, about 3% to about 5% by weight; about 5% to about 15% by weight, about 5% to about 12% by weight, about 5% to about 10 ... % by weight, about 5 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, about 5 % by weight to about 6 % 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 7 % by weight to about 8 % by weight; about 9 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, about 9 % by weight to about 12 % by weight, about 9 % by weight to about 10 % by weight; about 11 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, about 11 % by weight to about 13 % by weight, or about 12 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the pet food composition has an acid detergent fiber to neutral detergent fiber weight ratio of about 3: 1 to about 1: 3. Preferably, the acid detergent fiber to neutral detergent fiber weight ratio is about 2: 1 to about 1: 2. In some cases, the acid detergent fiber to neutral detergent fiber weight ratio is about 1.75: 1 to about 1: 1.75, about 1.5: 1 to about 1: 1.5, about 1.25: 1 to about 1: 1.25. In at least one embodiment, the acid detergent fiber to neutral detergent fiber weight ratio is about 1: 1.

[0064] 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 weight 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 weight basis: from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 1 wt % to 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 1 wt % to about 2 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 5 wt % to about 10 wt %, from about 5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0065] Based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the pet food composition preferably includes carbohydrates in an amount of about 10% by weight or less. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the amount of carbohydrates in the pet food composition is about 9% by weight or less, about 8% by weight or less, about 7% by weight or less, about 6% by weight or less, about 5% by weight or less, about 4% by weight or less, about 3% by weight or less, about 2% by weight or less, about 1% by weight or less, or about 0.5% by weight or less. The inventors have found that, additionally or alternatively, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, it may be advantageous to formulate the pet food composition to include about 5% by weight or less digestible starch. For example, based on the total weight of the pet food composition based on dry matter, the amount of digestible starch in the pet food composition can be about 4% by weight or less, about 3% by weight or less, about 2% by weight or less, about 1% by weight or less, or about 0.5% by weight or less. In some embodiments, the pet food composition may also include about 5 wt % or less, about 4 wt % or less, about 3 wt % or less, about 2 wt % or less, about 1 wt % or less, or about 0.5 wt % or less of sugars, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0066] 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 upon hydrolysis. Typically, 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%). 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 such a mixed food is achieved by long-chain polysaccharides and modified starches (e.g., natural or modified starches, cellulose, etc.). The carbohydrate mixture may additionally contain optional components, such as added salts, spices, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, colorants, etc. The amount of the optional components depends at least in part on the nutritional requirements of the different life stages of the animal.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The pet food composition can include one or more phenols, for example, in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some cases, the amount of phenol present in the pet food composition is about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, about 0.01% to about 8% by weight, about 0.01% to about 6% by weight, about 0.01% to about 5% 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 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight, about 0.05% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the food composition on a dry weight basis. %, about 0.05 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.1 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 0.5 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 0.5 wt % to about 1 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 % by weight, about 1 % by weight to about 3 % by weight, about 1 % by weight to about 2 % by weight; about 2 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 6 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 5 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 4 % 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 3 % by weight to about 5 % by weight; about 4 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 4 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, about 4 % by weight to about 6 % by weight; about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 5 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0069] One or more phenols can be selected from flavonoids, lignans, metabolic enhancers, and combinations of two or more thereof. Examples of lignin that can be included in pet food compositions include coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, p-coumarol, and combinations of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of flavonoids include, but are not limited to, flavones, flavonols, and dihydroflavones, which are reported to protect the vascular system and play a role in reducing allergies, inflammation, viruses, and tumors. It is reported that flavonols strengthen the interwoven chains of collagen. Anthocyanidins (a type of flavonols) can scavenge free radicals. Catechins and gallic acid are reported to be flavonoid types with chemical protective properties. It is reported that isoflavones block enzymes that promote tumor growth. It is reported that glucosinolates and allyl sulfides (two types of thiol phytonutrients) have anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties, as well as immune and cardiovascular protection for humans. Indoles interact with vitamin C and can bind carcinogens and enzymes. Isoprenoids neutralize free radicals. Lipoic acid and ubiquinone can act as antioxidants that extend the effects of other antioxidants. The natural source of at least one flavonoid and / or its conjugate may be selected from black or green tea, capers, angelica, apples, onions (particularly red onions), red grapes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, raspberries, bog whortleberries, lingonberries, cranberries, chokeberries, sweet rowans, rowan berries, sea buckthorn berries, crowberries, prickly pearcactus fruit, or a combination thereof.

[0070] Metabolic enhancers can be selected from lipoic acid, taurine, carnitine, betaine (trimethylglycine), coenzyme Q10, β-alanine, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), creatine, and a combination of two or more thereof. In one embodiment, the metabolic enhancer is lipoic acid, carnitine, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the pet food composition may include 0.01% to 0.1% added carnitine, 0.1% to 0.5% added taurine, 0.25% to 1% added betaine, and / or 0.005% to 0.05% added lipoic acid. Due to species differences, lipoic acid is not included in the companion animal feline preparation. The inventors recognize that for some embodiments, the enhanced benefits of the pet food composition can be achieved by increasing to allow for increased fat metabolism (e.g., under a ketogenic diet). For example, it is believed that a ketogenic diet induces a metabolic burden of dietary fat catabolism due to a large percentage of energy intake as fat, and gene expression and enzyme activity can be changed, thereby shifting metabolism to fat metabolism and increasing energy expenditure. In fact, unless adequate cofactors are available to enable increased fat metabolism, a ketogenic diet may not provide maximum value.

[0071] The inventors recognize that certain additives can be advantageously incorporated to reduce or eliminate the potential acidic metabolic burden on the circulation and urinary system caused by the ketogenic diet. For example, additives such as potassium citrate can be incorporated into the pet food composition disclosed herein to reduce the incidence or formation of kidney stones. Potassium citrate can provide benefits for urinary health, including the dissolution of urolithiasis. It is noted that the incorporation of potassium citrate requires non-obvious balance of various factors / variables, including but not limited to cations and anions, residual potassium, resulting urine pH, overall palatability or a combination thereof. However, in some embodiments, the pet food composition can include potassium citrate in an amount sufficient to preferably provide 1 milliequivalent (mEq) to 6 milliequivalent (mEq) potassium citrate per kilogram of metabolic body weight (1mEq to 6mEq potassium citrate / kg0.75). The pet food composition can preferably provide 2mEq to 4mEq potassium citrate / kg0.75. The pet food composition can provide about 3mEq potassium citrate / kg0.75 in some cases.

[0072] 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 amount: 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The pet food compositions disclosed herein can be wet or dry compositions, and ingredients can be incorporated into the food composition 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 composition can be formulated and produced to be in various forms and / or consistencies. For example, the pet food composition can be, for example, a dry, moist or semi-moist animal food composition. "Semi-moist" means that the food composition contains about 25% to about 35% moisture. "Moist" food refers to a food composition with a moisture content of about 60% to 90% or more. "Dry" food refers to a food composition with a moisture content of about 3% to about 12%, and is typically manufactured in the form of small pieces or coarse granules.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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. Examples of emulsifiers and / or thickeners include gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers and modified starches. 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.

[0078] Such additives can be present in the pet food composition at a concentration typically of 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 an amount of 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, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; about 0.1% to about 5% 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; About 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 the additive containing 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Sources of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, balancers, and the like suitable for inclusion in pet food compositions, and particularly in food products to be administered in the methods provided herein, can be selected from those conventional substances known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0081] 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 bases, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid / base modifiers, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate; eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, plasticizers, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, buffers, slip aids, carriers, pH adjusters, natural ingredients, stabilizers, biological additives such as enzymes (including proteases and lipases), chemical additives, coolants, chelants, denaturants, pharmaceutical astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, aromatic compounds, humectants, opacifiers (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), defoaming agents (such as silicones), preservatives (such as butylated hydroxytoluene), hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylatedhydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, benzalkonium chloride, EDTA, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens and mixtures thereof), reducing agents, solvents, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents (non-surfactants), solvents, viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous), sequestrants, keratolytic agents, eggshell membranes, ancient grains, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0082] 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 individually 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 balance 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 blending the components. The heated mixture is carried out in any suitable manner, 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 about 50°F to 212°F. Although temperatures outside this range can be used, it 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.

[0083] In some embodiments, food products can be prepared in dry form using conventional methods 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 wet 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 pieces, 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, for example, cut into coarse abrasive particles 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.

[0084] 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 into 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.

[0085] According to another aspect, a method for reducing pet tartar is provided, the method comprising feeding a pet food composition disclosed herein to 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 disclosed herein 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.

[0086] According to another aspect, methods are provided for alleviating, alleviating and / or reducing several indications or conditions, including but not limited to cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, chronic inflammation, antibiotic resistance of the gut microbiome, or pathogenic imbalance of the gut microbiome, neurological seizures, hyperglycemia, metabolic stress, or a combination thereof. The methods typically include administering or feeding a pet food composition disclosed herein (e.g., as discussed above) to a pet. Administering a pet food comprising the dietary composition shifts the metabolism of the animal from a glucose-converting metabolism to a fat-burning metabolism.

[0087] Example

[0088] Example 1

[0089] Two non-limiting exemplary pet food compositions (Example Composition A and Example Composition B) were prepared according to aspects of the present invention. The formulations of Example Composition A and Example Composition B are provided in Table 1, while the macronutrients of Example A and Example B are provided in Table 2. For comparison purposes, two comparative compositions (Composition 1 and Composition 2) were evaluated. Composition 1 was a negative control and was not formulated to provide chemical or mechanical benefits. Composition 2 was a positive control and was formulated to provide mechanical benefits, but not chemical benefits. The formulations and macronutrients of Comparative Composition 1 and Positive Control Composition 2 are provided in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0090] A study was conducted on 20 adult canines to evaluate the effects of Example A and Example B compared to two comparative food compositions (Comparative Composition 1 and Comparative Composition 2). All canines had an age ranging from 4.2 to 7.6 years old and a body weight ranging from 12.33 kg to 22.13 kg. In addition, the canines were selected from male and female dogs, regardless of their reproductive status.

[0091] Based on the sex, age and their whole mouth plaque scores of 20 adult canines, they were divided into four groups of 5 dogs in each group, and the whole mouth plaque scores were measured before the canines received any pet food composition according to this study. Then, one of the four possible diets was fed to each group of canines for 28 days. At the end of 28 days, the canines were evaluated. Each group then received different pet food compositions for 28 days and then evaluated. Repeat this step until each group was fed each pet food composition for 28 days.

[0092] Ingredients were obtained from commercial sources and formulated according to AAFCO and NRC nutrient recommendations.

[0093] Table 1

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Table 2-

[0097]

[0098] Full-mouth dental prophylaxis and dental examinations were performed at the beginning and end of each dietary period. Plaque and calculus accumulation was quantified using the Logan / Boyce method. Gingivitis scores were calculated using the following index: 0 = normal; 0.5 = mild inflammation with slight redness; 1 = moderate inflammation and redness, but no bleeding on probing; 2 = moderate inflammation with severe redness and bleeding on probing; and 3 = severe inflammation with redness, edema, ulceration, and spontaneous bleeding.

[0099] The foregoing findings support the conclusion that low carbohydrate pet food compositions significantly reduce levels of tartar formation, which can lead to improved oral health in dogs. Example composition A provides a significant reduction in oral tartar compared to Comparative composition 1, while Example composition B provides a significant reduction in oral tartar compared to Comparative composition 1.

[0100] Table 3

[0101]

[0102] Example 1

[0103] Subgingival plaque samples were also obtained from the canines of Example 1. Specifically, for each canine, subgingival plaque samples were collected from healthy teeth and unhealthy teeth. Healthy teeth and unhealthy teeth were determined based on plaque, tartar, and gingivitis scores. If the subject did not have unhealthy teeth, subgingival plaque samples were collected from two different healthy teeth. If the subject did not have healthy teeth, subgingival plaque samples were collected from two different unhealthy teeth.

[0104] Subgingival plaque samples were subjected to microbiome sequencing analysis by extracting total DNA from frozen samples using the Qiagen DNeasy Power Biofilm extraction kit. After total DNA extraction, 16srDNA amplicons were developed from the samples by PCR using a primer set spanning the V1 and V3 hypervariable regions, which were then qualitatively analyzed by an Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer. Exponential PCR was then performed, followed by library quantification and normalization.

[0105] For microbiome analysis, we first screened the abundance data at the phylum, family, and genus levels based on the prevalence in the dataset and the percentage of reads retained per sample. The data were then filtered and statistically analyzed.

[0106] Based on the subgingival plaque microbiome analysis, it was unexpectedly determined that canines fed Example Composition B had significantly reduced bacterial genera / species belonging to the "Orange Complex" compared to Comparative Composition 1 and Example Composition A (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). Specifically, the abundance levels of these bacterial genera / species were comparable to dogs fed Comparative Composition 2 (positive control, mechanical effect) which was shown to reduce whole mouth plaque and tartar scores.

[0107] The orange complex consists of three species: Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, and Prevotella intermedia. The orange complex species can be considered as bridge species that establish the "red complex" species during the maturation of plaque (biofilm). The "red complex" can be considered as a potential pathogenic commensal bacteria (pathobiont) that triggers gingival inflammation, leading to gingivitis and irreversible periodontitis conditions. Fusobacterium nucleatum (a member of the "orange complex") is a common member of the oral microbiome in both periodontal health and disease, and metabolically integrates beneficial (symbiotic) bacterial species that are considered to be early colonizers with potential pathogenic commensal bacteria (red complex) during the maturation of plaque. In addition to causing gingivitis and periodontitis, Fusobacterium nucleatum is believed to play a role in bad breath, dental pulp infection, and potential oral cancer. Halitosis is a common condition characterized by an unpleasant and disgusting odor emanating from the mouth (bad breath) and is common in both humans and companion animals.

[0108] A significant reduction in Campylobacter rectum was also observed in dogs fed the Example composition compared to Comparative Composition 1 and Example Composition A. Campylobacter rectum has the potential to alter the oral microbial flora in a positive way by reducing "red complex" species that are critical to the development and progression of periodontitis. In summary, Example Composition B provided a significant reduction in the levels of "orange complex" species (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum and Campylobacter rectum), which are considered bridge species and play a key role in the plaque maturation process.

Claims

1. A pet food composition comprising: about 20% by weight or more of a fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises a caprylate component, the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising the caprylate component comprising about 5% by weight or more of the fat, based on the total weight of the fat on a dry matter basis; Protein; and fiber; wherein the pet food composition comprises about 10% by weight or less carbohydrates and about 5% by weight or less digestible starch, The pet food composition has a ketogenic ratio calculated according to Formula 1: (0.9F+0.46P) / (0.1F+0.58P+C) of about 1.5 or greater, wherein F is the weight percentage of fat, P is the weight percentage of protein, and C is the weight percentage of carbohydrates, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the pet food has a ketogenic ratio calculated according to Formula 1: (0.9F+0.46P) / (0.1F+0.58P+C) of about 2 or greater.

3. The pet food composition of claim 2, wherein the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising a caprylate component comprises about 5% by weight or more of the fat, preferably about 5% to about 60% by weight.

4. The pet food composition of claim 3, wherein the one or more medium chain triglycerides further comprises at least one additional medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbons.

5. The pet food composition of claim 4, wherein the at least one additional medium chain triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain of 6 carbons, 8 carbons, or 10 carbons.

6. The pet food composition of claim 2 to claim 4, wherein the at least one additional medium chain triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain component selected from the group consisting of pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

7. The pet food composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component of the pet food composition is about 4 wt % or less based on the total weight of fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

8. The pet food composition of claim 7, wherein the pet food composition is substantially free of or free of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component.

9. The pet food composition of claim 7, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain including a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component of the pet food composition of about 200:1 to about 500:

1.

10. The pet food composition of claim 9, wherein the weight ratio of the medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprylate component to the medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component is from about 300:1 to about 500:

1.

11. The pet food composition of claim 10, wherein the weight ratio of the medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprylate component to the medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component is from about 300:1 to about 450:

1.

12. A pet food composition according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more fatty acids.

13. The pet food composition of claim 12, wherein the one or more fatty acids are present in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%.

14. The pet food composition of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the one or more fatty acids are selected from omega-3 fatty acids, omega-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 combinations of two or more thereof.

15. The pet food composition of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, or a combination of two or more thereof.

16. The pet food composition of claim 15, comprising an omega-3 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linolenic acid, stearic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

17. The pet food composition of claim 15, comprising an ω-6 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosopentaenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

18. The pet food composition of claim 15, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids of from about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 3:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 2.5:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 2:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, from about 0.6:1 to about 7:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 3:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 2.5:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 2:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 1.5:1, or preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 1:

1.

19. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one phenol selected from the group consisting of flavonoids, lignans, metabolism enhancers, and combinations of two or more thereof.

20. The pet food composition of claim 19, wherein the phenol is present in an amount of about 0.1% to 10% by weight.

21. The pet food composition of claim 19, wherein the lignin is selected from the group consisting of coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, and p-coumaryl alcohol.

22. The pet food composition of claim 19, comprising flavonoids in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

23. The pet food composition of claim 19, comprising the metabolism enhancer in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

24. The pet food composition of claim 23, wherein the at least one metabolism enhancer is selected from lipoic acid, taurine, carnitine, betaine (trimethylglycine), coenzyme Q10, β-alanine, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), creatine, and combinations of two or more thereof.

25. The pet food composition of claim 24, wherein the at least one metabolism enhancer is lipoic acid or carnitine.

26. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises from about 10% to about 60% by weight fiber.

27. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, comprising from about 20% to about 60% by weight fat, preferably from about 25% to about 55% by weight fat, preferably from about 25% to about 50% by weight fat, preferably from about 25% to about 45% by weight fat, or preferably from about 30% to about 40% by weight fat.

28. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, further comprising less than about 8% by weight ash.

29. The pet food composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition comprises from about 20% to about 55% by weight, preferably from about 25% to about 55% by weight, or preferably from about 30% to about 50% by weight protein.

30. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of: dry kibbles; wet cakes; and treats.

31. A pet food composition comprising: about 20% to about 60% by weight of a fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises a caprylate component, wherein the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising the caprylate component comprises about 10% by weight or more of the fat, based on the total weight of the fat on a dry matter basis; from about 15% to about 55% by weight protein; from about 10% to about 60% by weight fibers; and one or more fatty acids, wherein the pet food composition comprises about 10 wt % or less carbohydrates and about 5 wt % or less digestible starch, and wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

32. The pet food composition of claim 31, wherein the pet food composition has a ketogenic ratio of about 1.5 or greater calculated according to Formula 1: (0.9F+0.46P) / (0.1F+0.58P+C), wherein F is the weight percentage of fat, P is the weight percentage of protein, and C is the weight percentage of carbohydrates.

33. The pet food composition of claim 31 wherein the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising a caprylate component comprises from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the fat.

34. The pet food composition of claim 31 or claim 33, wherein the one or more medium chain triglycerides further comprise at least one additional medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbons.

35. The pet food composition of any one of claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the at least one additional medium chain triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain component that is caprate.

36. The pet food composition of claim 35, wherein the total amount of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component of the pet food composition is about 1 wt% or less based on the total weight of fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

37. The pet food composition of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain including a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain including a caprate component of the pet food composition of from about 200:1 to about 500:

1.

38. The pet food composition of claim 31 , wherein the pet food composition is substantially free of or free of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component.

39. The pet food composition of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the one or more fatty acids include at least one omega-3 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linolenic acid, stearic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof.

40. The pet food composition of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the fatty acid comprises an ω-6 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosopentaenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

41. The pet food composition of any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the one or more fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.

42. The pet food composition of claim 41, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids of from about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 3:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 2.5:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 2:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, preferably from about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, from about 0.6:1 to about 7:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 3:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 2.5:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 2:1, preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 1.5:1, or preferably from about 0.6:1 to about 1:

1.

43. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition comprises less than about 2% by weight phosphorus.

44. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the fiber comprises, at least in part, pecan shells, almond shells, walnut shells, citrus pulp, beet pulp, pear skins, or a combination of two or more thereof.

45. The pet food composition of claim 44, wherein the fiber comprises, at least in part, almond shells, walnut shells, pecan shells, or a combination of two or more thereof.

46. ​​The pet food composition of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more stone cells.

47. The pet food composition of claim 46, wherein the one or more stone cells are abrasive.

48. The pet food composition of claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the one or more stone cells include at least one polyphenol.

49. The pet food composition of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the one or more stone cells are obtained from pecan shells, almond shells, walnut shells, or a combination of two or more thereof.

50. The pet food composition of claim 49, wherein the one or more stone cells are obtained from pecan shells.

51. A method of reducing dental tartar accumulation comprising administering to a companion animal a pet food composition according to any preceding claim.

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