Pet food composition

Abstract

Provided herein are pet food compositions and methods. A pet food composition comprising: from about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 80 g / 1000 kcal of a fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises an octoate component, the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising an octoate component comprising about 7% by weight or more of the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition; from about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal of a protein; optionally, a fiber of from about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal; optionally, from about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 130 g / 1000 kcal of carbohydrates wherein the amount of total metabolic energy is based on the total metabolic energy on a dry matter basis of the pet food composition.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 352,380, entitled PET FOOD COMPOSITION and filed on June 15, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Domestic cats are generally susceptible to kidney disease, with nearly 33% of cats becoming renal-impaired by the age of 10 years. The onset and progression of kidney disease is marked by significant changes in lipid metabolism. Deterioration in lipid metabolism capacity is evident in cats, where lipid deposition occurs in renal tissue. It is known that the collateral effects of renal lipid metabolism leave markers of disease risk in the urine and circulation.

[0004] Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney disease or chronic renal failure, is the gradual loss of kidney function over a period of months or years. CKD can be caused by a variety of conditions and mechanisms and affects both humans and other mammals, especially cats. In older cats, kidney function gradually declines over time, leading to end-stage disease.

[0005] Hyperphosphatemia is a well-documented sequela of CKD in cats, and is associated with an increased risk of death and azotemia progression. Phosphate retention is caused by kidneys being unable to excrete enough phosphates to balance dietary intake. The behavior of the body maintaining standard phosphatemia (normophosphatemia) causes secondary renal hyperparathyroidism and FGF-23 excess. These hormone disorders prevent significant hyperphosphatemia in the early stages of CKD, but are considered to promote bone pathology and soft tissue calcification, which together with calcium-phosphate homeostasis disorders constitute CKD-mineral and bone metabolism abnormalities (CKD-mineral and bonedisorder, CKD-MBD). FGF-23 itself is a strong predictor of survival and progression in cats with CKD. Dietary phosphate restriction is the mainstay of managing the CKD of cats, and has been shown to reduce plasma phosphate, FGF-23 and PTH concentrations and improve survival rate.

[0006] Recently, there has been increasing interest in the role of magnesium in human CKD-MBD. In addition to being an essential mineral for many intracellular processes, magnesium is also considered an inhibitor of vascular calcification and the release of profibrotic cytokines. Interestingly, magnesium may be involved in the regulation of FGF-23, as an inverse correlation between these two variables has been observed in human CKD patients on hemodialysis, as well as increased FGF-23 concentrations in rodents fed a magnesium-deficient diet. Despite the recent attention, little is known about the role of magnesium in feline CKD-MBD.

[0007] Therefore, there continues to be a need for pet food compositions and methods for alleviating, alleviating or reducing symptoms in pets suffering from kidney disease. Summary of the invention

[0008] 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 hereinafter. Summary of the invention is not a broad overview, nor is it intended to indicate the key elements or important elements of this teaching, nor is it intended to describe 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.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided, comprising: about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 80 g / 1000 kcal of fat, the fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises a caprylate component, and the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising a caprylate component accounts for about 7% or more of the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition; about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal of protein; optionally, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal of fiber; and optionally, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 130 g / 1000 kcal of carbohydrates, wherein the amount of all metabolizable energy is based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method for alleviating, relieving or reducing symptoms of a pet suffering from kidney disease is provided. The method may include increasing the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin in a pet by administering a pet food composition disclosed herein to the pet. In some cases, the method may include providing and / or feeding the pet food composition to the canine for 1 day or more, preferably 5 days or more, preferably 7 days or more, preferably 10 days or more, preferably 14 days or more, preferably 30 days or more, or preferably 42 days or more. The method may include feeding the pet once a day, twice a day, three times a day, or in some embodiments four times a day or more.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method for alleviating, alleviating or reducing symptoms of a pet suffering from kidney disease is provided, comprising: diagnosing a pet suffering from kidney disease by measuring serum albumin of the pet; and increasing the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin of the pet by administering to the pet an amount of a pet food composition disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring the serum albumin of the pet after the pet has been fed an amount of the pet food composition for one or more weeks, and directing an increase or decrease in the amount of the pet food composition consumed by the pet.

[0012] Preferably, the pet food compositions and methods disclosed herein cause an increase in at least one long-chain acylcarnitine, osmotic regulator, phospholipid, sphingolipid, endocannabinoid, or a combination of two or more thereof by about 5% or more, about 10% or more, about 15% or more, about 20% or more, or about 25% or more. The increase in one or more long-chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and / or endocannabinoids can be achieved after about 3 days after ingestion, wherein the pet consumes such a pet food composition at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days in an amount based on the desired and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet.

[0013] The pet food compositions and methods can also increase the molar ratio of circulating albumin to globulin of a pet consuming the pet food composition. In some embodiments, the pet food compositions and / or methods disclosed herein can increase the molar ratio of circulating albumin to globulin by about 3% or more, about 6% or more, about 9% or more, about 14% or more, about 17% or more, about 22% or more, about 27% or more. The increase in the molar ratio of circulating albumin to globulin can be achieved after about 3 days of consumption by a pet of such a pet food composition at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days in an amount based on the desired and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet.

[0014] Preferably, the pet food compositions and methods disclosed herein maintain both blood urea concentration and / or creatinine concentration within a 10±% range (e.g., within a 7±% range or within a 5±% range). The maintenance of urea concentration and / or creatinine concentration can be achieved up to about 3 days and / or after about 3 days after ingestion by a pet, wherein such a pet is fed the pet food composition at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days based on an amount of the desired and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for a pet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purpose of illustration, the principle of the present invention is described by reference to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are specifically described herein, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the same principles are equally applicable and can be applied to other compositions and methods. Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the details of any particular embodiment disclosed in terms of its application. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description rather than for the purpose of limitation.

[0016] As used herein and in the appended claims, unless the context dictates otherwise, the singular includes plural references. The singular of any category of ingredients refers not only to one ingredient within that category, but also to mixtures of these ingredients. The terms "one" (or "a"), "one or more / one or more" and "at least one / at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. The terms "include", "including" and "have" may be used interchangeably. The term "include" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to". The term "include" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to".

[0017] As used throughout, range is used as a shorthand for describing each value and each value within the range.Any value in the range can be selected as the endpoint of the range.Therefore, range 1 to 5 specifically includes 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 range of the number.For example, the phrase "about 2.0 % by weight" refers to between 1.8 % by weight and 2.2 % by weight and includes 1.8 % by weight and 2.2 % by weight.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Any member of a species list used to exemplify or define a genus may be mutually distinct from, overlap with, be a subset of, be equivalent to, be nearly identical to, or be identical to any other member of the species list. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, such as when listing Markush groups, a species list defining or exemplifying a genus is open-ended and gives the possibility that there may be other species that define or exemplify the genus just as well as or better than any other species listed.

[0021] 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 ingredients or compounds in a non-incident amount, although such ingredients or compounds may exist as part of a raw material (included as a blend of two or more compounds). Unless otherwise limited or described herein, substantially free generally refers to a total weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, and its amount is about 2% by weight or less, about 1.5% by weight or less, about 1% by weight or less, about 0.5% by weight or less, about 0.1% by weight or less, or about 0.05% by weight or less, or about 0.01% by weight or less of ingredients or compounds.

[0022] Some of the components of the different categories identified may overlap. In such cases where there may be overlap and the pet food composition contains two components (or the composition contains more than two overlapping components), the overlapping compounds do not represent more than one component. For example, certain components or ingredients may be described as 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 grains and amaranth will only act as one of the ancient grains or amaranth - not both.

[0023] As used herein, the term "pet" may 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.

[0024] To the extent that foods and food ingredients contain water / moisture, dry matter refers to everything in the 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] "Daily nutrient intake" and "total nutrient intake per day" refer to daily dry matter intake. That is, the weight of water is not included in 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.

[0027] "Metabolizable energy" as used herein refers to apparent metabolizable energy, and means the gross energy of the feed consumed minus the gross energy contained in the feces, urine, and gaseous products of digestion. Energy digestibility and metabolizable energy can be measured as the difference between the gross energy of the ingested and the gross energy of the digested material excreted in the feces or present in a specific part of the gastrointestinal tract, using the same method to measure the digestibility of nutrients, and appropriately correcting nitrogen excretion to calculate the metabolizable energy of the feed. Metabolizable energy values ​​can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as those described in detail in Association of American Feed Control Officials: Official Publication, Atlanta, Ga., pp. 160 to 165 (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[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 their use. The pet food compositions disclosed herein preferably provide relief, alleviation or reduction of symptoms for pets suffering from kidney disease. The inventors have found that certain embodiments of the present invention can improve lipid markers of kidney health and disease risk, including long-chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids and endocannabinoids, and the incorporation of anti-inflammatory long-chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoate (docosahexaenoate) (22:6n3) into phospholipids. The inventors have also found that certain pet food compositions can be desirably formulated to provide an increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin while maintaining blood urea and creatinine. In some preferred embodiments, the increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin is achieved by increasing the amount of albumin and reducing the amount of globulin.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided, comprising: fat, the fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises a caprylate component, and based on the total weight of the pet food composition, the at least one medium chain triglyceride comprising a caprylate component accounts for about 7 weight % or more of the fat; about 40g / 1000kcal to about 150g / 1000kcal of protein; optionally, about 5g / 1000kcal to about 55g / 1000kcal of fiber; and optionally, about 3g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal of carbohydrates, wherein the amount of all metabolizable energy is based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0031] Preferably, the pet food composition causes an increase in at least one long-chain acylcarnitine, osmotic regulator, phospholipid, sphingolipid, endocannabinoid, or a combination of two or more thereof by about 5% or more, about 10% or more, about 15% or more, about 20% or more, or about 25% or more. The pet food composition may also increase the incorporation of anti-inflammatory long-chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid ester (22:6n3) into phospholipids by about 5% or more, about 10% or more, about 15% or more, about 20% or more, or about 25% or more. The increase in one or more long-chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids, endocannabinoids, and / or the increase in the incorporation of anti-inflammatory long-chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid ester (22:6n3) into phospholipids can be achieved after about 3 days after the pet consumes the pet food composition in an amount based on the expected and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet for a period of 14 days. The recommended daily nutrient intake can be based on the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for pets. The desired and / or recommended amount of the pet food composition consumed by a pet can be provided in one, two, three or more servings throughout the day.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition can provide an increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin by increasing the amount of albumin and / or reducing the amount of globulin. In some embodiments, the pet food composition can increase the molar ratio of circulating albumin to globulin by about 3% or more, about 6% or more, about 9% or more, about 14% or more, about 17% or more, about 22% or more, about 27% or more. The increase in the molar ratio of circulating albumin to globulin can be achieved after about 3 days after the pet consumes the pet food composition based on the amount of daily nutritional intake expected and / or recommended for the pet for a period of 14 days. The recommended daily nutritional intake can be based on the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for pets. The desired and / or recommended amount of the pet food composition consumed by the pet can be provided in one, two, three or more portions throughout the day.

[0033] Preferably, the pet food composition maintains both blood urea concentration and creatinine concentration within 10±% (e.g., within 7±% or within 5±%) after about 3 days after the pet consumes the pet food composition in an amount based on the expected and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet for a period of 14 days. As described above, the recommended daily nutritional intake can be based on the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for pets. The expected and / or recommended amount of the pet food composition consumed by the pet can be provided in one, two, three or more servings throughout the day.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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, at standard room temperature and pressure, the fat can be a viscous liquid or an amorphous solid.

[0036] The pet food composition can be formulated to contain about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 80 g / 1000 kcal, or about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 80 g / 1000 kcal of fat, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the fat can be present in the pet food composition in the following amounts: about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 75 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 60 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 50 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 40 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 30 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 15 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 20 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 30 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 40 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 50 g / 1000 kcal, about about 25g / 1000kcal, about 5g / 1000kcal to about 20g / 1000kcal; about 10g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 40g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 30g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 25g / 1000kcal, about 10g / 1000kcal to about 20g / 1000kcal; about 16g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about 40g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about about 30g / 1000kcal, about 16g / 1000kcal to about 25g / 1000kcal; about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal, about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 40g / 1000kcal, about 22.5g / 1000kcal to about 30g / 1000kcal; about 30g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 30g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 30g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal, about 30g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, about 30g / 1000kcal to about 40g / 1000kcal; about 40g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal 000kcal; about 50g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 50g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal, about 50g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal; about 60g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal; about 65g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 65g / 1000kcal to about 75g / 1000kcal; about 70g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, or 75g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, including ranges and subranges thereof. .

[0037] The fat in the pet food composition typically includes one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride has a caprylate component. The pet food composition is typically formulated such that the medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate component account for about 7% or more of the total weight 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 in an amount of about 7% to about 60% by weight, about 7% to about 50% by weight, about 7% to about 45% by weight, about 7% to about 40% by weight, about 7% to about 37% by weight, about 7% to about 34% by weight, about 7% to about 31% by weight, about 7% to about 28% by weight, about 7% to about 25% by weight, about 7% to about 22% by weight, about 7% to about 17% by weight, about 7% 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 % 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 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.

[0038] The pet food composition can be in the form of a supplement and / or additive suitable for incorporation into or feeding with a pet food composition. The pet food composition can be formulated in some cases such that the medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate component account for about 50% or more of the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition. For example, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the total amount of fat in the pet food composition can contain medium chain triglycerides having at least one aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component in the following amounts: about 50% to 100% by weight, about 55% to 100% by weight, about 60% to 100% by weight, about 65% to 100% by weight, about 70% to 100% by weight, about 75% to 100% by weight, about 80% to 100% by weight, about 85% to 100% by weight, about 90% to 100% by weight. %, about 95 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.

[0039] The total amount of one or more medium chain triglycerides can be mainly composed of medium chain triglycerides with a caprylate component or composed of medium chain triglycerides with a caprylate component. For example, based on the gross weight of medium chain triglycerides, the total amount of medium chain triglycerides can include about 80% by weight to about 100% by weight, about 85% by weight to about 100% by weight, about 90% by weight to about 100% by weight, about 95% by weight to about 100% by weight of medium chain triglycerides with at least one aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component. In some embodiments, based on the gross weight of medium chain triglycerides, the fat of the pet food composition can include about 98% by weight, about 99% by weight, or about 100% by weight of medium chain triglycerides with at least one aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component.

[0040] Except at least one medium chain triglyceride with at least one aliphatic chain containing caprylate component, fat can include one or more other triglycerides.Other triglycerides can have one, two or all three aliphatic chain components selected from: valeric 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.

[0041] 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 having 6 to 10 carbons. For example, a pet food composition can contain two, three, four, five, six, seven or more triglycerides, all of which can be selected from medium chain triglycerides. In some embodiments, additional medium chain triglycerides have aliphatic carbon chains containing 6 carbons, 7 carbons, 8 carbons, 9 carbons and / or 10 carbons. For example, the aliphatic carbon chain of a medium chain triglyceride can include 6 to 9 carbons, 6 to 8 carbons, 6 or 7 carbons; 7 to 10 carbons, 7 to 9 carbons, 7 or 8 carbons; 8 to 10 carbons, or 8 or 9 carbons, or 9 or 10 carbons. In some embodiments, a medium chain triglyceride comprises an aliphatic carbon chain having 6 carbons, 8 carbons or 10 carbons. For example, the additional medium chain triglycerides may have an aliphatic carbon chain selected from caprylate, caprate and / or decanoate.

[0042] The inventors have recognized that medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate (C8) component are more ketogenic than medium chain triglycerides having a caprate (C10) component. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that pet food compositions having an increased amount of medium chain triglycerides having a caprylate component, preferably a reduced amount of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component, can produce the metabolic benefits achieved under ketosis. Additionally and / or alternatively, it has been unexpectedly determined that medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain of 10 to 12 carbons can reduce the ability of a pet food composition to increase ketones (e.g., BHB).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the pet food composition can be formulated to control the amount of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain of 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., a caprate (C10) component). In at least one preferred embodiment, the fat of the pet food composition includes medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component and medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., a caprate component). Based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., a caprate component) are preferably about 50% by weight or less, about 45% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, about 35% by weight or less, about 30% by weight or less, about 25% by weight or less, about 20% by weight or less, or about 15% by weight or less of the fat of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the pet food composition can be adjusted such that the fat contains medium chain triglycerides with 10 to 12 carbons (e.g., caprate 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 10 to 12 carbons and / or caprate components or free of medium chain triglycerides with 10 to 12 carbons and / or caprate components.

[0044] Sources of medium chain triglycerides include, for example, coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil. Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. Palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel of the oil palm, and palm oil is derived from the oil palm fruit itself. Coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil all contain high levels of saturated fat. In certain embodiments, one or more medium chain triglycerides (e.g. 355 medium chain triglycerides) are produced by esterification of fatty acids derived from at least one of coconut oil and palm kernel oil and glycerol.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the pet food composition can be formulated to have a weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain with a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain with a caprate component of about 2:1 to about 20:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain with a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having a fatty chain with a caprate component is about 2:1 to about 20:1, about 2:1 to about 17:1, about 2:1 to about 15:1, about 2:1 to about 13:1, about 2:1 to about 11:1, about 2:1 to about 9:1, about 2:1 to about 7:1; about 4:1 to about 20:1, about 4:1 to about 17:1, about 4:1 to about 15:1, about 4:1 to about 13:1, about 4:1 to about 15:1; about 4:1 to about 13:1; about 4:1 to about 15 ... From about 6:1 to about 20:1, about 6:1 to about 17:1, about 6:1 to about 15:1, about 6:1 to about 13:1, about 5:1 to about 11:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1, about 5:1 to about 7:1; from about 6:1 to about 20:1, about 6:1 to about 17:1, about 6:1 to about 15:1, about 6:1 to about 13:1, about 6:1 to about 11:1, about 6:1 to about 9:1, or any range or sub-range thereof. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing a caprylate component to medium chain triglycerides having an aliphatic chain containing 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.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pet food composition is formulated so that the total amount of medium chain triglycerides accounts for about 7% by weight or more of the fat in the pet food composition. For example, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the fat can contain medium chain triglycerides in the following amounts: about 7% by weight to about 60% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 50% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 45% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 40% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 37% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 34% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 31% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 28% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 25% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 22% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 17% by weight, about 7% by weight to about 12% by weight; about 12% by weight to about 60% by weight, about 12% by weight to about 16% by weight; about 12% by weight to about 17% by weight; ... 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 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 %; 1 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 31 % by weight; about 31 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, about 31 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, about 31 % by weight to about 45 % by weight, about 31 % by weight to about 40 % by weight, about 31 % by weight to about 37 % by weight; about 35 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, about 35 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, about 35 % by weight to about 45 % by weight, about 35 % by weight to about 40 % by weight; about 39 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, about 39 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, about 39 % by weight to about 45 % by weight; about 43 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, about 43 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, about 47 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0047] The pet food composition can be in the form of a supplement and / or additive suitable for incorporation into or feeding with a pet food composition. The pet food composition can, in some cases, have a total amount of fat in the pet food composition that can contain medium chain triglycerides in an amount of about 50% to 100% by weight, about 55% to 100% by weight, about 60% to 100% by weight, about 65% to 100% by weight, about 70% to 100% by weight, about 75% to 100% by weight, about 80% to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. %, about 85% to 100% by weight, about 90% to 100% by weight, about 95% to 100% by weight; about 50% to about 95% by weight, about 55% to about 95% by weight, about 60% to about 95% by weight, about 65% to about 95% by weight, about 70% to about 95% by weight, about 75% to about 95% by weight, about 80% to about 95% by weight, about 85% to about 95% by weight, about 90% to about 95 ... % to about 90% by weight, about 55% to about 90% by weight, about 60% to about 90% by weight, about 65% to about 90% by weight, about 70% to about 90% by weight, about 75% to about 90% by weight, about 80% to about 90% by weight, about 85% to about 90% by weight; about 50% to about 85% by weight, about 55% to about 85% by weight, about 60% to about 85% by weight, about 65% to about 85% by weight, about 70% to about 85 ... % to about 85% by weight, about 80% to about 85% by weight; about 50% to about 80% by weight, about 55% to about 80% by weight, about 60% to about 80% by weight, about 65% to about 80% by weight, about 70% to about 80% by weight, about 75% to about 80% by weight; about 50% to about 75% by weight, about 55% to about 75% by weight, about 60% to about 75% by weight, about 65% to about 75% by weight, or about 70% to about 75% by weight.

[0048] 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 that can include aliphatic chain of other triglycerides includes those selected from linolenic acid, octadecatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and / or docosahexaenoic acid. The example of the ω-6 fatty acid component that can include aliphatic chain of other triglycerides includes linolenic acid, calendic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenal acid, docosapentaenoic acid (osbond 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.

[0049] The pet food composition may optionally include one or more fatty acids. When present in the pet food composition, the fatty acid is generally present in an amount of about 6 wt % to about 65 wt % 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, the fatty acids can be present in an amount of about 6% to about 65%, about 6% to about 60%, about 6% to about 55%, about 6% to about 50%, about 6% to about 45%, about 6% to about 40%, about 6% to about 35%, about 6% to about 30%, about 6% to about 25%, about 6% to about 20%, about 6% to about 15%; about 15% to about 65%, about 15% to about 60%, about 15% to about 55%, about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 15% to about 15%; % to about 20 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 15 wt%; about 25 wt% to about 65 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 25 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 15 wt%; about 35 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 45 wt%; about 45 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 60 wt%, or about 45 wt% to about 55 wt%, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0050] 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, margaroleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, octadecatetraenoic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetraenoic 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, octadecatetraenoic 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, adrenal acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid and tetracospentaenoic acid.

[0051] Based on the gross weight of the fat, the fat can include about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of omega-3 fatty acids. For example, based on the gross weight of the fat, the fat can include about 1 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 14 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 14 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 12 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, % to about 8 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 14 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 12 wt %, or about 7 wt % to about 10 wt %, including ranges and subranges thereof.

[0052] Based on the total weight of the fat, the fat can include about 5% to about 40% by weight of omega-6 fatty acids. For example, based on the total weight of the fat, the fat can include about 5% to about 40% by weight, about 5% to about 35% by weight, about 5% to about 30% by weight, about 5% to about 25% by weight, about 5% to about 20% by weight, about 5% to about 15% by weight; about 10% to about 40% by weight, about 10% to about 35% by weight, about 10% to about 30% by weight, about 10% to about 25% by weight, about 10% to about 20% by weight; , about 10 wt % to about 15 wt %; about 15 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 25 wt %; about 20 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 35 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 30 wt %; about 25 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 35 wt %, or about 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0053] 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 the following weight ratio of ω-3 fatty acids to ω-6 fatty acids: about 5:1 to about 1:20, about 4:1 to about 1:20, about 3:1 to about 1:20, about 2:1 to about 1:20, about 1:1 to about 1:20; about 5:1 to about 1:20; about 1:1 to about 1:20, about 1:1 to about 1:18, about 1:1 to about 1:16, about 1:1 to about 1:14, about 1:1 to about 1:12, about 1:1 to about 1:10, about 1:1 to about 1:8, about 1:1 to about 1:6, about 1:1 to about 1:5, about 1:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:3, or about 1:1 to about 1:2, including any range or sub-range thereof.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Fat can be supplied by any 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.

[0056] 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 (for example, about 8 % by weight to about 50 % by weight) of total fat. In some embodiments, based on the gross weight based on dry matter of the pet food composition, the pet food composition comprises crude fat with the amount of about 10 % by weight to about 40 % by weight, about 12 % by weight to about 35 % by weight, about 14 % by weight to about 30 % by weight, about 16 % by weight to about 24 % by weight. In some cases, it may be preferred that about 50 % by weight or more, about 60 % by weight or more, about 70 % by weight or more, about 80 % by weight or more, or about 90 % by weight or more of total fat 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.

[0057] The pet food composition includes protein in an amount that can vary. For example, the pet food composition can include protein in an amount of about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the amount of protein in the pet food composition can be about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 130 g / 1000 kcal, about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 110 g / 1000 kcal, about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 100 g / 1000 kcal, about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 90 g / 1000 kcal, about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. 00kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal; about 60g / 1000kcal to about 150g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 110g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 90g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal; about 80g / 1000kcal to about 150g / 1000kcal, about 80g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, about 80g / 1000kcal to about 110g / 100 kcal; about 120 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal, or about 130 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0058] The protein of the pet food composition can include one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of 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 (glutamate), proline and / or serine, and combinations of two or more thereof. In some cases, one or more amino acids can include essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized de novo or in sufficient amounts by an organism, and therefore must be supplied in a diet. Essential amino acids vary from species to species, depending on the metabolism of the organism. For example, it is generally understood that the essential amino acids for dogs and cats (as well as humans) are phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine. In addition, taurine, although not technically an amino acid but a derivative of cysteine, is an essential nutrient for cats.

[0059] Part of the protein in the composition can be digested (e.g., hydrolyzed) protein. For example, the pet food composition can be formulated to have a ratio of digested (e.g., hydrolyzed) protein to indigestible protein of about 4:6 to about 10:1, about 4:5 to about 10:1, about 1:1 to about 10:1; about 1:1 to about 8:1, about 1:1 to about 7:1, about 1:1 to about 6:1, about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about 4:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1; about 3:1 to about 10:1, about 3:1 to about 9:1, about 3:1 to about 8:1, about 3:1 to about 7:1, about 3:1 to about 6:1, about 3:1 to about 5:1; about 5:1 to about 10:1, about 5:1 to about 9:1, about 5:1 to about 8:1, about 5:1 to about 7:1, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0060] Protein can be supplied by any various sources known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including plant origin, animal origin, microbial origin or a combination of these. For example, animal origin can include meat, meat by-products, seafood, dairy products, eggs, etc. Meat, for example, can include animal meat (for example, poultry, fish, and mammals include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.). Meat by-products can include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, and intestines. Vegetable protein includes, for example, soybeans, cottonseeds, and peanuts. Microbial origin can be used for synthesizing amino acids (for example, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine) or complete proteins (for example, proteins from sources listed below).

[0061] 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.

[0062] The protein may be intact, fully hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed. The protein content of a food product may be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, method 988.05 disclosed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists in Official Methods of Analysis ("OMA"). The amount of protein in the compositions disclosed herein may be determined based on the amount of nitrogen in the composition according to methods familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0063] Pet food compositions are typically formulated to contain fiber in an amount of about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal of fiber, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the amount of fiber in the pet food composition can be about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 45 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 35 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 25 g / 1000 kcal, about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 15 g / 1000 kcal; about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal, about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 45 g / 1000 kcal, about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 35 g / 1000 kcal, about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 25 g / 1000 kcal, about 10 g / 1000 kcal to about 15 g / 1000 kcal, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis; about 15g / 1000kcal to about 55g / 1000kcal, about 15g / 1000kcal to about 45g / 1000kcal, about 15g / 1000kcal to about 35g / 1000kcal, about 15g / 1000kcal to about 25g / 1000kcal; about 25g / 1000kcal to about 55g / 1000kcal, about 25g / 1000kcal to about 45g / 1000kcal, about 25g / 1000kcal to about 35g / 1000kcal; about 35g / 1000kcal to about 55g / 1000kcal, about 35g / 1000kcal to about 45g / 1000kcal; or about 45g / 1000kcal to about 55g / 1000kcal, including ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0064] The total amount of fiber present in pet food compositions generally includes the amount of crude fiber and dietary fiber. Crude fiber includes the indigestible components included in the cell walls and cell contents of plants (e.g., cereals (e.g., cereals such as the husks of rice, corn, and beans)). Dietary fiber refers to the components of plants that resist digestion by 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 peas. Insoluble fiber can be supplied by including any of the following various sources: for example, cellulose, whole-wheat products, wheat oats, corn bran, linseed, grapes, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels (e.g., pear peels), vegetable peels, peanut shells, almond shells, walnut shells, pecan shells, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and soy fiber. In some embodiments, the dietary fiber may be selected from walnut shells, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and combinations of two or more thereof. Crude fiber includes indigestible components contained in the cell walls and cell contents of plants, such as grains (e.g., the husks of grains such as rice, corn, and beans).

[0065] The pet food composition may include one or more stone cells. The one or more stone cells may be obtained from: nut shells, such as pecan shells, almond shells, walnut shells, etc.; seeds, such as peas, beans, 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 are preferably used 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 consumes 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.

[0066] 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 can 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 can have a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of about 11: 1.

[0067] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fiber component of the pet food composition may include acid detergent fiber and / or neutral detergent fiber. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the acid detergent fiber to the neutral detergent fiber of the pet food composition is about 3: 1 to about 1: 3. Preferably, the weight ratio of the acid detergent fiber to the neutral detergent fiber is about 2: 1 to about 1: 2. In some cases, the weight ratio of the acid detergent fiber to the neutral detergent fiber 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 weight ratio of the acid detergent fiber to the neutral detergent fiber is about 1: 1.

[0068] The pet food composition may also include ash. As described herein, ash is composed of compounds that are non-organic or non-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 wt % to about 10 wt %, 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: about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %; about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %; about 4 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 4 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 4 wt % to about 6 wt %; about 5 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0069] The pet food composition preferably comprises carbohydrates in an amount of about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 130 g / 1000 kcal, based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the pet food composition comprises carbohydrates in an amount of about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 100 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 70 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 50 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 30 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 20 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 40 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 50 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 60 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 70 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 50 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 60 g / 1000 kcal, about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about kcal to about 10g / 1000kcal; about 10g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, 10g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, 10g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, 10g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, 10g / 1000kcal to about 30g / 1000kcal, 10g / 1000kcal to about 20g / 1000kcal; about 15g / 1 000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, 15g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, 15g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, 15g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, 15g / 1000kcal to about 30g / 1000kcal; about 20g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, 20g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, 2 0g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, 20g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal, 20g / 1000kcal to about 30g / 1000kcal; about 30g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, 30g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, 30g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, 30g / 1000kcal to about 50g / 1000kcal;about 40g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 110g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 90g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 70g / 1000kcal, about 40g / 1000kcal to about 60g / 1000kcal; about 60g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 10 g / 1000kcal to about 110g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 90g / 1000kcal, about 60g / 1000kcal to about 80g / 1000kcal; about 80g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, about 80g / 1000kcal to about 110g / 1000kcal, about 80g / 1000kcal to about 100g / 1000kcal; or about 100g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal, including ranges and subranges thereof. ;

[0070] 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 are viscous and colloid, while longer-chain polysaccharides are less viscous and colloid than shorter chains; the desired texture of such a mixed food is achieved by longer-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 animal at different life stages.

[0071] Carbohydrate can be supplied by any various sources 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 number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[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 composition can comprise one or more compositions and / or sources of glucose mimics, carotenoids, and / or arginine, and derivatives thereof. 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 avocado extracts 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). The arginine present in the composition can be L-arginine, D-arginine or its mixture. The glucose mimetic, carotenoid, arginine, or a derivative thereof can be included in the pet food composition in an amount of 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 %, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0074] Pet food compositions disclosed herein can be wet or dry compositions, and ingredients can be incorporated into food compositions and / or incorporated on the surface of any composition component, such as by spraying, agglomerating, powdering or precipitating on the surface. In addition, pet food compositions can be formulated and produced to be in various forms and / or consistencies. For example, pet food compositions can be, for example, dry, wet or semi-wet animal food compositions. "Semi-wet" refers to a food composition comprising about 25% by weight to about 35% by weight of water based on the gross weight of the pet food composition. "Wet" food refers to a food composition having a water content of about 60% by weight to 90% by weight or greater based on the gross weight of the pet food composition. "Dry" food refers to a food composition having a water content of about 3% by weight to about 12% by weight based on the gross weight of the pet food composition, and is typically manufactured in the form of small pieces or coarse grits.

[0075] The food product may also include components of more than one consistency, such as soft, chewy 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 particle aggregate, such as a component similar to feline feed or canine feed. In some embodiments, the moisture or water content of the food kibble is less than 15% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The texture of the food kibble can vary from hard to soft. The internal structure of the food kibble can vary from expanded to dense. The food kibble can be formed by an extrusion process or a baking process. In a non-limiting example, the food kibble can have a uniform internal structure or a varying internal structure. For example, the food kibble can 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 can refer to uncoated kibble or coated kibble.

[0076] The pet food compositions of the present disclosure may additionally contain 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. The example of emulsifier and / or thickener includes gelatin, cellulose ether, starch, starch ester, starch ether and modified starch. Additives for coloring, palatability and nutritional purposes can include coloring agents, salts (including but not limited to sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride and other edible salts), vitamins (for example, vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin C, etc.), minerals and flavoring agents. Other additives can include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vegetable extracts, herbal extracts, etc.

[0078] The concentration of such additives in the pet food composition can be up to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the additive can be present in the following amounts, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis: about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, about 0.01% to about 3% by weight, about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, about 0.01% to about 1% by weight; about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 0.1% to about 4% by weight, about 0.1% to about 4% by weight; About 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 %. 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 specific 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 food products to be administered in the methods provided herein, can be selected from those conventional materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[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, methyl sulfonyl methane (methyl sulfonyl methane) methane, MSM), boron, boric acid, phytoestrogens, phytoandrogens, genistein, diadzein, L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid / base modifiers, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate; eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, plasticizers, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, buffers, glidants, carriers, pH adjusters, natural ingredients, stabilizers, biological additives such as enzymes (including proteases and lipases), chemical additives, coolants, chelating agents, denaturants, drugs Astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, fragrance compounds, humectants, opacifiers (e.g., zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), antifoaming agents (e.g., silicones), preservatives (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, benzalkonium chloride, EDTA, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens, and mixtures thereof), reducing agents, solvents, hydrotropes, solubilizers, suspending agents (non-surfactants), solvents, viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous), chelating agents, keratolytics, eggshell membrane, 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 desired form for pet food composition. For example, dry food can be baked or extruded and then cut into separate shaped parts, such as coarse grinding particles. 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 tissues are 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 in an amount sufficient for processing. The ingredients are mixed in a container suitable for heating while the components are blended. The mixture is heated using any suitable means, such as direct steam injection or using a container equipped with a heat exchanger. After adding all the ingredients of the preparation, the mixture can be heated to a temperature of 50°F to 212°F. Although temperatures outside this range can be used, 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 processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, dry ingredients including dried animal protein, vegetable protein, cereals, etc. are ground and mixed together. Liquid or wet ingredients including fat, oil-water, animal protein, water, etc. are added in combination with dry materials. The specific formulation, order of addition, merging, and methods and equipment for merging various ingredients can be selected from those known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the resulting mixture is processed into coarse abrasive particles or similar dry blocks, which are formed using an extrusion process, in which a mixture of dry ingredients and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical work at high pressure and high temperature, forced to pass through a small opening or orifice, and cut into coarse abrasive particles, such as 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 be incorporated into the composition generally during the processing of the formulation, for example, during and / or after the other components of the composition are mixed. The distribution of these components in the composition can be accomplished by conventional means. In certain embodiments, ground animal and / or poultry protein tissue is mixed with other ingredients including a nutrient balancer, an inorganic salt, and may also include cellulose, beet pulp, a bulking agent, etc., together with water sufficient for processing.

[0085] According to another aspect, a method for alleviating, relieving or reducing the symptoms of a pet suffering from kidney disease is provided. The method may include increasing the circulating albumin to globulin ratio of the pet by administering the pet food composition disclosed herein to the pet. In some cases, the method may include providing and / or feeding the pet food composition to the canine for 1 day or more, preferably 5 days or more, preferably 7 days or more, preferably 10 days or more, preferably 14 days or more, preferably 30 days or more, or preferably 42 days or more. The method may include feeding the pet once a day, twice a day, three times a day, or in some embodiments four times a day or more.

[0086] Preferably, the method causes an increase in incorporation of at least one long-chain acylcarnitine, osmotic regulator, phospholipid, sphingolipid, endocannabinoid, anti-inflammatory long-chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid ester (22:6n3) into phospholipids, and a combination of two or more thereof, by about 5% or more, about 10% or more, about 15% or more, about 20% or more, or about 25% or more. The increase in one or more of the long-chain acylcarnitine, osmotic regulator, phospholipid, sphingolipid, endocannabinoid, and / or anti-inflammatory long-chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid ester (22:6n3) in the phospholipid can be achieved after about 3 days of consumption by a pet based on the desired and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days.

[0087] The methods can also increase the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin in a pet consuming the pet food composition. In some embodiments, the methods can increase the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin by about 3% or more, about 6% or more, about 9% or more, about 14% or more, about 17% or more, about 22% or more, about 27% or more. The increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to globulin can be achieved after about 3 days of consumption by a pet of such a pet food composition at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days based on the desired and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet.

[0088] Preferably, the method maintains both blood urea concentration and creatinine concentration within a 10±% range (e.g., within a 7±% range or within a 5±% range) after about 3 days of ingestion by the pet (e.g., feeding the pet food composition at least once a day (e.g., twice or three times a day) for 14 days based on the expected and / or recommended daily nutritional intake for the pet). As described above, the recommended daily nutritional intake can be based on the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for pets.

[0089] According to another aspect, a method for alleviating, alleviating or reducing the symptoms of a pet suffering from kidney disease is provided, comprising: diagnosing a pet suffering from kidney disease by measuring the serum albumin of the pet; and increasing the circulating albumin to globulin ratio of the pet by administering to the pet an amount of the pet food composition disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring the serum albumin of the pet one or more weeks after the pet is administered an amount of the pet food composition, and directing an increase or decrease in the amount of the pet food composition administered to the pet.

[0090] Example

[0091] Example 1

[0092] Non-limiting exemplary pet food compositions (Example Composition A) and comparative pet food compositions (Comparative Composition 1) were prepared according to aspects of the present invention. The formulations of Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1 are shown in Table 1 provided below. Table 2 provides a summary of the nutritional values ​​of Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1. Table 2 also provides the percentage difference between the nutritional values ​​of Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1.

[0093] Table 1

[0094]

[0095] Table 2

[0096]

[0097] Example 2

[0098] Example composition A was evaluated in comparison to comparative composition 1 to assess the health effects on felines suffering from kidney disease. In this example, sixteen felines diagnosed by a group veterinarian as suffering from kidney disease were evaluated based on circulating levels of creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine. Each feline consumed comparative composition 1 for a period of one week as a pre-feeding regimen. The felines were then randomly divided into two groups as a first feeding regimen, wherein the first group consumed example composition A for a period of eight weeks, while the second group consumed comparative composition 1 for a period of eight weeks. As a second feeding regimen, after eight weeks, the first group of felines was fed comparative composition 1 for a period of eight weeks, while the second group of felines was fed example composition A for a period of eight weeks. After each of the pre-feeding regimen, the first feeding regimen, and the second feeding regimen, a blood sample was obtained from each feline. The blood samples were analyzed by a dependent sample t-test, wherein the endpoint of the statistical criterion for significance was set at a=0.05.

[0099] During the experiment, all cats were in a spacious indoor room with natural light. The cats received behavioral enrichment through interaction with each other, as well as through playtime with caregivers and contact toys. The cats were provided with access to food for approximately 21 hours per day and water ad libitum. All cats were immunized for disease, monitored for parasites, and received routine heartworm prevention. In addition, all cats were returned to the group in good health after testing with no adverse reactions.

[0100] Example composition A improves lipid markers by reducing the classes of compounds positively correlated with kidney disease, including long-chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and endocannabinoids. Increased long-chain acylcarnitines are often observed in kidney disease and indicate that fatty acids cannot be fully decomposed in mitochondria. Example composition A reduces a large amount of circulating long-chain acylcarnitines (see Table 3 below), indicating that Example composition A improves lipid metabolism at the level of mitochondria, thereby reducing important lipid markers of disease risk. The values ​​of the analytes shown in Table 3 are adjusted so that the median measured in all samples is set to 1.0.

[0101] Table 3

[0102] Analytes Comp.1 Ex.A P Difference <![CDATA[Cerotoylcarnitine (C26) * > 1.13±0.05 0.56±0.04 3.20E-08 <![CDATA[lignoceroylcarnitine (C24) * > 1.16±0.07 0.67±0.04 8.26E-07 <![CDATA[(ximenoylcarnitine) (C26∶1) of ximenoylcarnitine * > 1.11±0.06 0.75±0.05 7.33E-07 <![CDATA[Behenyl carnitine (C22) * > 1.13±0.07 0.78±0.07 5.31E-05 <![CDATA[Arachidoylcarnitine (C20) * > 1.04±0.06 0.75±0.05 2.75E-04 <![CDATA[Nervonoylcarnitine (C24∶1) * > 1.04±0.05 0.8±0.06 3.92E-04 <![CDATA[Erucoylcarnitine (C22∶1) * > 1.03±0.06 0.84±0.07 0.00184 <![CDATA[Dihomo-linoleoyl carnitine (C20∶2) * > 1.08±0.06 0.88±0.06 0.00904 <![CDATA[eicosenoylcarnitine (C20∶1) * > 1.01±0.06 0.88±0.07 0.0477 <![CDATA[Adrenoylcarnitine (C22∶4) * > 1.07±0.07 0.92±0.08 0.0282 <![CDATA[Docosahexaenoyl carnitine (C22∶6) * > 0.96±0.11 0.87±0.1 0.32 Arachidonic acid carnitine (C20∶4) 1.12±0.12 1.03±0.09 0.377 <![CDATA[Docosahexaenoyl carnitine (C22∶5n3) * > 1.05±0.08 1.01±0.08 0.431 <![CDATA[Dihomo-gammalinolenoyl carnitine (C20∶3n3 or 6) * > 1.04±0.09 1.07±0.1 0.71

[0103] In renal diseases, where the levels of cholesterol sterols, LDL and HDL are elevated, cholesterol and lipoprotein homeostasis is disturbed. Example composition A also reduced the level of circulating total cholesterol (see Table 4 below), providing evidence that Example composition A promotes normalization of lipid metabolism disorders in renal diseases.

[0104] Table 4

[0105]

[0106] In pets suffering from kidney disease, phospholipids and sphingolipids usually increase.Phospholipids and sphingolipids can be respectively the markers of cell membrane damage / renewal and inflammation.Example composition A reduces three different types of phospholipids, i.e. the phospholipids of glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoethanolamine, glycerophosphoinositol categories.It should be noted that the phospholipids of these categories are reduced as one, so that these phospholipids of the vast majority are reduced significantly, and only the phospholipids of a few of these categories increase (see Table 5 to Table 7 below).In addition, each of the infiltration homologues of these phospholipid categories is reduced.Because high permeability renal failure and renal injury can increase these infiltration homologues, it is generally believed that the reduction of these infiltration homologues corresponds to the health benefits provided by Example composition A, which supplements the reduction of phospholipids.The value of the analyte shown in Table 5 to Table 7 is adjusted to make the median value measured in all samples be set to 1.0.

[0107] Table 5

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] Table 6

[0111]

[0112] Table 7

[0113] Analytes Comp.1 Ex.A P Difference <![CDATA[1-Palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPI(16∶0 / 20∶4) * > 1.18±0.12 0.74±0.07 0.00001 <![CDATA[1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-GPI(16∶0 / 18∶1) * > 1.22±0.13 0.87±0.07 0.0002 1-Palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPI (16:0 / 18:2) 1.01±0.05 0.76±0.07 0.00033 <![CDATA[1-Stearoyl-2-oleoyl-GPI (18∶0 / 18∶1) * > 1.23±0.12 0.83±0.07 0.00059 <![CDATA[1 - Arachidonoyl - GPI(20∶4) * > 1.16±0.07 0.87±0.04 0.0012 1-Oleoyl-GPI (18:1) 1.51±0.24 0.76±0.11 0.0022 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPI (18:0 / 20:4) 0.98±0.03 0.92±0.03 0.02 1-Palmitoyl-GPI (16:0) 1.27±0.18 0.88±0.08 0.028 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPI (18:0 / 18:2) 1.08±0.1 0.9±0.06 0.03 <![CDATA[1 - Linoleoyl - GPI(18∶2) * > 1.26±0.15 0.98±0.06 0.13 1-stearoyl-GPI (18:0) 1.1±0.12 0.97±0.06 0.46 <![CDATA[Glycerophosphoinositol * > 1.04±0.05 0.87±0.05 0.053

[0114] Example composition A also reduces sphingolipids associated with inflammation; it is noteworthy that almost all changes are significantly reduced (see Table 8 below). Interestingly, very little increase in phospholipid compounds is phospholipids containing 22: 6n3 (see Tables 3 and 4). Phospholipid n3PUFA (e.g., 22: 6n3) can have anti-inflammatory effects by generating 3 series prostaglandins. This is unexpected because by analysis, comparative composition 1 and example composition A contain similar levels of 22: 6n3 fatty acids, specifically 0.18% by weight for comparative composition 1 and 0.19% by weight for example composition A. The values ​​of the analytes shown in Table 8 are adjusted so that the median value measured in all samples is set to 1.0.

[0115] Table 8

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] In addition, Example Composition A reduces the level of acylethanolamide endocannabinoids. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that endocannabinoids can be profibrotic and worsen renal fibrosis. Example Composition A reduces endocannabinoids with CB1 activity (see Table 9 below), which is believed to provide benefits in slowing renal failure by maintaining renal ultrastructure. The values ​​of the analytes shown in Table 9 are adjusted so that the median measured in all samples is set to 1.0.

[0119] Table 9

[0120]

[0121] Example composition A has a beneficial effect of altering the tendency of lipid catabolism toward the circulating ketone energy substrate, β-hydroxybutyrate. Table 10 shows that Example composition A increases the level of this lipid catabolite. β-hydroxybutyrate has significant anti-inflammatory and renal protective benefits, further enhancing the efficacy of Example composition A for subjects with renal disease.

[0122] Table 10

[0123]

[0124] In addition to improving the amount of lipid markers about kidney disease in several categories, embodiment composition A also improves important clinical markers of kidney disease results. Specifically, embodiment composition A increases the ratio of albumin to globulin ("A:G ratio"), and the increase is the result of increased albumin and reduced globulin (see Table 11). This shows that embodiment composition A works by multiple mechanisms, including improved kidney integrity (reducing the loss of albumin by proteinuria) and reduced inflammatory state (reducing the production of immunoglobulins). Unexpectedly, although embodiment composition A increases albumin (a marker of protein sufficiency), it does not increase blood urea or blood creatinine---this shows that embodiment composition A is used to support protein anabolism without excessively providing protein distribution to urea or creatinine (see Table 12) selectivity. In addition, as shown in Table 11, relative to comparative composition 1, embodiment composition A increases ketone levels (e.g., B-HBA), which shows the improvement of pet's metabolism.

[0125] Table 11

[0126] Analytes Comp.1 Ex.A P Difference Albumin / Globulin Ratio 0.88±0.05 0.94±0.05 0.045 Albumin (g / dL) 3.13±0.06 3.25±0.06 0.082 Globulin (g / dL) 3.69±0.17 3.56±0.17 0.029 B-HBA (mg / dL) 1.27±0.08 1.55±0.13 0.008

[0127] Table 12

[0128]

[0129] Example 3

[0130] A non-limiting exemplary pet food composition (Example Composition B) and a comparative pet food composition (Comparative Composition 2) were prepared according to aspects of the present invention. The nutritional values ​​of Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2 are shown in Table 13 provided below. Table 13 also provides the percentage difference between the nutritional values ​​of Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2.

[0131] Table 13

[0132]

[0133] The amount of medium chain triglycerides with a caprylate component in Example Composition B and Comparative Composition 2 was determined as a percentage of grams per kilocalories and as a weight percentage relative to the total pet food composition as shown in Table 14.

[0134] Table 14

[0135] Units of measurement Comp.2 Ex.B Total Energy kcals / kg 3963 4410 Total Fat weight% 21.1 36.7 Total Fat g / 1000kcal 53.2 83.2 C8 Octanoate weight% 0.02 6.97 C8 Octanoate g / 1000kcal 0.1 15.8 C8 Octanoate % of total fat 0.1 19.0

[0136] Example 4

[0137] Example Composition B was evaluated to assess the health impact on felines suffering from kidney disease, compared to Comparative Composition 2, according to the procedure employed in Example 2. A summary of the results, particularly with respect to B-HBA, albumin, globulin, albumin to globulin ratio, and hexanoyltaurine, is shown in Table 15.

[0138] Table 15

[0139]

[0140] As shown in Table 15, Example Composition B improved important clinical markers of kidney disease outcome. Specifically, the ratio of albumin to globulin ("A:G ratio") was increased by Example Composition B, where the increase was a result of increased albumin and decreased globulin. This suggests that, similar to Example Composition A, Example Composition B works through multiple mechanisms, including improved kidney integrity (reduced albumin loss through proteinuria) and reduced inflammatory state (reduced immunoglobulin production).

Claims

1. A pet food composition comprising: about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 80 g / 1000 kcal of fat, the fat comprising one or more medium chain triglycerides, wherein at least one medium chain triglyceride comprises a caprylate component, the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprylate component comprising about 7% or more of the total weight of fat in the pet food composition; about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal of protein; Optionally, from about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal of fiber; and Optionally, from about 3 g / 1000 kcal to about 130 g / 1000 kcal of carbohydrates, The amount of total metabolizable energy is based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the fat comprises at least one medium chain triglyceride containing a caprylate component in an amount of about 12 wt % or more, preferably about 17 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition.

3. The pet food composition of claim 2, wherein the one or more medium chain triglycerides further comprises at least one additional medium chain triglyceride having an aliphatic carbon chain of 6 to 10 carbons.

4. The pet food composition of claim 3, wherein the at least one additional medium chain triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain of 6 carbons, 8 carbons, or 10 carbons.

5. The pet food composition of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the at least one additional medium chain triglyceride has an aliphatic carbon chain component that is caprate.

6. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein the fat comprises at least one additional medium chain triglyceride having the aliphatic carbon chain component being capric ester in an amount of about 20 wt % or less, preferably about 4 wt % or less, or preferably less than 1 wt % of the total weight of the fat in the pet food composition.

7. The pet food composition of claim 6, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprylate component to the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprate component of the pet food composition of about 250:1 to about 500:

1.

8. The pet food composition of claim 7, wherein the weight ratio of the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprylate component to the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprate component is from about 300:1 to about 500:

1.

9. The pet food composition of claim 8, wherein the weight ratio of the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprylate component to the medium chain triglycerides comprising the caprate component is from about 300:1 to about 450:

1.

10. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more fatty acids selected from the group consisting of 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, octadecatonic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

11. The pet food composition of claim 10, wherein the fat comprises from about 6 wt% to about 65 wt% of the one or more fatty acids, based on the total weight of the fat.

12. The pet food composition of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, or a combination of two or more thereof.

13. The pet food composition of claim 12, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise omega-3 fatty acids in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the fat.

14. The pet food composition of claim 12, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise omega-6 fatty acids in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the fat.

15. The pet food composition of claim 12 or claim 13, comprising an omega-3 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

16. The pet food composition of claim 12 or claim 14, comprising an ω-6 fatty acid selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosopentaenoic acid, and combinations of two or more thereof.

17. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the weight ratio of the omega-3 fatty acids to the omega-6 fatty acids of the pet food composition is from about 5:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 4:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 3:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 2:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:20; preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:20; preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:18, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:16, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:14, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:12, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:10, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:6, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:3, or preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:

2.

18. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition causes an increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to circulating globulin by about 3% or more after about 3 days after ingestion.

19. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition causes an increase of about 5% or more in one or more of: long chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids, endocannabinoids, and a combination of two or more thereof after about 3 days after ingestion.

20. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition causes about 5% or more increase in incorporation of anti-inflammatory long chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid esters into phospholipids after about 3 days after ingestion.

21. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition maintains both blood urea concentration and creatinine concentration within a 10 ± % range.

22. A feline food composition comprising: 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 7% by weight or more of the fat, based on the total weight of the fat on a dry matter basis; about 40 g / 1000 kcal to about 150 g / 1000 kcal of protein; from about 5 g / 1000 kcal to about 55 g / 1000 kcal of fiber; and about 3g / 1000kcal to about 130g / 1000kcal of carbohydrates, wherein the pet food composition causes an increase in the ratio of circulating albumin to circulating globulin by about 3% or more after about 3 days after ingestion, and the amount of total metabolizable energy is based on the total metabolizable energy of the pet food composition.

23. The pet food composition of claim 22, wherein the pet food composition causes an increase of about 5% or more in one or more of the following after about 3 days after ingestion: long chain acylcarnitines, osmotic regulators, phospholipids, sphingolipids, endocannabinoids, and a combination of two or more thereof.

24. The pet food composition of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the pet food composition causes about a 5% or greater increase in incorporation of anti-inflammatory long chain polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid esters into phospholipids after about 3 days after ingestion.

25. The pet food composition of claim 22 to claim 24, wherein the pet food composition maintains both blood urea concentration and creatinine concentration within a 10±% range.

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

27. The pet food composition of any preceding claim, wherein the pet food composition is free of medium chain triglycerides having a caprate component.

28. A method for alleviating, alleviating or reducing symptoms in a pet suffering from kidney disease, the method comprising: The pet's circulating albumin to globulin ratio is increased by administering to the pet a pet food composition according to any preceding claim.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the method maintains both blood urea concentration and creatinine concentration within a 10 ± % range.

30. The method of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the canine is fed the pet food composition at least once a day, preferably at least twice a day, or preferably at least three times a day.

31. The method of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the canine is fed the pet food composition 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.

32. A method for alleviating, relieving or reducing symptoms in a pet suffering from kidney disease, comprising: diagnosing a pet with kidney disease by measuring serum albumin in said pet; as well as The pet's circulating albumin to globulin ratio is increased by administering to the pet an amount of a pet food composition according to any preceding claim.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising measuring the serum albumin of the pet one or more weeks after the pet is administered the amount of the pet food composition and directing an increase or decrease in the amount of the pet food composition administered to the pet.

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