An easily absorbable pet main food and a method for preparing the same

Abstract

The application provides an easily absorbed pet main food and a preparation method thereof. The easily absorbed pet main food at least comprises a protein component, a fat component, a carbohydrate component, a vitamin and mineral component, a fiber component, a functional additive and an NMN / amino acid-liposome component. The NMN / amino acid-liposome component is modified by liposome coating of NMN, so as to reduce the possibility that the added NMN in the pet main food is decomposed by gastric acid and digestive enzymes, improve the absorption rate, and promote intestinal peristalsis absorption by compounding NMN and amino acids, thereby reducing the gastrointestinal burden of middle-aged and old pets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet food technology, specifically to an easily absorbed pet staple food and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Most cat and dog food products on the market are designed to meet the general needs of pets, aiming to satisfy their basic nutritional intake. However, for middle-aged and senior pets, their digestive systems decline with age, with reduced digestive enzyme secretion and weakened gastrointestinal motility, leading to decreased nutrient absorption efficiency. In this case, ordinary cat and dog food often fails to meet their specific stage needs. For example, while high-fat and high-protein formulas are suitable for providing energy to young pets, they may increase the burden on the digestive system of middle-aged and senior pets, leading to problems such as diarrhea or constipation. In addition, many existing products lack ingredients that support cellular metabolism, which further limits the ability of middle-aged and senior pets to maintain vitality and health.

[0003] Decreased cellular metabolic activity in middle-aged and older pets can also affect their overall health, including a weakened immune system, disordered energy metabolism, and cognitive decline. These problems are largely related to the key molecule NAD+ in the body. + This is associated with decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). However, existing cat and dog food products generally lack ingredients that can directly boost NAD. + The low nutritional content of certain food components means that older pets cannot effectively improve their cellular function through their daily diet. Furthermore, the pet food market lacks specific solutions for these issues, often neglecting the special nutritional supplements needed by aging pets.

[0004] NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide) is an NAD+ nucleotide. + NMN, a direct precursor to NAD+, has shown great potential in enhancing cellular metabolic activity, delaying aging, and improving energy levels. Introducing NMN into senior cat and dog food formulas can effectively help pets supplement NAD+ levels lost due to aging. + This deficiency enhances cellular repair and regeneration capabilities. This not only improves the energy metabolism efficiency of aging pets but also enhances their immune function and cognitive state. For example, NMN supplementation may help pets absorb other nutrients more efficiently and reduce the burden on their digestive system by enhancing the function of intestinal cells. This strategy provides a systemic solution to the multiple problems caused by aging.

[0005] However, directly adding NMN to pet food may be limited in several ways. First, NMN may be rapidly broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes in a pet's digestive system, converting into nicotinamide or other forms, leading to decreased bioavailability and significantly reduced effectiveness. Second, cats and dogs have different gastrointestinal absorption characteristics, meaning some designs may not be suitable for both species simultaneously. Furthermore, the high cost and stability of NMN also present technical and economic obstacles to its direct addition. Therefore, while NMN holds significant potential, its practical application still faces a series of challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies for the gastrointestinal health of elderly pets and to provide an easily absorbed pet staple food containing NMN and its preparation method.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an easily absorbed pet food, comprising at least protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals, fiber, functional additives and NMN / amino acid-liposomes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the specific source of the protein component is not particularly limited; for example, it can be selected from one or more combinations of animal proteins such as chicken, beef, fish, lamb, eggs, and animal organs, as well as plant proteins such as pea protein and soy protein. The protein component can provide essential amino acids to support muscle development and tissue repair.

[0009] In some embodiments, the specific source of the fat component is not particularly limited; for example, it can be selected from one or more combinations of animal fat, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and sunflower seed oil. Fat components can provide energy, support healthy skin and shiny hair, and maintain normal cellular function.

[0010] In some embodiments, the specific selection of the carbohydrate source is not particularly limited; for example, it can be selected from one or more combinations of grains, tubers, and legumes, or from wheat, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, etc. Carbohydrates can provide an energy source, balancing the cost and processing performance of food.

[0011] In some embodiments, the specific selection of the vitamins and minerals is not particularly limited. For example, vitamins may be selected from one or more combinations of vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins, and minerals may be selected from one or more combinations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, etc. The vitamins and minerals can support bone health, immune function, metabolic regulation, and antioxidant effects.

[0012] In some embodiments, the specific selection of the fiber component is not particularly limited; for example, it can be selected from beet pulp, pea fiber, cellulose powder, etc. Fiber components can regulate digestive health and promote intestinal peristalsis and defecation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the functional additives include, but are not limited to, prebiotics and probiotics, antioxidants, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), colorings and flavorings.

[0014] In some embodiments, the NMN / amino acid-liposome component is a compound in which NMN and amino acids are encapsulated in liposomes.

[0015] In some embodiments, the amino acid is selected from one or more combinations of serine, threonine, and tyrosine. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine participate in the repair, renewal, and defense of intestinal mucosal cells, helping to maintain gastrointestinal health and potentially improving gastrointestinal discomfort caused by stress or emotions; when the above amino acids act together with NMN in the pet's gastrointestinal tract, they can enhance the absorption of NMN by the gastrointestinal tract.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method for preparing the NMN / amino acid-liposome includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Perform a two-step oxidation reaction on β-sitosterol to obtain a carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol;

[0018] Step 2: Activate the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol, and then esterify it with amino acids to obtain the esterified product;

[0019] Step 3: After mixing phospholipids, Tween-80, esterification products and NMN with ethanol, the mixture is rotary evaporated to obtain a film. Then, deionized water is added, and the mixture is hydrated by vacuum rotary evaporation and ultrasonic treatment to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposomes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the two-step oxidation reaction in step 1 is divided into a first oxidation reaction and a second oxidation reaction; wherein, the oxidant in the first oxidation reaction is manganese dioxide (MnO2) or pyridine chlorochromate (PCC), the reaction temperature is 30-50℃, and the reaction time is 2-4h; the oxidant in the second oxidation reaction is potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), the reaction temperature is 40-50℃, and the reaction time is 2-4h. After the reaction is completed, the pH is adjusted to neutral, and the product is purified by filtration and column chromatography to obtain the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol.

[0021] In some embodiments, the specific steps of activating the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol in step 2 are as follows: dissolve the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol in anhydrous dichloromethane, add DCC or EDC as an activating agent, add the catalyst DMAP, stir the reaction for 0.5-1 h, and obtain the activated β-sitosterol carboxyl derivative.

[0022] In some embodiments, the phospholipid is selected from one or more combinations of egg yolk lecithin, soybean lecithin, and ginseng soybean lecithin.

[0023] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the added phospholipids, Tween-80, esterified product, and NMN is 5-10:1-4:1-3:0.02-0.5. Preferably, the mass ratio of the added esterified product and NMN is 25:1.

[0024] In some embodiments, with the mass fraction of pet food being 100%, the mass percentage of the NMN / amino acid-liposome component added to the pet food is 1-10%; preferably, the mass percentage of the NMN / amino acid-liposome component added to the pet food is 1-5%.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mass fractions of the added protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral, fiber, and functional additives do not need to be specifically limited and can be based on common additive standards on the market.

[0026] In some embodiments, the pet food may include special ingredients in addition to the above-mentioned components. These special ingredients are those specifically added for cats and dogs when the pet food is cat food or dog food. For example, when the pet food is cat food, the special ingredients are taurine and vitamins A and D, which need to be added because cats cannot synthesize these components from plants like dogs can. When the pet food is dog food, the special ingredients are glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support the dog's joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a method for preparing the easily absorbed pet food, specifically including the following steps:

[0028] a. After mixing and stirring the raw materials, cut them into small cubes of a fixed shape;

[0029] b. Place the shaped pieces in an environment of 20-50℃ and 60-80% relative humidity for 20-50 minutes to allow them to rest.

[0030] c. Bake the raw materials processed in step b at a temperature of 200-300℃ for 10-30 minutes.

[0031] d. Cool the baked raw materials to room temperature, package them, and sterilize them; the sterilization temperature is 90-125 min, and the sterilization time is 10-90 min, to obtain pet staple food.

[0032] The advantages of this invention are:

[0033] 1. By modifying NMN through liposome encapsulation, the possibility of NMN being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes when added to pet food is reduced, thereby improving absorption rate.

[0034] 2. By combining NMN and amino acids, it promotes intestinal peristalsis and absorption, reducing the gastrointestinal burden on middle-aged and elderly pets. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not limited to the present invention.

[0036] All chemical reagents used in this invention are commercially available analytical grade reagents.

[0037] Example 1 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation

[0038] Step 1: In a dry round-bottom flask, add 10g of β-sitosterol dissolved in 50ml of anhydrous dichloromethane, add 3.1g of manganese dioxide, heat and stir at 40℃ for 4 hours. After the reaction is complete, remove the solid oxidant by filtration to obtain the aldehyde intermediate. Dissolve the aldehyde intermediate in 50ml of water-ethanol mixture, slowly add 10ml of aqueous solution containing 1.3g of potassium permanganate, and keep the solution temperature at 40℃. React for 2 hours. After the reaction is complete, adjust the pH to neutral with dilute sulfuric acid, filter to remove insoluble manganese oxide, and purify by column chromatography to obtain the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol.

[0039] Step 2: Dissolve 10g of the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol in 50ml of anhydrous dichloromethane, add 2.6g of DCC, and then add 0.5g of DMAP catalyst. Stir the reaction for 30 minutes to obtain the activated carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol. Dissolve 3g of serine in 10ml of anhydrous dichloromethane, add triethylamine to adjust the pH to 7 to obtain a serine solution. Slowly add the above activated carboxyl derivative solution of β-sitosterol to the serine solution. Stir the reaction at room temperature for 2 hours. After the reaction is completed, extract the organic phase with ethyl acetate, wash, dry, and purify the target product by column chromatography to obtain the esterified product.

[0040] Step 3: Mix 20g egg yolk lecithin, 8g Tween-80, 6g esterified product and 1g NMN with 50ml ethanol, evaporate to dryness by rotation to obtain a film, add 25ml deionized water, hydrate by vacuum rotation, and then sonicate to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposome 1.

[0041] Example 2 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation

[0042] The preparation method is basically the same as that in Example 1 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation, except that in step 3, the added masses of egg yolk lecithin, Tween-80, esterification product and NMN are 10g, 2g, 2g and 0.04g, respectively, to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposome 2.

[0043] Example 3 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation

[0044] The preparation method is basically the same as that in Example 1 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation, except that in step 3, the added masses of egg yolk lecithin, Tween-80, esterification product and NMN are 20g, 8g, 5g and 0.2g, respectively, to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposome 3.

[0045] Example 4 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation

[0046] The preparation method is basically the same as that in Example 1 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation, except that in step 2, threonine is used to replace serine to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposome 4.

[0047] Example 5 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation

[0048] The preparation method is basically the same as that in Example 1 of NMN / amino acid-liposome preparation, except that in step 2, tyrosine is used to replace serine to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposome 5.

[0049] Example 6 of NMN-liposome preparation

[0050] 20g of egg yolk lecithin, 8g of Tween-80, 6g of β-sitosterol and 1g of NMN were mixed with 50ml of ethanol and evaporated by rotary evaporation to obtain a film. Then, 25ml of deionized water was added, and the film was hydrated by vacuum rotary evaporation and then sonicated to obtain NMN-liposome 6.

[0051] Liposome preparation example 7

[0052] 20g of egg yolk lecithin, 8g of Tween-80, 6g of β-sitosterol and 50ml of ethanol were mixed and evaporated by rotation to obtain a film. Then, 25ml of deionized water was added, and the film was hydrated by vacuum rotation and then sonicated to obtain liposome 7.

[0053] Example 8 of NMN preparation

[0054] NMN, referred to as Preparation Example 8.

[0055] Examples and Comparative Examples

[0056] a. After mixing and stirring the various embodiments according to the formula, cut them into small square cubes;

[0057] b. Place the shaped pieces in an environment of 50℃ and 80% relative humidity for 50 minutes to allow them to rest.

[0058] c. Bake the raw materials processed in step b at a temperature of 200℃ for 30 minutes.

[0059] d. Cool the baked raw materials to room temperature, package them, and sterilize them; the sterilization temperature is 100 min and the sterilization time is 60 min to obtain cat pet food.

[0060] The formulations of each embodiment include common and specific ingredients, specifically including 25% frozen chicken, 10% chicken powder, 8% frozen cod, 5% frozen squab, 3% egg powder, 3% chicken liver powder, 1% chicken oil, 2% flaxseed, 4% cod oil, 0.2% butter, 7% sweet potato granules, 5% tapioca starch, 0.15% sodium hyaluronate, 0.2% vitamin A, 0.2% vitamin C, 0.2% vitamin D3, 0.2% vitamin E, 0.2% vitamin B1, 0.2% vitamin B2, 0.2% vitamin B6, and 0.2% vitamin B2. 12 0.2%, taurine 1%, sodium chloride 0.15%, niacin 1%, alfalfa hay pellets 4%, fresh pumpkin 2%, fresh broccoli 2%, fresh tomato 2%, amino acid copper complex 0.2%, amino acid iron complex 0.2%, amino acid manganese complex 0.2%, amino acid zinc complex 0.2%, Bacillus subtilis 1×10 10 / g 0.1%, Bacillus coagulans 1×10 10 / g 0.1%, Bacillus licheniformis 1×10 10 / g 0.1% and one of NMN / amino acid-liposome, NMN-liposome, liposome and NMN as shown in Table 1 by mass percentage, with the balance supplemented with chicken meal to 100%.

[0061] Table 1 (Unit: %, mass percentage)

[0062]

[0063] Note: "-" in the table indicates that it has not been added.

[0064] The following tests were conducted on the NMN / amino acid-liposomes and pet food prepared above.

[0065] Test 1: In vitro digestive performance test. The above-mentioned NMN / amino acid-liposomes, NMN-liposomes, liposomes, and NMN were mixed with artificial saliva (a mixture of 0.16g NaCl, 0.02g KCl, 0.06g mucin, and 100ml ultrapure water) at a volume ratio of 1:1 and reacted at pH 6.8 and 37℃ for 10 min; then the above mixture was mixed with artificial gastric juice (0.2g... A mixture of NaCl, 0.7 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid, 0.32 g pepsin, and 100 mL ultrapure water was mixed at a volume ratio of 1:1 and reacted at pH 2.0 and 37 °C for 100 min. This mixture was then combined with artificial intestinal fluid (a mixture of 0.68 g KHPO4, 0.877 g NaCl, 0.5 g bile salts, 0.32 g secretin, and 100 mL ultrapure water) at a volume ratio of 1:1 and reacted at pH 7.0 and 37 °C for 100 min. Before proceeding to the next stage, 3 mL of the digestive solution was rapidly cooled in an ice bath. The digestive fluid was then mixed with petroleum ether at a volume ratio of 1:3 and vortexed for 1 min. The mixture was centrifuged at 4500 g for 5 min to remove the solvent. The NMN release rate was quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography, and the percentage of total NMN obtainable in the intestine was calculated relative to the total NMN added during preparation. The test results are shown in Table 2.

[0066] Table 2

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] The experimental data in Table 2 show that at the end of the simulated digestion by saliva and gastric juice, the cumulative release rate of NMN from the prepared NMN / amino acid-liposomes and NMN-liposomes was about 10%, indicating that the low pH environment of gastric juice has little impact on NMN / amino acid-liposomes. However, according to the data in Comparative Example 3, directly adding NMN to the staple food is not feasible because NMN may be rapidly decomposed by gastric acid and digestive enzymes in the pet's digestive system, converted into nicotinamide or other forms, resulting in a decrease in its bioavailability and a very low detectable NMN content.

[0070] A comparison of Examples 5 and 1 & 4 shows that the material of the liposomes has a certain influence on the amount of NMN that can be encapsulated and released. Although Example 1 added the most NMN, the percentage of NMN that could be released during use was not the highest, indicating that the encapsulation capacity of the liposomes is limited and cannot completely encapsulate 1 ml of NMN and release it into the intestinal fluid. When the added volumes of egg yolk lecithin, Tween-80, esterified products, and NMN were 20 ml, 8 ml, 5 ml, and 0.2 ml, respectively, the release rate of the resulting NMN / amino acid-liposomes was the highest, which is more conducive to reducing costs and improving the utilization rate of NMN.

[0071] Test 2: Palatability Test. Sixty spayed / neutered cats of similar health status and no history of disease, aged 6-8 years, were borrowed from a cattery and divided into 10 groups with equal numbers of males and females. They were fed the same pet food as described in the example and comparison proportions daily for 2 months. Fecal shape, coat quality (rated on a scale of 1-5, where 1 indicates smooth and shiny coat, 5 indicates dry and frizzy coat, and so on), and body weight were measured before and after the test. The test results are shown in Table 3.

[0072] Table 3

[0073]

[0074] As shown in Table 3 above, the pet food prepared in the examples has palatability, selectivity, and sufficient nutrition. The weight of all cats showed an increasing trend, and they all had good fecal quality. As can be seen from the examples and Comparative Example 1, in the preparation of NMN / amino acid-liposomes, the composite encapsulation of amino acids and NMN in the liposomes may promote nutrient absorption in middle-aged and older pets, further enhance the function of intestinal cells, more efficiently absorb other nutrients, reduce the burden on the digestive system, and maintain formed feces.

[0075] The above experimental results and embodiments are a specific description of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The above experimental results are only some of the formulation ratios and product forms, and are not limited to these ratios and forms. The same ratio can be used to make products in different forms (lyophilized, powdered, capsuled, liquid). For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. All modifications that those skilled in the art can directly derive or conceive from the content disclosed in this invention should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. The scope of protection of this invention is given by the appended claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. An easily absorbed pet food, characterized in that, The pet staple food includes protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, fiber, functional additives, and NMN / amino acid-liposomes. The method for preparing the NMN / amino acid-liposome includes the following steps: Step 1: A two-step oxidation reaction is performed on β-sitosterol to obtain the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol. The two-step oxidation reaction consists of a first oxidation reaction and a second oxidation reaction. In the first oxidation reaction, the oxidant is manganese dioxide, the reaction temperature is 30-50℃, and the reaction time is 2-4h. In the second oxidation reaction, the oxidant is potassium permanganate, the reaction temperature is 40-50℃, and the reaction time is 2-4h. After the reaction, the pH is adjusted to neutral, and the product is purified by filtration and column chromatography to obtain the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol. Step 2: Activate the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol, and then esterify it with amino acids to obtain the esterified product; the specific steps for activating the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol include: dissolving the carboxyl derivative of β-sitosterol in anhydrous dichloromethane, adding DCC or EDC as an activating agent, adding the catalyst DMAP, stirring the reaction for 0.5-1 h to obtain the activated β-sitosterol carboxyl derivative; Step 3: After mixing phospholipids, Tween-80, esterification products and NMN with ethanol, the mixture is rotary evaporated to obtain a film. Then, deionized water is added, and the mixture is hydrated by vacuum rotary evaporation and ultrasonic treatment to obtain NMN / amino acid-liposomes.

2. The pet staple food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NMN / amino acid-liposome component is a compound in which NMN and amino acids are encapsulated in liposomes.

3. The pet staple food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amino acid is selected from one or more combinations of serine, threonine, and tyrosine.

4. The pet staple food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phospholipid is selected from one or more combinations of egg yolk lecithin, soybean lecithin, and ginseng soybean lecithin.

5. The pet staple food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the added phospholipids, Tween-80, esterified products and NMN is 5-10:1-4:1-3:0.02-0.

5.

6. The pet staple food according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on a pet food staple food weight percentage of 100%, the NMN / amino acid-liposome component added to the pet food staple food weight percentage is 1-10%.

7. A method for preparing the pet staple food according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising the following steps: a. After mixing and stirring the raw materials, cut them into small cubes of a fixed shape; b. Place the shaped small pieces in an environment of 20-50℃ and 60-80% relative humidity for 20-50 minutes to allow them to rest. c. Bake the raw materials processed in step b at a temperature of 200-300℃ for 10-30 minutes. d. Cool the baked raw materials to room temperature, package them, and sterilize them; the sterilization temperature is 90-125 min, and the sterilization time is 10-90 min, to obtain pet staple food.

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