Compositions and methods for digestive health of canines

Abstract

Compositions and methods for providing digestive health benefits to canine animals comprise the use of a prebiotic fiber blend comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally semen plantaginis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 409,022, filed on September 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The intestinal tract plays a key role in the health and overall well-being of animals. To help fulfill this role, the intestinal tract contains a variety of microorganisms that under normal conditions comprise a healthy gastrointestinal microflora. The microflora has many benefits to animals, for example, producing fatty acids that fuel the cells that fill the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, synthesizing vitamins, and synthesizing enzymes that aid in the breakdown and digestion of food. In addition, the microflora helps protect the host's immune system from disease. For example, it is known that the microflora inhibits the attachment and colonization of potential pathogens within the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates the production of cytokines and immunoglobulins.

[0004] Unfortunately, disruption of the normal balance of microflora can lead to opportunistic infections of the gastrointestinal tract and can promote additional complications, such as diarrhea and dehydration. The normal balance of microflora can be disrupted in a variety of ways, such as stress, advanced age, travel, consumption of contaminated food or water, antibiotic therapy, etc. One method for preventing or treating such undesirable disruptions involves prophylactically administering probiotics to animals to prevent disruptions or therapeutically administering probiotics to animals to restore the normal balance of microflora and promote recovery from the resulting undesirable complications caused by the disruption.

[0005] Probiotics and their benefits to animal health are well known to those skilled in the art. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect in preventing and treating specific medical conditions after ingestion. It is believed that probiotics exert their biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics facilitate the process by which native anaerobic flora limit the concentration of potentially harmful bacteria (mainly aerobic bacteria) in the digestive tract. Other modes of action, such as supplying enzymes or affecting the activity of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, may also result in some other functions that have been attributed to probiotics. Probiotics are known to enhance intestinal function, stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce the population of harmful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.

[0006] Although probiotics are often used to promote the health of animals, they are often difficult to store, handle and administer to animals. Probiotics may be unstable under normal environmental conditions and require special treatments, such as refrigeration, freeze drying or other means to extend the life of probiotics. Similarly, probiotics are usually unpalatable to animals that eat them. Typically, other compounds or compositions can be used to eliminate or enhance palatability. In addition, it may be beneficial to use ingredients in combination with probiotics to supplement the immune system, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, to obtain the maximum benefit from the administration of probiotics. In addition, achieving therapeutic amounts may be challenging. Therefore, a new composition that can provide digestive health benefits to animals is needed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for providing digestive health benefits to canines, including the use of prebiotic fiber blends.

[0008] In one embodiment, a prebiotic fiber blend for canines may include pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of providing a digestive health benefit to a canine may include administering a prebiotic fiber blend to the canine, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend comprises pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

[0010] Other embodiments include treating diarrhea, increasing stool mass, increasing microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogens, increasing mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, and reducing postprandial glucose excursions by administering the compositions also described herein.

[0011] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] definition

[0013] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a fiber" or "the fiber" includes two or more fibers. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X" or "Y" or "X and Y." When used herein, the terms "example" and "such as," particularly when followed by a list of items, are exemplary and illustrative only and are not exclusive or comprehensive.

[0014] As used herein, "about" should be understood to refer to a number within a certain numerical range, such as a range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, within a range of -5% to +5% of the referenced number, or in one aspect within a range of -1% to +1% of the referenced number, and in a specific aspect within a range of -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. In addition, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers or fractions within the range. In addition, these numerical ranges should be understood to provide support for claims involving any number or subset of numbers within the range. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be understood to support ranges of 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, etc.

[0015] All percentages expressed herein are by weight percentage based on the total weight of the food composition, unless otherwise indicated. When pH is mentioned, the value corresponds to the pH measured at 25°C using standard equipment. "Amount" can be the total amount of the mentioned component per composition or per individual unit composition, and / or can be the weight percentage of the mentioned component on a dry weight basis. In addition, "amount" includes zero; for example, the statement of the amount of a compound does not necessarily mean that the compound is present unless followed by a range that does not include zero.

[0016] The terms "pet food," "pet food product," and "pet food composition" refer to a product or composition that is intended for ingestion by a canine and that provides at least one nutrient to the canine. Further, in this regard, these terms refer to the product or composition being in a ready-to-eat form and not merely an intermediate in making an edible product or composition, although other food compositions, such as dietary supplements, may be added in some embodiments. The term "pet food" refers to any food composition that is intended for consumption by a canine.

[0017] The term "effective amount" refers to an amount of a compound of the invention that is capable of (i) treating or preventing a particular disease, condition, or disorder, (ii) alleviating, ameliorating, or eliminating one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder, or (iii) preventing or delaying the onset of one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder as described herein. In one embodiment, the fiber blend of the invention may be present in an effective amount for improving the microbiome. Improving or treating gastrointestinal problems; treating or preventing diarrhea; increasing or improving stool quality; treating, preventing, or reducing inflammation; treating, preventing, or reducing postprandial glucose excursions; and / or increasing or improving digestive health.

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, dosages expressed herein are in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (mg / kg / day).

[0019] The term "long-term administration" means repeated administration or consumption for a period of more than one month. A period of more than two months, three months, four months may be used for certain embodiments. In addition, extended periods including longer than 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, or 10 months may be used. Periods of more than 11 months or 1 year may also be used. Long-term use of more than 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or more is included in the present invention. For some elderly canines, these canines will continue to consume regularly for the rest of their lives. This may also be referred to as "extended" period consumption.

[0020] The term "regularly" or "regular administration" means dosing a composition or edible composition at least once a month, and in one aspect means dosing at least once a week. In certain embodiments, more frequent dosing or consumption may be performed, such as twice or three times a week. However, in other embodiments, a regimen comprising at least one daily consumption may be used. Whether or not explicitly exemplified herein, a frequency capable of maintaining the desired activity level of a measured compound such as a probiotic within an acceptable range may be used herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the amount of food fed will vary with the composition consumed or administered and the animal consuming the food, and some food compositions may need to be administered more frequently or less frequently to maintain the desired activity level of the measured compound (e.g., probiotic).

[0021] Relative terms "improve," "increase," "enhance," "reduce," and the like refer to the effect of the compositions disclosed herein (compositions comprising a prebiotic fiber blend) relative to an otherwise identical composition having lesser amounts or lacking such constituent elements.

[0022] A "blended" composition has only at least two components, and these two components have at least one different characteristic relative to each other. In one aspect, water content and water activity can be different in the context of the present disclosure. In this regard, describing a composition as "blended" does not mean that the blended composition has been subjected to a treatment sometimes referred to as "blending" (i.e., mixing the components so that they are indistinguishable from each other), and in one aspect, such treatment is avoided when one component is mixed with other components to form a blended composition (e.g., when a dry component is mixed with a moist or semi-wet component). In addition, in this regard, in a blended composition, at least two components having at least one different characteristic relative to each other can each maintain their own unique characteristics and appearance.

[0023] "Wet food" refers to pet food having a moisture content of about 50% to about 90%, and in one aspect about 70% to about 90%. "Dry food" refers to pet food having a moisture content of less than about 20%, and in one aspect less than about 15%, and in one specific aspect less than about 10%. "Semi-moist food" means pet food having a moisture content of about 20% to about 50%, and in one aspect about 25% to about 35%.

[0024] "Kibble" is used synonymously with "chunk" herein, and both terms refer to a block of dry or semi-moist pet food that may have a pellet shape or any other shape and may be made by cutting a food composition into individual pieces. Non-limiting examples of kibble include: granules; pellets; pet food chunks, dehydrated meat, simulated meat products, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet snacks such as jerky or vegetable jerky, rawhide, and crackers. "Imitative meat products" are meat emulsion products that resemble natural meat slices in appearance, texture, and physical structure.

[0025] When referring to a food composition, the term "complete and balanced" refers to a food composition that contains all known essential nutrients in adequate amounts and proper proportions, based on the recommendations of recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, and is therefore capable of being used as a sole source of dietary intake to sustain life or promote production without the addition of supplemental sources of nutrition. Nutritionally balanced pet foods and animal food compositions are widely known and widely used in the art, for example, complete and balanced food compositions formulated according to the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on January 1, 2022.

[0026] The term "dietary supplement" or "supplement" refers to a product that is intended to be ingested in addition to the normal diet. Dietary supplements can be in any form, such as solid, liquid, gel, tablet, capsule, powder, etc. In one aspect, dietary supplements can be provided in a convenient dosage form. In some embodiments, dietary supplements can be provided in the form of retail bulk packages (such as bulk powders, liquids, gels, or oils). In other embodiments, supplements can be provided in bulk to be included in other food categories, such as snacks, treats, supplement bars, beverages, etc.

[0027] The compositions disclosed herein may be free of any elements not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, disclosures of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" include disclosures of embodiments "consisting essentially of the specified components" and embodiments "consisting of the specified components." Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may be free of any steps not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, disclosures of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" include disclosures of embodiments "consisting essentially of the specified steps" and embodiments "consisting of the specified steps." Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein, unless otherwise expressly and directly stated.

[0028] Discussions of embodiments, aspects, examples, etc. of the invention are independent because they are applicable to all methods and compositions. For example, a prebiotic fiber blend used in a food composition can also be used in a method of improving the microbiome of an animal, and vice versa.

[0029] Implementation

[0030] The present inventors have discovered that prebiotic fiber blends can provide digestive health benefits in canines. Additionally, the present inventors have discovered that certain fiber blends unexpectedly provide specific health benefits to canines that have not been found in other companion animals.

[0031] Thus, in one embodiment, a prebiotic fiber blend for canines may include pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium. In one embodiment, the blend includes psyllium.

[0032] In another embodiment, a method of providing a digestive health benefit to a canine may comprise administering a prebiotic fiber blend to a canine, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend comprises pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium. In one embodiment, the blend comprises psyllium.

[0033] Other embodiments include treating diarrhea, increasing stool mass, increasing microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogens, increasing mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, and reducing postprandial glucose excursions by administering the compositions also described herein.

[0034] Generally, pumpkin, inulin and psyllium can be present in any effective amount to provide a therapeutic effect to canines. In one embodiment, pumpkin can be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%. In one aspect, pumpkin can be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% to about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%. In one embodiment, inulin can be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10% to about 40%. In one aspect, inulin can be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% or 35% to about 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 40%. In one embodiment, psyllium can be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%. In one aspect, psyllium may be present in the fiber blend at about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% to about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%.

[0035] Typically, the prebiotic fiber blend can be part of a food composition (e.g., a pet food composition, a treat, a supplement, etc.). In one embodiment, the pet food composition can include a prebiotic fiber blend as described herein. In one aspect, the pet food composition can also include protein, carbohydrates, and fat. In another aspect, the pet food composition can also include a preservative. Additionally, other food compositions described herein can include a preservative.

[0036] Generally, the prebiotic fiber blend can be present in the composition in any effective amount to impart a therapeutic effect or health benefit as described herein. In one embodiment, the fiber blend can be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10%. In one aspect, the fiber blend can be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0% to about 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0%. %. In one embodiment, pumpkin can be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%. In one aspect, pumpkin can be about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, or 4.5%. In one embodiment, inulin can be present in a pet food in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%.In one aspect, inulin can be about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, or 4.5%. In one embodiment, psyllium may be present in a pet food in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%. In one aspect, the psyllium may be about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%,.

[0041] 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0% or 4.5% to about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%,

[0042] 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5% or 5.0% is present in pet food.

[0043] In other embodiments, the prebiotic fiber blend can be in the form of a supplement or a treat. In one embodiment, a supplement may include a prebiotic fiber blend. In addition, in one aspect, the fiber blend can be present in the supplement in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%. In various aspects, the fiber blend can be present in the supplement in an amount of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 40% to about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%. In another embodiment, a treat may include a prebiotic fiber blend. In one aspect, the fiber blend can be present in a treat in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%. In various aspects, the fiber blend may be present in the treat at about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 40% to about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%.

[0044] Typically, the compositions of the present invention are administered to canines to provide the canines with health benefits as described herein. In one embodiment, the prebiotic fiber blend may be administered to canines on a regular basis. Such administration may be accomplished by any of the compositions described herein. In one embodiment, the prebiotic fiber blend may be administered to canines as part of a pet food composition. In various aspects, the pet food composition may be a wet pet food, a dry pet food, a semi-moist pet food, or a blended pet food.

[0045] In general, the prebiotic fiber blends of the present invention provide specific health benefits to canines. In one embodiment, the digestive health benefit can be selected from: treating diarrhea, increasing stool mass, increasing microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogens, increasing mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, reducing postprandial glucose excursions, and combinations thereof.

[0046] Typically, the compositions of the present invention can be administered to an animal for a sufficient time to achieve a change in the microbiome of the animal or to provide a health benefit as described herein. In one embodiment, the composition can be administered to the animal periodically. In another embodiment, the composition can be administered chronically. As described herein, the compositions of the present invention are typically food compositions, but can also be administered as part of a dietary regimen in the form of supplements, treats, sachets, and the like. In one embodiment, the composition is a pet food composition. In another embodiment, the composition is a dietary supplement. In yet another embodiment, the composition is a sachet.

[0047] In addition, the compositions disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. In one embodiment, the composition may contain probiotics or other prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects in preventing and treating specific medical conditions after ingestion. It is believed that probiotics exert biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics are beneficial to the process of limiting the concentration of potentially harmful bacteria (mainly aerobic bacteria) in the digestive tract by native anaerobic flora. Other modes of action, such as supplying enzymes or affecting the activity of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, may also lead to some other functions that have been considered to be caused by probiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect host health by selectively stimulating the growth and / or activity of bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics include oligofructose (FOS), oligoxylose (XOS), oligogalactose (GOS) and oligomannose (commonly used in non-human foods, such as pet food). Prebiotic oligofructose (FOS) is naturally present in many foods such as wheat, onions, bananas, honey, garlic and leeks. FOS can also be separated from chicory roots or synthesized enzymatically from sucrose. FOS fermentation in the colon leads to a large number of physiological effects, including increasing the number of bifidobacteria in the colon, increasing calcium absorption, increasing stool weight, shortening the time of passing through the gastrointestinal tract, and possibly reducing blood lipid levels. Probiotics enhance systemic cellular immune responses and can be used as dietary supplements to enhance the natural immunity of otherwise healthy adults. Probiotics include many types of bacteria, but are generally selected from four types of bacteria: Lactobacilllus acidophillus, Bifidobacteria, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus. Beneficial species include Enterococcus and Saccharomyces species. The amount of probiotics and prebiotics to be administered to animals is determined by a technician based on the type and nature of prebiotics and probiotics and the type and nature of the animal (e.g., age, weight, overall health, sex, degree of microbial consumption, presence of harmful bacteria, and diet of the animal). Generally speaking, probiotics are administered to animals in an amount of about 1 billion to about 20 billion colony forming units (CFU) per day for maintaining healthy intestinal microflora, and in one aspect, about 5 billion to about 10 billion live bacteria per day. Generally speaking, prebiotics are administered in an amount sufficient to actively stimulate the healthy microflora in the intestine and reproduce these "beneficial" bacteria. Typical amounts are about 1 gram to about 10 grams per serving, or about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber for an animal. Probiotics and prebiotics can be part of the composition by any suitable means. Generally speaking, the agent is mixed with the composition, or applied to the surface of the composition, for example, by spraying or spraying. When the agent is part of a kit, the agent can be mixed with other substances or in its own packaging.For dietary supplement embodiments, such supplements may comprise from about 1% to about 90% probiotics, from about 1% to about 70% probiotics, or even from about 1% to about 50% probiotics.

[0048] The composition of the present invention may include additional substances, such as minerals, vitamins, salts, proteins, amino acids, fibers, antioxidants, flavorings, colorants, and preservatives. Non-limiting examples of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chlorine, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, selenium, etc., and their various salts. Non-limiting examples of vitamins include vitamin A, various B vitamins (e.g., B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, and B-12), vitamin D, and vitamin K. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include butylated hydroxyanisole ("BHA") and butylated hydroxytoluene ("BHT"), vitamin E (tocopherol), etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methyl paraben, calcium propionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof. The composition may also include carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Additional ingredients such as digestive aids, health aids, etc. may also be included.

[0049] In various embodiments, the composition of the present invention may also include about 15% to about 60% crude protein. In one embodiment, the composition includes about 40% to about 55% crude protein. The crude protein material may include plant protein, such as soybean, corn, rice, cottonseed and peanut, or animal protein, such as casein, albumin and meat protein. Non-limiting examples of meat protein that can be used herein include pork, lamb, horse meat, poultry, fish and mixtures thereof.

[0050] The composition may also include about 5% to about 40% fat. In one embodiment, the composition may include about 15% to about 22% fat. The composition may also include a carbohydrate source. The composition may include about 15% to about 60% carbohydrates. Non-limiting examples of such carbohydrates include grains or cereals such as rice, corn, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally include other materials such as dry whey and other dairy byproducts.

[0051] The composition can also further include other fiber sources. Generally speaking, the composition can include about 0.5% to about 5% other fibers. A variety of soluble or insoluble fibers can be used, which will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The fiber source can be beet pulp (derived from beets), gum arabic, gum talha, psyllium, rice bran, carob gum, citrus pulp, pectin, oligofructose, manno-oligofructose, soy fiber, lupin fiber, arabinogalactan, oligogalactose, arabinoxylan or a mixture thereof. The fiber source can be fermentable fiber, such as many of those listed above. Fermentable fiber has previously been described as beneficial to the immune system of companion animals. Fermentable fiber or other compositions known to those skilled in the art, the prebiotic composition provided by it can enhance the growth of probiotics in the intestinal tract, and can also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the benefits of the immune system, gastrointestinal system and general health of animals provided by the present invention.

[0052] In some embodiments where the composition is a supplement, the total water content of the dietary supplement may be between about 2% and about 10% by weight of the supplement in order to enhance the length of time the supplement may be stored. In one embodiment, the total water content may be less than 5% by weight of the supplement. Similarly, the dietary supplement may have a water activity in the range of 0.20 to 0.6. In one aspect, the water activity may be less than 0.55.

[0053] The composition can be specially formulated for young, adult or geriatric animals. Generally, a specialized formulation contains ingredients that meet the energy and nutritional requirements of canines at different stages of development or age or specific nutritional requirements associated with a disease state.

[0054] As described herein, pet food compositions may include meat, such as emulsified meat. Examples of suitable meat include poultry, beef, pork, mutton and fish, particularly those types of meat suitable for pets. Meat may include any other part of an animal, including viscera. Some or all of the meat may be provided as one or more meat meals, i.e., meat that has been dried and ground to form substantially uniformly sized particles and as defined by AAFCO. Additionally or alternatively, vegetable proteins may be used, such as pea protein, corn protein (e.g., corn flour or corn gluten), wheat protein (e.g., wheat flour or wheat gluten), soy protein (e.g., soy flour, soy concentrate, or soy isolate), rice protein (e.g., rice flour or rice gluten), etc.

[0055] In one embodiment, the pet food composition disclosed herein may include vegetable oil, flavor, colorant and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, etc. Examples of suitable flavors include yeast, beef tallow, processed animal food (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb and pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., roast beef), animal digests, etc. Suitable colorants include FD&C pigments, such as blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 3, red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, etc.; natural pigments, such as caramel color, annatto, chlorophyllin, cochineal, betanin, turmeric, saffron, paprika, lycopene, elderberry juice, pandan extract, butterfly pea flower pigment, etc.; titanium dioxide; and any suitable food colorant known to the technician.

[0056] In one embodiment, the pet food composition may include starch, which may include grains such as corn, rice, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, etc., and mixtures of these grains, and may be at least partially contained in any fine powder. In another embodiment, the pet food composition may include a humectant, which includes salt, sugar, propylene glycol, and polyols such as glycerol and sorbitol, etc. In another embodiment, the pet food composition may include oral health care ingredients, which include alfalfa nutritional concentrates containing chlorophyll, sodium bicarbonate, phosphates (e.g., tricalcium phosphate, acid pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, and orthophosphate), mint, cloves, parsley, ginger, etc.

[0057] The specific amount of each additional ingredient in the pet food compositions disclosed herein will depend on a variety of factors, such as the ingredients contained in the first edible substance and any second edible substance; the breed of the canine; the age, weight, general health, sex, and diet of the canine; the canine's feeding rate; the purpose for which the food product is administered to the canine; and the like.

[0058] Example

[0059] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Example 1 - In vitro fiber blend studies

[0061] According to Table 1, various fiber blends selected from 9 individual fibers were subjected to in vitro fermentation screening.

[0062] Table 1

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] The blend was added to a sugar-depleted nutrient medium at a concentration of 5 g / L, and a blank tube (no substrate) was used for correction. A short-term colon incubation simulation was performed using a fresh fecal inoculum from a single healthy adult dog. Incubation was performed at 39°C for 48 hours under anaerobic conditions and measurements were performed at 24 hours. Each condition was measured in triplicate.

[0066] The results of 24-hour fermentation and 48-hour fermentation are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively. Total microbial fermentation was measured using pH and gas production. Microbial metabolic activity was measured using saccharolysis end products: short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid and proteolysis end products: branched short-chain fatty acids (BCFA) and ammonium. Microbial community composition was measured by specific qPCR for Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus. Sequencing to provide relative abundance.

[0067] Table 2

[0068] parameter Blend 1 Blend 2 Blend 3 Blend 4 Blend 5 Blend 6 Healthy bowel movements pH -0.15 -0.12 -0.31 -0.26 -0.34 -0.12 reduce Gas production 12.17 8.50 20.67 18.00 21.10 10.63 Increase Acetate 12.40 6.85 19.05 13.64 17.52 9.50 Increase Propionate 2.71 2.24 7.55 4.44 4.95 2.48 Increase Butyrate 2.16 0.86 2.10 1.24 2.44 1.47 Increase Total SCFA 17.27 9.96 28.70 19.31 24.91 13.45 Increase Lactate -0.01 0.00 0.22 0.10 0.33 0.01 Increase Total BCFA 0.17 -0.09 -0.28 -0.23 0.05 0.31 reduce Ammonium 16.38 4.24 -22.27 -21.90 -26.38 -2.34 reduce

[0069] Table 3

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] As can be seen in Table 2, Blends 3-5 generally provided positive results for the strongest performing parameters measured for Blends 3 and 5. Of note, Blends 3-5 each contained pumpkin and inulin. Blends 3-5 were clearly distinguished as being superior to Blends 1-2 and Blend 6, which provided unacceptable results. Therefore, Blends 3-5 were tested in vivo.

[0073] Example 2 - Canine Fiber Blend Study

[0074] Canine in vivo studies were performed using 5 groups of 8 dogs each, as summarized in Table 4. Large breeds included Labrador retrievers and Walker coonhounds; and the medium breed used was Beagle. All pets were apparently healthy, at least 1 year old, and had not received antibiotics within 60 days before the start of the test. In order to stabilize the intestinal microbiome, a control diet was fed to all dogs for 28 days (initial). At the end of 28 days, the dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment diets consisting of a control diet with a fiber blend added. The dogs were fed their assigned treatment diet for another 28 days (final). All groups were balanced for age, weight, and breed group size. Measurements were taken on the same day of each phase. A single fresh fecal sample was collected within 15 minutes of defecation and fecal microflora, fecal IgA, short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids were analyzed by PCR. Activity was measured using an activity monitoring device attached to a collar for four consecutive 24-hour periods. Activity counts were recorded every 30 seconds during the 4-day period. The data were analyzed to compare all results to the initial results for each dog. Nutritional information for the pet foods incorporated into the blends is provided in Table 5, with percentages based on the diet fed. All pet foods were found to be palatable.

[0075] Table 4

[0076] Treatment Group Age (years) Weight(kg) Large:Medium Ratio PPVD EN* 10.4(±3.4) 19.7(±12.4) 3：5 Comparison** 9.6(±4.0) 18.6(±9.0) 3：5 Blend 3 10.5(±3.1) 18.3(±10.6) 3：5 Blend 4 10.0(±4.3) 19.4(±11.2) 3：5 Blend 5 10.2(±2.7) 18.7(±9.1) 3：5

[0077] * Refers to Purina Pro Veterinary Feed EN Gastrointestinal Canine Formula

[0078] **The control used was a dry formulation of PPVD EN without wheat bran aleurone

[0079] Table 5

[0080] Determination PPVD EN Dry* Comparison** Blend 3 Blend 4 Blend 5 Moisture,% 7.3 6.5 7.5 7.8 7.6 protein,% 28.4 30.0 28.3 27.7 28.0 Fat,% 13.1 13.6 13.9 13.2 13.7 Crude fiber, % 0.92 0.86 0.84 1.79 1.13 Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) 5.70 8.38 6.84 8.19 6.83 Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), % 4.83 7.48 4.91 6.75 5.84 Soluble dietary fiber (SDF), % 0.87 0.90 1.93 1.44 0.98 SDF: IDF 0.1795 0.1202 0.3943 0.2138 0.1685 SDF:TDF 0.1523 0.1073 0.2828 0.1762 0.1442 pumpkin,% -- -- 1.5 1.5 1.5 Inulin, % -- -- 1.0 1.0 1.0 Plantago, % -- -- 1.5 -- -- Wheat bran aleurone, % 1.0 -- -- -- 1.5 Beet pulp, % -- -- -- 3.5 -- Oat fiber, % -- -- -- 0.8 -- Citrus fiber, % -- -- -- 0.2 --

[0081] * Refers to Purina Pro Veterinary Feed EN Gastrointestinal Canine Formula

[0082] **The control used was a dry formulation of PPVD EN without wheat bran aleurone

[0083] While each blend provided generally acceptable digestibility and stool quality, Blend 3 was superior in reducing pathogens, increasing mobility, increasing fecal IgA, and reducing protein catabolites, as shown in Table 6.

[0084] Table 6

[0085]

[0086] Example 3 - Feline Fiber Blend Study

[0087] Feline studies testing the same fiber blends were also conducted. However, while fiber blends 3-5 provided acceptable in vitro screening, in vivo testing showed that blend 5 was superior to blend 3 in providing an increase in beneficial bacteria, a decrease in pathogenic bacteria, and a decrease in protein breakdown products in cats. Thus, the results show that fiber blends do not perform the same across species.

[0088] It should be understood that various changes and modifications made to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A prebiotic fiber blend for canines comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

2. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the pumpkin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%.

3. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the inulin is present in the fiber blend in an amount from about 10% to about 40%.

4. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the fiber blend comprises psyllium, and wherein the psyllium is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%.

5. A pet food composition comprising the prebiotic fiber blend according to claim 1.

6. The pet food composition of claim 5, further comprising protein, carbohydrates, fat, and a preservative, wherein the fiber blend is present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10%.

7. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein the pumpkin is present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, the inulin is present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, and the psyllium is present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%.

8. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein the pet food composition is a complete and balanced pet food.

9. A supplement comprising the prebiotic fiber blend according to claim 1.

10. The supplement of claim 9, wherein the fiber blend is present in the supplement in an amount from about 0.1% to about 50%.

11. A method of providing a digestive health benefit to a canine, the method comprising administering to the canine a prebiotic fiber blend, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend comprises pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend is administered to the canine on a regular basis.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend is administered to the canine as part of a pet food composition.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the digestive health benefit is selected from the group consisting of treating diarrhea, increasing stool mass, increasing microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogens, increasing mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, reducing postprandial glucose excursions, and combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the pumpkin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%, wherein the inulin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10% to about 40%, and wherein the psyllium is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%.

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