Compositions and methods for small canines

Abstract

The present invention provides a pet food composition, in particular formulated for small dogs, which may include a combination of specific antioxidants, amino acids, metabolic components, and bone health components to maintain health. Methods of maintaining health and adjusting selected health parameters are also provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT Application No. PCT / IB2017 / 057856, filed December 12, 2017, entitled "Compositions and Methods for Small Canines," which entered the Chinese national phase on December 25, 2018, and has application number 201780039498.4.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 434,563, filed December 15, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0004] Many animal foods are well known in the art. For canines, foods suitable for the age or size of the canine are found in the market. For example, canine foods intended for use in puppy canines, adult canines, and senior canines are well known and are available for purchase at most retail stores that sell dog food. Similarly, canine foods intended for use in overweight canines or canines with specific conditions or diseases are also known. U.S. Patent No. 6,156,355 discloses foods designed for specific canine breeds. However, in addition to age, size, and health, there are other variables that differentiate different breeds of canines and affect their food requirements.

[0005] For example, there have been studies related to the effect of breed, body weight, age, and sex on energy requirements. The results show that the energy requirements of some animals with the same body weight vary greatly. Other studies show that age-related changes are observed in the metabolism and body composition of bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, and Great Danes, and these changes affect the expected lifespan. Studies show that there are some differences in body composition and resting metabolic rate, and these differences are not related to body weight. For example, the feeding regimen between a 30 kilogram (kg) Labrador retriever and a 30 kg Greyhound, living in the same environmental conditions and of the same age and sex, will be different because of their genetic background and these differences result in different metabolism and body composition. For example, a Greyhound of ideal body weight can require more energy per kg (number of Kcal per day = 150 x Kg body weight 0.75 ) to maintain an ideal body condition, while a Labrador retriever can require less energy (number of Kcal per day = 110 x Kg body weight 0.75 ).

[0006] These known foods can be used for a variety of purposes. However, selecting a particular food for an individual dog or class of dogs is often confusing. The consumer must determine the breed and type of dog and select from foods none of which can be designed for the particular animal that will consume the food. Thus, new methods and compositions are needed that overcome these problems. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to pet food compositions; methods of maintaining the health of small breed dogs; and methods of modulating health parameters including at least one of bone density, stool quality, or serum total antioxidant status. In particular, the present disclosure relates to specific components for small breed dogs.

[0008] The present inventors discovered that small breed dogs are different from other dogs based on the results of metabolic profiling, blood chemistry, and body composition analysis. A completely controlled study was employed to minimize other external factors by using a variety of canids fed the same diet in its entirety. A validation model was then developed by feeding different levels of an identified compound to a group of canids (via dietary change) and measuring changes in corresponding metabolites.

[0009] In one embodiment, a pet food composition for small breed dogs can include: at least three antioxidants selected from the group consisting of vitamin E in an amount ranging from about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount ranging from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount ranging from about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount ranging from about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount ranging from about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount ranging from about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount ranging from about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount ranging from about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount ranging from about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food; an amino acid in an amount ranging from about 1.9 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME, the amino acid comprising phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine in an amount ranging from about 1.6 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME; at least three metabolic components selected from the group consisting of vitamin Bl in an amount ranging from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount ranging from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount ranging from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount ranging from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount ranging from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount ranging from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount ranging from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B 12 in an amount ranging from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME; and a bone health component comprising calcium in an amount ranging from about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount ranging from about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a calcium to phosphorus ratio ranging from about 1: 1 to about 2: 1 by weight, magnesium in an amount ranging from about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount ranging from about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME. Additionally, the pet food composition can provide 3,500 to 6,000 kcal ME per kg of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of keeping a small dog healthy may include administering a pet food composition as described herein to the small dog.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for adjusting health parameters selected from bone density, fecal quality, and serum total antioxidant status may include administering a pet food composition as described herein to a small dog.

[0012] Additional features and advantages are described herein and will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description.

[0013] The present invention also discloses the following specific embodiments 1-15.

[0014] 1. A pet food composition for small dogs, comprising: At least three antioxidants selected from the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. At least three metabolites selected from the following: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

[0015] 2. The pet food composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises each of the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food.

[0016] 3. The pet food composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises each of the following: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. ME's Vitamin B12.

[0017] 4. The pet food composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the amount of vitamin E is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin C is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin A is about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of selenium is about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of lycopene is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of carotenoids is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of proanthocyanidins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of bioflavonoids is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, and the amount of catechins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food; The amount of the phenylalanine, the tyrosine, or the combination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine is about 4 g to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME; and the amount of the lysine is about 3 g to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME. The amount of vitamin B1 is about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B2 is about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B3 is about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B5 is about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B6 is about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B7 is about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B9 is about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin B12 is about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The amount of calcium is about 2.5g to about 4.5g / 1,000kcal ME, the amount of phosphorus is about 2.3g to about 3.4g / 1,000kcal ME, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the amount of magnesium is about 0.17g to about 0.35g / 1,000kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin D is about 350IU to about 1,100IU / 1,000kcal ME.

[0018] 5. The pet food composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the pet food comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the antioxidant concentration of the small dog, the metabolites being selected from 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamyl leucine, γ-glutamyl valine, γ-glutamyl tyrosine, xylic acid, arabinonic acid, γ-glutamyl methionine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonine.

[0019] 6. The pet food composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the pet food composition comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the amino acid concentration of the small dog, the metabolites being selected from phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

[0020] 7. A method for maintaining the health of a small dog, the method comprising administering a pet food composition to the small dog, the pet food composition comprising: At least three antioxidants selected from the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. At least three metabolites selected from the following: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

[0021] 8. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the application is periodic application.

[0022] 9. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the composition comprises each of the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food.

[0023] 10. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the composition comprises each of the following: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0024] 11. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the amount of vitamin E is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin C is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin A is about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of selenium is about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of lycopene is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of carotenoids is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of proanthocyanidins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of bioflavonoids is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, and the amount of catechins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food; The amount of the phenylalanine, the tyrosine, or the combination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine is about 4 g to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME; and the amount of the lysine is about 3 g to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME. The amount of vitamin B1 is about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B2 is about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B3 is about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B5 is about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B6 is about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B7 is about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B9 is about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin B12 is about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The amount of calcium is about 2.5g to about 4.5g / 1,000kcal ME, the amount of phosphorus is about 2.3g to about 3.4g / 1,000kcal ME, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the amount of magnesium is about 0.17g to about 0.35g / 1,000kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin D is about 350IU to about 1,100IU / 1,000kcal ME.

[0025] 12. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the pet food contains at least three metabolites for regulating the antioxidant concentration of the small dog, the metabolites being selected from 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamyl leucine, γ-glutamyl valine, γ-glutamyl tyrosine, xylic acid, arabinonic acid, γ-glutamyl methionine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonine.

[0026] 13. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the pet food composition comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the amino acid concentration of the small dog, the metabolites being selected from phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

[0027] 14. A method for regulating health parameters selected from bone density, fecal mass, and serum total antioxidant status, comprising administering a pet food composition to a small dog, the pet food composition comprising: At least three antioxidants selected from the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. At least three metabolites selected from the following: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

[0028] 15. The method according to embodiment 14, wherein after the pet food is administered to the small dog regularly, bone density or serum total antioxidant status increases or decreases by at least 5%, or fecal quality improves. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Definitions

[0030] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “vitamin” or “the vitamin” include two or more vitamins. The term “and / or” as 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” (especially when followed by a list of terms) are exemplary and illustrative only and are not exclusive or comprehensive.

[0031] As used herein, “about” should be understood to mean a number within a certain numerical range, such as -10% to +10% of the mentioned number, -5% to +5% of the mentioned number, or in one aspect within -1% to +1% of the mentioned number, or in a particular aspect within -0.1% to +0.1% of the mentioned number. Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers or fractions within that range. Additionally, these numerical ranges should be understood to support claims that involve any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, disclosures 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.

[0032] All percentages expressed herein are weight percentages of the total weight of the food composition unless otherwise stated. When pH is mentioned, the value corresponds to the pH measured using standard equipment at 25°C. “Amount” can be the total amount of the reference component in each serving of composition or each different unit of composition, and / or it can be a weight percentage of the reference component on a dry weight basis. Furthermore, “amount” includes zero; for example, a statement of a compound amount does not necessarily imply the presence of that compound unless followed by a range that does not contain zero.

[0033] The term “small dog” or “small canine” refers to canines that weigh about 16 kg or less.

[0034] The term “other dogs” or “other canines” refers to canines that weigh approximately 18 kg or more.

[0035] The terms "pet food," "pet food product," and "pet food composition" refer to products or compositions intended for consumption by canines and to provide the animal with at least one nutrient. Furthermore, for this purpose, these terms refer to products or compositions in an edible form and are not merely intermediates in the production of edible products or compositions, although in some embodiments other food compositions, such as dietary supplements, may be added. The term "pet food" refers to any food composition intended for consumption by canines. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods disclosed herein relate to senior dogs. A dog is considered senior during the last 25% of its life. A dog's lifespan depends on its size and / or breed, but for the purposes of this disclosure, a senior dog is a dog at least 5 years old (e.g., at least 6, 7, or 8 years old).

[0036] As used in this article, “comparable canids” refers to healthy animals of the same sex, breed, and age as canids.

[0037] As used herein, “metabolite” means a compound that is biologically active in companion animals, is a metabolic intermediate or product, and includes its precursor. As used herein, “precursor” means any compound that is metabolized into a metabolite during metabolism in canines. For example, if a particular metabolite is cysteine, then “metabolite” includes a cysteine ​​precursor (e.g., methionine).

[0038] The term "effective amount" refers to an amount of the compound of the present invention capable of (i) treating or preventing a particular disease, symptom, or disorder, (ii) alleviating, improving, or eliminating one or more symptoms of a particular disease, symptom, or disorder, or (iii) preventing or delaying the onset of one or more symptoms of a particular disease, symptom, or disorder described herein. In one embodiment, the metabolites or combinations of metabolites of the present invention can be used to regulate the presence of effective amounts of health parameters in small canines, such as bone mineral density, fecal mass, serum total bilirubin, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, serum total antioxidant status, serum T3, or serum T3 / T4, and in one aspect, the health parameter is bone mineral density, serum total antioxidant status, or fecal mass.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, the dosages expressed herein are in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (mg / kg / day).

[0040] The term "long-term application" refers to a period of repeated application or consumption exceeding one month. Periods longer than two, three, or four months may be used in some implementations. Furthermore, extended periods including five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten months may be used. Periods exceeding 11 months or one year may also be used. Long-term use exceeding one, two, three, or more years is included in this invention. For certain older canines, these canines will continue to consume the food regularly for the remainder of their lives. This may also be referred to as "extended" period consumption.

[0041] The terms “regularly” or “regularly administered” mean feeding a composition or food composition at least once a month, and in one aspect, at least once a week. In some embodiments, more frequent feeding or administration may be performed, such as twice or three times a week. However, in other embodiments, a regimen including at least one feeding per day may be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the blood level of a compound or certain metabolites of that compound, or the blood level resulting from the ingestion of that compound, can be a useful tool for assessing or determining the frequency of feeding. For example, the blood concentration of a metabolite can provide useful information for determining the amount to be fed from a pet food composition containing a particular metabolite. Whether explicitly illustrated herein or not, the frequency at which the desired blood level of a measured compound, such as a metabolite, is maintained within an acceptable range may be used herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the amount to be fed will vary depending on the composition being ingested or administered and the canine consuming the food, and that some food compositions may require more or less frequent administration to maintain the desired blood level of the measured compound (e.g., a metabolite).

[0042] The relative terms “improvement,” “enlargement,” “enhancement,” “reduction,” etc., refer to the effect of the composition disclosed herein (composition containing metabolites) relative to compositions containing small amounts or no such metabolites but otherwise identical.

[0043] A “blended” composition has only two components, which have at least one property that is different from each other. In one respect, the water content and water activity may differ in the context of this disclosure. In this respect, 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 respect, 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 wet or semi-wet component). Furthermore, in this respect, in a blended composition, at least two components that have at least one different property from each other may each retain their own distinct properties and appearance.

[0044] "Moist food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of approximately 50% to approximately 90%, and in some aspects approximately 70% to approximately 90%. "Dry food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of less than approximately 20%, and in some aspects less than approximately 15%, and in some aspects less than approximately 10%. "Semi-moist food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of approximately 20% to approximately 50%, and in some aspects approximately 25% to approximately 35%.

[0045] The term “coarsely ground food” is used synonymously with “chunk” in this document, and both terms refer to chunks of dry or semi-moist pet food that may be in pellet or any other shape and can be made by cutting a food composition into individual chunks. Non-limiting examples of coarsely ground food include: pellets; balls; pet food chunks, dehydrated meat, imitation meat products, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet treats such as jerky or dried vegetables, raw hides, and biscuits. “Imitation meat products” are meat products that resemble natural chunks of meat in appearance, texture, and physical structure.

[0046] The term "dietary supplement" refers to a product intended for use by canines in addition to their 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 conveniently provided in dosage forms. In some embodiments, dietary supplements can be provided in retail bulk packaging (such as bulk powder, liquid, gel, or oil). In other embodiments, supplements can be provided in bulk to be included in other foods, such as snacks, treats, supplement bars, beverages, etc.

[0047] The compositions disclosed herein may not contain any elements not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosure of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" includes disclosures of embodiments "consisting substantially of the identified components" and embodiments "consisting of the identified components." Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may not contain any steps not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosure of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" includes disclosures of embodiments "consisting substantially of the identified steps" and embodiments "consisting of the identified steps." Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein unless otherwise expressly and directly stated.

[0048] The discussion of embodiments, aspects, examples, etc., in this invention is independent, as they are applicable to all methods and compositions. For example, metabolites used in pet food compositions can also be used in methods of regulation or maintaining the health of canines, and vice versa.

[0049] Embodiments

[0050] A pet food composition for small dogs, the composition comprising at least three antioxidants selected from the following: vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium, lycopene, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins; amino acids (including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine), lysine, and arginine; at least three metabolic components selected from the following: vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and a bone health component comprising calcium, phosphorus (calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight), magnesium, and vitamin D. Additionally, based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides about 3,500 to about 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

[0051] The components of this invention can be delivered to specifically address the needs of small dogs currently identified. In one embodiment, vitamin E may be present in an amount of about 13 to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet. In a more specific embodiment, vitamin E may be present in the diet in an amount of about 20 to about 850 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, or in an amount of about 25 to about 700 IU / 1,000 kcal ME or about 50 to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0052] In one embodiment, vitamin C may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.25 to about 200 IU / 1,000 kcal ME. In a more specific embodiment, vitamin C may be present in the diet at an amount of about 20 to about 850 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 25 to about 700 IU / 1,000 kcal ME or about 50 to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0053] In one embodiment, the source of vitamin A may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1,300 to about 62,500 IU of vitamin A per 1,000 kcal ME. In a more specific embodiment, the vitamin may be present in the diet at an amount of about 6,000 to about 50,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME.

[0054] In one embodiment, the selenium source may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.10 to about 0.5 mg selenium / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, selenium may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.11 to about 0.4 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 0.12 to about 0.35 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 0.14 to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0055] In one embodiment, lycopene may be present in an amount of about 1 to about 100 mg / kg of diet, or in various alternative embodiments, in an amount of about 10 to about 90, about 20 to about 80, about 30 to about 70, or about 40 to about 60 mg / kg of diet.

[0056] In one embodiment, the carotenoid may be present in an amount of about 1 to about 100 mg / kg of diet. In a more specific embodiment, the carotenoid may be present in an amount of about 10 to about 90 mg / kg of diet, or in an amount of about 20 to about 80 mg / kg, about 30 to about 70 mg / kg, or about 40 to about 60 mg / kg of diet.

[0057] The diet may also contain other ingredients, such as grape seed extract or plants that provide proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins. In various embodiments, suitable amounts of proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins that may be included in the diet are about 1 to about 500, about 1 to about 250, about 1 to about 100, or about 1 to about 50 mg / kg.

[0058] In one embodiment, the source of phenylalanine and / or tyrosine may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.9 to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, phenylalanine and / or tyrosine may be present in the diet at an amount of about 2.3 to about 17 g / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 3 to about 15 g / 1,000 kcal ME or about 4 to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0059] In one embodiment, the lysine source may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.6 to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, lysine may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.9 to about 14 g / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 2.3 to about 10 g / 1,000 kcal ME or about 3 to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0060] In one embodiment, the arginine source may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.28 to about 25 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, lysine may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.28 to about 18 g / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 2.3 to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME or about 1.28 to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0061] In one embodiment, vitamin B1 (thiamine) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.56 to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B1 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.0 to about 120.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 2.0 to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 3.0 to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0062] In one embodiment, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.3 to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B2 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.3 to about 40 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 1.4 to about 25 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 1.5 to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0063] In one embodiment, the source of vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 3.4 to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B3 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 5.0 to about 400.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 10.0 to about 350 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 20.0 to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0064] In one embodiment, the source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid, omega-3) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 3.0 to about 300 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B5 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 3.5 to about 200 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 4.0 to about 150 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 5.5 to about 80 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0065] In one embodiment, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.38 to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B6 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.75 to about 125 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 1.5 to about 90.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 3.0 to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0066] In one embodiment, vitamin B7 (biotin) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.01 to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B7 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.015 to about 6.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 0.02 to about 2.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 0.035 to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0067] In one embodiment, vitamin B9 (folate, folate) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.054 to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B9 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.1 to about 25.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 0.2 to about 15.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 0.30 to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0068] In one embodiment, vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cyclocobalamin, methylcobalamin) may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.007 to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, vitamin B12 may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.01 to about 1.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 0.012 to about 0.6 mg / 1,000 kcal ME or about 0.015 to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0069] In one embodiment, the calcium source may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.25 to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, the calcium may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.6 to about 5.9 g / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 2.0 to about 5.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME or about 2.5 to about 4.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0070] In one embodiment, the source of phosphorus may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.0 to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, phosphorus may be present in the diet at an amount of about 1.5 to about 3.8 g / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 2.0 to about 3.6 g / 1,000 kcal ME or about 2.3 to about 3.4 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0071] In one embodiment, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio may be present in the diet at a level of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight. In other embodiments, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio may be present in the diet at a level of about 1:1 to about 1.8:1 by weight or at a level of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight.

[0072] In one embodiment, the magnesium source may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.15 to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME. In other embodiments, the magnesium may be present in the diet at an amount of about 0.16 to about 0.45 or about 0.17 to about 0.35 g / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0073] In one embodiment, the source of vitamin D may be present in the diet at an amount of about 125 to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME. In a more specific embodiment, vitamin D may be present in the diet at an amount of about 225 to about 1,300 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, or at an amount of about 275 to about 1,200 or about 350 to about 1,100 IU / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0074] Typically, pet food compositions contain at least three antioxidants. In one embodiment, a pet food composition may contain at least four antioxidants. In another embodiment, a pet food composition may contain at least five antioxidants. In yet another embodiment, a pet food composition may contain at least six antioxidants. In yet another embodiment, a pet food composition may contain each of the following: vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium, lycopene, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins. In one particular aspect, the pet food composition may contain each of the following: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of pet food; carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of pet food; proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of pet food; bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of pet food; and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of pet food.

[0075] Typically, pet food compositions contain B vitamins that are essential for the health of canines. In one embodiment, the pet food composition may contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. In one particular aspect, the pet food composition may contain each of the following: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0076] Typically, pet food compositions contain essential amino acids for maintaining health. In one embodiment, the pet food composition contains phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine. In a particular aspect, the pet food composition contains 1.9 g to 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME of amino acids, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and 1.6 g to 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME of lysine; Typically, pet food compositions contain essential bone-health components for maintaining bone health. In one embodiment, the pet food composition contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. Additionally, the pet food composition may contain a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio specific to small dogs. In one particular aspect, the pet food composition contains a bone-health component comprising calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0077] Typically, pet food compositions are formulated for small dogs. Therefore, in one embodiment, the pet food composition provides 3,000 to 6,000 kcal ME / kg of pet food composition based on dry matter.

[0078] Additionally, the pet food composition may contain metabolites that are shown to be particularly important for small dogs. In one embodiment, the pet food may contain at least three metabolites for regulating antioxidant concentrations in small dogs, the metabolites being selected from 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamylleucine, γ-glutamylvaline, γ-glutamyltyrosine, xylic acid, arabinonic acid, γ-glutamylmethionine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonine. In one aspect, the pet food composition may contain at least three metabolites for regulating amino acid concentrations in small dogs, the metabolites being selected from phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

[0079] In one particular aspect, the pet food composition may comprise: vitamin E in an amount of about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin C in an amount of about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin A in an amount of about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; selenium in an amount of about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; lycopene in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of pet food; carotenoids in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of pet food; proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of pet food; bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of pet food; and catechins in an amount of about 4 g to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME. ME contains phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine in amounts from about 3 g to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B1 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B3 in amounts from about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B5 in amounts from about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B6 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME. The ME contains vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; calcium in amounts from about 2.5 g to about 4.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME; phosphorus in amounts from about 2.3 g to about 3.4 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight; magnesium in amounts from about 0.17 g to about 0.35 g / 1,000 kcal ME; and vitamin D in amounts from about 350 IU to about 1,100 IU / 1,000 kcal ME.

[0080] In one embodiment, a method of maintaining the health of a small dog may include administering a pet food composition as described herein to the small dog. In one aspect, the administration may be periodic.

[0081] In another embodiment, a method for adjusting health parameters selected from bone density, fecal mass, and serum total antioxidant status may include administering a pet food composition as described herein to a small dog.

[0082] Typically, adjustment methods can provide an increase or decrease in health parameters (such as bone mineral density or serum total antioxidant status) after application of the pet food composition. In one embodiment, the health parameter may increase or decrease by at least 5%. In other aspects, the health parameter may increase or decrease by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or even 50% or more. In one particular aspect, the health parameter may increase. In another particular aspect, the health parameter may decrease. In yet another aspect, fecal quality may improve.

[0083] In each of these compositions and methods, the pet food composition may be a moist food, a semi-moist food, or a dry food. In one embodiment, the pet food composition is one or more components of a blend composition. In some embodiments, the pet food composition is a coarsely ground food, and in some embodiments, the pet food composition is a meat-like product. Additionally, in another embodiment, the composition of the invention may be a dietary supplement comprising the components described herein.

[0084] Such pet food compositions can be administered to canines in amounts ranging from about 3g of pet food per 1lb of canine body weight to about 16g of pet food per 1lb of canine body weight. Additionally, metabolites may be present in amounts from about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight of the food composition. In one aspect, the metabolites may be present at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 1,000 mg / kg of food. In another aspect, the metabolites may be present at a concentration of about 1 IU to about 500,000 IU / kg of food. In one embodiment, the pet food composition may be administered to canines in an amount sufficient to maintain the animal's health and / or body weight.

[0085] As described above and as will be detailed later in this patent application, the inventors have identified metabolite compounds associated with small dogs. Therefore, pet food compositions may contain one of these compounds.

[0086] As another non-limiting example, the metabolite may be selected from creatine, creatinine, 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, X–18487, hydroxyproline, phenylalanine, X–14625, X–17381, p-cresol sulfate, X–11334, uric acid, X–13731, γ-glutamylisoleucine, γ-glutamylleucine, γ-glutamylvaline, pseudouridine, phenol sulfate, X–12668, C-glycosyltryptophan, inositol, 17-methylstearic acid, X–14314, glutamine, X–12010, glycolic acid (glycolic acid), γ-glutamyltyrosine, X–12822, xylanic acid, prolylhydroxyproline, mannitol, hydroquinone sulfate, ethanolamine, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, arabinolic acid, N6 -Carbamoylthreonyladenosine, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyroglutamine, γ-glutamylmethionine, X–16940, citrulline, tyrosine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, methylpalmitic acid (15 or 2), X–16394, xylitol, arginine, 2'-deoxycytidine, 2'-O-methylguanosine, ophthalmate, homocitrulline, 5-methylcytidine, N-formylmethionine, bilirubin (E,E), X–17299, X–18156, palmitoylsphingomyelin, X–16945, cysteine-glutathione disulfide, 4-vinylphenol sulfate, erythritol, di-homolinic acid (20:3n3 or 3n6), anthranilic acid, lysine, threitol, threonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0087] As another non-limiting example, the metabolite may be selected from creatine, creatinine, 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, hydroxyproline, phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamyl leucine, γ-glutamylvaline, pseudouridine, phenol sulfate, C-glycosyltryptophan, inositol, 17-methylstearic acid, glutamine, glycolic acid (glycolic acid), γ-glutamyltyrosine, xylic acid, prolyl hydroxyproline, mannitol, hydroquinone sulfate, ethanolamine, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, arabinose, N6-carbamoylthreonyl Adenosine monophosphate, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyroglutamine, gamma-glutamylmethionine, citrulline, tyrosine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, methylpalmitic acid (15 or 2), xylitol, arginine, 2'-deoxycytidine, 2'-O-methylguanosine, retinoid, homocitrulline, 5-methylcytidine, N-formylmethionine, bilirubin (E,E), palmitoylsphingomyelin, cysteine-glutathione disulfide, 4-vinylphenol sulfate, erythritol, di-homolinic acid (20:3n3 or 3n6), anthranilic acid, lysine, threitol, threonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0088] As described above, by component analysis, such as using separation techniques like gas chromatography or liquid chromatography, and then by mass spectrometry, the components containing metabolites (e.g., precursors of metabolites) and optionally the amount of metabolites in the components can be determined.

[0089] The pet food compositions disclosed herein can be any food formulated for canine consumption. In one embodiment, the pet food composition provides complete nutrition for canines as defined by the American Association of Official Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

[0090] Pet food compositions may include meat, such as emulsified meat. Examples of suitable meat include poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and fish, particularly those types suitable for pets. Meat may include any additional parts of the animal, including offal. Some or all of the meat may be provided as one or more meat powders, i.e., dried and ground to form substantially uniformly sized pellets and as defined by AAFCO. In addition to or alternatively, plant-based 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.

[0091] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may contain vegetable oils, flavoring agents, coloring agents, and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, and so on. Examples of suitable flavoring agents include yeast, tallow, refined bone meal (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, and pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., roast beef), animal digests, and so on. Suitable coloring agents include FD&C pigments such as Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and so on; natural pigments such as caramel coloring, annatto, chlorophyll, cochineal, betaine, turmeric, saffron, capsicum, lycopene, elderberry juice, pandan extract, butterfly pea flower pigment, and so on; titanium dioxide; and any suitable food colorings known to those skilled in the art.

[0092] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may optionally include additional ingredients such as other grains and / or other starches besides flour, amino acids, fiber, sugar, animal oils, flavoring substances, other oils besides or alternatively vegetable oils, humectants, preservatives, polyols, salts, oral care ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, bioactive molecules, or combinations thereof.

[0093] Suitable starches include grains such as corn, rice, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, and mixtures of these grains, and can be at least partially contained in any flour. Suitable humectants include salts, sugars, propylene glycol, and polyols such as glycerin and sorbitol. Suitable oral care ingredients include alfalfa nutrient concentrate containing chlorophyll, sodium bicarbonate, phosphates (e.g., tricalcium phosphate, acid pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, and orthophosphate), peppermint, cloves, parsley, ginger, and so on. Examples of suitable antioxidants include butylated hydroxyanisole (“BHA”), butylated hydroxytoluene (“BHT”), and vitamin E (tocopherol), and so on.

[0094] Non-restricted examples of vitamins that may be used include vitamin A, B complex vitamins (such as B-1, B-2, B-6, and B-12), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, niacin, and acidic vitamins (such as pantothenic acid and folic acid), as well as biotin. Non-restricted examples of suitable minerals include calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, nickel, tin, silicon, vanadium, boron, and so on.

[0095] Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methylparaben, calcium propionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0096] 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 material and any second edible material; the species of the animal; the animal's age, weight, general health condition, sex, and diet; the animal's feed intake rate; the purpose for administering the food product to the animal; and so on.

[0097] Examples

[0098] The following non-limiting embodiments are descriptions of implementations of this disclosure.

[0099] Example 1 - Small dog study

[0100] Eighty-three canines were fed the same coarsely ground food diet for five weeks. The average weight of the small dogs (34) was 9.3 kg (range 6.1–15.6 kg). The average weight of the other dogs (49) was 31.5 kg (range 18.4–54.4 kg). During the fifth week of each diet, overnight fasting plasma samples were collected using EDTA vacuum blood collection tubes. After centrifugation, the plasma was aliquoted into cryovials and frozen at -80°C.

[0101] Table 1

[0102] Metabolon performed the metabolomics analysis using the following methods. Samples were extracted and aliquoted for analysis on GC / MS and LC / MS / MS platforms. Proprietary software was used to match ions against an internal standard database, and metabolite identification and quantification were performed using Metabolon's peak area integration method. The table below provides mass and retention indices, enabling unique identification and differentiation of each metabolite.

[0103] During analysis, samples are thawed and extracts are prepared to remove proteins, isolate small molecules bound to proteins or physically trapped in the precipitated protein matrix, and recover a variety of chemically distinct metabolites. Individual aliquots of each experimental plasma sample are collected and then pooled to create a “Client Matrix” (CMTRX) sample. These CMTRX samples are injected into the entire platform run and used as a technical replica, allowing for the determination of quantitative changes in all consistently detected biochemicals and monitoring of overall process variations and platform performance. All experimental extracts and CMTRX samples are aliquoted for analysis on the GC / MS and LC / MS / MS platforms.

[0104] CMTRX technology replica samples were processed individually throughout the process, as if they were client-side research samples. All process samples (a mixture of CMTRX and Grob test samples used to evaluate the organic components of GC column performance, process blocks, etc.) were evenly spaced in daily injections, and all client-side samples were randomly distributed throughout the daily runs. Data were collected after several days of runs on multiple platforms, and “block normalization” was performed by calculating the median of the block for each run day for each individual compound. This normalization reduced inter-day instrument gain or offset without interfering with intra-day sample fluctuations. Missing values ​​(if present) were assumed to be below the biochemical detection level of the instrument used and extrapolated using the minimum observed value for that particular biochemical.

[0105] Prior to injection into the mass spectrometer, multiple internal standards were added to each experimental and process standard sample. The median relative standard deviation (RSD) of these internal standards was used to determine a measure of platform variability (7%). Since these standards were added to the samples precisely before injection into the instrument, this value reflects instrument variability. Additionally, the median relative standard deviation (RSD) of biochemicals, frequently measured in CMTRX, represents the overall variability of the actual experimental samples during the process, as well as the quantitative variability of endogenous metabolites within those samples (12%). The results from CMTRX and the internal standards indicate that the data generated by this platform conforms to process specifications.

[0106] A total of 589 metabolites were detected in the plasma. This total corresponds to many biochemicals (401) that match the named structures in the reference database (named compounds). The remaining biochemicals (188) represent different chemical entities (i.e., they represent individual molecules with discrete molecular formulas and structures), but they do not currently match the named biochemicals in the reference database (unnamed / unknown compounds).

[0107] Clinical bone mineral density (DEXA) measurements were performed on all dogs except for T3 and T4 on all small breed dogs (34 in total) and 35 other dogs with an average weight of 26.4 kg (18.4–32.1 kg). Cobas was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. ® The C311 or E411 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer measures serum creatinine, creatine kinase, potassium, total bilirubin, total antioxidant status (TAS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total T3, and total T4. Protein digestibility is determined based on the amount of protein in the consumed food, the amount in the feces, and the amount corrected for microbial nitrogen. Bone mineral density is measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0108] The Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted P-value was determined for all clinical measurements except for the T3 / T4 ratio used to determine the standard P-value and the protein digestibility used for the Mann-Whitney test.

[0109] Metabolite correlations between small dogs and other dogs are shown in Table 2. Clinical measurements between small dogs and other dogs are shown in Table 3.

[0110] Table 2. Ratios of specific metabolites between small and other dogs. Correlations with P values <0.05 are reported .

[0111]

[0112] Table 3. Clinical measurements (except serum T4, whose data were used for T3 / T4 ratio) between small and other dogs with P values <0.05. ​ .

[0113]

[0114] The data in this invention, based on the results of metabolic distribution, blood chemistry, and body composition analysis, provide metabolic differences identified in small breed dogs. Small breed dogs, assessed by a number of factors, have a lower overall antioxidant status compared to non-small breed dogs, thus requiring more dietary antioxidants. It has been found that small breed dogs also require increased daily intake of certain amino acids, primarily phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lysine; while requiring lower dietary amounts of arginine. Small breed dogs also require more calories per unit of body weight per day to meet their energy needs, i.e., a higher metabolic rate. Therefore, small breed dogs need increased dietary intake of B vitamins (excluding vitamin B5) to help support the increased metabolic rate. It has also been found that small breed dogs have lower bone mineral density and therefore require increased dietary nutrients to help support bone integrity. Based on these findings, compositions and methods include specific components suitable for small breed dogs.

[0115] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, these changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pet food composition for use with small dogs, wherein the small dog refers to a canine weighing about 16 kg or less, and the pet food composition comprises: Each of the following antioxidants: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. Each of the following metabolites: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of vitamin E is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin C is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin A is about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of selenium is about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of lycopene is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of carotenoids is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of proanthocyanidins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of bioflavonoids is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, and the amount of catechins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food; The amount of the phenylalanine, the tyrosine, or the combination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine is about 4 g to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME; and the amount of the lysine is about 3 g to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME. The amount of vitamin B1 is about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B2 is about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B3 is about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B5 is about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B6 is about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B7 is about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B9 is about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin B12 is about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The amount of calcium is about 2.5g to about 4.5g / 1,000kcal ME, the amount of phosphorus is about 2.3g to about 3.4g / 1,000kcal ME, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the amount of magnesium is about 0.17g to about 0.35g / 1,000kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin D is about 350IU to about 1,100IU / 1,000kcal ME.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the pet food comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the antioxidant concentration in the small dog, said metabolites being selected from 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamyl leucine, γ-glutamyl valine, γ-glutamyl tyrosine, xylic acid, arabinonic acid, γ-glutamyl methionine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonine.

4. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the pet food composition comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the amino acid concentration of the small dog, said metabolites being selected from phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

5. A method for maintaining the health of a small dog, the method comprising administering a pet food composition to the small dog, wherein the small dog refers to a canine weighing about 16 kg or less, and the pet food composition comprises: Each of the following antioxidants: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. Each of the following metabolites: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the application is periodic.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the amount of vitamin E is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin C is about 50 IU to about 600 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin A is about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of selenium is about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of lycopene is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of carotenoids is about 40 mg to about 60 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of proanthocyanidins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, the amount of bioflavonoids is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food, and the amount of catechins is about 1 mg to about 50 mg / kg of the pet food; The amount of the phenylalanine, the tyrosine, or the combination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine is about 4 g to about 12 g / 1,000 kcal ME; and the amount of the lysine is about 3 g to about 6.5 g / 1,000 kcal ME. The amount of vitamin B1 is about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B2 is about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B3 is about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B5 is about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B6 is about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B7 is about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, the amount of vitamin B9 is about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin B12 is about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The amount of calcium is about 2.5g to about 4.5g / 1,000kcal ME, the amount of phosphorus is about 2.3g to about 3.4g / 1,000kcal ME, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the amount of magnesium is about 0.17g to about 0.35g / 1,000kcal ME, and the amount of vitamin D is about 350IU to about 1,100IU / 1,000kcal ME.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the pet food comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the antioxidant concentration in the small dog, the metabolites being selected from 5-oxoproline, γ-glutamylphenylalanine, uric acid, γ-glutamyl isoleucine, γ-glutamyl leucine, γ-glutamyl valine, γ-glutamyl tyrosine, xylic acid, arabinonic acid, γ-glutamyl methionine, gulonic acid-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonine.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the pet food composition comprises at least three metabolites for regulating the amino acid concentration of the small dog, said metabolites being selected from phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

10. A method for regulating health parameters selected from bone density, fecal mass, and serum total antioxidant status, comprising administering a pet food composition to a small dog, wherein the small dog refers to a canine weighing about 16 kg or less, and the pet food composition comprises: Each of the following antioxidants: vitamin E in an amount of about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount of about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU / 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg / kg of the pet food; The amino acids comprised of about 1.9 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, or a combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine; and lysine comprised of about 1.6 g to about 20 g / 1,000 kcal ME. Each of the following metabolites: vitamin B1 in amounts from about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in amounts from about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in amounts from about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in amounts from about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in amounts from about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in amounts from about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in amounts from about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in amounts from about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg / 1,000 kcal ME; and The bone health component comprises calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g / 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g / 1,000 kcal ME, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g / 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU / 1,000 kcal ME; Based on dry matter, the pet food composition provides approximately 3,500 to approximately 6,000 kcal ME / kg of the pet food composition.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein after the pet food is administered to the small dog periodically, bone density or serum total antioxidant status increases or decreases by at least 5%, or fecal quality improves.

Images