Pet food composition

Abstract

Described herein is a controlled release pet food composition comprising: a matrix comprising: a fibrous component comprising a high solubility fiber source and a low solubility fiber source, and a polyphenol source; wherein the matrix is adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a mammal upon uptake by the mammal. Methods of making and using these compositions are also described.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application filed on December 30, 2015, with application number 201580085631.0 and entitled "Pet Food Composition". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a pet food composition. Background Technology

[0003] Pets need a healthy diet and proper digestion to maintain growth and normal health. However, gastrointestinal upset often hinders the proper digestion of common pet food compositions. Some of these problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other chronic digestive conditions, can be quite serious. IBD is often accompanied by diarrhea, which can be very unpleasant for pets with the condition or for pet owners who have to clean up after their pets, especially in the case of a chronic illness.

[0004] One mechanism for treating IBD and improving the inflammatory state in pets is through the administration of beneficial agents such as medications, prebiotics, probiotics, etc., via conventional pet food compositions. However, ensuring the delivery of these beneficial agents to the target site has always been challenging. Therefore, there is a need for pet food compositions that can control the release of beneficial agents and ensure their delivery to the target site. Embodiments of the present invention are designed to meet these needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a controlled-release pet food composition comprising: a matrix comprising: a fiber component comprising a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and a polyphenol source; wherein the matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal upon ingestion.

[0006] Other embodiments provide a method for forming a pet food composition, comprising the steps of: extruding a matrix composition to form controlled-release coarse abrasive particles, the matrix composition comprising: a fiber component comprising a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and a polyphenol source; wherein the matrix is ​​adapted to ensure that the polyphenol source is not easily digested or absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal when ingested; and applying a surface coating to the coarse abrasive particles.

[0007] Another embodiment provides a method for treating, preventing, or improving symptoms of an inflammatory disease, condition, or symptom in mammals, such as inflammatory bowel disease, comprising applying any of the compositions described herein to a mammal in need, such as a companion animal.

[0008] Some implementations provide a method for beneficially manipulating the gut microbiota of mammals, which includes applying any of the compositions described herein to a mammal in need, such as a companion animal. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A , 1B 1C describes data illustrating the successful delivery of polyphenols to the colon by exemplary compositions of the present invention, which are metabolized by the resident gut microbiota in the colon.

[0010] Figure 2A , 2B 2C describes data illustrating that the exemplary compositions of the present invention provide elevated serum levels of post-biotics. Detailed Implementation

[0011] In some embodiments, the pet food compositions described herein provide a multifactorial therapy based on nutritional dietary factors that: (1) reduce allergenicity due to the use of hydrolyzed proteins; (2) provide easily digestible macronutrients; (3) provide glutamine acyl amino acids that provide metabolic intermediates for intestinal epithelial cells; (4) provide immunomodulators that reduce inflammatory responses; and (5) provide microbial cell wall fractions that promote tolerance or hindgut commensal communities. In other embodiments, the pet food compositions increase the gut microbial production of metabolic end products of dietary polyphenols and / or enhance the absorption of these dietary polyphenols into the systemic circulation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pet food composition of the present invention comprises a matrix containing dietary components capable of providing desired immune-optimizing effects. Specifically, the composition may comprise a matrix containing an inert, non-fermentable fiber source having polyphenols that are chemically or physically bound to the inert, non-fermentable fiber source, making them difficult to digest or absorb in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In some embodiments, these bound fiber polyphenols bypass the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the animal's colon intact. It is believed that gut microbes metabolize dietary fiber, releasing the bound fiber polyphenols in the process. These newly released polyphenols also undergo microbial metabolism, producing small biomolecules called "prebiotics." Prebiotics are absorbed throughout the colon and distributed systemically, exhibiting pleiotropic effects, including immune modulation that helps treat IBD and improve inflammatory responses. One benefit of low-soluble fiber sources (such as lignin, which is poorly soluble in the lower gastrointestinal tract of mammals) is that they provide a laxative effect.

[0013] In some embodiments, the matrix comprises a fibrillary network. In some embodiments, the fibrillary network comprises fibers with different dissolution rates. In some embodiments, the dissolution rate of these fibers is pH-dependent. In some embodiments, the dissolution rate is temperature-dependent. In some embodiments, the fibrillary network comprises interfibrillary voids. In some embodiments, the interfibrillary voids are of sufficient size to allow solvent to enter the fibrillary network.

[0014] As used herein, “solvent” is intended to include fluids, materials, etc., that increase the dissolution rate of a matrix, thereby promoting the release of beneficial agents (such as polyphenol sources).

[0015] In some embodiments, the matrix contains a beneficial agent bound to a fiber source. In some embodiments, the beneficial agent can be any component that would be desired for targeted delivery according to this disclosure.

[0016] In some implementations, the beneficial agent is a polyphenol source. In other implementations, the polyphenol source is essentially unavailable to the upper gastrointestinal tract due to the solubility properties of the controlled-release matrix.

[0017] Some embodiments provide a controlled-release pet food composition comprising: a matrix comprising: a fiber component comprising a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and a polyphenol source; wherein the matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal upon ingestion. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:20 to about 1:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:15 to about 1:2. Further embodiments provide that the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:10 to about 1:3. Other embodiments provide that the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:5 to about 1:3. And other embodiments provide that the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the high-solubility fiber source to the low-solubility fiber source is approximately 1:4.3.

[0018] In some embodiments, the terms "highly soluble fiber" and "soluble fiber" are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "lowly soluble fiber" and "insoluble fiber" are used interchangeably.

[0019] In some embodiments, highly soluble fiber sources include oat bran, hulled buckwheat grains, pea bran, barley, tomato pomace, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and combinations of two or more of these. In some embodiments, low-soluble fiber sources include cellulose materials, pecan fiber, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the polyphenol source is of food or plant origin. In some embodiments, food-derived polyphenol sources include polyphenols derived from fruits or vegetables. In some embodiments, the polyphenol source includes flavonoids or phenolic acids.

[0021] In some embodiments, the polyphenol source is provided by selecting polyphenols from the following: dehydroxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroyl pseudonepetin, zeaxanthin, caryophyllotoxin, baicalin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmarinic acid, citrinin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epiorosmarinic acid, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0022] Some embodiments also include hydrolyzed animal or plant protein sources containing an amino acid profile. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source includes chicken liver. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source is present as approximately 25 to approximately 45% by weight of active contents.

[0023] In other embodiments, the composition comprises a source of ω-3, ω-6, or ω-9 fatty acids. Some embodiments comprise docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fish oil. In some embodiments, the active contents of the DHA fish oil are about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight.

[0024] Other embodiments provide methods for treating, preventing, or improving symptoms of inflammatory diseases, conditions, or ailments in mammals, such as inflammatory bowel disease, comprising administering an effective amount of any of the compositions described herein.

[0025] Some implementations provide methods for beneficially manipulating the gut microbiota of mammals, which include applying an effective amount of any of the compositions described herein to the mammal in need.

[0026] Other embodiments provide a method for forming a pet food composition, comprising the steps of: extruding a matrix comprising: a fiber component comprising a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and a polyphenol source; applying a surface coating to coarse abrasive particles; wherein the matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal upon ingestion. In some embodiments, the surface coating comprises a palatability agent.

[0027] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a controlled-release composition for companion animals, which can be orally administered by a veterinarian, pet owner, or other caregiver. The compositions of the present invention are chewable without any significant loss of controlled-release properties. Specifically, the benefits associated with controlled-release function are substantially maintained even after the animal has chewed them. Therefore, it is understood that, in the context of this document, "chewable" means that the controlled-release properties of the dosage form are effectively tolerated by chewing.

[0028] Although the compositions of the present invention are typically chewed, this disclosure is intended to cover controlled-release compositions that provide benefits after swallowing.

[0029] As used herein, “controlled release” refers to the rate of release of a pharmaceutically active agent as a function of certain properties of the dosage form. For example, 1) targeted release, wherein the agent is adapted to be released at a specific site in the body; 2) delayed release, wherein there is a time delay after the intake of the composition and before the release of the agent begins; and 3) pulsatile release, wherein the agent is released in an immediate or modified release manner, such as targeted or delayed release, followed by a period of little or no release, followed by another period of immediate or modified release, and so on; thus, one or more release pulses can be obtained.

[0030] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other delivery properties are possible, and all such properties are considered to be within the scope of controlled release for the purposes of this invention.

[0031] In some embodiments, the controlled-release composition of the present invention provides a beneficial agent (e.g., polyphenol) in particulate form. In some embodiments, the beneficial agent is provided in particulate form with a particle size such that when the composition is chewed by an animal, the beneficial agent (particles) will not be further pulverized to any significant extent.

[0032] In addition to the specific methods described herein, the compositions of the present invention can be prepared by a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In some embodiments, the particles have an average particle size of up to about 5000 μm; more preferably about 10 μm to about 5000 μm; even more preferably about 50 μm to about 2000 μm; and even more preferably about 100 μm to about 1000 μm. As those skilled in the art will understand, the particles can have any size and shape, as long as they provide the targeted delivery described herein.

[0034] In addition to the highly soluble and poorly soluble fiber sources described herein, other components, such as polymers, can be used to control the release of beneficial agents. For example, pH-sensitive polymers that are typically insoluble at low pH levels (e.g., pH 1 to approximately 5, as is typically found in the stomach) but soluble at high pH levels (e.g., pH greater than 5.5, as is typically encountered in the small intestine). Specifically, suitable polymers include, but are not limited to: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, Eudragit RL100, Eudragit RS100, mixtures of Eudragit RL100 / RS100, Eudragit S100, Eudragit NE30D, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, silicone, and ethylcellulose dispersions (commercially available from Aquacoat® FMC and Surrelease® (coloron)).

[0035] As used herein, the term "companion animal" refers to a domesticated animal. Companion animals do not include humans. Preferably, the animal is a mammal. Examples of companion animals include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, and horses. Preferred companion animals are dogs and cats.

[0036] Some embodiments of the present invention include a "palatability enhancer" or "palatability improver." As used herein, the term "palatability improver" or "palatability enhancer" includes any composition that alters the palatability of a composition to which it is added. The palatability improver of the present invention may be a meat-based improver or a meat-derived, non-meat-based improver.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pet food composition typically comprises hydrolyzed animal or plant proteins, including a nutritionally complete amino acid profile (e.g., dried chicken liver), peptidyl glutamine (e.g., Hyvital® wheat glutamine PN), insoluble inert fibers described herein (pecan fiber, oat fiber, and cellulose), probiotic soluble fibers described herein (e.g., beet pulp), polyphenols of bound fibers described herein (e.g., cranberry pomace, pomegranate extract, green tea extract), medium-chain triglycerides, fish oil high in docosahexaenoic acid, ginger root powder, frankincense leaf extract, and yeast beta-glucan.

[0038] In another embodiment, the pet food composition comprises the components described in Table 1 below in amounts specified based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0039]

[0040] The pet food compositions described herein can be formed by extrusion to form a coarse-abrasive pet food composition. In some embodiments, the milled raw materials of the composition are extruded, and then a surface coating comprising palatability agents and / or nutritional oils is applied. In some embodiments, the coarse abrasives are sprayed together with the composition comprising palatability agents and / or nutritional oils in a rotary mixer. In other embodiments, the coarse abrasives are coated using a vacuum coating technique, wherein the coarse abrasives are subjected to a vacuum and then exposed to a coating material, thereafter the release of the vacuum drives the coating material within the coarse abrasives.

[0041] The invention will now be described together with the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0042] Example

[0043] Example 1

[0044] An exemplary pet food composition (Example 1) was prepared as described in Table 2 (below). All amounts are provided as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The composition was formulated according to nutritional standards as described by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council (NRC). The composition was prepared by extrusion, drying, and then coating with a palatability agent.

[0045]

[0046] To test the efficacy of the composition, an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approved protocol was implemented, which recruited 13 dogs with IBD and 13 age-, weight-, and sex-matched healthy controls. Dogs were evaluated by analyzing blood and fecal markers of biochemical and clinical health. The study was a longitudinal crossover design in which both healthy and IBD dogs received each diet (Example 1 and the control diet). The control diet pet food composition was commercially available under the trademark Hill's® i / d® from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Regardless of which diet the dogs were on prior to recruitment for the test, all animals were pre-fed that diet for one (1) week and then fed it for four (4) weeks. Testing was then conducted at baseline (considered week 0; immediately following week 1 pre-fed), and at week 4 (phase 1) and week 8 (phase 2).

[0047] Stool scores were assessed on a five-point scale, with 5 representing the healthiest (firmest) stool. Stools underwent further moisture and ash analysis, and the ash was further analyzed for mineral content. Bioactive markers of systemic chronic inflammation were also assessed in serum via metabolomics screening. Circulating levels of basophils in the blood were also analyzed using clinical instruments. Finally, stool quality was examined both subjectively (visual firmness score) and objectively (osmolality, organic dry matter).

[0048] As shown in Table 3 below, the test diet increased the amount of stool, with a stool score of 5 relative to baseline and control diets.

[0049]

[0050] As shown in Table 4 below, regarding moisture and ash analysis, the test diet consistently reduced fecal moisture and increased organic dry matter, and also generally reduced fecal sodium and potassium levels, which has been shown to be associated with improved fecal quality and reduced diarrhea incidence.

[0051]

[0052] As shown in Table 5 below, regarding the assessment of bioactive markers of inflammation, the tested diet showed a reduction in the levels of multiple arachidonic acid phosphatidyl esters (precursors to pro-inflammatory prostaglandins), thereby improving the inflammatory state in dogs with IBD.

[0053]

[0054] * PA 1 = 1-Arachidonico-GPI (20:4)

[0055] * PA 2 = Palmitoyl-arachidonico-glycerophosphatecholine (2)

[0056] * PA 3 = Stearoyl-arachidonicoyl-glycerophosphatecholine (2)

[0057] * PA 4 = Stearoyl-arachidonico-glycerophosphate ethanolamine (1)

[0058] * PA 5 = Stearoyl-arachidonic-glycerophosphoinositol (2)

[0059] As used in this article, “relative fold level” refers to the normalized concentration level that correlates the value of each sample with the average of all samples.

[0060] As shown in Table 6 (below), regarding basophil levels, the tested diet increased basophil abundance in dogs with IBD, which could provide immune normalization in these animals.

[0061]

[0062] As described in Table 7 below, the analysis of fecal markers for gut health shows that fecal polyamines are known to provide gut health benefits, particularly when they are generated in situ in the gut by gut microbes rather than through dietary administration. The tested diets showed an increase in fecal polyamine levels above baseline.

[0063]

[0064] The data presented in Tables 3 to 7 show that the exemplary composition of the present invention (Example 1) can improve IBD symptoms by improving stool quality, stool biochemical properties, markers of circulatory biochemistry and cellular immune status, and fecal metabolites related to gut health.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] To determine the immune optimization of the second exemplary pet food composition, a feeding trial was conducted. The exemplary pet food composition (Example 2) was prepared as described in Table 8 below. All amounts are provided as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The composition was formulated according to nutritional standards as described by the American Associated of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council (NRC). The composition was produced by extrusion, drying, and then coating with a palatability agent. The method used to manufacture the compositions described in Table 8 (hereinafter) ensured the generation of the inventive matrix of the present invention.

[0067]

[0068] Feeding trials were conducted on 24 dogs according to the IACUC protocol. Blood was drawn and subjected to ex vivo whole blood stimulation six (6) weeks before and after consuming the exemplary composition of the present invention (Example 2). Specifically, whole blood was drawn from dogs consuming Example 2 and aliquoted into two samples – one stimulated with bacterial endotoxin to induce an acute inflammatory response, and the second kept in parallel incubation without any stimulation. After 24 hours of incubation, the cultured blood (stimulated and unstimulated) was subjected to inflammatory cytokine analysis. The unstimulated condition provided a proxy assessment of underlying inflammation, while the stimulated sample represented the ability to respond to an immune challenge. Optimization was achieved when consuming Example 2 increased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the unstimulated (basal) sample. Cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

[0069] As shown in Tables 9 and 10 (below), the diet of Example 2 increased cytokine production in companion animals (e.g., dogs). The cytokines analyzed were: IL-12 (interleukin-12), IL-6 (interleukin-6), VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor), NGF (nerve growth factor), SCF (stem cell factor), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), INF-γ (interferon-γ), and IL-10 (interleukin-10). In stimulated whole blood from dogs that had consumed Example 2 for six weeks, six of the ten tested cytokines showed a statistically significant increase relative to baseline. In contrast, the diet of Example 2 resulted in almost no change in cytokine production in subjects compared to unstimulated whole blood. This suggests that while Example 2 increased the dogs' response to acute immune stimulation, it did not increase underlying inflammation.

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Example 3

[0073] Two additional experiments were conducted to determine the production of prebiotics after consuming the exemplary pet food compositions of the present invention (Examples 2 and 3). The ingredient list for Example 2 is as described in Table 8 above; the ingredient list for Example 3 is as described in Table 11 (hereinafter). All amounts are provided as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The compositions were formulated according to nutritional standards as described by the American Associated of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council (NRC). The compositions may be extruded, dried, and then coated together with a composition containing palatability agents. Similar to Example 2, the method used to manufacture the compositions described in Table 11 ensures the generation of the inventive matrix of the present invention.

[0074]

[0075] In the experiment described below, dogs were fed according to the IACUC protocol.

[0076] Experiment A – Stool Evaluation

[0077] In the crossover design, dogs were fed either a control diet or the diet of Example 2 for six (6) weeks. Participants in the pre-feeding phase consumed a maintenance diet (Hill's® Science Diet® adult dogs, commercially available from Hill's PetNutrition, Inc.) for three (3) weeks, followed by the exemplary composition of the present invention (Example 2). Baseline measurements were performed at the end of the pre-feeding phase. The control diet contained low levels of dietary sources of polyphenols with bound fiber and low total fiber content, with the fiber primarily in an insoluble form.

[0078] To evaluate the ability of Example 2 to provide targeted polyphenol delivery to the colon, the differences in polyphenol and polyphenol metabolite levels in fecal samples from dogs fed a control diet and dogs fed Example 2 diet were analyzed. The results of the multivariate profiling analysis of polyphenols and metabolites are as follows: Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the X-axis depicts a series of polyphenols and their metabolites, and the Y-axis plots the baseline ( Figure 1A ) at; and after consuming a test diet consisting of the composition of Example 2 ( Figure 1B The relative levels of each of these polyphenols and their metabolites present in feces were determined. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the relative levels of polyphenols and metabolites. Figure 1C The food / plant component clusters showed a statistically significant increase relative to baseline in dogs fed the test diet. As the data indicate, comparisons of the relative levels of fecal polyphenols and prebiotics suggest that the diet of Example 2 was more effective than a diet composed of a commercially available high-quality dog ​​maintenance diet (excluding the feature combination of the present invention) in increasing the targeting of these bioactive agents to the colon.

[0079] Experiment B – Serum Evaluation

[0080] Dogs were fed either the control diet or the diet of Example 3 for 13 consecutive weeks without crossover. There was no pre-feeding period. Compared to the experimental diet, the control diet contained a low level of polyphenolic dietary sources of bound fiber, and was matched to the total fiber content, where the fiber was predominantly in an insoluble form.

[0081] The same metabolomic structure was also analyzed in serum samples from the same subjects at time points matched to fecal collection. Specifically, the differences in the levels of microbial polyphenol metabolites and their stage II detoxification conjugates in serum samples were analyzed. The results of the multivariate profiling analysis of polyphenols and metabolites are as follows: Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the X-axis depicts a series of polyphenols transmitted via (un)conjugated microbial metabolites, and the Y-axis plots the baseline ( Figure 2A ) and after consuming a test diet containing the composition of Example 3 ( Figure 2BThe relative levels of each of these metabolites present in serum. Pathway enrichment analysis was also performed on the relative levels of serum-transmitted (un)conjugated microbial metabolites of polyphenols (see [link to study]). Figure 2C The food / plant component clusters showed a statistically significant increase relative to baseline in dogs fed the test diet. As the data indicate, comparisons of relative serum polyphenol and prebiotic levels suggest that the diet of Example 3 was more effective than a diet composed of commercially available high-quality canine maintenance diets (excluding the feature combinations of the present invention) in increasing the targeting of these bioactive agents to the colon.

[0082] Experiment C - Probiotics from Microbial Sources

[0083] Serum levels of microbial-derived probiotics were evaluated in dogs fed with an exemplary composition of the present invention (Example 3), which included the controlled-release matrix of the present invention and a comparative composition, but did not include the controlled-release matrix of the present invention. Differences in the levels of microbial polyphenol metabolites and their stage II detoxification conjugate forms were analyzed from serum samples of dogs fed the comparative composition and Example 3 for up to 13 weeks. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the relative serum levels of (un)conjugated microbial metabolites of polyphenols. The results showed that bacterial metabolites of certain food components appeared to reach greater levels in the serum of dogs fed Example 3 compared to dogs fed the comparative composition. These results also confirm the ability of the compositions of the present invention to provide targeted delivery of beneficial agents such as polyphenols.

[0084] Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be conceived, all of which have beneficial effects corresponding to the teachings presented in the foregoing description and related drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above, and many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although specific terminology is used herein and in the appended claims, it is used only in a general sense and for descriptive purposes, and not to limit the described invention or the appended claims.

[0085] This application also includes, for example, the following technical solutions:

[0086] 1. A controlled-release pet food composition comprising:

[0087] Matrix, the matrix comprising:

[0088] The fiber component comprises a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and

[0089] Polyphenol source;

[0090] The matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal after it has been ingested by the mammal.

[0091] 2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:20 to about 1:1.

[0092] 3. The pet food composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:15 to about 1:2.

[0093] 4. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the high-soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:10 to about 1:3.

[0094] 5. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the high-soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is from about 1:5 to about 1:3.

[0095] 6. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the high-soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is about 1:4.

[0096] 7. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the highly soluble fiber source comprises oat bran, hulled buckwheat grains, pea bran, barley, tomato pomace, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0097] 8. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the low-soluble fiber source comprises cellulose material, pecan fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0098] 9. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyphenol source is of food or plant origin.

[0099] 10. The pet food composition according to claim 9, wherein the food-derived polyphenol source comprises polyphenols derived from fruits or vegetables.

[0100] 11. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyphenol source comprises flavonoids or phenolic acids.

[0101] 12. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyphenol source is provided by a polyphenol selected from: dehydroxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroyl pseudonepetin, zeaxanthin, caryophyllotoxin, baicalin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmarinic acid, citrinin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epiorosmarinic acid, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0102] 13. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims further comprises a hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source containing an amino acid profile.

[0103] 14. The pet food composition according to claim 13, wherein the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source includes chicken liver.

[0104] 15. The pet food composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source is present in about 25% to about 45% by weight of active contents.

[0105] 16. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims further comprises high-docosahexaenoic acid fish oil.

[0106] 17. The pet food composition according to claim 16, wherein the active contents of the high docosahexaenoic acid fish oil are about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight.

[0107] 18. A method for treating, preventing, or improving symptoms of an inflammatory disease, condition, or symptom, such as inflammatory bowel disease, in mammals, comprising applying an effective amount of the composition according to any one of the preceding claims to the mammal in need.

[0108] 19. A method for beneficially manipulating the gut microbiota of a mammal, comprising applying an effective amount of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to the mammal in need.

[0109] 20. A method for forming a pet food composition, comprising the following steps:

[0110] Extruded matrix, the matrix comprising:

[0111] The fiber component comprises a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and

[0112] Polyphenol source;

[0113] Apply a surface coating to coarse abrasive grains;

[0114] The matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal after it has been ingested by the mammal.

[0115] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the surface coating comprises a palatable agent.

Claims

1. A controlled-release pet food composition comprising: Matrix, the matrix comprising: The fiber component comprises a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and Polyphenol source; The matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal after it has been ingested by the mammal.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the highly soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is: (i) Approximately 1:20 to approximately 1:1; (ii) Approximately 1:15 to approximately 1:2; (iii) Approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:3; or (iv) About 1:5 to about 1:

3.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the high-soluble fiber source to the low-soluble fiber source is about 1:

4.

4. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: (i) The highly soluble fiber source includes oat bran, hulled buckwheat grains, pea bran, barley, tomato pomace, citrus pulp, beet pulp, and combinations of two or more of these; and / or (ii) The low-solubility fiber source includes cellulose materials, pecan fiber, or a combination thereof.

5. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: (i) The polyphenol source is of food or plant origin, optionally including polyphenols of fruit or vegetable origin; (ii) The polyphenol source includes flavonoids or phenolic acids; and / or (iii) The polyphenol source provides polyphenols selected from the following: dehydroxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroyl pseudonepetin, zeaxanthin, caryophyllotoxin, baicalin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmarinic acid, citrinin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epiorosmarinic acid, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations of two or more of these.

6. The pet food composition according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source having an amino acid profile, optionally wherein the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source includes chicken liver, optionally wherein the hydrolyzed animal or plant protein source is present in about 25% to about 45% by weight of active contents.

7. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the active contents of the high docosahexaenoic acid fish oil are about 0.5 to about 2.5% by weight.

8. Use of an effective amount of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment, prevention or improvement of symptoms of an inflammatory disease, condition or symptom in mammals, wherein the medicament is formulated for administration to a mammal in need, wherein the mammal is a dog or a cat.

9. Use of an effective amount of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for the preparation of a medicament for the beneficial manipulation of the gut microbiota of mammals, wherein the medicament is formulated for administration to a mammal in need, wherein the mammal is a dog or a cat.

10. A method for forming a pet food composition, comprising the following steps: Extruded matrix, the matrix comprising: The fiber component comprises a highly soluble fiber source and a low-soluble fiber source, and Polyphenol source; Apply a surface coating to coarse abrasive grains; The matrix is ​​adapted to deliver the polyphenol source to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the mammal after it has been ingested by the mammal.

Images