Pet nutrition composition based on gut-brain axis regulation and application thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a pet nutrition composition based on intestinal-brain axis regulation and application thereof, and the composition comprises 5-20% of probiotics, 10-25% of prebiotics, 2-10% of neurotransmitter precursors, 5-15% of anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factors, 1-10% of plant extracts and the rest of carriers. The application remolds intestinal microecology by the synergy of probiotics and prebiotics, promotes the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine by neurotransmitter precursors, exerts the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects by omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B group and magnesium elements, realizes the anti-anxiety and tranquilizing effects by L-theanine, chamomile and lavender extracts, and forms a regulation link of multi-target point synergistic intervention of intestinal-brain axis. According to animal experiment verification, the application can significantly improve the anxiety behavior of pets, improve the content of fecal short-chain fatty acids, remodel the intestinal flora structure, and realize the synergistic effect of 'intestinal health-nerve regulation-behavior improvement'.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pet nutrition and animal physiological regulation technology, specifically relating to a pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation and its application. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the in-depth development of microbiome and neuroscience, the "gut-brain axis," as an important bidirectional physiological pathway connecting the gut and the central nervous system, has become a research hotspot in the life sciences and medicine. The gut-brain axis realizes information exchange between the gut and the central nervous system through multiple levels, including neural pathways (such as the vagus nerve), immune signals (such as cytokine release), metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan metabolites), and the endocrine system, jointly regulating the host's emotions, behavior, cognition, and immune homeostasis.

[0003] Clinical practice and behavioral observation in pets have revealed that gut microbiota imbalance is closely related to behavioral problems such as anxiety, depression, increased aggression, separation stress, and sleep disturbances. It also affects a pet's appetite, cognitive abilities, and immune function. For example, antibiotic use often induces adverse reactions such as mood swings and diarrhea in pets; and in older dogs, cognitive decline often manifests as nocturnal restlessness and disorientation. These phenomena further confirm the crucial role of gut microbiota homeostasis in regulating neurobehavioral function in pets.

[0004] Currently, most nutritional supplements on the market targeting pet gut health and behavioral issues focus on a single functional dimension. For example, they may only add probiotics to regulate digestive function or only add melatonin to improve sleep quality, lacking a systematic intervention plan based on the concept of holistic regulation of the gut-brain axis. Existing products struggle to achieve the synergistic effect of "gut health—neuroregulation—behavioral improvement," limiting their application in comprehensive pet health management.

[0005] Therefore, developing a pet nutritional composition that can act on the gut-brain axis at multiple targets, has both safety and good palatability, and achieves synergistic improvement in gut microbiota regulation and neurobehavioral function has significant clinical value and broad market application prospects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation and its application, which solves the technical problem that existing pet nutritional supplements have single functions and are difficult to achieve the synergistic effect of "gut health - neural regulation - behavior improvement".

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation, comprising the following components by weight percentage:

[0009] Probiotic components 5%–20%,

[0010] Prebiotic components 10%–25%,

[0011] Neurotransmitter precursor components 2%–10%,

[0012] Anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factor components 5%–15%,

[0013] Plant extract components 1%–10%,

[0014] Carrier and auxiliary material balance;

[0015] The composition reshapes the gut microbiota through the synergistic effect of probiotics and prebiotics, and regulates neural signaling pathways through the supply of neurotransmitter precursors and plant extracts, thereby achieving a dual improvement in gut health and neurobehavior.

[0016] Furthermore, the probiotic component is selected from one or more of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus paracasei.

[0017] Furthermore, the prebiotic component is selected from one or more of fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and mannan oligosaccharides.

[0018] Furthermore, the neurotransmitter precursor component is selected from one or more of tryptophan, tyrosine, and choline.

[0019] Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factor components include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium; wherein the omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and the B vitamins include at least one of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

[0020] Furthermore, the plant extract component is selected from one or more of L-theanine, chamomile extract, and lavender extract.

[0021] Furthermore, the carrier and excipients include protein powder, dietary fiber, and flavoring agent; the protein powder is selected from at least one of whey protein powder and soy protein powder, and the flavoring agent is selected from at least one of chicken liver powder and yeast extract.

[0022] Furthermore, the dosage form of the composition is powder, granules, soft chewable tablets, liquid suspension, or lyophilized tablets.

[0023] The application of a pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation in the preparation of functional pet foods or pet nutritional supplements for improving pets' emotional and behavioral abnormalities, stress responses, gut microbiota dysbiosis, or cognitive decline.

[0024] Furthermore, the emotional and behavioral abnormalities include anxiety, depression, increased aggression, separation stress, and sleep disturbances; the cognitive decline includes nocturnal agitation and disorientation as manifested in cognitive impairment syndrome in older pets.

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention is the first to propose a pet nutritional composition based on the concept of holistic regulation of the gut-brain axis. Through the synergistic effect of probiotics and prebiotics, it reshapes the gut microbiota, enhances the intestinal mucosal barrier function, and increases the production of short-chain fatty acids. By supplying neurotransmitter precursors (tryptophan, tyrosine, choline), it promotes the synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, regulating mood, cognition, and behavior at the metabolic level. Through the combined supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium, it exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory supportive effects. Through plant-based active ingredients such as L-theanine, chamomile extract, and lavender extract, it achieves natural anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Each component intervenes synergistically in key aspects of the gut-brain axis through multiple targets and pathways, forming a complete regulatory chain of "gut microbiota—metabolic regulation—neural signals—behavioral performance," overcoming the technical shortcomings of existing products that have single functions and difficulty in achieving the synergistic effect of "gut health—neural regulation—behavioral improvement." The product of this invention has high safety, and has been confirmed to have no toxic side effects by acute oral toxicity test; it has good palatability, with an acceptance rate of over 90% in cats and dogs; it can be made into various dosage forms such as powder, soft chewable tablets, and liquid suspension, and is suitable for various scenarios such as anxiety, stress, cognitive impairment in the elderly, and intestinal dysfunction, and has broad industrialization prospects. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, all raw materials used in the following examples comply with relevant national regulations and standards for feed additives and pet food. The probiotics used are freeze-dried Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus paracasei powders, each with a live bacteria count of not less than 1×10⁻⁶. 10CFU / g, purchased from a professional probiotic supplier. Among the prebiotic components, fructooligosaccharides have a purity of no less than 95%, inulin has a degree of polymerization of no less than 10, and mannan oligosaccharides have a purity of no less than 90%. Among the neurotransmitter precursors, L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine both have a purity of no less than 99%, and choline tartrate has a purity of no less than 98%. The omega-3 fatty acid raw materials use DHA microcapsule powder (containing 50% DHA) and EPA / DHA complex oil powder (microencapsulated, with a total omega-3 content of no less than 30%). The B vitamins include thiamine hydrochloride (VB1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (VB6), and cyanocobalamin (VB12 dilution), all meeting food additive standards in purity. Magnesium is magnesium citrate, with a magnesium content of no less than 16%. Among the plant extracts, L-theanine has a purity of no less than 98%, chamomile extract has a total flavonoid content of no less than 5%, and lavender extract has a linalool content of no less than 10%. The carrier and excipients include soy protein isolate (protein content not less than 90%), whey protein powder (protein content not less than 80%), gelatin (freezing power not less than 200 Bloom), glycerin, sorbitol, chicken liver powder, yeast extract, etc., all of which are food-grade or feed-grade raw materials.

[0028] The core of this invention lies in the synergistic intervention of multiple components in key aspects of the gut-brain axis, forming a complete regulatory chain of "gut microecology—metabolic regulation—neural signals—behavioral performance," with the specific mechanism as follows:

[0029] In terms of gut microbiota remodeling and barrier strengthening, probiotics colonize the gut and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria; prebiotics selectively promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (such as butyric acid), enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier function, and reduce systemic inflammation caused by "leaky gut".

[0030] In terms of promoting neurotransmitter synthesis, tryptophan is metabolized by gut microbiota to produce serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite; tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, which helps improve attention and energy; choline participates in the synthesis of acetylcholine, supports learning and memory functions, and delays cognitive decline.

[0031] In terms of neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory support, DHA and EPA maintain the fluidity of nerve cell membranes and reduce neuroinflammation; B vitamins participate in the one-carbon cycle and neurotransmitter metabolism, preventing neurological dysfunction; magnesium has a natural sedative effect, relieving over-excitement and muscle tension.

[0032] Regarding the mood regulation of plant-based active ingredients, L-theanine promotes GABA release and reduces anxiety levels; chamomile and lavender extracts contain flavonoids and linalool, which have natural anti-anxiety, calming, and soothing effects.

[0033] Through the synergistic effect of the above-mentioned multiple pathways, the present invention achieves a comprehensive effect of stabilizing emotions, enhancing stress resistance, improving sleep quality, improving cognitive function, and restoring gut health.

[0034] The nutritional composition described in this invention is suitable for the following situations: separation anxiety, fear, and aggressive behavior in pets caused by environmental changes, separation from their owners, noise stimulation, etc.; intestinal flora imbalance, diarrhea, or constipation caused by antibiotic treatment or improper diet; cognitive impairment in elderly pets, such as disorientation and circadian rhythm disorder; daily health care for improving immunity, coat quality, appetite, and sleep quality; and preventive intervention before and after high-stress scenarios such as travel, boarding, and competitions.

[0035] Example 1: Powder-based nutritional composition

[0036] This embodiment provides a powder-type pet nutrition composition, the formulation of which, by weight percentage, includes: 8% Lactobacillus acidophilus, 15% fructooligosaccharides, 2% tryptophan, 10% DHA microcapsule powder (containing 50% DHA), 0.05% vitamin B6, 0.05% vitamin B12, 3% L-theanine, 5% inulin, 46.9% soy protein powder, and 10% chicken liver seasoning powder.

[0037] The preparation method is as follows: Pass all dried components through an 80-mesh sieve to ensure uniform particle size. Add them sequentially to a mixer and mix evenly for 30 minutes in a gradient manner to ensure thorough dispersion of each component. Divide the uniformly mixed powder into individual 5-gram packets and store them in sealed containers.

[0038] To verify the efficacy of the composition of this embodiment, an animal experiment was conducted. Twenty adult beagles exhibiting mild anxiety were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with ten dogs in each group. The experimental group was fed 5 grams of the composition prepared in this embodiment daily for 30 consecutive days. The control group was fed only the same amount of basal diet.

[0039] Assessment indicators included behavioral scores, fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations, and gut microbiota diversity. Behavioral scores were assessed using a modified canine anxiety behavior scale, with observers quantifying the dogs' anxiety responses. Fecal short-chain fatty acid levels were determined using gas chromatography. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.

[0040] The experimental results showed that the anxiety behavior score of the experimental group decreased by 30.2%, which was statistically significant compared with the control group (p<0.01). Fecal butyrate content increased by 25.6%, the Shannon index of the gut microbiota significantly increased, and the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes tended to normalize. These results indicate that the composition of this embodiment can significantly improve canine anxiety behavior, while simultaneously increasing the level of beneficial intestinal metabolites and reshaping the gut microbiota structure, verifying its mechanism of action in achieving a synergistic effect of "gut health—neuromodulation—behavioral improvement" through the gut-brain axis.

[0041] Example 2: Soft Chewable Tablet Nutritional Composition

[0042] This embodiment provides a soft chewable pet nutritional composition, the formulation of which, by weight percentage, includes: 10% Lactobacillus paracasei, 20% inulin, 5% tyrosine, 10% EPA / DHA complex oil powder (microencapsulated), 2% lavender extract (containing not less than 10% linalool), 25% gelatin, 15% glycerin, 8% sorbitol, and 5% yeast extract.

[0043] The preparation method is as follows: Dissolve gelatin and glycerin in warm water to form a gel solution, add other ingredients and stir evenly. Pour the evenly mixed gel solution into a mold, dry at 40 degrees Celsius until the moisture content does not exceed 10%, and package individually in aluminum foil after demolding.

[0044] To verify the practical application effect of the composition of this embodiment, a trial was conducted on 50 domestic cats and dogs, with continuous administration for 28 days. The product efficacy and palatability were evaluated through owner questionnaires and veterinary clinical observation.

[0045] The evaluation results showed that 86% of pet owners reported that their pets were more emotionally stable, had significantly improved coat shine, and achieved a palatability score of 9.2 out of 10, with no instances of food refusal. No adverse events were observed during the trial, indicating that the composition of this embodiment has good safety and tolerability.

[0046] The powder prepared in Example 1 and the soft chewable tablets prepared in Example 2 were subjected to accelerated stability testing for 3 months at 40°C ± 2°C and 75% ± 5% relative humidity. The testing indicators for the powder were the viable probiotic count and moisture content. The results showed that the initial viable probiotic count was 1.2 × 10⁻⁶. 9 CFU / g, after 3 months it was 8.5×10 8 The CFU / g concentration decreased by no more than 30%; the initial moisture content was 4.2%, which decreased to 4.5% after 3 months, meeting the quality standards. The evaluation indicators for soft chewable tablets were the number of live probiotics and the firmness. The results showed that the initial number of live probiotics was 5.6 × 10⁻⁶. 8 CFU / g, after 3 months it was 3.8×10 8The CFU / g concentration decreased by no more than 35%; the initial hardness was 35 Newtons, which decreased to 38 Newtons after 3 months, and the hardness remained stable. All dosage forms maintained good stability under accelerated conditions, meeting the storage requirements for pet nutritional supplements.

[0047] In accordance with the "Regulations on Hygiene of Pet Food" and related toxicological evaluation guidelines, an acute oral toxicity test was conducted on the composition prepared in Example 1 of this invention. Twenty SPF-grade KM mice (half male and half female) were used in the test, and were administered a single oral dose of 5 grams per kilogram of body weight, equivalent to 50 times the recommended dose. After 14 days of continuous observation, the results showed that all mice exhibited no abnormal reactions or deaths, normal weight gain, and no pathological changes in major organs, demonstrating that the composition of this invention has high safety.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this document, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0049] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation, characterized in that, It contains the following components by mass percentage: Probiotic components 5%–20%, Prebiotic components 10%–25%, Neurotransmitter precursor components 2%–10%, Anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factor components 5%–15%, Plant extract components 1%–10%, Carrier and auxiliary material balance; The composition reshapes the gut microbiota through the synergistic effect of probiotics and prebiotics, and regulates neural signaling pathways through the supply of neurotransmitter precursors and plant extracts, thereby achieving a dual improvement in gut health and neurobehavior.

2. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probiotic components are selected from one or more of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus paracasei.

3. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The prebiotic component is selected from one or more of fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and mannan oligosaccharides.

4. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The neurotransmitter precursor component is selected from one or more of tryptophan, tyrosine, and choline.

5. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factor components include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium; wherein the omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and the B vitamins include at least one of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

6. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plant extract components are selected from one or more of L-theanine, chamomile extract, and lavender extract.

7. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier and excipients include protein powder, dietary fiber and flavoring agent; the protein powder is selected from at least one of whey protein powder and soy protein powder, and the flavoring agent is selected from at least one of chicken liver powder and yeast extract.

8. The pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dosage form of the composition is powder, granules, soft chewable tablets, liquid suspension or lyophilized tablets.

9. The use of a pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to any one of claims 1-8 in the preparation of functional pet food or pet nutritional supplements for improving abnormal emotional behavior, stress response, gut microbiota dysbiosis or cognitive decline in pets.

10. The application of the pet nutritional composition based on gut-brain axis regulation according to claim 9, characterized in that, The emotional and behavioral abnormalities include anxiety, depression, increased aggression, separation stress, and sleep disturbances; the cognitive decline includes nocturnal agitation and disorientation as manifested in cognitive impairment syndrome in older pets.