A cat food composition for significantly delaying aging in cats and a method of preparing the same

Abstract

The application discloses a cat food composition for significantly delaying cat aging, which comprises the following components in parts by weight: fresh chicken 30-35 parts, white star flower beetle larva powder 15-25 parts, animal fat 9-10 parts, starch 10-12 parts, plant dietary fiber 2-3 parts, functional compound microcapsules 3 parts, mineral and vitamin premix 1.5 parts, taurine 0.2 parts and plant extract 0.1 part; the functional compound microcapsules comprise the following components: pterostilbene 0.05-0.06 part, saffron 0.5-0.6 part, spermidine 0.02-0.03 part and starch carrier 2.31-2.43 parts. The application scientifically selects antioxidant components and nutritional supplement components, and ensures the quality of the cat food through reasonable component proportioning and a production process. The cat food has beneficial effects of enhancing cat immunity, improving organ function and improving overall health level, and has a remarkable effect in delaying cat aging, thereby providing effective dietary guarantee for the health and longevity of pet cats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of animal feeding and formulated food technology, specifically relating to a cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] With rising socioeconomic levels and changing family structures, the number of pet cats has continued to climb globally, making their health and lifespan an increasingly important social concern. As companion animals, a cat's quality of life directly impacts the happiness and emotional bond of many families. Against this backdrop, extending a cat's healthy lifespan through scientific feeding and management has become a crucial research direction for pet nutrition, veterinary medicine, and related industries. Increased public awareness of pet welfare has also driven the market and research efforts to focus more on the health of cats throughout their entire life cycle, paying particular attention to the specific needs of the aging stage.

[0003] During the natural aging process of cats, a series of physiological changes occur, significantly impacting their quality of life. Among these changes, the immune system gradually declines, making older cats more susceptible to pathogens, increasing their risk of illness, and weakening their recovery ability. Simultaneously, multiple organ systems experience progressive functional decline, such as reduced kidney filtration capacity, accelerated wear and tear on articular cartilage, slower digestion and absorption, and potential cognitive decline. These changes not only reduce a cat's willingness and ability to move but are also often accompanied by chronic pain or discomfort, severely impairing their welfare. Therefore, interventions and nutritional support tailored to the physiological characteristics of aging are crucial for maintaining the physical function of older cats and improving their quality of life in their later years.

[0004] However, current mainstream cat food products still have significant shortcomings in specifically addressing the aging process in cats and meeting their unique nutritional needs during senior years. The formulations of most general-purpose or all-stage cat foods are ill-suited to the specific conditions faced by older cats, such as slower metabolism, changes in protein conversion efficiency, increased antioxidant requirements, and greater strain on joints and kidneys. For example, the quality and quantity of protein, phosphorus content control, essential fatty acid ratios, and functional additives such as glucosamine, antioxidants, and prebiotics are often not systematically and scientifically balanced and fortified. This gap between products and needs means that many senior cats cannot obtain sufficient support from their daily diet to cope with the challenges of aging, leaving a significant market gap and room for product innovation. Developing nutritional solutions specifically tailored to the physiological conditions of senior cats has become a crucial area for breakthroughs in the pet food industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a cat food that can significantly delay cat aging.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging, comprising, by weight, the following components: 30-35 parts fresh chicken, 15-25 parts white star flower beetle larvae powder, 9-10 parts animal fat, 10-12 parts starch, 2-3 parts plant dietary fiber, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts plant extract. The functional compound microcapsules include the following components: 0.05-0.06 parts of pterostilbene, 0.5-0.6 parts of crocin, 0.02-0.03 parts of spermidine, and 2.31-2.43 parts of starch carrier.

[0007] Preferably, the animal fat is chicken fat or duck fat.

[0008] Preferably, the starch is tapioca starch or sweet potato starch.

[0009] Preferably, the plant dietary fiber is pea fiber or psyllium fiber.

[0010] Preferably, the plant extract is yucca extract or rosemary extract.

[0011] Preferably, the starch carrier is β-cyclodextrin or modified starch.

[0012] Preferably, the cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging comprises, by weight, the following components: 35 parts fresh chicken meat, 15 parts white star beetle larvae powder, 8 parts chicken fat, 2 parts deep-sea fish oil, 12 parts tapioca starch, 3 parts pea fiber, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts yucca extract; the functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.05 parts pterostilbene, 0.5 parts crocin, 0.02 parts spermidine, and 2.43 parts β-cyclodextrin.

[0013] Preferably, the cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging comprises, by weight, the following components: 30 parts fresh chicken meat, 25 parts white star beetle larvae powder, 9 parts duck oil, 10 parts sweet potato flour, 2 parts plantain seed, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts rosemary extract; the functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.06 parts pterostilbene, 0.6 parts crocin, 0.03 parts spermidine, and 2.31 parts modified starch.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for preparing the cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging, comprising the following steps: S1. Dissolve pterostilbene, crocin and spermidine in water, add to starch carrier solution, stir and encapsulate, and spray dry to obtain the functional compound microcapsules.

[0015] S2. Mince the fresh chicken and mix it evenly with white star flower beetle larvae powder, starch, pea fiber and other dry ingredients except animal fat. Add hot water to condition the mixture, control the moisture content at 25%wt and the temperature at 85℃. Extrude and granulate the mixture, controlling the extrusion temperature at 105℃-110℃. S3. Cool the puffed granules from step S2 to below 40°C, vacuum spray animal fat, and after the fat is absorbed, spray the functional compound microcapsules prepared in step S1 into the granules. Utilize the viscosity of the fat to adsorb the functional compound microcapsules onto the granule surface to obtain the cat food composition.

[0016] Preferably, in step S1, pterostilbene, crocin and spermidine are dissolved in water at twice their weight.

[0017] Preferably, in step S1, the mass concentration of the starch carrier solution is 10% to 20%, and most preferably 15%.

[0018] Preferably, the temperature of the hot water in step S2 is 90-95℃.

[0019] This invention abandons traditional surface antioxidants and innovatively constructs a "mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant system." The core components are pterostilbene and crocin. Pterostilbene, as a natural stilbene compound, can activate the PGC-1α signaling pathway, directly stimulating mitochondrial biogeneration in senescent cells of aged cats, increasing mitochondrial density in myocardial and brain tissues, fundamentally reversing the decline in energy metabolism caused by aging, and its bioavailability is significantly superior to traditional resveratrol. Crocin, utilizing its amphiphilic structure, precisely enters the mitochondrial matrix of cats, clearing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the mitochondrial respiratory chain, preventing DNA mutations, and simultaneously upregulating the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system.

[0020] This invention also introduces spermidine as a cellular "scavenger." As cats age, their autophagy capacity declines, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Spermine, by mimicking the calorie restriction effect, activates the Sirtuins longevity protein family, inducing autophagy and clearing intracellular deposits of lipofuscin (the cause of age spots), thereby delaying the structural aging of tissues and organs.

[0021] This invention also selects white-spotted flower beetle larvae powder as the core protein source. Unlike conventional meat, white-spotted flower beetle larvae protein is rich in natural antimicrobial peptides and unique medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid analogs. While delaying aging, it can effectively regulate the fragile intestinal microecology of older cats, inhibit intestinal inflammation, and form a dual immune barrier with the anti-inflammatory effect of spermidine.

[0022] The scientifically formulated proportions of the core ingredients in this invention are key to achieving a balance between mitochondrial regeneration and autophagy. The mass ratio of pterostilbene to crocin is 1:10. Studies have shown that pterostilbene at this ratio promotes mitochondrial formation most efficiently, while crocin provides sustained antioxidant protection, preventing further damage to newly formed mitochondria. The addition of spermidine has been experimentally verified to effectively initiate the autophagy mechanism without affecting the cat's normal appetite (high concentrations of spermidine may have a distinctive odor). White-spotted beetle larvae powder replaces 20%-30% of the animal protein in conventional cat food formulas. This ratio provides sufficient antimicrobial peptides while ensuring palatability, avoiding refusal to eat due to an overly strong insect protein flavor.

[0023] The production process of cat food includes raw material processing, mixing, extrusion, and drying, each of which significantly impacts nutrient retention and product quality. First, in the raw material processing stage, all core ingredients undergo rigorous quality testing and fine grinding to ensure uniform particle size and improve mixing efficiency. Second, in the mixing stage, high-speed mixers thoroughly mix all raw materials to ensure even distribution of nutrients, preventing quality issues caused by localized high or low concentrations. Extrusion is a crucial step in cat food production. High-temperature, high-pressure processing not only improves digestibility but also effectively kills microorganisms in the raw materials, extending shelf life. However, precise control of temperature, pressure, and moisture content is essential during extrusion to prevent the loss of heat-sensitive nutrients. Finally, in the drying stage, low-temperature drying removes excess moisture, reducing the moisture content of the cat food to a safe range, further extending storage stability. The entire production process, through a rigorous quality control system, ensures the integrity of the nutritional components and the superior quality of the cat food. Because pterostilbene and spermidine are sensitive to light and heat, and spermidine has a distinctive odor, this invention improves the production process, including microencapsulation. Pterostilbene, crocin, and spermidine are encapsulated using β-cyclodextrin to form microcapsules. This not only masks the odor of spermidine but also prevents it from being destroyed during puffing. Furthermore, a post-coating process is used, changing the traditional full-mixing process. After the cat food pellets are puffed, dried, and cooled, the microcapsules are attached to the pellet surface using vacuum spraying technology, and a thin layer of animal fat, such as chicken fat, is sprayed on for sealing. This ensures that the active ingredients retain 100% bioactivity before entering the cat's body.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This invention achieves a technological leap from "passive antioxidation" to "active cell repair." This invention abandons the traditional cat food's reliance on exogenous antioxidants such as vitamin E and astaxanthin, and innovatively introduces a synergistic system of pterostilbene and crocin. Pterostilbene can activate the PGC-1α signaling pathway in aged cats, directly stimulating mitochondrial biogeneration and increasing the number of cellular energy factories; crocin, with its amphiphilic structure, precisely enters the mitochondria to scavenge free radicals. The synergistic effect of these two substances not only eliminates metabolic waste that leads to aging but also reverses the decline in energy metabolism at the organelle level, significantly improving the myocardial function and brain activity of aged cats—a technical effect that conventional antioxidant formulas cannot achieve.

[0025] (2) Effectively removes accumulated aging substances by inducing autophagy. This invention specifically adds spermidine, which, by mimicking the biological characteristics of calorie restriction, activates the Sirtuins longevity protein family and induces autophagy in aged cats. This mechanism can effectively degrade and remove lipofuscin (age spots) and misfolded proteins that accumulate in cells with age, solving the technical pain point of traditional formulas that "only prevent but do not eliminate," and significantly delaying the aging process of body tissues at the cellular metabolic level.

[0026] (3) A dual immune barrier of "anti-inflammatory + anti-aging" was constructed. This invention retains the white-spotted flower beetle larvae powder as the core protein source, utilizing its rich natural antimicrobial peptides and unique medium-chain fatty acids to specifically regulate the fragile intestinal microecology of aged cats. Experiments have shown that the anti-inflammatory effects of insect protein and spermidine have a significant synergistic effect, effectively inhibiting the common chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammatory aging) in aged cats, and significantly reducing the incidence of intestinal diseases in aged cats while delaying aging. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods used in the following examples and comparative examples are conventional methods, and the materials and reagents used are commercially available unless otherwise specified.

[0030] Example 1 1. Raw material preparation White-spotted flower beetle larvae powder: crude protein content ≥45%.

[0031] Pterocarpus santalinus: purity ≥98%.

[0032] Crocin: Food grade, purity ≥99%.

[0033] 2. Cat food formula composition (by weight) 35 parts fresh chicken, 15 parts white star flower beetle larvae powder, 8 parts chicken fat, 2 parts deep-sea fish oil, 12 parts tapioca starch, 3 parts pea fiber, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts yucca extract.

[0034] The functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.05 parts of pterostilbene, 0.5 parts of crocin, 0.02 parts of spermidine, and 2.43 parts of β-cyclodextrin.

[0035] 3. Cat food preparation steps (1) Preparation of functional compound microcapsules: Pterostilbene, crocin and spermidine were dissolved in 2 times the mass of water, and then slowly added to β-cyclodextrin solution (mass concentration 15%). The mixture was stirred and embedded at 45°C for 2 hours, and then spray-dried to obtain functional compound microcapsules.

[0036] (2) Mixing and conditioning: Mince fresh chicken meat and mix it evenly with white star beetle larvae powder, tapioca starch, pea fiber, and other dry ingredients except fish oil and chicken fat. Add hot water (90-95℃) to condition the mixture, controlling the moisture content at 25%wt (based on the total weight of the dry ingredient mixture) and the temperature at 85℃. Extrude and granulate the mixture using a twin-screw extruder, controlling the extrusion temperature at 105℃-110℃ to reduce the destruction of natural nutrients in the raw materials.

[0037] (3) Vacuum spraying: Cool the expanded particles to below 40°C and place them in a vacuum spraying machine. First, spray in deep-sea fish oil and chicken fat. After the oil is absorbed, spray in the functional compound microcapsules prepared in step (1). Use the viscosity of the oil to adsorb the microcapsules onto the surface of the particles.

[0038] (4) Packaging: Nitrogen-filled packaging yields the finished product.

[0039] Example 2 1. Cat food formula composition (by weight) 30 parts fresh chicken, 25 parts white star flower beetle larvae powder, 9 parts duck oil, 10 parts sweet potato starch, 2 parts plantain seed, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts rosemary extract.

[0040] The functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.06 parts of pterostilbene, 0.6 parts of crocin, 0.03 parts of spermidine, and 2.31 parts of modified starch.

[0041] 2. Cat food preparation steps The preparation steps are basically the same as in Example 1. The difference is that in step (1), modified starch is used as the starch carrier to adapt to different flow requirements; in step (3), the spraying time is extended until the surface of a high proportion of insect protein particles is uniformly coated with oil to prevent microcapsules from falling off.

[0042] Comparative Example The cat food in this comparison is a commercially available traditional antioxidant formula.

[0043] The only difference between this formulation and Example 1 is that the "functional compound microcapsules" are replaced with an equal amount of a conventional antioxidant mixture (0.05 parts vitamin E, 0.05 parts astaxanthin, 0.1 parts vitamin C, and 2.8 parts β-cyclodextrin). All other raw materials and processes remain the same as in Example 1. This formulation represents the current mainstream technical approach.

[0044] Animal feeding experiments To verify the technical effect of the present invention, 30 elderly cats aged 10 years or older were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 cats each for a 3-month feeding experiment: Group A: Feeding with the product from Example 1; Group B: Feeding with the product from Example 2; Group C: Feeding the control group with the control product.

[0045] The study measured observable indicators such as the cat's daily activity level, appetite improvement rate, normal defecation rate, mental state score, and abnormal weight rate before and after feeding.

[0046] Cat mental state score: A longitudinal comparative assessment was conducted based on the cat's normal behavioral level before old age.

[0047] The scoring criteria are as follows: 5 points (Excellent): Energetic, playful, quick-witted, and far more energetic than cats of the same age.

[0048] 4 points (Good): High activity frequency, active interaction, and good curiosity and desire to explore.

[0049] 3 points (average): Quiet or sleepy, occasionally explores, responds to the outside world but activity level is significantly reduced.

[0050] 2 points (poor): Hides all day or sleeps, rarely interacts, is slow to react, fearful or indifferent.

[0051] 1 point (very poor): Persistent agitation or lethargy, aggression or complete unresponsiveness, loss of normal social behavior.

[0052] The results are shown in Table 1 (expressed as average).

[0053] Table 1. Feeding test indicators for older cats (based on improvement before feeding)

[0054] Results analysis: (1) Activity level and mental state: The average daily activity level of the older cats in Group A and Group B was significantly increased, and their mental state scores were higher, indicating that their physical fitness and vitality were significantly improved. In contrast, the traditional formula group (Group C) showed limited improvement, indicating that the new formula had a more significant anti-aging effect.

[0055] (2) Appetite and digestive health: The normal rate of appetite and defecation in both experimental groups was better than that in group C, indicating that the insect protein and active ingredients in the formula effectively improved the digestive and absorptive functions of older cats and reduced intestinal problems.

[0056] (3) Weight management: The rate of abnormal weight in older cats in groups A and B decreased significantly, indicating that the formula helps maintain a healthy body shape and reduces the risk of metabolic diseases caused by aging.

[0057] (4) Comprehensive comparison: The traditional formula (Group C) can only provide basic nutrition. The formula of this invention, through the synergistic effect of multiple components, shows a better anti-aging effect in multiple dimensions.

[0058] Verification based on the above-mentioned observable health indicators shows that the formula of this invention is significantly superior to traditional cat food in improving the vitality of senior cats, enhancing their appearance and health, promoting digestion and absorption, and maintaining a healthy physique. Moreover, the data is intuitive and easy to understand, directly reflecting the practical value and anti-aging effects of the formula, demonstrating its innovation and application advantages.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cat food composition that significantly delays aging in cats, characterized in that, By weight, it includes the following components: 30-35 parts fresh chicken, 15-25 parts white star flower beetle larvae powder, 9-10 parts animal fat, 10-12 parts starch, 2-3 parts plant dietary fiber, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts plant extract. The functional compound microcapsules include the following components: 0.05-0.06 parts of pterostilbene, 0.5-0.6 parts of crocin, 0.02-0.03 parts of spermidine, and 2.31-2.43 parts of starch carrier.

2. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging comprises, by weight, the following components: 35 parts fresh chicken meat, 15 parts white star beetle larvae powder, 8 parts chicken fat, 2 parts deep-sea fish oil, 12 parts tapioca starch, 3 parts pea fiber, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts yucca extract; the functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.05 parts pterostilbene, 0.5 parts crocin, 0.02 parts spermidine, and 2.43 parts β-cyclodextrin.

3. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cat food composition that significantly delays cat aging comprises, by weight, the following components: 30 parts fresh chicken, 25 parts white star beetle larvae powder, 9 parts duck oil, 10 parts sweet potato flour, 2 parts plantain seed, 3 parts functional compound microcapsules, 1.5 parts mineral and vitamin premix, 0.2 parts taurine, and 0.1 parts rosemary extract; the functional compound microcapsule components are as follows: 0.06 parts pterostilbene, 0.6 parts crocin, 0.03 parts spermidine, and 2.31 parts modified starch.

4. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal fat is chicken fat or duck fat.

5. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starch is tapioca starch or sweet potato starch.

6. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plant dietary fiber is pea fiber or psyllium fiber.

7. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plant extract is either yucca extract or rosemary extract.

8. The cat food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starch carrier is β-cyclodextrin or modified starch.

9. A method for preparing a cat food composition as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Dissolve pterostilbene, crocin and spermidine in water, add to starch carrier solution, stir and encapsulate, and spray dry to obtain the functional compound microcapsules. S2. Mince the fresh chicken and mix it evenly with white star flower beetle larvae powder, starch, pea fiber and other dry ingredients except animal fat. Add hot water to condition the mixture, control the moisture content at 25%wt and the temperature at 85℃. Extrude and granulate the mixture, controlling the extrusion temperature at 105℃-110℃. S3. Cool the puffed granules from step S2 to below 40°C, vacuum spray animal fat, and after the fat is absorbed, spray the functional compound microcapsules prepared in step S1 into the granules. Utilize the viscosity of the fat to adsorb the functional compound microcapsules onto the granule surface to obtain the cat food composition.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hot water temperature in step S2 is 90-95℃.

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