Dog food

Abstract

To provide a dog food which can cure or improve a disease of pet dogs of particular dog species which show a symptom characterized by deficiency or shortage of an omega-3 fatty acid.SOLUTION: A dog food for the dog species of dachshunds, chihuahuas, pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, papillons, pug dogs, French bulldogs, bulldogs, Jack Russell terriers, and weimaraners includes 0.001 to 4% by dry weight of a glycerophospholipid having constituent fatty acids at least a part of which is an omega-3 fatty acid. More preferably, the dog food includes 0.01 to 2% by dry weight of a plant worm added thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to dog food. More specifically, it relates to dog food for specific dog breeds that, by feeding dogs of types with poor absorption and metabolism capabilities of specific nutrients, exhibits a healing or improving effect on skin diseases, internal organ diseases, etc. caused by deficiencies or shortages of such nutrients.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as is often said, such as the pet boom, many households keep pets. It is widely known that through contact with pets, one can obtain mental comfort, and physical activities and regular daily rhythms through taking care of pets can also contribute to improving physical health. It is considered that more and more pets will be kept in the future.

[0003] A variety of pets are kept, and among them, dogs are well - accustomed to their owners, obedient, and have many favorable qualities as pets, such as the existence of dog breeds of various sizes and appearances that can meet the owners' preferences. Dogs are one of the very popular pets. Often, pet dogs (hereinafter referred to as "pet dogs") are recognized as important members of the family by their owners, and their health status, etc. is a very major concern.

[0004] There are various factors that affect the health of pet dogs, but an important factor that cannot be ignored is the choice of food. Similar to humans, pet dogs also have nutrients such as essential amino acids and essential fatty acids that must be ingested through food. If these are lacking or insufficient, skin disorders and internal organ disorders such as those of the kidneys and liver will occur. While the required amounts of essential nutrients vary depending on the age and other attributes of pet dogs, overfeeding out of fear of deficiency can also cause diseases similar to human adult diseases such as obesity and diabetes. For this reason, various dog foods have been developed and marketed to meet the needs of pet dogs.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-202077 discloses a pet food containing (A) an oil containing an unsaturated fatty acid having three or more double bonds as a constituent fatty acid, (B) a mineral component selected from iron, iron compounds, copper, and copper compounds, (C) citric acid and / or its salts in a total amount that is 10 times or more in molar ratio to component (B), (D) lecithin, and (E) defatted sesame. This invention relates to a pet food that significantly improves the oxidative stability of a pet food containing an oil containing fatty acids with multiple unsaturated bonds and a mineral component. Oils containing unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, which are expected to have various physiological effects, are prone to oxidation, and their odor and palatability tend to deteriorate. This invention significantly improves oxidative stability and enables long-term storage.

[0006] Furthermore, the same publication discloses a pet food that preferably contains 1% to 45% by mass of oils and fats containing unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids as constituent fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids for dogs, and by feeding dogs this pet food containing oils and fats containing omega-6 fatty acids as constituent fatty acids, it is possible to provide pet dogs with the necessary amount of essential fatty acids. In addition, since dogs can convert linoleic acid, which is one of the omega-6 fatty acids, into alpha-linolenic acid, which is one of the omega-3 fatty acids, although omega-3 fatty acids are not essential fatty acids, the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids fed to dogs is said to be related to their health (for example, a ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids of about 5 to 10:1 is said to be preferable), and it is expected that providing dogs with fatty acids in the appropriate ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids through this pet food will contribute to their health.

[0007] It appears that feeding pet dogs oils containing unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids as constituent fatty acids can ensure they receive the necessary amount of essential fatty acids and guarantee their health in the area of ​​essential fatty acids. However, research by the present inventor has revealed that there are pet dogs that appear to be deficient or lacking in essential fatty acids despite being fed sufficient amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, symptoms suggestive of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack have been observed, such as loss of coat luster, skin diseases like dermatitis, decreased kidney function, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, it has been found that these cases seem to occur particularly frequently in certain dog breeds.

[0008] The inventors of this invention further researched and found that in certain dog breeds, even young dogs that appear healthy are prone to deficiencies or deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids such as doxohexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or alpha-linolenic acid, even when fed sufficient amounts of food. Although the exact cause is unknown, it appears that certain dog breeds have congenital problems in the processes of absorption, metabolism, and transport of these fatty acids, or in the process of conversion from omega-6 fatty acids.

[0009] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that feeding pet dogs omega-3 fatty acids as phospholipids (glycerophospholipids) rather than as ordinary lipids (glycerolipids) significantly improves symptoms suspected to be due to omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack. Although the details are unclear, it is presumed that the unique properties of phospholipids, such as their amphiphilic nature and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, contributed to avoiding the congenital problems of the aforementioned specific breed of dog. This discovery has the potential to fundamentally resolve diseases characteristic of essential fatty acid deficiency or lack in certain breeds of dogs.

[0010] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that the aforementioned effects can be made even more pronounced by feeding pet dogs Cordyceps sinensis or components extracted from it, in addition to glycerophospholipids. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed that feeding it to dogs acts on symptoms such as inflammation that occur when omega-3 fatty acids are deficient or insufficient, and that this acts synergistically with feeding omega-3 fatty acids as glycerophospholipids to produce a remarkable effect.

[0011] Based on these research findings, the present inventor has developed a dog food that can cure or improve diseases in pet dogs of specific breeds that exhibit symptoms characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-202077 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] As described above, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a dog food that can cure or improve diseases in pet dogs of certain breeds that exhibit symptoms characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, Contains 0.001% to 4% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids that make up glycerophospholipids. This dog food is characterized by the following features.

[0015] Glycerophospholipids are a general term for substances in which one hydroxyl group of glycerol is bonded to a phosphate group, and the remaining two are bonded to fatty acids. Although they are both lipids, glycerolipids differ in that fatty acids are bonded to all of the hydroxyl groups of glycerol. Fatty acids in lipids are hydrophobic, while phosphate groups are hydrophilic, so unlike ordinary glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids exhibit amphiphilic properties and other unique characteristics. Due to these differences in properties, it is thought that even in dog breeds with congenital problems that prevent them from adequately absorbing, metabolizing, and transporting the constituent fatty acids of ordinary glycerolipids, feeding them glycerophospholipids may enable absorption and utilization.

[0016] Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty acids that have a carbon-carbon double bond at the ω-3 position. A deficiency in these fatty acids is known to cause skin disorders, kidney and liver diseases, and is also associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy. In particular, fish oil, known as a glycerolipid that contains a large amount of DHA and EPA, which are omega-3 fatty acids, is being used in supplements for both humans and pets, and is now widely available on the market.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to directly address diseases characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof, the present invention provides a dog food containing glycerophospholipids that include omega-3 fatty acids as at least a portion of their constituent fatty acids. However, this does not preclude the addition of glycerophospholipids that include omega-6 fatty acids as at least a portion of their constituent fatty acids to the dog food according to the present invention. In normal dietary ingredients, a deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids is rare, so it is preferable to preferentially fortify with omega-3 fatty acids. However, since omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids for dogs, it goes without saying that the diet must be adjusted so that the necessary amount of omega-6 fatty acids is obtained from the entire diet.

[0018] The dog food according to the present invention can greatly contribute to the health of pet dogs of breeds that, due to congenital problems, cannot adequately utilize omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies even when ingested as glycerolipids. However, just like all other nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids should not be deficient, but excessive intake is also undesirable. As already explained, a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause various diseases, but excessive intake is said to cause blood clotting disorders and exudative erythema, as well as obesity due to excessive calorie intake and diseases caused by it.

[0019] Therefore, the dog food according to the present invention contains 0.001% to 4% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids that constitute glycerophospholipids. Within this range, when a pet dog's calorie needs are met with the dog food according to the present invention, an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids can be ingested, and diseases caused by omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack can be improved or prevented without side effects.

[0020] (2) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, The glycerophospholipid contains 0.01% to 2% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids. The dog food is characterized by the features described in (1).

[0021] The amount of omega-3 fatty acids that pet dogs need to consume naturally varies depending on the breed, weight, activity level, and age of the dog. In order to ensure that a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids are consumed by a larger number of pet dogs, this invention includes 0.01% to 2% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids that constitute glycerophospholipids. Within this range, pet dogs with a high degree of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can consume a sufficient amount, and there is no risk of excessive intake for pet dogs with a relatively mild degree of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, making it a dog food that can be safely fed to many pet dogs.

[0022] (3) To solve the above problems, in the present invention, it is characterized in that it contains 0.033 to 6.6 dry weight % of krill oil and is used as dog food.

[0023] Krill oil is an edible oil extracted and refined from Antarctic krill, which is a type of zooplankton. It is known for containing a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to fish oil. Another major feature is that a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids are contained as glycerophospholipids rather than glycerolipids. If at least some of the fatty acids added to the dog food according to the present invention can be glycerophospholipids with omega-3 fatty acids from extracts of natural organisms, it will be a reassuring option for pet dog owners who prefer dog food made from natural raw materials without going through chemical processes or with a low degree of artificial processing. In addition, it can also contribute to reducing raw material costs.

[0024] According to the food standard CXS 329-2017 of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, although it is a natural raw material and there are variations, omega-3 fatty acids among the fatty acids contained in krill oil are said to account for a proportion of 22.5 to 57.2 weight %. Therefore, the dog food according to the present invention contains 0. (0) 33 to 6.6 dry weight % of krill oil. By doing so, pet dogs can ingest omega-3 fatty acids that constitute glycerophospholipids that are almost equivalent to those in case (1). Therefore, an effect almost equivalent to that in case (1) can be obtained.

[0025] (4) To solve the above problems, in the present invention, it is characterized in that it contains 0.33 to 3.3 dry weight % of krill oil and is the dog food according to (3).

[0026] Even when krill oil is used as an ingredient in the dog food according to the present invention, a more preferable amount can be set to allow more pet dogs to ingest a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to the case in (2). Specifically, if krill oil is included in an amount of 0.33% to 3.3% by dry weight, pet dogs can ingest omega-3 fatty acids that constitute glycerophospholipids almost equivalent to the case in (2), and an effect almost equivalent to the case in (2) can be obtained.

[0027] (5) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, Contains Cordyceps The dog food is characterized by any of (1) to (4) above.

[0028] Cordyceps is a general term for fungi such as Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps hyphae, Cordyceps pupae, and Cordyceps pupae, in which the mycelium parasitizes insects in the soil and produces fruiting bodies above ground. Cordyceps has been shown to possess various effects such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunosuppressive properties, and is being used in practical applications as an antitumor drug.

[0029] As previously explained, pet dogs suffering from omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or insufficiency can develop skin disorders and organ damage such as kidney and liver problems. One of the mechanisms leading to such damage is said to be the inflammatory response of tissues. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are said to be converted into anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, which suppress inflammation. However, dog breeds that cannot adequately utilize omega-3 fatty acids, which make up glycerolipids, due to congenital problems are thought to be chronically susceptible to inflammatory responses.

[0030] By feeding pet dogs the dog food according to the present invention, it is expected that the condition of pet dogs suffering from chronic omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof will be greatly improved. Furthermore, by adding Cordyceps sinensis, which exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects, the effects of the dog food according to the present invention can be made even more pronounced.

[0031] By the way, in this invention, "containing Cordyceps sinensis" means, needless to say, adding the fruiting body of Cordyceps sinensis itself, or a powder made by crushing it, to the dog food according to the present invention, but it is not limited to this. For example, extracts of D-mannitol, cordycepin, etc., which are said to be characteristic components of Cordyceps sinensis, may also be added.

[0032] (6) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, The aforementioned Cordyceps fungus is Cordyceps militaris. The dog food is characterized by the features described in (5).

[0033] As previously explained, by providing dog food containing glycerophospholipids with at least some of their constituent fatty acids being omega-3 fatty acids and Cordyceps sinensis, it is possible to treat or improve diseases characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack even in dog breeds with congenital problems that prevent them from adequately absorbing, metabolizing, transporting, and utilizing the omega-3 fatty acids that make up their composition when fed ordinary glycerolipids. However, according to the inventor's research, it has been found that the greatest effect can be obtained by selecting Cordyceps sinensis in particular among various types of Cordyceps sinensis, making it a preferred choice for the present invention.

[0034] (7) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, The aforementioned Cordyceps sinensis contains 0.01% to 2% by dry weight. The dog food is characterized by the features described in (5) or (6).

[0035] While Cordyceps sinensis is generally considered a safe edible mushroom with no known side effects, it is an expensive ingredient in dog food, and adding more than necessary is undesirable from a cost-effectiveness standpoint. Furthermore, while it offers various beneficial effects, it does not soften easily when heated and does not have a particularly strong taste, so there are concerns that adding too much could negatively affect the palatability of the dog food.

[0036] Therefore, the ideal addition ratio for Cordyceps sinensis, which provides sufficient effects without negatively affecting palatability, is set at 0.01% to 2% by dry weight. By adding Cordyceps sinensis within this range, the dog food according to the present invention can be effective in curing or improving the condition of pet dogs that exhibit symptoms characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack even when fed a normal diet of glycerolipids.

[0037] As stated above, the form of Cordyceps sinensis contained in the dog food according to the present invention can be any form, such as the Cordyceps sinensis fruiting body itself, a pulverized version thereof, or an extract thereof. However, the statement that it contains 0.01% to 2% dry weight of Cordyceps sinensis refers to the percentage calculated by converting it to the dry weight of the original Cordyceps sinensis fruiting body, regardless of its form. This is because it is necessary to control the amount of active ingredients required to obtain the desired effect, and using the dry weight of the Cordyceps sinensis fruiting body as the basis is considered simple and accurate.

[0038] (8) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, Suitable for the following dog breeds: Dachshund, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon, Pug, French Bulldog, Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, and Weimaraner. The dog food is characterized by any of (1) to (7) above.

[0039] The dog food according to the present invention can actually be fed to any dog ​​breed, providing them with omega-3 fatty acids and thereby contributing to the healing or improvement of diseases characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack. Therefore, there is no problem in feeding it to any dog ​​breed. However, if a dog breed can satisfy the necessary omega-3 fatty acids through the intake of glycerolipids in which at least a portion of the constituent fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids, then it is possible to maintain good health without using the dog food according to the present invention. For example, fish oil contains a large amount of glycerolipids that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids as constituent fatty acids, so supplements containing fish oil that are already available on the market can be used.

[0040] On the other hand, according to the applicant's research, it has been found that at least the following dog breeds (hereinafter referred to as "target breeds") have difficulty obtaining the necessary omega-3 fatty acids through the intake of glycerolipids and tend to suffer from chronic omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof. Therefore, by making the dog food according to the present invention particularly suitable for these dog breeds, it will be easier for owners to decide to feed the dog food according to the present invention to pet dogs that are prone to omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the health of pet dogs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] (1) Since this dog food contains omega-3 fatty acids that make up glycerophospholipids, it can be used to treat or improve diseases caused by omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack, even in pet dogs of breeds that cannot adequately utilize omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies when fed as glycerolipids due to congenital problems.

[0042] Furthermore, by including 0.001% to 4% dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids, which constitute glycerophospholipids, this dog food allows pet dogs to ingest an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids without causing problems such as blood clotting disorders or excessive calorie intake associated with excessive intake.

[0043] (2) By including 0.01% to 2% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids that constitute glycerophospholipids, this dog food can be safely fed to pet dogs of various attributes, that is, pet dogs of a wide range of breeds, weights, activity levels, ages, etc.

[0044] (3) Since the krill oil content is set to be between 0.033% and 6.6% by dry weight, (1) the same effects can be achieved with dog food made from natural ingredients that have not undergone scientific processes or ingredients with a low degree of artificial processing, thus providing a reassuring dog food for pet dog owners.

[0045] (4) Since the dog food contains krill oil in an amount of 0.33% to 3.3% by dry weight, the same effects as (2) can be achieved with natural ingredients that have not undergone scientific processes, or with ingredients that have not undergone artificial processing to a low degree, thus providing a dog food that gives pet dog owners peace of mind.

[0046] (5) Because the dog food contains Cordyceps sinensis, the effect of the dog food according to the present invention in sufficient omega-3 fatty acids and the anti-inflammatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis work synergistically, making the effect of curing or improving diseases caused by omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack even more remarkable.

[0047] (6) Since Cordyceps sinensis is included, the effect of (5) can be maximized.

[0048] (7) By including 0.01% to 2% by dry weight of Cordyceps sinensis, the present invention can be made to maintain the effect of curing or improving diseases caused by omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof, while suppressing an increase in raw material costs and producing a dog food that is not undesirable in terms of palatability.

[0049] (8) Since this dog food is formulated for the target breed of dog, it becomes easier for owners to decide to feed this dog food to pet dogs that are prone to omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the health of pet dogs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. [Examples]

[0051] Two types of dog food were prepared as shown in Table 1, and named Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, respectively. These were complete nutritional foods prepared to have a total calorie content of 360 kcal, with crude protein at 25%, crude fat at 10%, and crude fiber at 5%. Example 1 was prepared by adding glycerophospholipids, which are omega-3 fatty acids, to these foods so that the omega-3 fatty acid content was 0.1% by dry weight. Comparative Example 1 was prepared by adding glycerolipids, which are omega-3 fatty acids, to these foods.

[0052] In practice, krill oil was used as the raw material for glycerophospholipids in which at least some fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids, and tuna fish oil was used as the raw material for glycerolipids in which at least some fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids. Needless to say, the raw materials other than krill oil and tuna fish oil were exactly the same in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] The following study compared the degree of healing and improvement of symptoms and diseases in pet dogs exhibiting symptoms or conditions suspected to be caused by omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack, after feeding them each of the above-mentioned Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. Fifty dogs were surveyed for each breed, and the breeds that commonly showed a tendency toward omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack were the target breeds (Dachshund, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon, Pug, French Bulldog, Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, and Weimaraner). The following tests were conducted on these groups. No common nutrient deficiency was observed in breeds other than the target breeds.

[0055] (A) Skin disease Twenty pet dogs of a breed exhibiting skin disease symptoms were divided into two groups of 10 dogs each. One group was fed only the dog food of Example 1, and the other group was fed only the dog food of Comparative Example 1. After two months, the owners were interviewed about the improvement in the skin disease symptoms of each pet dog. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0056] [Table 3]

[0057] As shown in the table, in the group fed with the dog food of Example 1, 7 out of 10 dogs reported improvement in their skin disease symptoms, while 3 reported no change. Note that any deaths of pet dogs during the study were included in the "other" category, but no such incidents occurred during this study period. On the other hand, in the group fed with the dog food of Comparative Example 1, there were no reports of improvement in skin disease symptoms.

[0058] From the above, it can be clearly concluded that the dog food according to Example 1 of the present invention was effective in curing or improving skin disease symptoms that are said to be more likely to occur when there is a deficiency or lack of omega-3 fatty acids.

[0059] Furthermore, while measuring instruments known as wave measuring instruments are in practical use, and their limitations have been pointed out, such as the fact that the reproducibility and reliability of measurements are affected by the operator's skill level and physical condition, they are considered useful as a scale to grasp the relative trends of the subject rather than absolute values.

[0060] For reference, in this study, we also examined the sufficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the pet dogs that were used as test subjects. Before the start of the study, all 20 pet dogs showed a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. However, after the study, the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was resolved in all 10 dogs in the group fed with the pet food of Example 1, whereas the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was not resolved in all 10 dogs in the group fed with the pet food of Comparative Example 1. Since the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained in the pet food was almost the same in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, this result suggests that feeding omega-3 fatty acids in the form of glycerophospholipids rather than glycerolipids makes it possible for the target pet dogs to utilize omega-3 fatty acids.

[0061] (B) Liver function Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the blood are well-known indicators of impaired liver function. Ten pet dogs with elevated blood ALP levels outside the normal range were divided into two groups of five dogs each. One group was fed only the dog food from Example 1, and the other group was fed only the dog food from Comparative Example 2. Changes in blood ALP levels were examined after two months. All pet dogs used as subjects were of the target breed. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0062] [Table 4]

[0063] As is clear from the table, in the group fed with the dog food of Example 1, all 5 dogs showed improvement in blood ALP concentration, while in the group fed with the dog food of Comparative Example 1, only 1 out of 5 dogs showed improvement in blood ALP concentration.

[0064] These results demonstrate that the dog food according to Example 1 of the present invention is effective in curing or improving liver dysfunction (e.g., chronic hepatitis), which is said to be more likely to occur when there is a deficiency or lack of omega-3 fatty acids.

[0065] Furthermore, in this study, a wave measuring device confirmed that the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was resolved only in the group fed the dog food of Example 1. It is presumed that the sufficiency of omega-3 fatty acids contributed directly or indirectly to the recovery of liver function (improvement of blood ALP concentration).

[0066] (C) Neurological diseases Ten pet dogs exhibiting symptoms of epileptic seizures were divided into two groups of five dogs each. One group was fed only the dog food from Example 1, and the other group was fed only the dog food from Comparative Example 2. The occurrence of epileptic seizures was investigated over a period of six months. All pet dogs used as subjects were of the target breed. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0067] [Table 5]

[0068] As is clear from the table, in the group fed with the dog food of Example 1, 4 out of 5 dogs did not experience epileptic seizures. Furthermore, even in the one dog that did experience an epileptic seizure, symptom relief was observed. On the other hand, in the group fed with the dog food of Comparative Example 1, epileptic seizures continued to occur, and no improvement in symptoms was observed.

[0069] These results demonstrate that the dog food according to Example 1 of the present invention is effective in curing or improving neurological diseases that are said to be more likely to occur when there is a deficiency or lack of omega-3 fatty acids.

[0070] Furthermore, in this study, a wave measuring device confirmed that the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was resolved only in the group fed the dog food of Example 1. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in the formation and networking of brain nerve cells, and it is presumed that the neurological disease was cured or improved by sufficient omega-3 fatty acid intake.

[0071] (D) General health Twenty pet dogs, all appearing healthy and free from any apparent illnesses, were divided into two groups of 10. One group was fed only the dog food from Example 1, while the other group was fed only the dog food from Comparative Example 2. After two months, owners were interviewed about changes in their pet dogs' health. Health was evaluated based on three aspects: "coat condition," "stool quality," and "energy level." All pet dogs used in the study were of the target breed. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0072] [Table 6]

[0073] As is clear from the table, in the group fed with the dog food of Example 1, 8 out of 10 dogs reported an improvement in their health, while in the group fed with the dog food of Comparative Example 1, there were no reports of improved health. Regarding the breakdown of improvements in health, in all cases, the respondents reported improvements in "coat condition," "stool quality," and "energy level."

[0074] It is known that the "condition of the coat" (or more broadly, the "condition of the skin") tends to worsen significantly when there is a deficiency or lack of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the results show that improvements can also be obtained in "stool quality" and "energy level" with the dog food according to Example 1 of the present invention. This suggests that even pet dogs that appear to be in good health may have a slight deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the target breed, and that the dog food of the present invention resolves this deficiency, restoring them to their original state of health.

[0075] Furthermore, in this study, a wave measuring device was used to confirm that the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was resolved only in the group fed the dog food of Example 1. [Examples]

[0076] Two types of dog food were prepared as shown in Table 2, and named Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, respectively. These were the same as in Example 1, except that the crude protein content was adjusted to a lower 21% to suit pet dogs with impaired renal function.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] (E) Renal function Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are well-known indicators of impaired kidney function. Ten pet dogs with abnormally high blood BUN levels were divided into two groups of five dogs each. One group was fed only the dog food from Example 1, and the other group was fed only the dog food from Comparative Example 2. Changes in blood BUN levels were examined after two months. All pet dogs used as subjects were of the target breed. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0079] [Table 7]

[0080] As is clear from the table, in the group fed with the dog food of Example 1, blood BUN concentration improved in 4 out of 5 cases, while in the group fed with the dog food of Comparative Example 1, blood BUN concentration improved in only 1 out of 5 cases.

[0081] Although the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack and decreased renal function is not entirely clear, these results suggest that the dog food according to Example 1 of the present invention may have a direct or indirect effect in curing or improving decreased renal function. For example, it is said that one of the causes of decreased renal function is inflammation of the kidneys, and it is possible that the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to this.

[0082] Furthermore, in this study, a wave measuring device was used to confirm that the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency was resolved only in the group fed the dog food of Example 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] As described above, the present invention provides a dog food that can cure or improve diseases in pet dogs of certain breeds that exhibit symptoms characteristic of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or lack thereof, and its industrial value is extremely high.

Claims

1. Contains 0.001% to 4% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids constituting glycerophospholipids A dog food characterized by:

2. The glycerophospholipid contains 0.01% to 2% by dry weight of omega-3 fatty acids. The dog food according to claim 1 .

3. Contains 0.033% to 6.6% by dry weight of krill oil A dog food characterized by:

4. Contains 0.33% to 3.3% by dry weight of krill oil The dog food according to claim 3 .

5. Contains Cordyceps The dog food according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The cordyceps sinensis is a cordyceps sinensis The dog food according to claim 5 .

7. The cordyceps contains 0.01% to 2% by dry weight. The dog food according to claim 6 .

8. Suitable for the following breeds: Dachshund, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon, Pug, French Bulldog, Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, and Weimaraner. The dog food according to any one of claims 1 to 4.