Pet food compositions

Abstract

To provide pet food compositions and methods for treating diarrhea or constipation in a companion animal.SOLUTION: The pet food compositions may include psyllium or a derivative thereof, a polyphenol source, a high-solubility fiber source, and a low-solubility fiber source. The method may include administering an effective amount of the pet food composition to the companion animal in need thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Pets need healthy diet and proper gastrointestinal motility for continued growth and normal health. Moreover, abnormal gastrointestinal motility can interfere with the digestion of typical pet food compositions, leading to constipation or diarrhea, which can be very serious. These symptoms are not only very unfavorable for the pets who suffer from the condition, but can also create problems for the pet owners who care for the pet, especially when the condition is chronic.

[0002] While certain ingredients are known to be effective in increasing stool consistency, a need remains for ingredients and pet food compositions that 1) treat, prevent and / or inhibit constipation and / or diarrhea, and 2) improve the stool characteristics, bowel movement behavior, and quality of life of companion animals.

[0003] As a result, what is needed are improved pet food compositions and methods for treating, preventing or inhibiting diarrhea / constipation, improving stool characteristics, and / or improving bowel behavior. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is intended to merely introduce a simplified summary of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the present teachings, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, its sole purpose is to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0005] The foregoing and / or other aspects and advantages embodied in the present disclosure may be achieved by providing a pet food composition comprising psyllium or a derivative thereof, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and a source of low soluble fiber.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, psyllium or a derivative thereof may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, optionally about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight, and optionally about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8% or about 1.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0007] In at least one implementation, the source of highly soluble fiber may include one or more of oat bran, buckwheat groats, barley, tomato pomace, flaxseed, citrus pulp, beet pulp, or combinations thereof, more preferably, one or more of oat bran, buckwheat groats, barley, flaxseed, citrus pulp, beet pulp, or combinations thereof.

[0008] In at least one implementation, the source of highly soluble fiber may include one or more of oat bran, buckwheat grits, barley, flaxseed, tomato pomace, citrus pulp, beet pulp, or combinations thereof.

[0009] In at least one implementation, the source of low soluble fiber may include one or more of cellulosic materials, pecan fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further comprise about 15% to about 55% by weight protein, about 20% to about 55% by weight protein, optionally about 32% to about 38% by weight protein, and further optionally about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, or about 37% by weight protein.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further comprise from about 5% to about 15% by weight total dietary fiber, optionally from about 8% to about 14% by weight total dietary fiber, and further optionally about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, or about 13% by weight total dietary fiber.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of from about 10:1 to about 1:1, optionally from about 7.5:1 to about 2.5:1, and further optionally about 5:1.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further comprise a mixture of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids may be from about 10:1 to about 1:1, optionally from about 7.5:1 to about 2:1, and optionally about 3.5:1. In at least one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acids may comprise from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or mixtures thereof, optionally from about 0.3% to about 0.4% by weight, and optionally about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38%, or about 0.39% by weight. In at least one implementation, the omega-3 fatty acids may be provided by flaxseed.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the source of polyphenols may provide polyphenols selected from one or more of dehydroxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroylnepitrin, eupafolin, carnosol, scutellarin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, sirsimaritin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epirosmannol, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In at least one implementation, the source of polyphenols may include pressed cranberries.

[0016] In at least one implementation, the source of polyphenols may include cranberry meal.

[0017] In at least one implementation, the pet food composition may be free or substantially free of pea fiber.

[0018] In at least one implementation, the pet food composition may further include pumpkin.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further comprise a probiotic, which may include one or more of Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further comprise a prebiotic. The prebiotic may comprise fructooligosaccharides.

[0021] The foregoing and / or other aspects and utilities embodied in the present disclosure may be accomplished by providing a method of treating, inhibiting or preventing diarrhea or constipation, improving stool characteristics, improving bowel movement behavior, and / or improving the quality of life of companion animals. The method may include administering to a companion animal in need thereof an effective amount of any one of the pet food compositions disclosed herein. For example, the method may include administering to a companion animal in need thereof an effective amount of a pet food composition comprising psyllium or a derivative thereof, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and a source of low soluble fiber.

[0022] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while illustrating some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that, according to standard industry practice, the various features are not drawn to scale and, in fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a plot or graphical representation of the fecal blood observed in companion animals in Example 2.

[0025] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a plot or graphical representation of the fecal blood observed in the companion animals of Example 3.

[0026] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a plot or graphical representation of the fecal mucus observed in the companion animals of Example 4.

[0027] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a plot or graphical representation of the fecal mucus observed in the companion animals of Example 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The following description of various exemplary embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit in any way the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0029] As used throughout this disclosure, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value within the range. It should be understood that descriptions in range format are merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as inflexible limitations on the scope of any embodiment or implementation disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosed range should be construed as specifically disclosing all possible subranges as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range. As such, any value within the range can be selected as an end of the range. For example, a description of a range such as 1-5 should be considered as specifically disclosing subranges such as 1.5-3, 1-4.5, 2-5, 3.1-5, and the individual numbers within that range, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 3.2, 4, 5, etc. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere herein should be understood to refer to weight percent. The amounts given are based on the active weight of the material.

[0031] Furthermore, numerical values ​​are "about" or "approximately" the indicated value, taking into account experimental error and variations expected by those skilled in the art. All numerical values ​​and ranges disclosed herein should be understood to be approximate values ​​and ranges, regardless of whether "about" is used in conjunction therewith. It is also understood that, as used herein, the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive), ±2% (inclusive), ±3% (inclusive), ±5% (inclusive), ±10% (inclusive), or ±15% (inclusive) of the numerical value. It is also understood that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0032] As used herein, "free" or "substantially free" of a material may refer to a composition, component, or phase in which the material is present in an amount of less than 10.0 wt%, less than 5.0 wt%, less than 3.0 wt%, less than 2.0 wt%, less than 1.5 wt%, less than 1.0 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.25 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.05 wt%, less than 0.01 wt%, less than 0.005 wt%, or less than 0.0001 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, component, or phase.

[0033] Additionally, all references cited within this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between a definition in this disclosure and a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0034] The present inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that a pet food composition comprising a combination of antioxidants and vegetable fiber containing polyphenolic compounds treats, prevents and / or inhibits constipation and / or diarrhea in companion animals. Specifically, the present inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that a pet food composition comprising a combination of psyllium or its derivatives, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and a source of less soluble fiber treats, prevents and / or inhibits constipation and diarrhea in companion animals.

[0035] composition A pet food composition is disclosed herein. The pet food composition may include psyllium and / or its derivatives, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber and a source of low soluble fiber, or a combination thereof. The combination of psyllium and / or its derivatives, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and / or a source of low soluble fiber may be capable of treating, preventing and / or inhibiting diarrhea or constipation, or may be configured to treat, prevent and / or inhibit diarrhea or constipation. The combination of psyllium and / or its derivatives, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and / or a source of low soluble fiber may be present in an amount effective for treating, preventing and / or inhibiting diarrhea or constipation.

[0036] The source of dietary fiber may be or may include plant material in the pet food composition or diet that is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the companion animal. The source of dietary fiber may include, but is not limited to, cellulose, non-cellulosic polysaccharides (e.g., hemicellulose, pectin, substances, gums, mucilages, etc.), lignin, or combinations thereof. The source of dietary fiber may be divided into at least two groups based on solubility in aqueous buffered solutions at a specific or predetermined pH. The specific or predetermined pH may be determined by one skilled in the art. The two groups of sources of dietary fiber may be or may include highly soluble fiber and low soluble or insoluble fiber. The source of highly soluble fiber may be or may include fiber or fiber components including pectin, gums, mucilages, or combinations thereof. The source of highly soluble fiber may be or may include soluble fiber. The low soluble or insoluble fiber may be or include a fiber or fiber component that includes cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, or a combination thereof.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the source of highly soluble fiber includes one or more of gums (e.g., guar, locust bean, etc.), mucilages (e.g., acacia, karaya, tragacanth, aloe vera, fenugreek, flaxseed, plantain, etc.), seaweeds (e.g., alginates, carrageenans, etc.), pectins (e.g., apple, pear, guava, quince, plum, gooseberry, orange, other citrus, potato, sugar beet, etc.), other fiber sources such as buckwheat grits, whole oats, whole corn, whole barley, citrus pulp, beet pulp, pumpkin, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the source of low soluble fiber may include one or more of cellulosic materials, pecan fiber, or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the pet food composition may be free or substantially free of pea fiber. The cellulosic material may be or include, but is not limited to, refined cellulose from bran, oats and other grains, peas and other legumes, tomato pomace, woody plants (trees, bamboo fiber, etc.), roots (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.), pears, apples, or combinations thereof.

[0038] As mentioned above, the pet food composition may include psyllium and / or its derivatives. Illustrative derivatives of psyllium may be or include, but are not limited to, psyllium husk, psyllium seeds, psyllium seed husk, powdered psyllium, or combinations thereof. Any one of the derivatives of psyllium or psyllium may be used alone or in combination with other compounds or substances to prepare powders, gels, gums, or other forms, or combinations thereof.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, psyllium and / or its derivatives may be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, psyllium and / or its derivatives may be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, optionally about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In another embodiment, psyllium and / or its derivatives may be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, or about 1.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In preferred implementations, psyllium and / or its derivatives may be present in the pet food composition in an amount of from about 1.3% to about 1.7% by weight, from about 1.4% to about 1.6% by weight, or about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise protein in an amount of about 30% to about 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, the pet food composition may comprise protein in an amount of about 30% to about 40% by weight, about 30% to about 55% by weight, about 32% to about 38% by weight, or about 32% to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In another embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise protein in an amount of about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 42%, about 44%, about 46%, about 48%, about 50%, about 52%, about 54%, or about 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise total dietary fiber in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, the pet food composition may comprise total dietary fiber in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight, about 8% to about 14% by weight, about 9% by weight, about 10% by weight, about 11% by weight, about 12% by weight, or about 13% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber can be from about 10:1 to about 1:1. For example, the weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber in the pet food composition can be from about 10:1 to about 1:1, from about 7.5:1 to about 2.5:1, from about 7.5:1 to about 2:1, or about 5:1.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may include omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the pet food composition includes a mixture of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. The weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids may be about 10:1 to about 1:1. For example, the weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids may be about 10:1 to about 1:1, about 7.5:1 to about 2:1, or about 3.5:1. In at least one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acids may include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a combination thereof. The omega-3 fatty acids may include DHA and / or EPA in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids may include DHA and / or EPA in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.3% to about 0.4%, optionally about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38% or about 0.39% by weight. In at least one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acids are provided by flaxseed.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the source of polyphenols includes one or more polyphenols, which may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of enterodiol, narigenin, secoisolariciresinol, eriodictyol, apigenin, chrysin, chrysoeriol, coumestrol, daidzein, dihydroferrate, dihydrokaempferol, diosmetin, eriodictyol, ferulic acid, feruloylputrescine, genistein, glycitein, hesperidin, kaempferol, matairesinol, narirutin, neoponcirin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, sinapinic acid, sinensetin, syringic acid, tangeretin, tetramethyl-o-scutellarin, tyrosol, vanillic acid, or combinations thereof. In exemplary implementations, sources of polyphenols include flaxseed, whole fruit, dried fruit, pressed fruit, fruit pomace, tea extract, rosemary extract, rosmarinic acid, coffee extract, pecan husk, caffeic acid, turmeric extract, blueberry extract, grape extract, grape seed extract, soybean extract, the like, or combinations thereof. Exemplary fruits may be or include, but are not limited to, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may include pumpkin. The pumpkin may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, optionally about 0.2% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The pumpkin may provide a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The pumpkin may be capable of, or configured to, at least partially prevent, treat, or inhibit diarrhea or constipation. The pumpkin may be provided as a cooked pumpkin puree having a relatively high moisture content, as a powder, such as from dried, ground, and powdered whole pumpkin, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The pet food composition may include one or more additives. The one or more additives may include additives known in the art. Exemplary additives may be or include, but are not limited to, stabilizing or stabilizing substances, organoleptic substances, processing aids, and substances providing nutritional benefits, or combinations thereof. The additives may be present in an amount that does not impair the purpose and effect of the pet food composition. For example, the additives may be present in an amount that does not affect the treatment, prevention, and / or inhibition of diarrhea and / or constipation, improved stool characteristics, improved defecation behavior, improved quality of life of the companion animal, or combinations thereof.

[0047] The stabilizing material may be capable of or may be configured to extend the shelf life of the pet food composition. Illustrative stabilizing materials may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of preservatives, antioxidants, synergists and scavengers, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, humectants, or combinations thereof. Examples of emulsifiers and / or thickeners may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of gelatin, cellulose ethers, starches, starch esters, starch ethers, modified starches, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Additives for color, palatability and / or nutritional purposes may include colorants, salts, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, or combinations thereof. The amount of such additives in the pet food composition may be up to about 5% by weight of the composition based on dry matter. Other additives may include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, plant extracts, herbal extracts, the like, or combinations thereof. Salts may be or include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, other edible salts, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may include vitamins and minerals in amounts sufficient to avoid deficiencies and maintain good health. Sufficient amounts are well known in the art. For example, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides recommended amounts of such nutrients for dogs and cats (see Association of American Feed Control Officials. Official Publication, pp. 126-140 (2003)).

[0050] The vitamins may be or may include, but are not limited to, one or more of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine or related sources such as thiamine nitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid or related sources such as calcium pantothenate), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine or related sources such as pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B8 (folate), vitamin B12, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (such as a vitamin D3 supplement), vitamin E, vitamin H (biotin), vitamin K, acetate, choline and related sources of choline (such as choline chloride), the like, or combinations thereof.

[0051] Exemplary minerals and trace elements may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, choline, iron salts, or combinations thereof. Mineral sources or sources of minerals and / or trace elements may be or include, but are not limited to, sodium selenite, monosodium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese oxide, potassium iodide, and / or cobalt carbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0052] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may include carbohydrates. As used herein, the term "carbohydrate" may include polysaccharides (e.g., starch, dextrin) and sugars (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, fructose) that are metabolized for energy when hydrolyzed. Exemplary carbohydrates suitable for inclusion in the pet food compositions disclosed herein may include, but are not limited to, one or more of corn, grain sorghum, wheat, barley, rice, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the carbohydrate component or carbohydrate may include one or more carbohydrate sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate may include a mixture or combination of two or more carbohydrate sources. Illustrative carbohydrates, carbohydrate sources or carbohydrate components may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of grains, cereals, corn, wheat, rice, oats, corn grits, sorghum, grain sorghum / milo, wheat bran, oat bran, amaranth, durum, semolina, and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0054] Of course, one of skill in the art can manipulate the texture of the final product or pet food composition by appropriately selecting one or more carbohydrate sources or a balance of those carbohydrates. For example, short chain polysaccharides tend to be sticky or starchy, and long chain polysaccharides tend to be relatively less sticky or starchy than short chain polysaccharides. In at least one embodiment, the desired texture of the pet food composition is achieved by using long chain polysaccharides and natural or modified starches, such as modified starches, celluloses, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0055] In at least one implementation, the carbohydrate mixture may include optional ingredients such as added salts, spices, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, colorants, the like, or combinations thereof. The amount of the optional additives may depend, at least in part, on the nutritional requirements of the animal at different life stages.

[0056] The pet food composition may include fat(s) in an amount of about 10% to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The fat or fat source may be or include, but is not limited to, one or more of chicken fat, chicken fat, turkey fat, lard, tallow, beef tallow, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, fish oil, menhaden oil, anchovy oil, and / or olestra, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0057] The pet food composition may include a protein. As used herein, the term "protein" may refer to a polypeptide, peptide, or polymer of amino acids. The term includes naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring (synthetic) polymers, as well as polymers in which artificial chemical mimics are substituted for one or more amino acids (e.g., peptidomimetics). Peptidomimetics may refer to small protein-like chains designed to mimic peptides, which may result either from the modification of existing peptides or by designing analogous systems that mimic peptides, such as peptoids and beta-peptides. The term also includes fragments, variants, and homologs that have the same or substantially the same properties and perform the same or substantially the same functions as the original sequence. The term includes polymers of any length, including polymers containing about 2 to about 1000, about 4 to about 800, about 6 to about 600, and about 8 to about 400 amino acids. The term includes amino acid polymers that are synthesized, as well as those isolated and purified from natural sources. In at least one implementation, the terms "polypeptide," "peptide," or "protein" may be used interchangeably.

[0058] In some embodiments, the protein may be present in an amount of about 15% to about 55% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, the protein may be present in an amount of about 15% to about 55% by weight protein, about 30% to about 55% by weight protein, optionally about 32% to about 38% by weight protein, and further optionally about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, or about 37% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0059] Proteins may be provided by any of a variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including plant sources, animal sources, or combinations thereof. Animal sources may be or include, but are not limited to, meat, meat by-products, seafood, dairy, eggs, the like, or combinations thereof. Exemplary meats may be or include, but are not limited to, animal meats such as chicken, and mammals including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, the like, or combinations thereof. Meat by-products may be or include, but are not limited to, any secondary product from a primary food processing line. Meat by-products may be or include, but are not limited to, some components not typically used for human consumption, such as, for example, lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, hearts, stomachs, intestines, etc. Plant proteins may be or include, but are not limited to, soybeans, cottonseeds, beans, corn, peanuts, the like, or combinations thereof.

[0060] Illustrative proteins, or protein components, may be or include, but are not limited to, chicken meal, chicken, chicken by-product meal, lamb, lamb meal, turkey, turkey meal, beef, beef by-products, offal, fish meal, krill, krill powder, kangaroo, white fish, venison, soybean meal, soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, corn protein concentrate, distillers dried grains and / or distillers dried grains solution, insects, insect powder, single cell proteins (e.g., yeast, algae, and / or bacterial cultures), and the like.

[0061] The protein may be unmodified, fully hydrolyzed, or partially hydrolyzed. The protein content of the pet food composition may be determined by several methods known to those skilled in the art, such as by the 988.05 method published by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists in Official Methods of Analysis ("OMA"). The amount of protein in the pet food composition disclosed herein may be determined based on the amount of nitrogen in the pet food composition according to methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] Exemplary amino acids may be or include, but are not limited to, l-tryptophan, taurine, histidine, carnosine, alanine, cysteine, arginine, methionine, tryptophan, lysine, asparagine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, valine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, glycine, glutamine, tyrosine, homocysteine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamic acid, proline, serine, or combinations thereof.

[0063] The pet food composition may include one or more carotenoids. The carotenoid or source of the carotenoid may be or may include, but is not limited to, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, bixin, lycopene, beta-carotene, or combinations thereof.

[0064] The pet food composition may include one or more fatty acids or fatty acid components that may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fish oil as a source of EPA and / or DHA, or combinations thereof.

[0065] The pet food composition may include one or more glucose mimetics, which may be or may include, but are not limited to, one or more of glucose antimetabolites including 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose, anhydrosugars including 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, mannoheptulose, and / or avocado extracts containing mannoheptulose, or combinations thereof.

[0066] The pet food composition may comprise beef broth, fish broth, chicken broth, brewer's dried yeast, eggs, egg products, ground flax, DL-methionine, amino acids, leucine, lysine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, aspartic acid, polyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate; zinc chloride, copper gluconate, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, triclosan, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green mussels, blue lipped mussels mussel), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), boron, boric acid, phytoestrogens, phytoandrogens, genistein, daidzein, L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid / base modifiers, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate; eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, plasticizers, colorants, flavors, sweeteners, buffers, glidants, carriers, pH adjusters, natural ingredients, stabilizers, biological additives (enzymes (including proteases and lipases), etc.), chemical additives, cooling agents, chelating agents, denaturants, drug astringents In some embodiments, the composition may include any one or more of the following: agents, emulsifiers, topical soothing agents, fragrance compounds, humectants, opacifying agents (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), antifoaming agents (such as silicones), preservatives (butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, benzalkonium chloride, EDTA, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens, and mixtures thereof), reducing agents, solvents, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents (non-surfactant), solvents, viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous), sequestering agents, keratolytic agents, and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0067] The pet food composition may include one or more probiotics or probiotic ingredients. Illustrative probiotics or probiotic ingredients may be or include, but are not limited to, any suitable bacteria, yeast, microorganism, or combinations thereof. A variety of probiotic microorganisms are known in the art. In at least one implementation, the probiotic ingredients may be or include, but are not limited to, bacteria of the order Lactobacillales, bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Bacteroides, and / or Bifidobacterium, yeasts of the order Saccharomycetales, including the genera Saccharomycetes and Candida, or combinations thereof. The probiotic may or may not form spores.

[0068] The pet food composition may include one or more prebiotics or prebiotic ingredients. Any one or more prebiotics or prebiotic ingredients known in the art may be utilized. In an exemplary implementation, the pet food composition includes fructooligosaccharides.

[0069] Illustrative Lactobacillales bacteria suitable for use herein include those from the genera Streptococcus (such as Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetylactis, and / or Streptococcus thermophilus), Enterococcus (such as Enterococcus faecium), Lactobacillaceae, including the genera Pediococcus (i.e., Ococcus cerevisiae), Leuconostoc, and Lactobacillus (such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus subtilis ... The Bifidobacterium genus may be or may include, but is not limited to, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, etc., and / or any mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of bacteria of the Bifidobacterium genus include Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, and / or Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition includes one or more polyphenols. The source of polyphenols or sources of polyphenols may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of phenolic compounds including apigenin, enterodiol, naringenin, chrysin, chrysoeriol, coumestrol, daidzein, dihydroferrate, dihydrokaempferol, diosmetin, eriodictyol, ferulic acid, feruloylputrescine, genistein, glycitein, hesperidin, kaempferol, matairesinol, narirutin, neoponcirin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, sinapinic acid, sinensetin, syringic acid, tangeretin, tetramethyl-o-scutellarin, tyrosol, vanillin, or combinations thereof. The source of polyphenols may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of pecan shells, any other components of pecan nuts, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, pecan shells may also be a source of lignin-based fiber. Exemplary polyphenol sources may be or include, but are not limited to, flaxseed, whole fruit, dried fruit, pressed fruit, fruit pomace, and the like, as described above, tea extract, rosemary extract, rosmarinic acid, coffee extract, pecan shell, caffeic acid, turmeric extract, blueberry extract, grape extract, grape seed extract, soybean extract, or combinations thereof.

[0071] The pet food composition may include crude fat or fat. The crude fat or fat may be provided or supplied by any of a variety of sources known to those skilled in the art. Illustrative sources of fat and / or crude fat may be or include, but are not limited to, meat, meat by-products, fish oil, vegetable, the like, or combinations thereof. The vegetable fat source or source from vegetable fat may be or include, but are not limited to, one or more of wheat, flaxseed, rye, barley, rice, sorghum, corn, oats, millet, wheat germ, corn germ, soybean, peanut, cottonseed, and oils, the like, or combinations thereof of these and other vegetable fat sources. Of course, the amount of fat or fat content of the pet food composition may be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0072] The pet food composition may include ash. Ash may be or may include organic or water, non-mineral compounds, and is typically produced by the combustion of biological materials. Of course, the amount of ash or ash content of the pet food composition may be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] The pet food composition may include moisture or water. The amount of moisture or water present in the pet food composition may depend at least in part on the type of pet food composition. For example, the pet food composition may be in the form of a dry kibble, a semi-perishable food, or a wet loaf or wet food. A dry kibble may have a moisture content of about 6% to about 12% by weight, a semi-perishable food may have a moisture content of about 15% to about 30% by weight, and a wet food may have a moisture content greater than a semi-perishable food, such as a moisture content of greater than about 30% by weight, greater than about 50% by weight, greater than about 60% to about 85% by weight, or greater than about 75% by weight.

[0074] In at least one implementation, the pet food composition may include one or more additional ingredients, such as one or more of vitamins, minerals, fillers, flavor enhancers, binders, flavors, stabilizers, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, buffers, salts, coatings, the like, or combinations thereof. Stabilizers may include substances that tend to increase the shelf life of the composition, such as preservatives, synergists and sequestrants, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, humectants, etc. Examples of emulsifiers and / or thickeners include gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, modified starches. The specific amounts of the components, food ingredients, and other ingredients of each composition will depend on a variety of factors, such as the particular components and ingredients included in the composition, the species of the patient or pet, the age of the pet or patient, the weight of the patient, the general health of the patient, the sex of the patient, the diet of the patient, the consumption rate of the pet, the type of disease being treated, the like, or combinations thereof, etc. Thus, the amounts of the components and ingredients may vary widely and may deviate from the preferred proportions described herein.

[0075] In at least one implementation, the pet food is a dry pet food. The pet food composition may be prepared in dry form using conventional processes well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, dry ingredients such as animal protein, vegetable protein, grains, and the like are ground and mixed together. Wet or liquid ingredients including fats, oils, animal protein, water, and the like are then added and mixed with the dry mix. The mixture may then be processed into dry food pieces.

[0076] The pet food compositions described herein may be in any form useful for feeding the composition to a patient, pet, or companion animal. For example, the pet food composition may be in the form of a kibble, a treat, an animal food toy, or the like, or a combination thereof. Kibbles are generally formed using an extrusion process in which a mixture of dry and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical manipulation at high pressure and temperature, extruded through small openings, and cut into kibbles by rotating knives. The wet kibble is then dried and optionally coated with one or more topical coatings, such as flavorants, fats, oils, and the like. Kibbles can also be made from dough using a baking process rather than extrusion, in which the dough is placed in a mold and then dry heat treated.

[0077] Treats may include compositions that are given to pets or companion animals to entice them to eat between meal times. Treats may be nutritional, whereby the composition may include one or more nutrients and / or food-like compositions. Non-nutritional treats include any other non-toxic treats. The composition or its components may be coated on the treat or incorporated into the treat, or both. The treat may be prepared by extrusion or baking processes similar to those used for dry food. Other processes may also be used to coat the composition on the outside of existing treat forms or to inject the composition into existing treat forms.

[0078] Toys include chewable toys such as artificial bones, and food compositions shaped to mimic natural foods that are attractive to animals. The pet food composition may comprise the toy or form a part of the toy. For example, the pet food composition may form a coating on the surface of the toy or on the surface of a component of the toy. The pet food composition may be partially incorporated into the toy, or completely incorporated throughout the toy, or both. In at least one implementation, the pet food composition may be orally accessible by the intended user. The pet food composition may include partially consumable toys (such as toys that include plastic components) and fully consumable toys (e.g., various artificial bones and similar foods). Additionally, the toys may include both human and non-human toys, specifically toys for companion animals, livestock animals, zoo animals, and more specifically toys for felines and canines.

[0079] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition disclosed herein includes psyllium or a derivative thereof, a source of polyphenols, a source of highly soluble fiber, and a source of low soluble fiber. The psyllium or a derivative thereof may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, optionally about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight. The source of highly soluble fiber may include one or more of oat bran, buckwheat groats, barley, tomato pomace, citrus pulp, beet pulp, or combinations thereof, and more preferably the source of highly soluble fiber may include one or more of oat bran, buckwheat groats, barley, citrus pulp, beet pulp, or combinations thereof. The source of low soluble fiber may include one or more of cellulosic materials, pecan fiber, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition may further include a protein. The protein may be present in an amount of about 30% to about 55% protein by weight, optionally about 32% to about 38% protein by weight, and further optionally about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, or about 37% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. The pet food composition may comprise dietary fiber in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight, optionally about 8% to about 14% by weight, and further optionally about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, or about 13% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In at least one embodiment, the weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber is about 10:1 to about 1:1, optionally about 7.5:1 to about 2.5:1, and further optionally about 5:1. In a preferred embodiment, the pet food composition comprises a mixture of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. The weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids is about 10:1 to about 1:1, optionally about 7.5:1 to about 2:1, and further optionally about 3.5:1. In at least one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acids include about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a mixture thereof, optionally about 0.3% to about 0.4% by weight, further optionally about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, or about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38%, or about 0.39% by weight.In one implementation, the source of polyphenols provides polyphenols selected from one or more of dehydroxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroylnepitrin, eupafolin, carnosol, scutellarin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, sirsimaritin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epirosmannol, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations thereof. The source of polyphenols includes pressed cranberries, cranberry pomace, or combinations thereof, and more preferably, the source of polyphenols includes pressed cranberries. In at least one example, the pet food composition may further include pumpkin.

[0080] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition disclosed herein comprises protein in an amount of about 30% to about 40%, about 34% to about 38%, or about 36% by weight, fat in an amount of about 15% to about 25%, or about 18% to about 22%, or about 20% by weight, total dietary fiber in an amount of about 8% to about 16%, about 10% to about 14%, or about 12% by weight, where dietary fiber includes soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, and soluble fiber is about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3% by weight. %, or about 2% by weight, insoluble fiber is present in an amount of about 7% to about 13%, about 8% to about 12%, or about 10% by weight, omega-6 fatty acids are present in an amount of about 1% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, or about 3.5% by weight, and omega-3 fatty acids are present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or about 1.0% by weight, and the omega-3 fatty acids may include EPA and DHA in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.2% to about 0.4%, or about 0.35% by weight.

[0081] In an exemplary implementation, the pet food composition further comprises a source of mixed fiber comprising one or more of ground pecan hulls, beet pulp, flaxseed, citrus pulp, pressed cranberries, pea fiber, pumpkin, fructooligosaccharides, psyllium husks, or combinations thereof. In a preferred implementation, the source of mixed fiber comprises a combination of ground pecan hulls, beet pulp, flaxseed, citrus pulp, pressed cranberries, pea fiber, pumpkin, fructooligosaccharides, psyllium husks.

[0082] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition further comprises a whole grain. The whole grain may comprise one or more of corn, barley, oats, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the whole grain comprises a combination of corn, barley, and oats.

[0083] In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition disclosed herein comprises protein in an amount of about 30% to about 40%, about 34% to about 38%, or about 36% by weight, fat in an amount of about 15% to about 25%, or about 18% to about 22%, or about 20% by weight, total dietary fiber in an amount of about 8% to about 16%, about 10% to about 14%, or about 12% by weight, where dietary fiber includes soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, and soluble fiber is about 0.5% to about 3.5%, about 1% to about 3% by weight. %, or about 2% by weight, insoluble fiber is present in an amount of about 7% to about 13%, about 8% to about 12%, or about 10% by weight, omega-6 fatty acids are present in an amount of about 1% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, or about 3.5%, omega-3 fatty acids are present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or about 1.0% by weight, and the omega-3 fatty acids may include EPA and DHA in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.2% to about 0.4%, or about 0.35% by weight. In an exemplary implementation, the pet food composition further comprises a source of mixed fiber comprising one or more of ground pecan hulls, beet pulp, flaxseed, citrus pulp, pressed cranberries, pea fiber, pumpkin, fructooligosaccharides, psyllium seed husks, or combinations thereof. In a preferred implementation, the mixed fiber source includes a combination of ground pecan hulls, beet pulp, flaxseed, citrus pulp, pressed cranberry, pea fiber, pumpkin, fructooligosaccharides, and psyllium husks. In at least one implementation, the pet food composition further includes a whole grain. The whole grain may include one or more of corn, barley, oats, or combinations thereof. In a preferred implementation, the whole grains include a combination of corn, barley, and oats.

[0084] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may be administered or fed to companion animals. In a preferred embodiment, the companion animal may be or include a cat, a dog, or a combination thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the companion animal is a feline or a cat.

[0085] method The present disclosure may provide a method of treating, preventing, and / or inhibiting diarrhea and / or constipation, improving stool characteristics, improving defecation behavior, improving the quality of life of a companion animal, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term or phrase "inhibiting diarrhea and / or constipation" may refer to reducing the severity of diarrhea or constipation. The method may include feeding or administering an effective amount of any one or more of the pet food compositions disclosed herein to a companion animal in need thereof. As used herein, the term or phrase "stool characteristics" may include, but is not limited to, stool consistency, stool color, stool odor, amount or presence of blood and / or mucus in the stool, the like, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term or phrase "defecation behavior" may include, but is not limited to, frequency of defecation, frequency of failure to defecate, frequency of straining during defecation, frequency of pain during defecation, nausea / vomiting, entering the pet litter box without assuming a defecation position, lethargy, accidents during defecation, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term or phrase "quality of life" may refer to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which is distinct from quality of life considerations related to end-of-life issues in veterinary medicine. As used herein, "quality of life" was measured using the Cat Health and Wellbeing (CHEW) questionnaire completed by the owner. This questionnaire has been validated and previously published, and is readily available to those skilled in the art.

[0086] Working Example The examples and other implementations described herein are illustrative and not limiting in their entirety of the scope of the compositions and methods of the present disclosure. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of the specific implementations, materials, compositions and methods may be made within the scope of the present disclosure with substantially similar results.

[0087] Example 1 [1] Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a fiber-supplemented control pet food composition (CF) and an exemplary or test pet food composition (TF) for treating, preventing and / or inhibiting constipation or diarrhea in cats according to the compositions disclosed herein. The test pet food compositions included a combination of vegetable fibers with antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds. The characteristics of the control pet food composition (CF) and the test pet food composition (TF) are summarized in Table 1. [2] A prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was conducted on 43 adult cats with a diagnosis of constipation or diarrhea, recruited from 22 private veterinary practices across the United States. Cats showing clinical signs of diarrhea or constipation were enrolled in the study. Each cat's eligibility was assessed by medical, drug, and dietary history, physical examination, and laboratory analysis of blood and urine. Cats were excluded from the study if they were under 1 year of age, had systemic disease (IRIS stage 3 or greater) including renal disease, had a body mass index less than 20, were unwilling or unable to consume the test food alone, had megacolon or were otherwise unlikely to benefit from a fiber supplement, used colonic motility medications chronically, or were currently receiving or were not willing to discontinue oral antibiotics or probiotics. [Table 1]

[0088] Enrolled cats were randomized to one of two complete and balanced therapeutic dry foods. A total of 18 cats were randomized to the control pet food composition (CF) and 25 cats to the experimental pet food composition (TF). Of the 18 cats on the control pet food composition (CF), 16 had constipation and 2 had diarrhea. Of the 25 cats on the experimental pet food composition (TF), 19 had constipation and 6 had diarrhea. Fiber sources for the control pet food composition (CF) included milled white barley, ground whole grain corn, dried beet pulp, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and psyllium husks. The fiber sources of the test pet food composition (TF) include ground whole corn, ground pecan husk, pearled oats, whole oats, dried beet pulp, pea fiber, flaxseed, dried citrus pulp, pumpkin, pressed cranberry, FOS, and psyllium husk.The test pet food composition (TF) also contains a relatively large amount of insoluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acid.Specifically, the test pet food composition (TF) contains about 10% by weight of insoluble fiber and about 1% by weight of omega-3 fatty acid, and the control pet food composition (CF) contains about 3% by weight of insoluble fiber and about 0.2% by weight of omega-3 fatty acid.

[0089] A veterinarian performed a physical examination, assessed clinical signs of constipation or diarrhea, and evaluated the cats' responses to the control pet food composition (CF) and the test pet food composition (TF). Veterinarians assessed the cats' symptoms and graded the resolution of GI symptoms on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 28 using a defined scale. The scale included: negative response, no response, positive response, and complete resolution. A negative response was defined as an increase in the frequency and / or severity of signs compared to the last visit. No response was defined as no change in the frequency and / or severity of signs compared to the last visit. A positive response was defined as a decrease in the frequency and / or severity of signs compared to the last visit. Complete resolution was defined as complete resolution of the frequency and / or severity of signs compared to the last visit. The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Veterinarian assessments were analyzed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test with modified RIDIT scores. Significant results were reported at P<0.05. Results are summarized in Table 2. Specifically, Table 2 summarizes the number of cats with diarrhea or constipation that were assessed by the veterinarian as either a positive response or complete resolution at each interval of the study compared to the start of the study. The results are the veterinarian-assessed clinical outcomes for cats with diarrhea or constipation that consumed the indicated foods during the study period. Results were combined across diseases / conditions. [Table 2]

[0090] As shown in Table 2, 96% of cats with diarrhea or constipation fed the test pet food composition (TF) surprisingly and unexpectedly showed either a positive response or complete disappearance in veterinary evaluation, compared to 74% of cats with diarrhea or constipation fed the control pet food composition (CF). The effect of the test pet food composition (TF) was most significant after at least 4 weeks of feeding. Thus, 96% of cats with diarrhea or constipation fed the test pet food composition (TF) showed a positive response or complete disappearance of clinical signs of diarrhea or constipation. Not surprisingly, the control pet food composition (CF) was the "positive control pet food composition" that was expected to induce a positive effect on diarrhea and constipation in cats. However, Table 2 demonstrated that the test pet food composition (TF) was superior in efficacy, and that the superiority of the test pet food composition (TF) was due to a combination of the test pet food composition's (TF) characteristics or the type and level of mixed fiber.

[0091] This study confirms that the test pet food composition (TF) effectively addressed veterinarian-assessed clinical outcomes in cats with either constipation or diarrhea. These results indicate that the combination of fiber sources in the test pet food composition (TF), rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, was more effective than the traditional or conventional fiber sources utilized in the control pet food composition (CF) in improving the clinical response of cats with diarrhea or constipation. Furthermore, constipated and diarrheal cats fed the test pet food composition (TF) responded similarly to the overall study population when analyzed by condition, demonstrating improvement in veterinarian-assessed clinical signs over time, as shown in Tables 3 and 4 (p≦0.01 for the test foods in each condition). [Table 3] [Table 4]

[0092] Example 2

[0093] A test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test pet food composition (TF) of Example 1 in reducing blood in the stool of constipated cats. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that healthy cats without constipation or diarrhea typically do not have blood in their stool. Cats with constipation often strain during bowel movements, and the movement of hard, dry stool in the lower colon irritates these tissues, causing bleeding of the colonic mucosal lining, which then adheres to the stool as it passes. Diarrhea, on the other hand, can cause inflammation and bleeding in the intestine. In addition, inflammation in the intestine can lead to malabsorption (and therefore diarrhea) as well as bleeding. When constipation is relieved, there is less pain, the stool is not as hard and dry, and therefore does not irritate the colonic mucosal lining, and blood in the stool is not evident as it passes, even when diarrhea begins to improve. A reduction in blood in the stool is an indication that the constipation and diarrhea are improving or have been resolved, and that the cat is in a healthier state.

[0094] The study was conducted over a period of approximately 2 months. As is typical in clinical trials, a final visit could be scheduled after the 2-month mark. The results are shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the majority of cats were free of blood in the stool, but a significant decrease in the frequency of blood in the stool was observed during the study. The longer the cats were fed the test pet food composition (TF), the more significant or pronounced the effect was.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test pet food composition (TF) of Example 1 in reducing fecal blood in cats with diarrhea. The study was conducted over a period of approximately two months. As is typical in clinical trials, the final visit could be scheduled after 2 months. The results are shown in Figure 2.

[0097] The majority of cats were blood-free, but a significant reduction in the frequency of blood in the stool was observed during the study. The longer the cats were fed the test pet food composition (TF), the more significant or pronounced the effect.

[0098] Example 4

[0099] A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test pet food composition (TF) of Example 1 in reducing fecal mucus in constipated cats. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that healthy cats without constipation or diarrhea typically do not have blood in their stool. Constipated cats often strain during defecation, and the movement of hard, dry stool in the lower colon irritates these tissues, causing the colonic mucosal lining to bleed, and this blood adheres to the stool as it passes. Diarrhea can also cause irritation to the intestinal mucus, which is produced to protect or defend the intestinal mucus. When constipation or diarrhea is resolved, there will be less hard and dry stool and less diarrhea, which will not induce mucus production. Thus, a reduction in stool mucus is an indication that the constipation or diarrhea is improving or has been resolved, and that the cat is in a healthier state.

[0100] The study was conducted over a period of approximately two months. The results are shown in Figure 3. The majority of cats were free of fecal mucus, but a significant decrease in the frequency of fecal mucus was observed during the study. The longer the cats were fed the test pet food composition (TF), the more significant or pronounced the effect was.

[0101] Example 5

[0102] A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test pet food composition (TF) of Example 1 in reducing fecal mucus in cats with diarrhea. The study was conducted for approximately two months. As is typical in clinical trials, the final visit can be scheduled after the two-month period. The results are shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] The majority of cats were mucus-free, but a significant reduction in the frequency of mucus was observed during the study. The longer the cats were fed the test pet food composition (TF), the more significant or pronounced the effect.

[0104] Example 6

[0105] A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test pet food composition of Example 1 (TF) and the control pet food composition (CF) in improving the defecation behavior of constipated cats. The study was conducted over a period of 56 days. The study was conducted via a behavioral questionnaire administered at the beginning of the study (day 1) and at the end of the study (day 56). The focus of the behavioral questionnaire is shown in Tables 5 and 6 for the test and control pet food compositions, respectively. The results of the study are summarized in Tables 5 and 6 for the test and control pet food compositions, respectively. Of course, a decrease in the numerical value represents a decrease in behavior, which is an indication of an improvement in symptoms. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0106] A significant reduction in defecation behavior associated with GI symptoms was observed in cats fed the test pet food composition (TF), as shown in Table 5. Additionally, no significant reduction in defecation behavior associated with GI symptoms was observed in cats fed the positive control pet food composition (CF), as shown in Table 6.

[0107] The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary implementations. While a limited number of implementations have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications may be made in these implementations without departing from the principles and spirit of the foregoing detailed description. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed as including such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. Moreover, although certain terms may be used in this specification and the following claims, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and are not intended to limit the disclosure or the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. 1. A pet food composition comprising: Contains crushed pecan shells, citrus pulp, pressed cranberries, pumpkin, and psyllium husks; a mixture of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, said omega-3 fatty acids being present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight, and a weight ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of 10:1 to 1:1; 0.5% to 3.5% by weight of soluble fiber and 7% to 13% by weight of insoluble fiber, based on the total weight of the pet food composition; The weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber is 10:1 to 1:1; Pet food composition.

2. 10. The pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the psyllium seed husks are present in an amount of from 0.1% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

3. 3. The pet food composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising whole grains including one or more of corn, barley and oats.

4. 4. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising from 30% to 55% by weight protein, and from 5% to 15% by weight total dietary fiber.

5. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber is from 7.5:1 to 2.5:

1.

6. further comprising a mixture of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids; 6. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the omega-6 fatty acids to the omega-3 fatty acids is from 10:1 to 1:

1.

7. 7. The pet food composition of claim 6, wherein the omega-3 fatty acids comprise 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a mixture thereof.

8. 8. The pet food composition of claim 6 or 7, wherein the omega-3 fatty acids are provided by flaxseed.

9. 9. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a source of polyphenols, the source of polyphenols providing polyphenols selected from one or more of dehydroxyoxyrosmarinic acid, coumaroylnepitrin, eupafolin, carnosol, scutellarin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, sirsimaritin, luteolin, 6-methoxy-luteolin, 7-epirosmannol, quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, cyanidin, and combinations thereof.

10. 10. The pet food composition of claim 9, wherein the source of polyphenols comprises pressed cranberries, cranberry meal, or a combination thereof.

11. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition is substantially free of pea fibre.

12. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a probiotic.

13. 13. The pet food composition of claim 12, wherein the pet food composition comprises a probiotic, the probiotic comprising one or more of Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium, or combinations thereof.

14. The pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a prebiotic, said prebiotic comprising fructooligosaccharides.

15. Treating, inhibiting or preventing diarrhea or constipation; Improving stool characteristics, and / or Improve bowel movements 1. A method comprising: A method comprising administering to a companion animal in need thereof an effective amount of the pet food composition of any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. 1. A pet food composition comprising: Psyllium seed husk, Crushed pecan shells, pumpkin, and A mixture of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, the weight ratio of said omega-6 fatty acids to said omega-3 fatty acids being from 10:1 to 1:

1.

1. A pet food composition comprising:

17. 1. A pet food composition comprising: Psyllium seed husk, Pumpkins, and Contains crushed pecan shells; A pet food composition having a weight ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber of from 10:1 to 1:1.

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