Compositions and methods for gastrointestinal health in canines

Abstract

Compositions and methods for providing digestive health benefits include the use of a prebiotic fiber blend that includes pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 409,022, filed September 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] The intestinal tract plays an important role in the health and wellness of animals. To support this role, under normal conditions, the intestinal tract contains a variety of microorganisms, including healthy gut flora. The flora provides many benefits to animals, such as the production of fatty acids that provide energy (fuel) for cells lining the gastrointestinal lumen, the synthesis of vitamins, and the synthesis of enzymes that aid in the breakdown and digestion of food. Furthermore, the flora assists the immune system in host defense against disease. For example, the flora is known to inhibit the adhesion and colonization of pathogens that may be present in the gastrointestinal tract and to stimulate the production of cytokines and immunoglobulins.

[0003]

[0003] Unfortunately, disruption of the normal balance of bacterial flora can lead to opportunistic infections of the gastrointestinal tract and may promote further complications such as diarrhea and dehydration. The normal balance of bacterial flora can be disrupted for a variety of reasons, such as stress, aging, travel, ingestion of contaminated food or water, antibiotic treatment, etc. One method for preventing or treating such undesirable disruptions involves the prophylactic administration of probiotics to animals to prevent disruptions, or the therapeutic administration of probiotics to animals to restore the normal balance of bacterial flora and promote recovery from undesirable complications caused by the disruptions.

[0004]

[0004] Probiotics and their effects on animal health are well known to those skilled in the art. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of certain medical conditions. Probiotics are thought to exert their biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics promote the process by which the indigenous anaerobic flora limits the concentration of potentially harmful (predominantly aerobic) bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Other mechanisms of action, such as the provision of enzymes or the influence of enzyme activity in the gastrointestinal tract, may also constitute some of the other functions associated with probiotics. Probiotics are known to enhance intestinal function, stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce harmful microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tract.

[0005]

[0005] While probiotics are generally useful for promoting animal health, they are often difficult to store, handle, and administer to animals. Probiotics are unstable under normal environmental conditions and may require special handling, such as refrigeration, freeze-drying, or other measures to extend the shelf life of the probiotics. Similarly, probiotics are often disliked by animals that ingest them. In many cases, other compounds or compositions must be used to mask the taste or enhance palatability. Furthermore, to obtain the maximum benefit from probiotic administration, it may be beneficial to use various ingredients in combination with probiotics to support the immune system, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, therapeutic doses may be difficult to achieve. Therefore, new compositions that can provide digestive health benefits to animals are needed.

[0006] [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods involving the use of prebiotic fiber blends to provide digestive health benefits to canines.

[0007] In one embodiment, a prebiotic fiber blend for canines may include pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

[0008]

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for providing digestive health benefits to a canine may include administering to the canine a prebiotic fiber blend, the prebiotic fiber blend comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

[0009]

[0009] Other embodiments include treating diarrhea, improving stool quality, improving microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, and reducing postprandial glucose excursions by administering the compositions also described herein.

[0010]

[0010] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed description that follows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0011] Definition

[0012] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a fiber" or "the fiber" includes two or more fibers. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X" or "Y" or "X and Y." As used herein, the terms "example" and "for example," particularly when followed by a list of terms, are used merely exemplary and illustratively and are not exclusive or inclusive.

[0012]

[0013] As used herein, "about" is understood to refer to a number within a numerical range, e.g., within -10% to +10%, -5% to +5%, or in one embodiment, within -1% to +1%, and in a specific embodiment, within -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole numbers, or fractions within that range. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as supporting claims directed to any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as corresponding to ranges of 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, etc.

[0013]

[0014] All percentages stated herein are by total weight of the food composition unless otherwise specified. When reference is made to pH, the value corresponds to the pH measured at 25°C with standard equipment. "Amount" may be the total amount of the referenced ingredient per serving of the composition or per discrete unit of the composition, and / or may be a weight percent of the referenced ingredient by dry weight. Furthermore, "amount" includes zero; for example, reciting the amount of a compound does not necessarily mean that the compound is present unless accompanied by a range excluding zero.

[0014]

[0015] The terms "pet food," "pet food product," and "pet food composition" refer to a product or composition intended for consumption by a canine that provides at least one nutrient to the canine. Further in this regard, these terms refer to a product or composition that is in a ready-to-consume form and is not merely an intermediate for producing an ingestible product or composition, although in some embodiments other food compositions, such as dietary supplements, may be added. The term "pet food" refers to any food composition intended to be consumed by a canine.

[0015]

[0016] The term "effective amount" refers to the amount of a compound of the present invention that (i) treats or prevents a particular disease, condition, or disorder described herein, (ii) attenuates, ameliorates, or eliminates one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder, or (iii) prevents or delays the onset of one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder. In one embodiment, the fiber blend may be present in an amount effective to improve the microbiome; ameliorate or treat gastrointestinal problems; treat or prevent diarrhea; improve or improve stool quality; treat, prevent, or reduce inflammation; treat, prevent, or reduce postprandial blood glucose excursions; and / or improve or improve digestive health.

[0016]

[0017] Dosages expressed herein are in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (mg / kg / day) unless otherwise specified.

[0017]

[0018] The term "long-term administration" refers to a period of repeated administration or ingestion that exceeds one month. For certain embodiments, periods of more than two, three, or four months may be employed. Longer periods may also be employed, including greater than five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten months. Periods of more than eleven months or one year may also be employed. Longer periods extending beyond one, two, three, or more years are encompassed by the present invention. For certain elderly canines, the canine continues regular ingestion for the remainder of its life. This may also be referred to as ingestion over "extended" periods.

[0018]

[0019] The term "regular" or "regular administration" refers to administration of the composition or ingestion of the composition at least monthly, and in one aspect, at least weekly. In certain embodiments, more frequent administration or ingestion can be performed, such as twice or three times a week. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a dosing regimen including ingestion at least once a day can be used. Whether or not explicitly exemplified herein, any frequency that allows the desired activity of the compound being measured, such as a probiotic, to be maintained within an acceptable range can be useful herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the dosage will vary depending on the composition being ingested or administered as well as the animal receiving the food, and that some food compositions may require more or less frequent administration to maintain the desired activity of the compound being measured (e.g., a probiotic).

[0019]

[0020] The relative terms "improve," "increase," "enhance," "decrease," and the like refer to the effect of a composition disclosed herein (including a prebiotic fiber blend) compared to an otherwise identical composition having less or no such composition component, etc.

[0020]

[0021] A "blended" composition simply has at least two components that have at least one different property. In one embodiment, moisture content and water activity may differ in the context of the present disclosure. In this regard, reference to a "blended" composition does not imply that the blended composition has undergone a process sometimes referred to as "blending," i.e., a process of mixing the components so that they are indistinguishable; in one embodiment, such processing is avoided when mixing one component with another to form a blended composition (e.g., when mixing a dry component with a wet or semi-moist component). Furthermore, in this regard, in a blended composition, each of the at least two components that have at least one different property may retain their distinct properties and appearances.

[0021]

[0022] "Wet food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of about 50% to about 90%, and in one embodiment, about 70% to about 90%. "Dry food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of less than about 20%, and in one embodiment, less than about 15%, and in a specific embodiment, less than about 10%. "Semi-moist food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of about 20% to about 50%, and in one embodiment, about 25% to about 35%.

[0022]

[0023] "Kibble" is used synonymously herein with "chunk," and either term refers to a dry or semi-moist pet food piece that may have the shape of a pellet or any other shape and can be made by slicing a food composition into individual pieces. Non-limiting examples of kibble include granules; pellets; small pieces of pet food, dried meat, meat analogs, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet snacks such as meat or vegetable jerky, rawhide, and biscuits. A "meat analog" is a meat emulsion product that resembles a natural meat piece in appearance, texture, and physical structure.

[0023]

[0024] The term "complete and balanced," when referring to a food composition, means a food composition that contains all known necessary nutrients in appropriate amounts and proportions, based on recommendations from recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, and thus can serve as the sole source of dietary intake to sustain life or promote production without the need for additional nutritional supplements. Nutritionally balanced pet and animal food compositions are widely known and widely used in the art, such as complete and balanced food compositions formulated in accordance with standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as of January 1, 2022.

[0024]

[0025] The term "dietary supplement" or "supplement" refers to a product intended to be consumed in addition to a normal diet. Dietary supplements can be in any form, such as solids, liquids, gels, tablets, capsules, and powders. In one aspect, dietary supplements can be provided in a convenient dosage form. In some embodiments, dietary supplements can be provided in bulk home packaging, such as bulk powders, liquids, gels, or oils. In other embodiments, supplements can be provided in bulk amounts for inclusion in other food items, such as snacks, treats, supplement bars, and beverages.

[0025]

[0026] Compositions disclosed herein may be free of any element not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, disclosure of an embodiment using the term "comprising" includes disclosure of embodiments "consisting essentially of" the specified components, and embodiments "consisting of" the specified components. Similarly, methods disclosed herein may be free of any step not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, disclosure of an embodiment using the term "comprising" includes disclosure of embodiments "essentially consisting of" the specified steps, and embodiments "consisting of" the specified steps. Unless otherwise specified and directly stated, any embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0026]

[0027] This discussion of embodiments, aspects, examples, etc. is self-contained in that it is applicable to all methods and compositions, for example, a prebiotic fiber blend used in a food composition can also be used in a method for improving the microbiome of an animal, and vice versa.

[0027] Embodiment

[0028] The inventors have discovered that prebiotic fiber blends can provide digestive health benefits to canines. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that certain fiber blends unexpectedly provide specific health benefits to canines that have not been observed in other companion animals.

[0028]

[0029] Thus, in one embodiment, a prebiotic fiber blend for canines may include pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium, hi one embodiment, the blend contains psyllium.

[0029]

[0030] In another embodiment, a method of providing digestive health benefits to a canine may include administering to the canine a prebiotic fiber blend comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium. In one embodiment, the blend contains psyllium.

[0030]

[0031] Other embodiments include treating diarrhea, increasing stool quality, increasing microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, and reducing postprandial glucose excursions by administering the compositions also described herein.

[0031]

[0032] Generally, pumpkin, inulin, and psyllium may be present in any effective amount to provide a therapeutic benefit to canines. In one embodiment, pumpkin may be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%. In one aspect, pumpkin may be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% to about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%. In one embodiment, inulin may be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10% to about 40%. In one aspect, inulin may be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% to about 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40%. In one embodiment, psyllium may be present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%. In one aspect, psyllium can be present in the fiber blend at about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% to about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%.

[0032]

[0033] Generally, the prebiotic fiber blend can be part of a food composition, such as a pet food composition, treat, supplement, etc. In one embodiment, a pet food composition can include a prebiotic fiber blend described herein. In one aspect, the pet food composition can further include a protein, a carbohydrate, and a lipid. In another aspect, the pet food composition can further include a preservative. Additionally, other food compositions described herein can include a preservative.

[0033]

[0034] Generally, the prebiotic fiber blend can be present in the composition in any effective amount that provides the therapeutic or health benefits described herein. In one embodiment, the fiber blend can be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10%. In one aspect, the fiber blend can be present in an amount of about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0% to about 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, %, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, or 10%. In other embodiments, the pet food composition may be a complete and balanced pet food. In one embodiment, pumpkin may be present in the pet food in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%. In one aspect, pumpkin contains from about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, or 4.5% Inulin may be present in the pet food at about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0%. In one embodiment, inulin may be present in the pet food in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%.In one embodiment, the inulin is present in an amount of from about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, or 4.5% In one embodiment, psyllium may be present in the pet food in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%. In one embodiment, psyllium is present in an amount of about 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, or 4.5%. The present invention may be present in the pet food at from about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0%.

[0034]

[0035] In other embodiments, the prebiotic fiber blend may be in the form of a supplement or a treat. In one embodiment, a supplement may include the prebiotic fiber blend. Further, in one aspect, the fiber blend may be present in the supplement in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%. In various aspects, the fiber blend may be present in the supplement in an amount of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% to about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%. In another embodiment, a treat may include the prebiotic fiber blend. In one aspect, the fiber blend may be present in the treat in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%. In various embodiments, the fiber blend may be present in the treat at about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% to about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%.

[0035]

[0036] Generally, the compositions are administered to canines to provide health benefits to the canines, as described herein. In one embodiment, the prebiotic fiber blend can be administered periodically to the canine. Such administration can be achieved via any of the compositions described herein. In one embodiment, the prebiotic fiber blend can be administered to the canine as part of a pet food composition. In various aspects, the pet food composition can be a wet pet food, a dry pet food, a semi-moist pet food, or a blended pet food.

[0036]

[0037] In general, the prebiotic fiber blends provide specific health benefits to canines. In one embodiment, the digestive health benefit can be selected from the group consisting of treating diarrhea, improving stool quality, improving microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, reducing postprandial glucose excursions, and combinations thereof.

[0037]

[0038] Typically, the composition can be administered to an animal for a time sufficient to effect a change in the animal's microbiome or provide the health benefits described herein. In one embodiment, the composition can be administered periodically to the animal. In another embodiment, the composition can be administered chronically. As discussed herein, the composition is generally a food composition, but can also be administered as part of a dietary regimen in the form of supplements, treats, sachets, and the like. In one embodiment, the composition is a pet food composition. In another embodiment, the composition is a dietary supplement. In yet another embodiment, the composition is a sachet.

[0038]

[0039] Additionally, the compositions disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. In one embodiment, the composition may include probiotics or other prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of certain medical conditions. Probiotics are thought to exert their biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics promote the process by which resident anaerobic flora limit the concentration of potentially harmful (predominantly aerobic) bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Other mechanisms of action, such as providing enzymes or influencing enzyme activity in the gastrointestinal tract, may also constitute other functions of probiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect host health by selectively stimulating bacterial growth and / or activity in the colon. Prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and mannooligosaccharides (typically used in non-human foods, such as pet foods). Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic, are naturally found in many foods, such as wheat, onions, bananas, honey, garlic, and leeks. FOS can also be isolated from chicory root or enzymatically synthesized from sucrose. Colonic FOS fermentation results in numerous physiological effects, including increased colonic bifidobacterial populations, increased calcium absorption, increased fecal weight, decreased gastrointestinal transit time, and potentially reduced blood lipid levels. Probiotics may be useful as dietary supplements to enhance systemic cellular immune responses and boost innate immunity in otherwise healthy adults. Probiotics include many types of bacteria, but are generally selected from four bacterial genera: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus.Beneficial species include Enterococcus and Saccharomyces species. The amount of probiotics and prebiotics administered to an animal is determined by one skilled in the art based on the type and nature of the prebiotics and probiotics, as well as the type and nature of the animal, e.g., age, weight, health, sex, degree of microbial depletion, presence of harmful bacteria, and the animal's diet. Generally, probiotics are administered to animals at about 1 to about 20 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day for the maintenance of healthy intestinal flora, and in one embodiment, about 5 to about 10 billion viable bacteria per day. Generally, prebiotics are administered in an amount sufficient to actively stimulate healthy intestinal flora and allow these "good" bacteria to flourish. Typical amounts are about 1 to about 10 grams per serving, or about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber for animals. The probiotics and prebiotics can be incorporated into the composition by any suitable means. Generally, the agent is mixed with the composition or applied to the surface of the composition, for example, by sprinkling or spraying. If the agent is part of a kit, the agent may be mixed with other ingredients or may be in the packaging for the agent. In dietary supplement embodiments, such dietary supplements can include about 1% to about 90% probiotics, about 1% to about 70% probiotics, or even about 1% to about 50% probiotics.

[0039]

[0040] The compositions of the present invention can include additional substances such as minerals, vitamins, salts, proteins, amino acids, fiber, antioxidants, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Non-limiting examples of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chloride, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, and selenium, as well as various salts thereof. Non-limiting examples of vitamins include vitamin A, various B vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12), vitamin D, and vitamin K. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include butylated hydroxyanisole ("BHA"), butylated hydroxytoluene ("BHT"), vitamin E (tocopherol), and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate, calcium propionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof. The composition may also include carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Additional ingredients may also be included, such as digestive aids and health aids.

[0040]

[0041] In various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise from about 15% to about 60% crude protein. In one embodiment, the composition comprises from about 40% to about 55% crude protein. The crude protein material may include vegetable proteins such as soybeans, corn, rice, cottonseed, and peanuts, or animal proteins such as casein, albumin, and meat proteins. Non-limiting examples of meat proteins useful herein include pork, lamb, horse, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof.

[0041]

[0042] The composition may further comprise about 5% to about 40% fat. In one embodiment, the composition may comprise about 15% to about 22% lipid. The composition may further comprise a carbohydrate source. The composition may comprise about 15% to about 60% carbohydrate. Non-limiting examples of such carbohydrates include grains or cereals such as rice, corn, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally include other ingredients such as dried whey and other dairy by-products.

[0042]

[0043] The composition may further include other fiber sources. Generally, the composition may include from about 0.5% to about 5% of other fibers. A variety of soluble or insoluble fibers can be used, as known to those skilled in the art. Fiber sources can be beet pulp (derived from sugar beet), gum arabic, gum talha, psyllium, rice bran, carob gum, citrus pulp, pectin, fructooligosaccharides, mannan oligofructose, soy fiber, lupin fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharides, arabinoxylan, or mixtures thereof. The fiber source can be a fermentable fiber, similar to many of those listed above. Fermentable fiber has previously been reported to be beneficial to the immune systems of companion animals. Fermentable fibers or other compositions known to those skilled in the art that provide prebiotic compositions that can enhance the growth of probiotics in the intestine can also be incorporated into the compositions to help enhance the effects provided by the present invention on the immune system, gastrointestinal system, and overall health of the animal.

[0043]

[0044] In some embodiments where the composition is a supplement, the dietary supplement may have a total water content of about 2% to about 10% by weight of the supplement to extend the length of time the supplement can be stored. In one embodiment, the total water content may be less than 5% by weight of the supplement. Similarly, the dietary supplement may have a water activity in the range of 0.20 to 0.6. In one aspect, the water activity may be less than 0.55.

[0044]

[0045] Compositions may be specially formulated for young, adult, or senior animals. Generally, specialized formulations contain ingredients that meet the energy and nutrient requirements appropriate for canines at different developmental stages or ages, or specific nutritional requirements associated with disease states.

[0045]

[0046] As discussed herein, the pet food composition may include meat, such as emulsified meat. Examples of suitable meat include poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and fish, including those types of meat that are particularly suitable for pets. The meat may also include any additional parts of an animal, including offal. Some or all of the meat may be provided as one or more meat meals, i.e., meat that has been dried and ground to form particles of substantially uniform size, as defined by AAFCO. Additionally or alternatively, vegetable proteins, such as pea protein, corn protein (e.g., ground corn or corn gluten), wheat protein (e.g., ground wheat or wheat gluten), soy protein (e.g., soybean meal, soy concentrate, or soy isolate), and rice protein (e.g., ground rice or rice gluten), may be used.

[0046]

[0047] In one embodiment, the pet food composition disclosed herein may comprise vegetable oil, flavoring agent, coloring agent, and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, etc. Examples of suitable flavoring agents include yeast, tallow, rendered animal meat (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., grilled beef), and animal digest. Suitable coloring agents include FD&C coloring agents, such as Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6; natural coloring agents, such as caramel color, annatto, chlorophyllin, cochineal, betanin, turmeric, saffron, paprika, lycopene, elderberry juice, pandan, and butterfly pea; titanium dioxide; and any suitable food coloring agent known to those skilled in the art.

[0047]

[0048] In one embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise a starch, which may include grains such as corn, rice, wheat, barley, oats, and soybeans, as well as mixtures of these grains, and the starch may be at least partially comprised in any of the flours. In another embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise a moisturizing agent, which may include salt, sugar, propylene glycol, and polyhydric glycols such as glycerin and sorbitol. In yet another embodiment, the pet food composition may comprise an oral health care ingredient, such as an alfalfa nutrient concentrate containing chlorophyll, sodium bicarbonate, phosphates (e.g., tricalcium phosphate, acid pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, and orthophosphate), peppermint, clove, parsley, ginger, and the like.

[0048]

[0049] The specific amount of each additional ingredient in the pet food compositions disclosed herein will depend on a variety of factors, such as the ingredients in the first food ingredient and any second food ingredient; the breed of the canine; the age, weight, health, sex, and diet of the canine; the rate of consumption by the canine; and the purpose for administering the food product to the canine. [Example]

[0049]

[0050] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure. Example 1 In vitro fiber blend testing

[0051] In vitro fermentation screening was performed on various fiber blends selected from nine individual fibers according to Table 1.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051]

[0052] The blend was added to sugar-depleted nutrient medium at a concentration of 5 g / L, using a blank tube (no substrate) for calibration. A fresh fecal inoculum from a single healthy adult dog was used to simulate short-term colonic incubation. The incubation was carried out under anaerobic conditions at 39°C for 48 hours, with measurements taken at 24 hours. Each condition was measured in triplicate.

[0052]

[0053] The results of the 24-hour and 48-hour fermentations are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively. Overall microbial fermentation was measured by pH and gas production. Microbial metabolic activity was measured by sugar degradation end products: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate, and protein degradation end products: branched short-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and ammonium. Microbial community composition was measured by Illumina® sequencing via specific qPCR for Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus to provide relative abundance.

[0053] [Table 2]

[0054] [Table 3]

[0055] As can be seen in Table 2, Blends 3-5 provided generally positive results for the measured parameters, with Blends 3 and 5 showing the strongest performance. In particular, Blends 3-5 contain pumpkin and inulin, respectively. Blends 3-5 can be clearly distinguished as superior to Blends 1-2 and 6, which produced unacceptable results. Therefore, Blends 3-5 were pursued in in vivo testing.

[0056] Example 2 Canine Fiber Blend Testing As outlined in Table 4, an in vivo canine study was conducted using five groups of eight dogs per group. Large breeds included Labrador retrievers and Walker Coonhounds, while medium breeds included beagles. All pets were apparently healthy, at least 1 year old, and had not received antibiotics within 60 days prior to the start of the study. To stabilize the gut microbiome, all dogs were fed a control diet for 28 days (initial period). At the end of this 28-day period, dogs were randomized to one of five treatment diets consisting of a control diet supplemented with a fiber blend. Dogs received their assigned treatment diet for an additional 28 days (final period). All groups were balanced for age, weight, and breed size. Measurements were performed on the same day for each phase. A single fresh fecal sample was collected within 15 minutes of defecation and analyzed for fecal microbiota, fecal IgA, short-chain fatty acids, and branched-chain fatty acids by PCR. Activity was measured using an activity monitor attached to a collar during four consecutive 24-hour periods. Activity was recorded every 30 seconds for four days. Data was analyzed and all results were compared to the initial value for each dog. Nutritional information for pet foods incorporating the blends is provided in Table 5. Percentages are based on the diet at the time of feeding. All pet foods were found to be palatable.

[0057] [Table 4]

[0058] [Table 5]

[0059]

[0056] Each blend generally provided acceptable digestibility and fecal quality, but Blend 3 was superior in reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving mobility, increasing fecal IgA, and reducing protein catabolites, as shown in Table 6.

[0060] [Table 6]

[0061] Example 3 Fiber Blend Testing in Felines A feline study was also conducted testing the same fiber blends. Fiber blends 3-5 were acceptable in in vitro screening, but in vivo testing showed that blend 5 was superior to blend 3 in providing increased beneficial bacteria, decreased pathogenic bacteria, and decreased protein catabolites in cats. Thus, the results indicated that fiber blends do not function similarly across species.

[0062] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. Accordingly, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A prebiotic fiber blend for canines comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

2. 10. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the pumpkin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of from about 20% to about 50%.

3. 10. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the inulin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of from about 10% to about 40%.

4. 10. The prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1, wherein the fiber blend comprises psyllium, and wherein the psyllium is present in the fiber blend in an amount of from about 20% to about 50%.

5. A pet food composition comprising the prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1.

6. 6. The pet food composition of claim 5, further comprising a protein, a carbohydrate, a fat, and a preservative, wherein the fiber blend is present in the pet food composition in an amount from about 0.1% to about 10%.

7. 6. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein said pumpkin is present in said pet food composition in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5%, said inulin is present in said pet food composition in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5%, and said psyllium is present in said pet food composition in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5%.

8. 6. The pet food composition of claim 5, wherein the pet food composition is a complete and balanced pet food.

9. A supplement comprising the prebiotic fiber blend of claim 1.

10. 10. The supplement of claim 9, wherein the fiber blend is present in the supplement in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 50%.

11. 1. A method for providing digestive health benefits to a canine, comprising administering to the canine a prebiotic fiber blend, the prebiotic fiber blend comprising pumpkin, inulin, and optionally psyllium.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend is administered to the canine periodically.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the prebiotic fiber blend is administered to the canine as part of a pet food composition.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the digestive health benefit is selected from the group consisting of treating diarrhea, improving stool quality, improving microbiome diversity, reducing inflammation, reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving mobility, increasing fecal IgA, reducing protein catabolites, reducing postprandial glucose excursions, and combinations thereof.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the pumpkin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%, the inulin is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 10% to about 40%, and the psyllium is present in the fiber blend in an amount of about 20% to about 50%.

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