Pet food composition

Abstract

Disclosed are pet food compositions and methods for alleviating pruritus, chronic itching, erythema, alopecia, or skin secretions and ear discharge. In one embodiment, a pet food composition is provided having about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin, a fiber component having about 8% by weight or more of dietary fiber, and protein, all weight percentages being based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In another embodiment, a pet food composition is provided having about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin, a fiber component having about 8 to about 25% by weight of multiple dietary fibers, wherein the multiple dietary fibers include soluble and insoluble fibers, and the soluble and insoluble fibers are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:15, and protein.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 507603, filed on June 12, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common type of chronic inflammatory skin disease found in pets. Dogs are particularly susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which is one of the main reasons for veterinary visits. Typically, atopic dermatitis is characterized by pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), secretions from the skin and ear drooping, as well as alopecia (hair loss). Therefore, atopic dermatitis is thought to significantly reduce the quality of life of pets suffering from it.

[0003] In addition to the reduced quality of life, pets suffering from atopic dermatitis often suffer from pruritic skin diseases and / or skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier plays an important role in preventing the entry of allergens and microorganisms into the body. The physical skin barrier is located in the uppermost layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. Furthermore, the epidermis is continuously regenerated by terminally differentiating keratinocytes, a process called keratinization or cornification. Keratinization begins with the movement of keratinocytes from the basal layer to the upper layer, during which keratinocytes also produce lipids and extrude them into the extracellular space to form an extracellular lipid - enriched layer and maintain skin barrier function. Additionally, the presence of cytokines in the skin affects various processes of keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and keratinization.

[0004] A combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors is thought to influence the etiology of atopic dermatitis and the extent of harm caused by such atopic dermatitis.

[0005] There is a need for treatments, compositions, and methods for pets suffering from atopic dermatitis and for mitigating its effects. [Overview of the project]

[0006] This summary is intended to provide a simplified summary of some aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Further scope to which the present disclosure is applicable will become apparent from the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” provided below in this specification. This summary is not an extensive overview, nor is it intended to identify key or important elements of the teachings, nor to describe the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, its purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the following “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention.”

[0007] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions and methods for reducing pruritus, erythema, alopecia, or skin secretions and ear discharge. For example, a particular aspect of the present invention relates to pet food compositions and methods for reducing pruritus and chronic itching. According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided having about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin, a fiber component containing about 8% by weight or more of dietary fiber, and protein, all by weight percentages based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided comprising a fiber component containing about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin and about 8 to about 25% by weight of multiple dietary fibers, wherein the multiple dietary fibers include soluble fibers and insoluble fibers, and the soluble fibers and insoluble fibers are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:15, and protein.

[0009] A list of specific, non-limiting embodiments according to aspects of the present invention is provided below.

[0010] According to Embodiment 1, the pet food composition is Quercetin of approximately 2 μg / g or more, Fiber components containing approximately 8% or more by weight of dietary fiber, Proteins and, It contains lipids, A pet food composition is provided in which all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0011] Embodiment 2 provides the pet food composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the dietary fiber includes soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.

[0012] According to Embodiment 3, the pet food composition described in Embodiment 2 is provided, wherein the pet food composition includes a weight ratio of soluble fiber to insoluble fiber of about 1:1 to about 1:15.

[0013] According to Embodiment 4, the pet food composition described in Embodiment 3 is provided, wherein the weight ratio of soluble fibers to insoluble fibers is about 1:3 to about 1:15.

[0014] According to Embodiment 5, a pet food composition according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4 is provided, wherein the soluble fiber is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 5% by weight.

[0015] Embodiment 6 provides a pet food composition according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the insoluble fibers are present in an amount of about 1 to about 14% by weight.

[0016] Embodiment 7 provides a pet food composition according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the protein is present in an amount of about 10 to about 40% by weight.

[0017] According to Embodiment 8, a pet food composition according to any of the above embodiments is provided, wherein the lipid is present in an amount of about 9 to about 30% by weight.

[0018] According to Embodiment 9, the pet food composition is as described in any of the embodiments described above, A pet food composition is provided that further contains approximately 0.1% to approximately 10% by weight of fatty acids.

[0019] According to Embodiment 10, a pet food composition is provided which is the pet food composition described in Embodiment 9, wherein the fatty acid comprises a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

[0020] Embodiment 11 provides a pet food composition according to Embodiment 10, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises an omega-3 fatty acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0021] Embodiment 12 provides a pet food composition according to Embodiment 11, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises omega-3 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

[0022] Embodiment 13 provides a pet food composition according to Embodiment 11 or Embodiment 12, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises omega-6 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, calendic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenaline, osbondic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

[0023] According to Embodiment 14, a pet food composition according to any of Embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the food composition has a weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acid to omega-3 fatty acid of about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, preferably about 0.5:1 to about 3:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, about 1:1 to about 7:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, about 1:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 1:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 7:1, about 2:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about 4:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, about 2.5:1 to about 7:1, about 2.5:1 to about 5:1, about 2.5:1 to about 4:1, about 2.5:1 to about 3:1, about 3:1 to about 7:1, about 3:1 to about 5:1, about 3:1 to about 4:1, about 3:1 to about 3.5:1, or any range or sub-range thereof, a pet food composition is provided.

[0024] According to Embodiment 15, a pet food composition according to any of the foregoing embodiments is provided, wherein the amount of quercetin is about 2.5 μg / g or more.

[0025] According to Embodiment 16, a pet food composition according to any of the foregoing embodiments is provided, wherein the pet food composition does not contain rutin.

[0026] According to Embodiment 17, a pet food composition comprising: about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin; a fiber component comprising about 8 to about 25% by weight of a plurality of dietary fibers, wherein the plurality of dietary fibers comprises soluble fibers and insoluble fibers, and the soluble fibers and the insoluble fibers are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:15; protein; lipids, is provided.

[0027] According to Embodiment 18, there is provided a pet food composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, which is adapted to reduce pruritus by about 25% or more, evaluated about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for 6 consecutive weeks.

[0028] According to Embodiment 19, there is provided a pet food composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, which is adapted to increase the expression of circulating NRP1, evaluated about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for 6 consecutive weeks.

[0029] According to Embodiment 20, there is provided a pet food composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, which is adapted to increase the expression of Bcl-2, evaluated about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for 6 consecutive weeks.

[0030] According to Embodiment 21, there is provided a pet food composition according to one of Embodiments 17 to 20, wherein the amount of quercetin is about 2.5 μg / g or more.

[0031] According to Embodiment 22, there is provided a method for improving a method for reducing pruritus and / or chronic itching in dogs, the method comprising: increasing the expression of circulating NRP1 and / or the expression of Bcl-2 by feeding the pet food composition according to any one of the foregoing embodiments to the dog.

[0032] According to Embodiment 23, there is provided a method for improving a method for reducing pruritus and / or chronic itching in dogs, the method comprising: This includes adjusting the amount of circulating quercetin in the pet to approximately 2 μg / kg MBW or more by feeding the dog the pet food composition described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0033] Embodiment 24 provides a method according to Embodiment 23, which includes increasing the circulating quercetin of a pet by about 100% or more, as evaluated about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" concerning specific embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a bar graph showing the improvement of pruritus in dogs given comparative compositions or non-limiting exemplary compositions according to aspects of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bar graph showing the level of NRP1 expression in dogs given non-limiting exemplary compositions or comparative compositions according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bar graph showing the Bcl-2 expression levels of dogs given exemplary or comparative compositions according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bar graph showing the PTGDR2 expression levels in dogs given exemplary or comparative compositions according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a bar graph showing the IL-27 expression levels of dogs given exemplary or comparative compositions according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bar graph showing the circulating histamine levels of atopic dogs before and after being given either an exemplary composition or a comparative composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] It will be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and means shown in the figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by reference to various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although specific embodiments of the present invention are specifically described herein, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable and can be adopted in other compositions and methods. Before describing in detail the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited in its use to the details of any particular embodiment disclosed herein. The terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0043] In use in this invention and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural form unless the context otherwise specifies. The singular form of any class of components refers not only to one component in that class but also to a mixture of those components. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” may be used interchangeably. The term “include” should be interpreted as “includes, but not limited to.” The term “including” should be interpreted as “includes, but not limited to.”

[0044] The range used throughout is a shorthand expression for describing any value within that range. Any value within the range can be selected as the upper or lower limit of that range. Therefore, the range 1-5 specifically includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as subranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, and 1-4. The term "approximately" accompanying a number means any number within a 10% range of that number. For example, the phrase "approximately 2% by weight" refers to a number between 1.8% by weight and 2.2% by weight.

[0045] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between a definition in this disclosure and a definition in a cited reference, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0046] Abbreviations and symbols used herein have their usual meanings unless otherwise indicated. The abbreviation "wt.%" means weight percentage of the pet food composition. The symbol "°" refers to degrees, such as degrees of temperature or degrees of angle. The symbols "h", "min", "mL", "nm", and "μm" mean hours, minutes, milliliters, nanometers, and micrometers, respectively. The abbreviation "UV-VIS" refers to ultraviolet-visible light, referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy. The abbreviation "rpm" means revolutions per minute.

[0047] Any member in a list of species used to illustrate or define a genus may be different from, overlap with, be a subset of, be equivalent to, nearly identical to, or be identical to any other member in the list of species. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, such as when enumerating a Markush group, a list of species defining or illustrating a genus is not restrictive, and it is indicated that there may be other species that define or illustrate the genus as well as, or better than, any other species enumerated.

[0048] All components and elements positively described in this disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the pet food compositions of this disclosure may not contain, or are essentially without, all components and elements positively enumerated throughout this disclosure. In some examples, the pet food compositions of this disclosure may not substantially contain non-incidental amounts of any component(s) or compound(s) described herein. Non-incidental amounts of a material or compound are those amounts of that component or compound added to the pet food composition alone. For example, a pet food composition may not substantially contain non-incidental amounts of any component(s) or compound(s), but such components or compound(s) may be present as part of raw materials included as a blend of two or more compounds. Unless otherwise defined or stated herein, substantially no substance means an ingredient or compound in an amount of about 2% by weight or less, about 1.5% by weight or less, about 1% by weight or less, about 0.5% by weight or less, about 0.1% by weight or less, or about 0.05% by weight or less, or about 0.01% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0049] Some of the various categories of identified components may overlap. Overlap is possible, and if a pet food composition contains both components (or if the composition contains three or more overlapping components), the overlapping compound does not represent two or more components. For example, a particular component or ingredient may be characterized as both ancient grain and buckwheat hull. If a particular pet food composition lists both ancient grain and buckwheat hull, a compound that can be characterized as both ancient grain and amaranth will function as either ancient grain or buckwheat hull, but not both.

[0050] As used herein, the term “pet” is interchangeable with the term “companion animal” and refers to any species of animal kept as a pet by an owner, including dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis domesticus), or any species of animal that has been widely domesticated as a pet. Therefore, pets may include, but are not limited to, working dogs, pet dogs, cats kept for rodent control (e.g., farm cats), pet cats, ferrets, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and fish.

[0051] To the extent that food and food components contain water / moisture, the dry substance represents everything in the sample other than water, such as proteins, fiber, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals. The weight of the dry substance is the total weight minus the weight of the water. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize and understand the amount, weight, and proportion of nutrients expressed as the dry substance.

[0052] Daily dry matter intake is calculated as the total daily nutrient intake excluding all water. For example, the amount of a component that corresponds to a specific percentage of the daily nutrient intake means the amount of that component in dry form (likewise excluding all water) relative to the total amount of dry matter ingested in a day (i.e., excluding all water).

[0053] "Daily nutrient intake" and "total daily nutrient intake" refer to the amount of dry matter consumed per day. In other words, the weight of water is not included in the calculation of daily nutrient consumption. To calculate the proportion of each component in the total daily intake based on dry matter, water is removed from the total intake to obtain the total daily dry matter intake, and the proportion of each component is calculated based on the amount of each component present as dry matter.

[0054] As used herein, “component” refers to any component of a pet food composition. The term “nutrient” refers to a substance that provides nutrition and therefore has nutritional value. In some cases, a component may contain two or more “nutrients,” for example, the composition may contain corn, which contains important nutrients including both protein and carbohydrates.

[0055] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions and methods for alleviating pruritus, chronic itching, erythema, alopecia, and / or skin secretions and ear discharge. For example, certain preferred embodiments of the pet food compositions are adapted to alleviate pruritus and chronic itching. The inventors have found that pet food compositions comprising a specific combination of quercetin and a specific fiber component including a specific dietary fiber / source, in the amounts and ratios disclosed herein, can unexpectedly reduce pruritus and chronic itching in animals such as dogs. The pet food compositions may advantageously achieve alleviation and / or reduction of pruritus and chronic itching by mediated by histamine-independent signaling pathways such as NEF and NRF. Without limiting to any particular theory, certain pet food compositions may advantageously automatically modulate hyperinvasion of sensitive C fibers and / or reduce the proliferation of CC fibers in the epidermal region.

[0056] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided having about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin, a fiber component containing about 5% by weight or more of dietary fiber, and protein, all weight percentages based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pet food composition is provided, comprising a fiber component containing about 2 μg / g or more of quercetin, about 8 to about 25% by weight of multiple dietary fibers, wherein the multiple dietary fibers include soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, and the soluble fiber and insoluble fiber are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:15, and protein, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0058] The pet food composition may preferably be adapted to reduce pet pruritus by about 25% or more, as evaluated about one hour after ingestion, in pets that consume the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks. In some embodiments, the pet food composition may be adapted to reduce pruritus in pets suffering from pruritus by about 28% or more, about 31% or more, about 33% or more, about 35% or more, about 38% or more, or about 42% or more, or about 45% or more.

[0059] As an additional or alternative configuration, certain pet food compositions disclosed herein may be adapted to increase the expression of circulating NRP1, as assessed approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition by a pet that has ingested the pet food composition once daily for six consecutive weeks. The pet food composition may also be adapted to increase the expression of Bcl-2, as assessed approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition by a pet that has ingested the pet food composition once daily for six consecutive weeks. The increase in circulating NRP1 expression and / or Bcl-2 expression may be obtained, in some embodiments, approximately 24 hours after the pet has ingested the pet food composition once daily for three consecutive weeks.

[0060] The pet food composition may achieve the aforementioned reduction in pruritus, increased expression of circulating NRP1, and / or increased expression of Bcl-2 when the pet food composition is provided to pets according to the recommended daily nutritional intake. The recommended daily nutritional intake may be based on AAFCO and NRC nutritional recommendations, dry matter content levels when the daily diet is 4000 kcal / kg or less, and / or energy per 1000 kcal when the daily diet is greater than 4000 kcal / kg.

[0061] Appropriate components, such as those listed below, may be included in or excluded from the formulation of the pet food composition, depending on the specific combination of other components and the form of the pet food composition. In some embodiments, the pet food composition disclosed herein may be in the form of a single-component pet food, a pet food supplement, a pet treat, or similar.

[0062] Pet food compositions typically, preferably, contain an effective amount of quercetin. The amount of quercetin in a pet food composition is generally about 2 μg / g or more, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, pet food compositions may contain about 2 to about 35 μg / g, about 2 to about 30 μg / g, about 2 to about 25 μg / g, about 2 to about 17 μg / g, about 2 to about 15 μg / g, about 2 to about 13 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 35 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 30 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 25 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 17 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 15 μg / g, about 2.5 to about 13μg / g, about 4 to about 35μg / g, about 4 to about 30μg / g, about 4 to about 25μg / g, about 4 to about 17μg / g, about 4 to about 15μg / g, about 4 to about 13μg / g, about 6 to about 35μg / g g, about 6 to about 30 μg / g, about 6 to about 25 μg / g, about 6 to about 17 μg / g, about 6 to about 15 μg / g, about 6 to about 13 μg / g, about 8 to about 35 μg / g, about 8 to about 30 μg / g, about 8 to about 25 μg / g, about 8 to about 17 μg / g, about 8 to about 15 μg / g, about 8 to about 13 μg / g, about 10 to about 35 μg / g, about 10 to about 30 μg / g, about 10 to about 25 μg / g, about 10 to about 17 μg / g, about 10 ~about 15μg / g, about 10 to about 13μg / g, about 12 to about 35μg / g, about 12 to about 30μg / g, about 12 to about 25μg / g, about 12 to about 17μg / g, about 12 to about 15μg / g, about 14 to about 3 Quercetin may be contained in amounts of 5 μg / g, approximately 14 to approximately 30 μg / g, approximately 14 to approximately 25 μg / g, approximately 14 to approximately 17 μg / g, approximately 17 to approximately 35 μg / g, approximately 17 to approximately 30 μg / g, approximately 17 to approximately 25 μg / g, approximately 20 to approximately 35 μg / g, approximately 20 to approximately 30 μg / g, approximately 20 to approximately 25 μg / g, approximately 25 to approximately 35 μg / g, approximately 25 to approximately 30 μg / g, or any range or partial range thereof. In certain cases, the pet food composition may be formulated to contain approximately 9 μg / g or more, approximately 10 μg / g or more, approximately 11 μg / g or more, approximately 12 μg / g or more, approximately 13 μg / g or more, or approximately 14 μg / g or more of quercetin, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0063] The pet food composition may preferably be formulated to be rutin-free, or may contain a reduced amount of rutin, such as about 2 μg / g or less. In some embodiments, the pet food composition contains about 1.5 μg / g or less, about 1 μg / g or less, about 0.5 μg / g or less, or about 0.1 μg / g or less of rutin. In at least one embodiment, the pet food composition is rutin-free. The pet food composition preferably contains quercetin, but optionally contains no rutin or a reduced amount of rutin.

[0064] Pet food compositions typically contain fibrous components, including dietary fiber. These fibrous components may include crude fiber in addition to dietary fiber. The fibrous components may be present in the pet food composition in an amount ranging from approximately 8% to approximately 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the pet food composition contains fiber components in amounts of about 8 to about 23% by weight, about 8 to about 20% by weight, about 8 to about 16% by weight, about 8 to about 12% by weight, about 8 to about 10% by weight, about 11 to about 25% by weight, about 11 to about 20% by weight, about 11 to about 16% by weight, about 11 to about 13% by weight, about 14 to about 25% by weight, about 14 to about 20% by weight, about 14 to about 16% by weight, about 16 to about 25% by weight, about 16 to about 20% by weight, about 18 to about 25% by weight, about 18 to about 20% by weight, about 20 to about 25% by weight, or any range or partial range thereof, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0065] Dietary fiber is typically present in an amount of about 8% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry basis. For example, dietary fiber may be present in the pet food composition in an amount of about 8% by weight or more, about 10% by weight or more, or about 12% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the pet food composition is about 5 to about 20% by weight, about 5 to about 16% by weight, about 5 to about 12% by weight, about 5 to about 10% by weight, about 5 to about 8% by weight, about 5 to about 7% by weight, and about 6 to about Formulated to contain dietary fiber in amounts of 20% by weight, approximately 6-16% by weight, approximately 6-12% by weight, approximately 6-10% by weight, approximately 6-8% by weight, approximately 8-20% by weight, approximately 8-16% by weight, approximately 8-12% by weight, approximately 8-10% by weight, approximately 10-20% by weight, approximately 10-16% by weight, approximately 10-13% by weight, approximately 12-20% by weight, approximately 12-16% by weight, approximately 12-14% by weight, approximately 14-20% by weight, approximately 14-16% by weight, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0066] Dietary fiber refers to plant components that are resistant to digestion by animal digestive enzymes. Examples of dietary fiber include soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine and is fully or partially fermented in the large intestine. Soluble fiber may be derived from sources such as beet pulp, guar gum, chicory root, psyllium, pectin, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, apples, oats, beans, citrus fruits, barley, or peas. Insoluble fiber can be supplied from any variety of raw materials, such as cellulose, buckwheat hulls, whole wheat products, wheat oat, corn bran, flaxseed, grapes, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels, vegetable peels, peanut shells, and soy fiber. In at least one preferred embodiment, the pet food composition includes buckwheat hulls.

[0067] Digestible fiber may contain soluble fiber in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, a pet food composition may contain soluble fiber in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight, about 0.1% to about 3% by weight, about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, about 0.5% to about 4% by weight, about 0.5% to about 3% by weight, about 0.5% to about 2% by weight, about 1% to about 5% by weight, about 1% to about 4% by weight, about 1% to about 3% by weight, about 1% to about 2% by weight, about 2% to about 5% by weight, about 2% to about 4% by weight, about 2% to about 3% by weight, about 3% to about 5% by weight, about 3% to about 4% by weight, or any range or partial range of these amounts, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0068] Digestive fiber may also contain insoluble fiber in an amount of about 1 to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the amount of insoluble fiber is about 1 to about 11%, about 1 to about 9%, about 1 to about 8%, about 1 to about 7%, about 1 to about 6%, about 1 to about 5%, about 1 to about 4%, about 1 to about 3%, about 3 to about 14%, about 3 to about 11%, about 3 to about 9%, about 3 to about 8%, about 3 to about 7%, about 3 to about 6%, about 3 to about 5%, about 4 to about 14%, about 4 to about 11%, about 4 to about 9%, about 4 to about 8%, and about 4 ~7% by weight, approximately 4-6% by weight, approximately 5-14% by weight, approximately 5-11% by weight, approximately 5-9% by weight, approximately 4-8% by weight, approximately 5-7% by weight, approximately 5-6% by weight, approximately 6-14% by weight, approximately 6-11% by weight, approximately 6-9% by weight, approximately 6-8% by weight, approximately 6-7% by weight, approximately 8-14% by weight, approximately 8-11% by weight, approximately 8-10% by weight, approximately 10-14% by weight, approximately 10-12% by weight, approximately 12-14% by weight, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0069] The pet food composition may preferably be adapted to have a weight ratio of soluble fiber to insoluble fiber of about 1:3 to about 1:15. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of soluble fiber to the total amount of insoluble fiber may include any range or partial range thereof, including about 1:4 to about 1:15, about 1:5 to about 1:15, about 1:6 to about 1:15, about 1:8 to about 1:15, about 1:11 to about 1:15, about 1:3 to about 1:12, about 1:4 to about 1:12, about 1:5 to about 1:12, about 1:6 to about 1:12, about 1:8 to about The timestamps are 1:12, approximately 1:11-1:12, approximately 1:3-1:10, approximately 1:4-1:10, approximately 1:5-1:10, approximately 1:6-1:10, approximately 1:8-1:10, approximately 1:3-1:8, approximately 1:4-1:8, approximately 1:5-1:8, approximately 1:6-1:8, approximately 1:3-1:6, approximately 1:4-1:6, approximately 1:5-1:6, approximately 1:3-1:5, and approximately 1:4-1:5.

[0070] Crude fiber includes indigestible components found in the cell walls and cell contents of plants such as grains (e.g., grain hulls such as rice, corn, buckwheat, and beans). Crude fiber may be present in the pet food composition in an amount ranging from approximately 0.1% to approximately 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, a pet food composition may contain crude fiber in amounts of approximately 0.1 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 0.1 to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 0.1 to approximately 2% by weight, approximately 0.1 to approximately 1% by weight, approximately 0.5 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 0.5 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 0.5 to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 0.5 to approximately 2% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 2% by weight, approximately 2 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 2 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 2 to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 3 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 3 to approximately 4% by weight, or any range or partial range thereof, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0071] Pet food compositions typically contain lipids. The lipid content in a pet food composition may be about 9% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the amount of lipids in a pet food composition may be about 9 to about 26% by weight, about 9 to about 22% by weight, about 9 to about 18% by weight, about 9 to about 16% by weight, about 9 to about 14% by weight, about 11 to about 30% by weight, about 11 to about 26% by weight, about 11 to about 22% by weight, about 11 to about 18% by weight, about 11 to about 16% by weight, about 11 to about 14% by weight, about 12 to about 30% by weight, about 12 to about 26% by weight, about 12 to about 22% by weight, about 12 to about 18% by weight, about 12 to about 16% by weight, or about 12 to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry basis, including those ranges and partial ranges.

[0072] The term "lipids" generally refers to lipids or mixtures of lipids suitable for dietary intake. Pet food compositions may contain one or more fatty acids. When fatty acids are present in a pet food composition, they typically amount to about 0.1 to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry weight basis. For example, pet food compositions may contain about 0.1 to about 8% by weight, about 0.1 to about 6% by weight, about 0.1 to about 4% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2% by weight, about 0.5 to about 10% by weight, about 0.5 to about 8% by weight, about 0.5 to about 6% by weight, about 0.5 to about 4% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3% by weight, about 0.5 to about 2% by weight, about 1 to about 10% by weight, about 1 to about 8% by weight, about 1 to about 6% by weight, and about 1 to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. May contain one or more fatty acids in amounts of %, approximately 1 to 3% by weight, approximately 1 to 2% by weight, approximately 2 to 10% by weight, approximately 2 to 8% by weight, approximately 2 to 6% by weight, approximately 2 to 4% by weight, approximately 2 to 3% by weight, approximately 3 to 10% by weight, approximately 3 to 8% by weight, approximately 3 to 6% by weight, approximately 3 to 4% by weight, approximately 5 to 10% by weight, approximately 5 to 8% by weight, approximately 5 to 6% by weight, approximately 7 to 10% by weight, approximately 7 to 8% by weight, or any range or partial range of these amounts.

[0073] One or more fatty acids may be selected from omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margaroleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, stearidonic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosatetraic acid, and two or more combinations thereof. The fatty acids may also be polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, or two or more combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of omega-3 fatty acids include linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof. The pet food composition may contain linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or two or more combinations thereof.

[0074] As an additional or alternative composition, polyunsaturated fatty acids may include omega-6 fatty acids. Examples of omega-6 fatty acids include linolenic acid, calendic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenaline, osbondic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acids include omega-6 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

[0075] In some embodiments, the pet food composition comprises one or more omega-3 fatty acids and one or more omega-6 fatty acids. In some examples, the pet food composition comprises about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, about 0.5:1 to about 3:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, about 1:1 to about 7:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, about 1:1, about 1.5:1, or about 1:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 7:1, about 2:1 to about 5:1, about 1 It is configured to have a weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids of any range or partial range, such as 1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 2.5:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 7:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 7:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 3.5:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0076] Lipids may be completely incorporated into the food composition, deposited on the outside of the pet food composition, or a mixture of both (for example, lipids may be incorporated into the pet food composition and deposited on the outside of the pet food composition). In some embodiments, the pet food composition further comprises an effective amount of one or more substances selected from the group consisting of glucosamine, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane ("MSM"), creatine, antioxidants, Perna canaliculata, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] Lipids can be supplied by any of the various sources known to those skilled in the art, including meat, meat by-products, canola oil, fish oil (such as anchovy oil and menhedene oil), and plants. Examples of meat fat sources include poultry fat, turkey fat, lard, animal fat, and beef fat. Examples of plant fat sources include wheat, flax, rye, barley, rice, sorghum, corn, oats, millet, wheat germ, corn germ, soybeans, peanuts, and cottonseed, as well as these and other plant fat sources, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, and / or oils derived from orestra.

[0078] In some cases, the lipids in the pet food composition are crude fat. Crude fat may be included in the pet food composition in the amounts disclosed above with respect to total fat, such as about 9 to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the pet food composition contains crude fat in amounts of about 11 to about 30% by weight, about 14 to about 25% by weight, or about 14 to about 22% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In some cases, it may be preferable that about 50% or more by weight, about 60% or more by weight, about 70% or more by weight, about 80% or more by weight, or about 90% or more by weight of total lipids be obtained from animal sources. Alternatively, about 50% or more by weight, about 60% or more by weight, about 70% or more by weight, about 80% or more by weight, or about 90% or more by weight of total lipids may be obtained from plant sources.

[0079] Pet food compositions contain protein in amounts that may vary. Based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, the amount of protein may range from approximately 10% to approximately 40% by weight. The protein may be approximately 10-36% by weight, approximately 10-32% by weight, approximately 10-28% by weight, approximately 10-24% by weight, approximately 10-20% by weight, approximately 10-18% by weight, approximately 12-40% by weight, approximately 12-36% by weight, approximately 12-32% by weight, approximately 12-28% by weight, approximately 12-24% by weight, approximately 12-20% by weight, approximately 12-18% by weight, approximately It may exist in amounts of approximately 14-40% by weight, approximately 14-36% by weight, approximately 14-32% by weight, approximately 14-28% by weight, approximately 14-24% by weight, approximately 14-20% by weight, approximately 14-18% by weight, approximately 16-40% by weight, approximately 16-36% by weight, approximately 16-32% by weight, approximately 16-28% by weight, approximately 16-24% by weight, approximately 16-20% by weight, and approximately 16-18% by weight (including these ranges or subranges).

[0080] The proteins in pet food compositions may include one or more amino acids selected from tryptophan, taurine, histidine, carnitine, carnosine, alanine, cysteine, arginine, methionine (including DL-methionine and L-methionine), tryptophan, lysine, asparagine, aspartate (aspartic acid), phenylalanine, valine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, glycine, glutamine, taurine, tyrosine, homocysteine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamate (glutamic acid), proline, serine, or combinations of two or more of these. In some cases, one or more amino acids may include essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be newly synthesized or that organisms can only synthesize in insufficient amounts, and therefore must be supplied through diet. Essential amino acids vary from species to species, depending on the organism's metabolism. For example, it is generally understood that the essential amino acids for dogs and cats (as well as humans) include phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine. In addition, taurine, although not technically an amino acid, is a derivative of cysteine ​​and is an essential nutrient for cats.

[0081] A portion of the protein in the composition may be pre-digested (hydrolyzed) protein. For example, a pet food composition may contain protein, where about 40% or more, about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, about 98% or more, or about 99% or more of the protein is pre-digested (hydrolyzed), and the weight percentage is based on the total amount of protein in the pet food composition on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, for example, if the pet food composition is formulated to promote weight loss, the portion of the protein that is pre-digested (hydrolyzed) protein may be about 60% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 20% or less, or about 10% or less, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food composition on a dry weight basis. In several further embodiments, the amount of protein, which is pre-digested (hydrolyzed) protein, is about 10 to about 99% by weight, about 10 to about 95% by weight, about 10 to about 90% by weight, about 10 to about 70% by weight, about 10 to about 50% by weight, about 10 to about 30% by weight, about 30 to about 99% by weight, about 30 to about 95% by weight, about 30 to about 90% by weight, about 30 to about 70% by weight, about 30 to about 50% by weight, about 50 to about 99% by weight, about 50 to about 95% by weight, about 50 to about 90% by weight, about 50 to about 70% by weight, or about 70 to about 99% by weight, about 70 to about 95% by weight, or about 70 to about 90% by weight, including ranges and partial ranges therein.

[0082] Proteins can be supplied from any variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including plant sources, animal sources, microbial sources, or combinations of two or more thereof. For example, animal sources may include meat, meat by-products, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. Meat may include, for example, chicken, fish, and animal meat (including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and similar animals). Meat by-products may include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, and intestines. Plant proteins may include, for example, soy protein, cottonseed protein, and peanut protein. Microbial sources may be used to synthesize amino acids (e.g., lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine) or intact proteins (such as proteins from the sources listed below).

[0083] Examples of proteins or protein components include chicken meal, poultry, poultry by-product meal, lamb, lamb meal, turkey, turkey meal, beef, beef by-products, offal, fishmeal, intestines, kangaroo, white fish, venison, soybean meal, soybean protein isolate, soybean protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, corn protein concentrate, distillation-dried grains and / or distillation-dried grain solutions, and single-cell proteins (e.g., yeast, algae, and / or bacterial cultures).

[0084] Proteins may remain intact, be completely hydrolyzed, or be partially hydrolyzed. The protein content of food can be determined by several methods well known to those skilled in the art, such as Method 988.05 published by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists in the Official Methods of Analysis ("OMA"). The amount of protein in the compositions disclosed herein may also be determined based on the amount of nitrogen in the composition according to methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0085] Pet food compositions may further contain ash. As described herein, ash consists of compounds that are neither organic nor water and is generally produced by the combustion of biological materials. Ash may be present in the pet food composition in amounts ranging from about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the food composition on a dry matter basis (including all amounts and partial ranges within that range). In some embodiments, ash may be present in the food composition in amounts of about 1 to about 8% by weight, about 1 to about 6% by weight, about 1 to about 5% by weight, about 1 to about 4% by weight, about 1 to about 3% by weight, about 1 to about 2% by weight, about 2 to about 10% by weight, about 2 to about 8% by weight, about 2 to about 6% by weight, about 2 to about 5% by weight, about 2 to about 4% by weight, about 3 to about 10% by weight, about 3 to about 8% by weight, about 3 to about 6% by weight, about 3 to about 5% by weight, about 4 to about 10% by weight, about 4 to about 8% by weight, about 4 to about 6% by weight, about 5 to about 10% by weight, about 5 to about 8% by weight, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0086] The amount of carbohydrates, for example, in NFE terms, present in the pet food composition is, based on the total weight of the pet composition on a dry weight basis, up to approximately 65% ​​by weight, up to approximately 60% by weight, up to approximately 55% by weight, up to approximately 50% by weight, up to approximately 45% by weight, up to approximately 40% by weight, up to approximately 35% by weight, up to approximately 30% by weight, up to approximately 25% by weight, up to approximately 20% by weight, up to approximately 15% by weight, up to approximately 10% by weight, up to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 65% ​​by weight, and approximately 1 to approximately 55% by weight. %, about 1 to about 50% by weight, about 1 to about 45% by weight, about 1 to about 40% by weight, about 1 to about 35% by weight, about 1 to about 30% by weight, about 1 to about 25% by weight, about 1 to about 20% by weight, about 1 to about 15% by weight, about 1 to about 10% by weight, about 1 to about 5% by weight, about 5 to about 65% by weight , about 5 to about 55% by weight, about 5 to about 50% by weight, about 5 to about 45% by weight, about 5 to about 40% by weight, about 5 to about 35% by weight, about 5 to about 30% by weight, about 5 to about 25% by weight, about 5 to about 20% by weight, about 5 to about 15% by weight, about 10 to about 65% by weight, about 10 to about 55% by weight Amount%, about 10 to about 50% by weight, about 10 to about 45% by weight, about 10 to about 40% by weight, about 10 to about 35% by weight, about 10 to about 30% by weight, about 10 to about 25% by weight, about 15 to about 65% by weight, about 15 to about 55% by weight, about 15 to about 50% by weight, about 15 to about 45 Weight%, about 15 to about 40% by weight, about 15 to about 35% by weight, about 15 to about 30% by weight, about 20 to about 65% by weight, about 20 to about 55% by weight, about 20 to about 50% by weight, about 20 to about 45% by weight, about 20 to about 40% by weight, about 20 to about 35% by weight, about 25 to about 65 It may be weight%, approximately 25 to approximately 55 weight%, approximately 25 to approximately 50 weight%, approximately 25 to approximately 45 weight%, approximately 25 to approximately 40 weight%, approximately 25 to approximately 35 weight%, approximately 30 to approximately 65 weight%, approximately 30 to approximately 55 weight%, approximately 30 to approximately 50 weight%, approximately 30 to approximately 45 weight%, approximately 35 to approximately 65 weight%, approximately 35 to approximately 55 weight%, approximately 35 to approximately 50 weight%, approximately 40 to approximately 65 weight%, approximately 40 to approximately 55 weight%, approximately 45 to approximately 65 weight%, approximately 45 to approximately 55 weight%, or approximately 50 to approximately 65 weight%, (including those ranges and subranges).

[0087] As used herein, the term “carbohydrates” includes polysaccharides (e.g., starch and dextrin) and sugars (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, and fructose) that are metabolized for energy when hydrolyzed. Generally, the proportion of carbohydrates can be calculated as soluble non-nitrogenous matter ("NFE"), which can be calculated as follows: NFE% = 100% - (moisture%) - (protein%) - (lipid%) - (ash%) - (crude fiber%). By appropriately balancing the carbohydrate sources, those skilled in the art can manipulate the texture of the final product. For example, short-chain polysaccharides tend to be more viscous and gooey, while long-chain polysaccharides tend to be less viscous and gooey than short-chain polysaccharides, and the desired texture of this hybrid food is achieved by long-chain polysaccharides and modified starches (such as natural or modified starches, cellulose, and similar). Carbohydrate mixtures may additionally contain any ingredients such as added salt, spices, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, colorings, and similar substances. The amount of any ingredients depends at least in part on the nutritional requirements of different life stages of animals.

[0088] Carbohydrates include, but are not limited to, oat fiber, cellulose, peanut husks, beet pulp, parboiled rice, corn starch, corn gluten meal, cereals, and sorghum, and can be supplied from any variety of ingredient sources known to those skilled in the art. Examples of cereals that supply carbohydrates include, but are not limited to, wheat, durum, semolina, corn, barley, and rice. In certain embodiments, the carbohydrate components comprise a mixture of one or more carbohydrate sources. The carbohydrate content of a food can be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the pet food composition contains moisture. Moisture may be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts ranging from about 3% to about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, moisture may be present in amounts ranging from about 3% by weight, about 5% by weight, about 5.5% by weight, about 6% by weight, about 6.5% by weight, about 7% by weight, about 7.5% by weight, about 8% by weight, about 8.5% by weight, about 9% by weight, about 9.5% by weight, about 10% by weight, about 10.5% by weight, about 11% by weight, about 11.5% by weight, about 12% by weight, about 12.5% ​​by weight, about 13% by weight, about 13.5% by weight, about 14% by weight, about 14.5% by weight, or about 15% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In another embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 6% to about 12%, about 9% to about 13%, about 9% to about 11%, or about 9% to about 13% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 5% to about 12%, about 6% to about 11%, or about 7% to about 10.0%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a further embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 65% to about 85%, about 60% to about 80%, or about 60% to about 75%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0090] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may be wet or dry compositions, and components may be incorporated into the food composition and / or incorporated on the surface of any composition component by, for example, spraying, agglomerating, sprinkling, or precipitating onto a surface. Furthermore, pet food compositions may be formulated and manufactured to be of various forms and / or consistency. For example, a pet food composition may be, for example, a dry, moist, or semi-moist food composition for animals. "Semi-moist" refers to a food composition containing about 25 to about 35% moisture. "Moist" food refers to a food composition having a moisture content of about 60 to 90% or more. "Dry" food refers to a food composition having a moisture content of about 3 to about 12% and is often manufactured in the form of pieces or kibble.

[0091] Foods may also contain multiple coherent components, such as wet / canned foods, soft, chewy meat-like particles or pieces, and kibble having an outer coating and an inner “core” component. In some embodiments, pet food compositions may be in the form of kibble or food kibble. As used herein, the terms “kibble” or “food kibble” refer to granular pellets, such as cat or dog feed. In some embodiments, food kibble has a water content or moisture of less than 15% by weight. Food kibble may have a wide range of textures, from hard to soft. Food kibble may have a wide range of internal structures, from puffy to dense. Food kibble may be formed by an extrusion or baking process. In non-limiting examples, food kibble may have a uniform or variable internal structure. For example, food kibble may include a core and coating to form coated kibble. It should be understood that when the terms "kibble" or "food kibble" are used, they can refer to either uncoated or coated kibble.

[0092] The compositions of this disclosure may further contain other additives in amounts and combinations well known to those skilled in the art. Such additives should be present in amounts that do not impair the purpose and effects provided by the present invention. Examples of additives include substances that have a stabilizing effect, sensory stimulants, processing aids, and substances that provide nutritional benefits.

[0093] Examples of stabilizing substances include those that tend to increase the shelf life of the pet food composition. Other examples of such additives that are potentially suitable for inclusion in the composition of the present invention include, for example, preservatives, antioxidants, cohesive agents and scavengers, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and wetting agents. Examples of emulsifiers and / or thickeners include gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starch. Additives for coloring, flavoring, and nutritional purposes include colorants, salts (including, but not limited to, sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other edible salts), vitamins, minerals, and flavorings. Other additives include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, plant extracts, and herbal extracts.

[0094] The concentration of these additives in pet food compositions can typically be up to approximately 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the additives can be approximately 0.01 to 5% by weight, approximately 0.01 to 4% by weight, approximately 0.01 to 4% by weight, approximately 0.01 to 3% by weight, approximately 0.01 to 2% by weight, approximately 0.01 to 1% by weight, approximately 0.1 to 5% by weight, approximately 0.1 to 4% by weight, approximately 0.1 to 4% by weight, approximately 0.1 to 3% by weight, and approximately 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. They may be present in amounts of approximately 2% by weight, approximately 0.1% to approximately 1% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 2% by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 3% to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 3% to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 4% to approximately 5% by weight, or any range or partial range thereof. In some embodiments, the concentration of such additives (especially when such additives are primarily nutritional balancers (such as vitamins and minerals)) is approximately 0% to approximately 2% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. The amount of vitamins may include vitamin B. In some embodiments, the concentration of such additives (again, especially when such additives are primarily nutritional balancers) is approximately 0% to approximately 1% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. While the aforementioned list of additives may be potentially suitable in some embodiments, one or more of these additives may be excluded from other embodiments of the pet food composition.

[0095] In certain embodiments, pet food compositions and foods are formulated to address specific nutritional differences between animal species and breeds, as well as one or more of the animal's attributes. For example, cat food and dog food are typically formulated based on life stage, age, size, weight, body composition, and breed.

[0096] Sources of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, balancers, etc., suitable for inclusion in pet food compositions, particularly in foods administered by the methods provided herein, can be selected from conventional materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Pet food composition: Beef broth, dried brewer's yeast, eggs, egg products, split flax, DL-methionine, amino acids, leucine, lysine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, aspartic acid, polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate; zinc chloride, copper gluconate, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, triclosan, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green-lipped mussel, blue-lipped mussel 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, flavorings, sweeteners, buffers, lubricants, carriers, pH adjusters, natural ingredients, stabilizers, biological additives (such as enzymes (including proteases and lipases)), chemical additives, coolants, chelating agents, denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, topical analgesics This includes, or may exclude in some cases, one or more components selected from, aromatic compounds, humectants, opacifying agents (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), defoaming 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, solubilizers, suspending agents (non-surfactants), solvents, viscosity enhancers (aqueous and non-aqueous), scavenging agents, keratolytic agents, eggshell membrane, ancient grains, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0098] Pet food compositions can be manufactured by various methods to achieve a desired pet food composition or desired form. For example, dry food may be baked or extruded and then cut into individual shaped portions such as kibble. In some embodiments, pet food compositions may be prepared in canned or wet form using conventional food preparation processes known to those skilled in the art. Typically, ground animal protein tissue is mixed with grains, a suitable carbohydrate source, lipids, oils, and other components such as balance components (including special-purpose additives, e.g., vitamin and mineral mixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose, beet pulp, etc.) and a sufficient amount of water for processing. These components are mixed in a container suitable for heating during the blending of components. Heating of the mixture is carried out using any suitable method, such as direct steam injection or the use of a container equipped with a heat exchanger. After the addition of all components of the formulation, the mixture may be heated to a temperature of 50°F to 212°F. Temperatures outside this range can be used, but may not be commercially practical without other processing aids. When heated to a suitable temperature, the material is typically in the form of a viscous liquid and is dispensed into cans. The lids are attached and the containers are sealed. The sealed cans are then placed in a conventional apparatus designed to sterilize the contents. Sterilization can usually be achieved by heating to a temperature above approximately 230°C for an appropriate amount of time, depending on the temperature used, the composition, and related factors. The pet food compositions and foods of this disclosure may also be added to or combined with food compositions before, during, or after their preparation.

[0099] In some embodiments, the food may be prepared in a dry form using conventional processes known to those skilled in the art. Typically, dry components, including dried animal protein, vegetable protein, grains, etc., are ground and mixed together. Liquid or wet components, including lipids, oils, water, animal protein, etc., are added and mixed with the dry material. Specific formulations, addition sequences, combinations, methods, and equipment used to combine various components can be selected from those known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the resulting mixture is processed into kibble or similar dry pieces, formed using an extrusion process, in which the mixture of dry and wet components is subjected to mechanical work at high pressure and temperature, passed through small openings or openings, and cut into kibble with, for example, a rotating knife. The resulting kibble is dried and optionally coated with one or more topical coatings, including, for example, flavorings, lipids, oils, powder components. Kibble can also be made from dough using a baking method instead of extrusion, in which the dough is placed in a mold and then subjected to a drying and heating process.

[0100] When preparing a pet food composition, any component can generally be added to the pet food composition during the formulation process, for example, while and / or after mixing the other components of the pet food composition. The distribution of these components into the pet food composition can be achieved by conventional means. In certain embodiments, ground animal and / or poultry protein tissue is mixed with other components, including nutritional balancers and inorganic salts, and further mixed with other components, including cellulose, beet pulp, fillers, etc., with enough water for processing.

[0101] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving the health of a pet (for example, by reducing pruritus and / or chronic itching), the method comprising increasing the expression of circulating NRP1 and / or Bcl-2 by feeding a dog a pet food composition disclosed herein. The method preferably reduces pruritus by about 25% or more, preferably by an assessment about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, in a pet that has been ingesting the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks. In some embodiments, the method may be adapted to reduce pruritus in a pet suffering from pruritus by about 28% or more, about 31% or more, about 33% or more, about 35% or more, about 38% or more, or about 42% or more, or about 45% or more, in a pet that has been ingesting the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

[0102] This method may include providing and / or feeding a pet (e.g., a dog) a pet food composition for one day or more, preferably five days or more, preferably seven days or more, preferably ten days or more, preferably fourteen days or more, preferably thirty days or more, or preferably forty-two days or more. This method may include feeding the pet once a day, twice a day, three times a day, or, in some embodiments, four or more times a day.

[0103] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for alleviating pruritus and / or chronic itching, which includes, for example, adjusting the amount of circulating quercetin to about 2 μg / kg MBW (metabolic body weight) or more by feeding the pet food composition disclosed herein once a day for about 3 weeks or more or for about 6 weeks or more continuously. The method can adjust the amount of circulating quercetin in a pet, as assessed about one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, to about 3 μg / kg MBW or more, about 4 μg / kg MBW or more, about 5 μg / kg MBW or more, or about 6 μg / kg MBW or more, by a pet that has been ingesting the pet food composition once a day for 6 weeks continuously. In some cases, this method can increase circulating quercetin levels, as assessed approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by approximately 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, or 500% or more in pets that ingest the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

[0104] The inventors have found that dermatitis in dogs is a chronic condition characterized by pruritus and erythema. While not limited to any specific theory, the pathogenesis of canine skin conditions is thought to be mediated by lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells. Compared to controls, dogs with dermatological problems showed a significant increase in IL5RA and a slight increase in CCR3, IL4, and IL5. IL5 mediates the maturation, recruitment, and activation of eosinophils. IL5RA is expressed on eosinophils and committed eosinophil precursors in the bone marrow. FCRL2 is a gene primarily expressed in memory B cells and plasma cells and is also involved in B cell receptor signaling. The pet food compositions and methods disclosed herein may favorably influence CCR3, IL4, and IL5 in pets ingesting such pet food compositions. In some embodiments, the pet food composition is adapted to improve the expression of markers selected from CCR3, IL4, IL5, and combinations thereof, which are evaluated approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition by pets that ingest the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks. In further embodiments, the method improves the expression of markers selected from CCR3, IL4, IL5, and combinations thereof, which are evaluated approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition by pets that ingest the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks. [Examples]

[0105] Example 1 A non-limiting example of a pet food composition (exemplary composition A) was prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention. A comparative pet food composition (comparative composition 1) was also prepared. The formulations of exemplary composition A and comparative composition 1 are provided in Table 1. The values ​​of the major nutrients of exemplary composition A and comparative composition 1 are provided in Table 2. [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0106] Example 2 The effects of exemplary composition A were evaluated by administering exemplary composition A and comparative composition 1 to 26 dogs. The 26 dogs included 13 dogs with clinically diagnosed dermatological problems and 13 pair-matched healthy dogs by age and sex. All dogs had an age range of 5.8 to 14.7 years and a weight range of 6.6 to 14.1 kg. The dogs were a mix of males and females and were either neutered or ovariectomized.

[0107] Twenty-six dogs were divided into two groups, Group 1 and Group 2, with Group 2 matched by age, sex, and phenotype (i.e., whether the dogs had dermatological problems or were healthy). The 26 dogs were then given an adult maintenance diet for 28 days as a pre-feeding regimen. After the pre-feeding regimen, Group 1 was fed exemplary composition A for 42 days, and Group 2 was fed comparative composition 1 as the first feeding regimen for 42 days. After the first feeding regimen, Group 1 was fed comparative composition 1 for 42 days, and Group 2 was fed exemplary composition A as the second feeding regimen for 42 days. Blood samples were collected at three points: the end of the pre-feeding regimen, the end of the first feeding regimen, and the end of the second feeding regimen. All dogs were fed and their weight maintained.

[0108] The skin health and symptoms of dogs were assessed by veterinarians using questionnaires prescribed at the end of the pre-feeding regimen, the first feeding regimen, and the second feeding regimen to determine the severity of pruritus, erythema, skin discharge and ear discharge, and alopecia in dogs with dermatitis. The categorical data from the veterinarian questionnaires were then converted to numerical data, and the therapeutic effect was calculated in improving the percentage of dogs with reduced atopic dermatitis symptoms under four categories: pruritus, erythema, alopecia, skin discharge and ear discharge. Each category consisted of a series of questions answered by veterinarians based on their assessment of each dog, with dogs rated as having no symptoms, mild symptoms, moderate symptoms, or severe symptoms.

[0109] For gene expression analysis, only eight dogs diagnosed with dermatological problems exhibited mild, moderate, or severe pruritic and erythematous symptoms at the initial baseline assessment. Gene expression count data were normalized by housekeeping genes(s) using the nanostring "nsolver" tool, and the resulting normalized data were logarithmically transformed before statistical analysis. To evaluate the effect of food on gene expression data, a mixed model analysis was performed using JMP Pro v16.0, with treatment (food) as a fixed effect and animals as a random effect.

[0110] Exemplary composition A increased the pruritus score, and for dogs, the response rate (improvement %), by approximately 31%, while comparative composition 1 resulted in an approximately 15% reduction in the pruritus score (see Figure 1). Pruritus is one of the main characteristics of atopic dermatitis symptoms that require veterinary consultation and negatively impact the quality of life of pets. Based on gene expression analysis, exemplary composition A significantly increased the expression of the circulating NRP1 gene compared to baseline and compared to comparative composition 1 (see Figure 2).

[0111] The inventors have found that pruritus, or itching originating from the skin, is caused by inflammation, dryness, and / or impaired skin membrane barrier function and can be induced by histamine-dependent and histamine-independent signaling pathways. Histamine-dependent signaling pathways generally respond to antihistamines or drugs that reduce itching. However, histamine-independent signaling pathways often require non-antihistamines or drugs to manage itching, and refractory chronic prurigo is resistant to antihistamine therapy. Without being limited to any particular theory, histamine-independent signaling pathways may involve NEFs and NRFs that mechanically and automatically modulate hyperinvasion of sensitive C fibers. For example, NRFs such as Sema3A may play a role in inhibiting the proliferation of C fibers in the epidermal region. Sema3A forms a complex with a receptor called NRP-1 and induces a signaling pathway to reduce histamine-independent signaling-induced itching. Therefore, although not limited to any particular theory, it was surprisingly beneficial that exemplary composition A achieved a reduction in pruritus while improving NRP1 gene expression.

[0112] Exemplary composition A also significantly increased Bcl-2 gene expression compared to baseline (see Figure 3). While not limited to any particular theory, higher levels of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) may be associated with epidermal expression of NRP1, which protects keratinocytes from UV-induced apoptosis. In addition, exemplary composition A significantly decreased PTGDR2 (prostaglandin D2 receptor 2) expression compared to baseline, resulting in a numerical decrease compared to comparative composition 1 (see Figure 4). While not limited to any particular theory, PTGDR2 is thought to contribute to allergic dermatitis during ovalbumin-mediated skin antigen challenge.

[0113] Furthermore, the exemplary composition A significantly increased IL-27 gene expression in dogs given the exemplary composition A compared to baseline, and also resulted in a numerical increase compared to comparative composition 1 (see Figure 5). IL-27 is thought to promote skin wound healing by inducing epithelial proliferation and host defense.

[0114] Example 3 Samples from eight dogs in Example 2, each exhibiting dermatological problems with mild, moderate, or severe pruritic and erythematous symptoms, were evaluated. Specifically, circulating histamine levels in serum samples from the eight dogs were analyzed using a histamine-competitive ELISA kit (commercially available from ThermoFisher Scientific) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0115] Histamine concentrations were calculated using an 8-point standard curve and reported as ng / ml. To evaluate the effect of food, a mixed model analysis was performed using pet food compositions (either exemplary composition A or comparative composition 1) as a fixed effect and animals as a random effect, followed by Tukey's post-hoc analysis for multiple comparisons by employing JMP Pro v17.0. Based on the analysis, there were no significant differences in histamine levels between baseline and comparative composition 1 or exemplary composition A (see Figure 6). This data is consistent with and supports the results of Example 2, in which exemplary composition A unexpectedly reduced pruritus and chronic itching mediated by pruritus receptors via a histamine-independent signaling pathway (non-histaminergic) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. For example, clinical signs of dermatitis were reduced to a higher level with exemplary composition A compared to comparative composition 1, while circulating histamine levels were similar. This suggests that histamine likely did not mediate the reduction of dermatitis, but that exemplary composition A unexpectedly reduced pruritus and chronic itching mediated by pruritus receptors via a histamine-independent signaling pathway.

Claims

1. A pet food composition, Quercetin of approximately 2 μg / g or more, Fiber components containing approximately 8% or more by weight of dietary fiber, Proteins and, It contains lipids, A pet food composition in which all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the dietary fiber comprises soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of soluble fibers to insoluble fibers is approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:15, and optionally approximately 1:3 to approximately 1:

15.

4. The pet food composition according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the soluble fiber is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 5% by weight, the insoluble fiber is present in an amount of about 1 to about 14% by weight, the protein is present in an amount of about 10 to about 40% by weight, and the lipid is present in an amount of about 9 to about 30% by weight.

5. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A pet food composition further containing approximately 0.1% to 10% by weight of fatty acids.

6. The pet food composition according to claim 5, wherein the fatty acid comprises a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

7. The pet food composition according to claim 6, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises an omega-3 fatty acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, or a combination of two or more thereof.

8. The pet food composition according to claim 7, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

9. The pet food composition according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid comprises omega-6 fatty acids selected from linolenic acid, calendic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenaline, osbondic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

10. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ratio is about 0.5:1 to about 7:1, preferably about 0.5:1 to about 3:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 2:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, about 0.5:1 to about 1:1, about 1:1 to about 7:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, about 1:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 1:1 to about 1:1, about 2:1 to about 7:1 A pet food composition having a weight ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids in any of the following ranges or partial ranges: approximately 2:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 2.5:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 7:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 2.5:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 7:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 3.5:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

11. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the amount of quercetin is approximately 2.5 μg / g or more.

12. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pet food composition does not contain rutin.

13. A pet food composition, Quercetin of approximately 2 μg / g or more, A fiber component containing approximately 8 to approximately 25% by weight of multiple dietary fibers, wherein the multiple dietary fibers include soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, and the soluble fiber and insoluble fiber are present in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:15, Proteins and, A pet food composition containing lipids.

14. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pet food composition is adapted to reduce pruritus by about 25% or more, as evaluated about one hour after ingestion by a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

15. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pet food composition is adapted to increase the expression of circulating NRP1, as evaluated approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, in pets that ingest the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

16. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pet food composition is adapted to increase the expression of Bcl-2, as evaluated approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, in pets that ingest the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

17. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the amount of quercetin is approximately 2.5 μg / g or more.

18. A method for improving a method for reducing pruritus and / or chronic itching in dogs, A method comprising increasing the expression of circulating NRP1 and / or Bcl-2 by feeding a dog the pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method for improving a method for reducing pruritus and / or chronic itching in dogs, A method comprising feeding the dog the pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to adjust the amount of circulating quercetin in the pet to about 2 μg / kg MBW or more.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising increasing the circulating quercetin of a pet, as evaluated approximately one hour after ingestion of the pet food composition, by about 100% or more, in a pet that ingests the pet food composition once a day for six consecutive weeks.

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