Pet food composition and method for improving postprandial markers of satiety and metabolism

Abstract

Pet food compositions and methods for improving satiety and metabolic responses in animals are described herein. A particular pet food meal composition comprises a first and second portion adapted to have different macronutrient values. The pet food meal may be adapted to increase blood satiety markers when the animal consumes the first portion of the pet food meal and then the second portion of the pet food meal after a certain period of time, compared to the time it takes for the animal to consume the first and second portions of the pet food meal together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 524,547, filed on June 30, 2023, and named Pet Food Compositions and Methods for Improving Post - meal Markers of Satiety and Metabolism, the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Obesity is a serious health threat to pets. According to a 2019 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), the obesity rates of cats and dogs in the United States were 59.5% and 55.8% respectively. Other diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, skin disorders, and reduced lifespan are considered co - morbidities with obesity (Phillips et al. 2017; German AJ. 2006, 2016; Tarkosova et al. 2016).

[0003] Macronutrients have three main components: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Furthermore, pet food compositions usually contain dietary fiber. Each of these four components of the diet can affect the processes of digestion, absorption, and catabolism in different ways when used in different ratios in the diet. They can also affect the levels of hormones that can influence the subjective feeling of hunger.

[0004] It is desirable to provide pet food compositions and methods to help with obesity and reduce its likelihood.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] 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.”

[0006] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food compositions and methods for feeding animals to improve satiety and metabolic responses. A method for feeding animals to improve satiety and metabolic responses is provided, comprising feeding an animal a pet food meal comprising a first portion and a second portion, comprising providing the animal with the first portion of the pet food meal, and then providing the animal with the second portion of the pet food meal following the first portion, wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0007] The second portion of the pet food meal may be served after the animal has consumed the first portion of the pet food meal. According to a particular embodiment, the second portion of the pet food meal is served approximately one minute or more after the first portion. For example, the second portion of the pet food meal may be served approximately 1 to 60 minutes after the first portion of the pet food meal is served.

[0008] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the first portion of the pet food meal contains at least 51% by weight of the total fat content in the pet food meal. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the pet food meal may contain at least 51% by weight of the total fiber content in the pet food meal. In some examples, the first portion of the pet food meal contains about 51% of the calories in the pet food meal.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second portion of the pet food meal comprises at least 51% by weight of the total amount of food starch in the pet food meal.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pet food meal may have macronutrient values, which may include approximately 20 to 65 kcal% protein, approximately 15 to 75 kcal% fat, and approximately 1 to 60 kcal% dietary starch, based on the total calorie amount.

[0011] The pet food meal may be adapted to increase satiety blood markers when the animal consumes the first portion of the pet food meal, and then the first portion again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal consumes the first and second portions of the pet food meal together. Additionally or alternatively, the pet food meal may be adapted to increase insulin production when the animal consumes the first portion of the pet food meal, and then the first portion again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal consumes the first and second portions of the pet food meal together.

[0012] A list of non-limiting embodiments according to aspects of the present invention is provided below.

[0013] According to Embodiment 1, a method is provided for feeding animals to improve their satiety and metabolic response, and this method is Feeding an animal a pet food meal that includes the first part and the second part, To provide animals with the first part of pet food meal, To provide the animals with the second part of the pet food meal following the first part, The second portion has different macronutrient values ​​than the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0014] Embodiment 2 provides the method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal is provided after the animal has finished consuming the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0015] According to Embodiment 3, the method according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 is provided, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal is served after a period of about 1 minute or more.

[0016] According to Embodiment 4, a method is provided in which the second portion of the pet food meal is provided a period ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes from the provision of the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0017] According to Embodiment 5, a method is provided which, based on the total weight of the pet food meal, contains starch in an amount of about 49% to about 2% by weight of the first part of the pet food meal.

[0018] According to Embodiment 6, the method of any of the above embodiments is provided, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains starch in an amount of about 51 to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal.

[0019] According to Embodiment 7, a method is provided in any of the above embodiments, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of the amount of starch in the second part to the amount of starch in the first part, which is about 35:1 to about 15:1, optionally about 30:1 to about 20:1, or about 25:1.

[0020] Embodiment 8 provides a method according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains less than half the amount of fat in the pet food meal.

[0021] According to Embodiment 9, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of the amount of fat in the second portion to the amount of fat in the first portion of from about 1:1.5 to about 1:7.

[0022] According to Embodiment 10, there is provided a method according to Embodiment 9, wherein the weight ratio of the amount of fat in the second portion to the amount of fat in the first portion is from about 1:2 to about 1:6, optionally from about 1:2 to about 1:5, or from about 1:2 to about 1:4.

[0023] According to Embodiment 11, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first portion of the pet food meal contains fat in an amount greater than half of the total amount of fat in the pet food meal.

[0024] According to Embodiment 12, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains fiber in an amount less than half of the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal.

[0025] According to Embodiment 13, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of the amount of fiber in the second portion to the amount of fiber in the first portion of from about 1:5 to about 1:1.

[0026] According to Embodiment 14, there is provided a method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the weight ratio of the amount of fiber in the second portion to the amount of fiber in the first portion is from about 1:3 to about 1:1.

[0027] According to Embodiment 15, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first portion of the pet food meal contains fiber in an amount more than twice the amount of fiber in the second portion.

[0028] According to Embodiment 16, there is provided a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protein in the first portion of the pet food meal is present in an amount substantially equal to the amount of protein in the second portion of the pet food meal.

[0029] According to Embodiment 17, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the pet food meal has a macronutrient value, and the macronutrient value is Based on the total calorie amount, about 20 to about 60 kcal% of protein, and Based on the total calorie amount, about 8 to about 25 kcal% of fat, and Based on the total calorie amount, about 30 to about 60 kcal% of food starch, is provided.

[0030] According to Embodiment 18, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the animal is a pet, is provided.

[0031] According to Embodiment 19, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the pet is a dog, is provided.

[0032] According to Embodiment 20, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, including feeding the pet food meal to the animal only once a day, is provided.

[0033] According to Embodiment 21, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the animal has access to the first portion of the pet food meal for about 5 to about 15 minutes, is provided.

[0034] According to Embodiment 22, a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the animal has access to the second portion of the pet food meal for about 5 to about 15 minutes, is provided.

[0035] According to Embodiment 23, a pet food meal in the form of a first portion and a second portion is provided, and the pet food meal composition Has a macronutrient value, and the macronutrient value is Based on the total calorie amount, about 20 to about 60 kcal% of protein, and Based on the total calorie amount, about 8 to about 25 kcal% of fat, and Based on the total calorie content, it contains approximately 30-60 kcal of dietary starch, the first part of the pet food meal contains at least 50 kcal of fat, and based on the total calorie content, it contains at least 50 kcal of fiber.

[0036] Embodiment 24 provides a pet food meal according to Embodiment 23, which is adapted to increase satiety blood markers when an animal consumes a first portion of the pet food meal and then consumes the first portion of the pet food meal again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal consumes the first and second portions of the pet food meal together.

[0037] Embodiment 25 provides a pet food meal according to Embodiment 23 or Embodiment 24, which is adapted to increase insulin production when an animal ingests a first portion of the pet food meal, and then ingests the first portion of the pet food meal again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal ingests the first and second portions of the pet food meal together.

[0038] According to Embodiment 26, a pet food meal according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 25 is provided, wherein the animal is a domestic dog (Canis familiaris).

[0039] According to Embodiment 27, a pet food meal according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 25 is provided, wherein the animal is a domestic cat (Felis domesticus). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] The structure and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” for specific embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a graph showing the difference in circulating fasting ghrelin levels in pets consuming a non-limiting exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing the difference in postprandial GLP1 levels in pets consuming an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph showing the difference in postprandial PPY levels of pets consuming an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a graph showing the difference in fasting bilirubin levels of pets consuming an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a graph showing the difference in bilirubin levels two hours after feeding in pets that consumed an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the difference in postprandial ALT levels of pets consuming an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing the difference in postprandial BUN levels in pets consuming an exemplary pet food meal compared to a comparative meal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Naturally, the various embodiments are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and means shown in the figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.”

[0051] The term "range," used throughout, is a shorthand 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 including 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 numbers between 1.8% by weight and 2.2% by weight.

[0052] Abbreviations and symbols used in this disclosure have their usual meanings unless otherwise indicated. The abbreviation "wt.%" means weight percentage of the pet food composition. The symbol "°" refers to a degree, such as a degree of temperature or a degree 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 an open definition or illustration, and it is indicated that there may be other species that define or illustrate the genus in a similar or better way than those enumerated.

[0055] All components and elements expressly described in this disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the pet food meal compositions of this disclosure may not contain, or essentially not contain, all components and elements expressly enumerated throughout this disclosure. In some examples, the pet food meal compositions of this disclosure may substantially not contain non-incidental amounts of one or more components or one or more compounds described herein. Non-incidental amounts of components or compounds are the amounts of that component or compound added to the pet food meal composition alone. For example, a pet food meal composition may substantially not contain non-incidental amounts of a component or compound, but such one or more components or one or more compounds may be present as part of raw materials included as a blend of two or more compounds. Unless otherwise defined or described herein, substantially not contain typically means an amount of a component or compound 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 meal composition on a dry matter basis.

[0056] Some of the various categories of identified components may overlap. Overlap may exist, and if a pet food meal composition contains both components (or if the composition contains three or more overlapping components), the overlapping compounds do not represent two or more components. For example, a particular component or ingredient may be characterized as both grain and rice. If a particular pet food care composition lists both grain and rice, components and / or compounds that can be characterized as both grain and rice function as either grain or rice, but not both.

[0057] 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 (i.e., farm cats), pet cats, ferrets, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and fish.

[0058] 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, fats, 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 of nutrients and proportions expressed as the quantity, weight, and percentage of the dry substance.

[0059] Daily dry matter intake is calculated as the total daily nutrient intake excluding all water. For example, the amount of a component corresponding to a specific percentage of daily nutrient intake represents the amount of that component in dry form (likewise excluding all water) relative to the total amount of dry matter consumed in a day (i.e., excluding all water).

[0060] "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 a 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 that component is calculated based on the amount of the component present as dry matter.

[0061] As used herein, “component” refers to any element 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.

[0062] Aspects of the present invention relate to pet food meal compositions and methods for improving satiety and metabolic responses in animals. The inventors have discovered that certain pet food meals comprising a first and second portion adapted to have different macronutrient values ​​can unexpectedly improve satiety and / or enhance metabolic responses. The inventors have found that protein intake before the whole meal can increase insulin production and decrease circulating glucose by boosting the production of incretins, which act to increase insulin production and enhance its effects.

[0063] While not limited to any particular theory, it is believed that a pet food meal comprising a first portion having a specific composition and / or macronutrient value, and a second portion having a specific composition and / or macronutrient value, may improve hypothalamic satiety and portal sensing of glucose locally produced in the small intestine from protein amino acids via gluconeogenesis. The pet food composition preferably contains specific amounts and ratios of specific fiber and fat to further increase satiety during meals, through the effect of ingesting bolus (digested material), through the inclusion of indigestible mass, and through water retention capacity. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition of the present invention contains specific amounts and / or ratios of specific protein, fat, and fiber, achieving unexpected improvements in satiety and metabolic responses without increasing the levels of fat and fiber in daily nutritional intake.

[0064] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for feeding an animal, comprising feeding the animal a first portion of pet food meal and feeding the animal a second portion of pet food meal. The first portion of pet food meal contains a greater weight percentage (W%) of fat and fiber than the fat and fiber in the second portion of pet food meal. The first portion of pet food meal may contain at least 51% by weight of the total amount of fat and fiber in the pet food meal. The second portion of pet food meal may contain a greater amount of carbohydrates and / or starch than the first portion of pet food meal. The second portion of pet food meal may contain at least 51% by weight of the total amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the pet food meal. The pet food meal composition may be specifically formulated for felines and / or canines.

[0065] In some embodiments, pet food meal compositions and / or methods of use thereof can achieve an increase of approximately 35% or more, approximately 40% or more, or approximately 50% or more in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) based on pets that ingest the pet food meal compositions disclosed herein for approximately 5 weeks. In some examples, the method can achieve an increase of approximately 35% or more, approximately 40% or more, or approximately 50% or more in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) by pets that ingest the pet food meal compositions by the method for 5 weeks. The method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal containing a first portion and a second portion by providing the animal with a first portion of the pet food meal, followed by a second portion of the pet food meal, wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, pet food meal compositions and / or methods of use thereof may, in some embodiments, achieve an increase in peptide YY (PYY) of about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or about 40% or more, based on pets that ingest the pet food meal compositions disclosed herein for about 5 weeks. In some examples, an increase in peptide YY (PYY) of about 20% or more, about 30% or more, or about 40% or more may be achieved by pets that ingest the pet food meal compositions according to this method for 5 weeks. This method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal containing a first portion and a second portion by providing the animal with a first portion of the pet food meal, followed by providing the animal with a second portion of the pet food meal, the second portion having different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, pet food meal compositions and / or methods of use thereof may, in some embodiments, achieve a reduction of approximately 96% or more, or approximately 99% or more, in dietary (2 hours post-feeding) bilirubin, based on pets consuming the pet food meal compositions disclosed herein for approximately 5 weeks. In some examples, a reduction of approximately 96% or more, or approximately 99% or more, in dietary (2 hours post-feeding) bilirubin, may be achieved by pets consuming the pet food meal compositions according to the method for 5 weeks. The method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal comprising a first portion of the pet food meal, followed by a second portion of the pet food meal, wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, pet food meals and / or methods of using them may, in some embodiments, achieve a reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of about 200% or more, about 204% or more, about 250% or more, or about 300% or more, based on pets ingesting the pet food meal compositions disclosed herein for about 5 weeks. In some examples, a reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of about 200% or more, about 204% or more, about 250% or more, or about 300% or more can be achieved by pets ingesting the pet food meal compositions according to this method for 5 weeks. This method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal containing a first portion and a second portion by providing the animal with a first portion of the pet food meal, followed by providing the animal with a second portion of the pet food meal, wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​than the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0069] In some embodiments, a pet food meal composition and / or method of use thereof achieves a reduction in circulating ghrelin levels of approximately 20% or more, approximately 30% or more, approximately 40% or more, compared to a comparative pet food meal composition having the same calories and macronutrient value as the pet food meal but provided in a form in which two parts have the same composition, based on a pet that consumes the pet food meal composition disclosed herein for approximately 5 weeks. In some examples, a reduction in circulating ghrelin levels of approximately 20% or more, approximately 30% or more, approximately 40% or more, or approximately 40% or more can be achieved by a pet that consumes the pet food meal composition according to the method for 5 weeks. The method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal containing a first part and a second part by providing the animal with a first part of the pet food meal, followed by providing the animal with a second part of the pet food meal, wherein the second part has different macronutrient values ​​from the first part of the pet food meal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition and / or method of use thereof can achieve a reduction of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% or more in the increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) approximately 2 hours after consumption of the second portion of the pet food meal composition disclosed herein, when the pet consumes the second portion of the pet food meal composition for approximately 5 weeks, compared to a comparative pet food meal composition having the same calories and macronutrient value as the pet food meal and provided in a form in which the two portions are identical in composition. In some examples, a reduction of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% or more in the increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) approximately 2 hours after consumption of the second portion of the pet food meal composition can be achieved by a pet consuming the pet food meal composition according to this method for 5 weeks. The method involves feeding an animal a pet food meal containing a first portion and a second portion by providing the animal with a first portion of the pet food meal, followed by the second portion of the pet food meal, wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0071] Appropriate ingredients, such as those listed below, may be included in or excluded from the formulation of the pet food meal composition, depending on the specific combination of other ingredients and the form of the pet food meal composition. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition disclosed herein may be in the form of standalone pet food, pet food supplements, pet treats, or similar.

[0072] The pet food meal composition may be formulated to have a total amount of carbohydrates and / or starch of about 10 to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition (e.g., the combined first and second parts of the pet food meal composition) on a dry matter basis. As used herein, carbohydrates are determined as nitrogen-free extract (NFE), which can be calculated as follows: NFE% = 100% - (moisture%) - (protein%) - (lipid%) - (ash%) - (crude fiber%). Starch, as used herein, is determined by AOAC International Standard No. AOAC 996.11, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. For example, the amount of typical carbohydrates and / or starch in the pet food meal composition of the present disclosure may be about 11 to about 58% by weight, about 12 to about 55% by weight, about 14 to about 55% by weight, about 15 to about 54% by weight, about 18 to about 50% by weight, about 20 to about 50% by weight, about 25 to about 50% by weight, about 28 to about 50% by weight, about 30 to about 50% by weight, about 35 to about 50% by weight, about 40 to about 50% by weight, about 41 to about 50% by weight, about 42 to about 50% by weight, about 43 to about 50% by weight, about 44 to about 50% by weight, about 44 to about 48% by weight, about 44 to about 47% by weight, or about 44 to about 46% by weight (including any range or partial range thereof), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis.

[0073] The first part of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount (e.g., measured as a weight percentage) less than about half of the calories an animal consumes in a day. The amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the first part of the pet food meal composition may vary, but typically ranges from about 0.1 to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis, and includes endpoints. For example, the first part of the pet food meal composition may contain carbohydrates and / or starch in the following ranges based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis: about 0.1 to about 3.9% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.8% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.7% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.6% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.5% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.4% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.3% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.2% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3.1% by weight, about 0.1 to about 3% by weight, about 0 .1 to about 2.9% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.8% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.7% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.6% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.5% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.4% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.3% by weight, about 0.2 to about 3.9% by weight %, about 0.2 to about 3.8 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.7 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.6 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.5 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.4 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.3 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3.2 weight%, about 0.2 to about 3 .1% by weight, about 0.2 to about 3% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.9% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.8% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.7% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.6% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.5% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.4% by weight, about 0.2 to about 2.8% by weight About 2.3% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.9% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.8% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.7% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.6% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.5% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.4% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.3% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.2% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3.1% by weight, about 0.3 to about 3% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.9% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.8% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.7% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.6% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.5% by weight , about 0.3 to about 2.4% by weight, about 0.3 to about 2.3% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.9% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.8% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.7% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.6% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.5% by weight, about 0.5 to about 3.4% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 3.3% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 3.2% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 3.1% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 3% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.9% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.8% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.7% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.6% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.4% by weight, approximately 0.5 to 2.3% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.9% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.8% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.7% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.6% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.5% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.4% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.3% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3.2% by weight Approximately 0.7 to 3.1% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 3% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.9% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.8% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.7% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.6% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.5% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.4% by weight, approximately 0.7 to 2.3% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.9% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.8% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.7% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.6% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.5% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.4% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.3% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.2% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3.1% by weight, approximately 0.9 to 3% by weight, approximately 0.9 to approximately 2.9 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.8 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.7 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.6 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.5 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.4 wt%, about 0.9 to about 2.3 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.9 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.8 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.7 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.6 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.5 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.4 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.3 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.2 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3.1 wt%, about 1.1 to about 3 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.9 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.8 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.7 wt% %, about 1.1 to about 2.6 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.5 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.4 wt%, about 1.1 to about 2.3 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.9 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.8 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.7 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.6 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.5 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.4 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.3 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.2 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.1 wt%, about 1.2 to about 3.9 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.8 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.7 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.6 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.5 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.4 wt%, about 1.2 to about 2.3 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.9 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.8 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.7 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.6 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.5 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.4 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.3 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.2 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3.1 wt%, about 1.3 to about 3 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.9 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.8 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.7 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.6 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.5 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.4 wt%, about 1.3 to about 2.3 wt%, about 1.5 to about 3 0.9% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.8% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.7% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.6% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.5% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.4% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.3% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.2% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3.1% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 3% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.9% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.8% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.7% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.6% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.5% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.4% by weight, approximately 1.5 to 2.3% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.9% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.8% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.7% by weight. Approximately 1.7 to 3.6% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.5% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.4% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.3% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.2% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3.1% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 3% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.9% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.8% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.7% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.6% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.5% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.4% by weight, approximately 1.7 to 2.3% by weight, approximately 1.9 to 3.9% by weight, approximately 1.9 to 3.8% by weight, approximately 1.9 to 3.7% by weight, approximately 1.9 to 3.6% by weight, approximately 1.9 to 3.5% by weight, approximately 1. 9 to about 3.4 wt%, about 1.9 to about 3.3 wt%, about 1.9 to about 3.2 wt%, about 1.9 to about 3.1 wt%, about 1.9 to about 3 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.9 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.8 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.7 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.6 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.5 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.4 wt%, about 1.9 to about 2.3 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.9 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.8 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.7 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.6 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.5 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.4 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.3 wt%, about 2.0 to about 3.It may be included in amounts within the ranges of 2% by weight, approximately 2.0–3.1% by weight, approximately 2.0–3% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.9% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.8% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.7% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.6% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.5% by weight, approximately 2.0–2.4% by weight, and approximately 2.0–2.3% by weight (including these ranges and subranges).

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount less than half the total amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the pet food meal on a dry matter basis (e.g., measured as a weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients in the first portion of carbohydrates and / or starch relative to the total grams of macronutrients in the pet food meal composition). The amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the first portion of the pet food meal may be modified. Typically, the endpoint is within a range of about 49% to about 2%, based on the total amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the pet food composition, which may be the total amount consumed by an animal in a day (e.g., measured as a weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients in the first portion of carbohydrates and / or starch relative to the total grams of macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis).For example, the first part of a pet food meal composition contains carbohydrates and / or starch, measured as a weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients in the first part relative to the total amount of macronutrients in the pet food meal composition, which may be the total amount consumed by an animal in a day, with endpoints including approximately 49% to approximately 3%, approximately 49% to approximately 4%, approximately 49% to approximately 5%, approximately 49% to approximately 6%, approximately 49% to approximately 7%, approximately 49% to approximately 8%, approximately 49% to approximately 9%, approximately 49% to approximately 10%, approximately 49% to approximately 11%, approximately 49% to approximately 12%, approximately 49% to approximately 13%, approximately 49% to approximately 14%, approximately 49% to approximately 15%, approximately 49% to approximately 16%, approximately 49% to 17%, approximately 49% to 18%, approximately 49% to 19%, approximately 49% to 20%, approximately 49% to 21%, approximately 49% to 22%, approximately 49% to 23%, approximately 49% to 24%, approximately 49% to 25%, approximately 49% to 26%, approximately 49% to 27%, approximately 49% to 28%, approximately 49% to 29%, approximately 49% to 30%, approximately 49% to 31%, approximately 49% to 32%, approximately 49% It may include amounts in the following ranges: approximately 33%, 49% to 34%, 49% to 35%, 49% to 36%, 49% to 37%, 49% to 38%, 49% to 39%, 49% to 40%, 49% to 41%, 49% to 42%, 49% to 43%, 49% to 44%, 49% to 45%, 49% to 46%, 49% to 47%, and 49% to 48%.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount equal to 1 / 25 of the amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the second portion of the pet food meal composition. For example, the pet food meal may be formulated such that the weight ratio of the amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the first portion of the pet food meal to the amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the second portion of the pet food meal is approximately 1:35 to approximately 1:15, approximately 1:30 to approximately 1:15, approximately 1:25 to approximately 1:15, approximately 1:20 to approximately 1:15, approximately 1:35 to approximately 1:20, approximately 1:30 to approximately 1:20, approximately 1:25 to approximately 1:20, approximately 1:35 to approximately 1:25, approximately 1:35 to approximately 1:25, approximately 1:35 to approximately 1:30, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated such that the calories from carbohydrates and / or starch constitute about 0 to about 5% of the total calories in the pet food meal composition, which may be the total calories consumed by an animal in a day. The above range may be modified, however, the calories from carbohydrates and / or starch in the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 0 to about 4.5%, based on the total calories of the pet food meal composition. It may also be in the range of about 0 to about 4%, about 0 to about 3.5%, about 0 to about 3%, about 0 to about 2.5%, about 0 to about 2%, about 1 to about 4.5%, about 1 to about 4%, about 1 to about 3.5%, about 1 to about 3%, about 1 to about 2.5%, about 2 to about 4.5%, about 2 to about 4%, about 2 to about 3.5%, about 2 to about 3%, or about 2 to about 2.5% (including the range and partial range).

[0077] The second part of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount (e.g., measured as a weight percentage) equal to about half of the calories an animal consumes in a day. The amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the second part of the pet food meal composition may vary, but is typically in the range of about 40 to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the second part of the pet food meal composition may contain carbohydrates and / or starch, and total dietary fiber may be about 41 to about 50% by weight, about 42 to about 50% by weight, about 41 to about 49% by weight, about 41 to about 48% by weight, about 41 to about 47% by weight, about 41 to about 47% by weight, about 41 to about 46% by weight, about 41 to about 45% by weight, about 41 It may contain amounts in the range of approximately 44% by weight, approximately 42-49% by weight, approximately 42-48% by weight, approximately 42-47% by weight, approximately 42-46% by weight, approximately 42-45% by weight, approximately 42-44% by weight, approximately 43-49% by weight, approximately 43-48% by weight, approximately 43-47% by weight, approximately 43-46% by weight, approximately 43-45% by weight, and approximately 43-44% by weight (including those ranges and subranges).

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount greater than half the total amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the pet food meal. The amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the second portion of the pet food meal may vary, but is typically in the range of about 51 to about 100% of the total amount of carbohydrates in the pet food composition (for example, measured on a dry matter basis as the weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients in the second portion of carbohydrates and / or starch relative to the total grams of macronutrients in the pet food meal composition).For example, the second part of a pet food meal composition contains carbohydrates and / or starch, based on the total amount of carbohydrates that an animal may consume in a day (for example, measured as the weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients in the second part relative to the total amount of macronutrients in the pet food meal composition in dry matter), with endpoints including approximately 51-91%, approximately 51-92%, approximately 51-93%, approximately 51-94%, approximately 51-95%, approximately 51-96%, approximately 51-97%, approximately 51-98%, approximately 51-99%, approximately 51-80%, approximately 51-81%, approximately 51-82%, approximately 51-83%, approximately 51-84%, and approximately 51-85%. %, approximately 51-86%, approximately 51-87%, approximately 51-88%, approximately 51-89%, approximately 51-90%, approximately 51-70%, approximately 51-71%, approximately 51-72%, approximately 51-73%, approximately 51-74%, approximately 51-75%, approximately 51-76%, approximately 51-77%, approximately 51-78%, approximately 51-79%, approximately 51-80%, approximately 51-60%, approximately 51-61%, approximately 51- It may contain amounts in the range of approximately 62%, 51-63%, 51-64%, 51-65%, 51-66%, 51-67%, 51-68%, 51-69%, 51-70% by weight, 51-59%, 51-58%, 51-57%, 51-56%, 51-55%, 51-54%, 51-53%, and 51-52% by weight.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain carbohydrates and / or starch in an amount approximately 25 times (25×) greater than the amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the first portion of the pet food meal composition (for example, measured on a dry basis as a weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of carbohydrates and / or starch macronutrients in the second portion relative to the total grams of carbohydrates and / or starch macronutrients in the pet food meal composition). For example, the pet food meal may be formulated to have a specific weight ratio of carbohydrates and / or starch in the second part of the pet food meal to the amount of carbohydrates and / or starch in the first part of the pet food meal, which is approximately 35:1 to approximately 15:1, approximately 30:1 to approximately 15:1, approximately 25:1 to approximately 15:1, approximately 20:1 to approximately 15:1, approximately 35:1 to approximately 20:1, approximately 30:1 to approximately 20:1, approximately 25:1 to approximately 20:1, approximately 35:1 to approximately 25:1, approximately 30:1 to approximately 25:1, approximately 35:1 to approximately 30:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0080] The second portion of the pet food meal composition is preferably formulated such that the calories from carbohydrates and / or starches in the second portion of the pet food meal composition account for about 45 to about 55% of the total calories of the pet food meal, which may be the total amount consumed by an animal in a day. The range of calories from carbohydrates and / or starch in the second part of the pet food composition is based on calorie percentage (calories %) as a ratio to the total calories of the pet food meal composition, approximately 44-54%, approximately 44-53%, approximately 44-52%, approximately 44-51%, approximately 44-50%, approximately 43-54%, approximately 43-53%, approximately 43-52%, approximately 43-51%, approximately 43-50%, approximately 44-54%, approximately 44-54%, approximately 44-53%, approximately 44-52%, approximately 44-51%, approximately 44-50%, approximately 45-54%, approximately 45- It may be within the range of 53%, approximately 45-52%, approximately 45-51%, approximately 45-50%, approximately 46-54%, approximately 46-53%, approximately 46-52%, approximately 46-51%, approximately 46-50%, approximately 47-54%, approximately 47-53%, approximately 47-52%, approximately 47-51%, approximately 47-50%, approximately 48-54%, approximately 48-53%, approximately 48-52%, approximately 48-51%, approximately 48-50%, approximately 49-54%, approximately 49-54%, approximately 49-53%, approximately 49-52%, approximately 49-51%, or approximately 49-50%, (including its range and sub-range).

[0081] The carbohydrate source may be selected from polysaccharides (e.g., starch, dextrin) and sugars (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, fructose) that are metabolized for energy. The texture of the final product is determined by appropriately balancing the carbohydrate sources. 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. The desired texture of this hybrid food is achieved by long-chain polysaccharides and modified starches (such as natural or modified starches, cellulose, and the like). The carbohydrate mixture may also contain any additional ingredients such as added salts, spices, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, colorings, and the like. The amount of any ingredients depends at least in part on the nutritional requirements of different life stages of animals.

[0082] Carbohydrates include, but are not limited to, oat fiber, cellulose, peanut shells, beet pulp, parboiled rice, corn starch, corn gluten meal, grains, and sorghum, and can be supplied from any variety of ingredient sources known to those skilled in the art. Examples of grains 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 the food can be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0083] The pet food meal composition may be formulated to have a total fat content of about 15 to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the total fat content in the pet food meal composition may be about 15 to about 48% by weight, about 15 to about 47% by weight, about 15 to about 46% by weight, about 15 to about 45% by weight, about 16 to about 48% by weight, about 16 to about 47% by weight, about 16 to about 46% by weight, about 16 to about 45% by weight, about 17 to about 49% by weight, about 17 to about 48% by weight, about 17 to about 47% by weight, about 17 to about 46% by weight, about 17 to about 45% by weight, about 18 to about 48% by weight, about 18 to about 47% by weight, about 18 to about 46% by weight, 18 to about 45% by weight, about 19 to about 48% by weight, about 19 to about 47% by weight, about 19 to about 46% by weight, about 19 to about 45% by weight, about 20 to about 44% by weight, about 20 to about 43% by weight, about 21 to about 44% by weight, about 21 to about 43% by weight, about 22 to about 44% by weight, about 22 to about 4 3% by weight, about 23 to about 44% by weight, about 23 to about 43% by weight, about 24 to about 44% by weight, about 24 to about 43% by weight, about 25 to about 43% by weight, about 25 to about 44% by weight, about 26 to about 43% by weight, about 26 to about 44% by weight, about 27 to about 44% by weight, about 27 to about 43% by weight, about 28-44% by weight, 28-43% by weight, 30-44% by weight, 30-43% by weight, 31-44% by weight, or 31-43% by weight, 32-44% by weight, 32-43% by weight, 33-44% by weight, 33-43% by weight, 35-44% by weight, 35-43% by weight, 35-48% by weight, 35-47% by weight, 35-46% by weight, 35-45% by weight, 36-48% by weight, 36-47% by weight, 36-46% by weight, 37-49% by weight %, about 37 to about 48 weight%, about 37 to about 47 weight%, about 37 to about 46 weight%, about 37 to about 45 weight%, about 38 to about 48 weight%, about 38 to about 47 weight%, about 38 to about 46 weight%, about 38 to about 45 weight%, about 39 to about 48 weight%, about 39 to about 47 weight%, about 39 to about about 46% by weight, about 39 to about 45% by weight, 35 to about 44% by weight, about 34 to about 44% by weight, about 34 to about 43% by weight, about 35 to about 44% by weight, about 35 to about 43% by weight, about 36 to about 44% by weight, about 36 to about 43% by weight, about 35 to about 44% by weight, about 35 to about 43% by weight,The range may be approximately 36-44% by weight, approximately 37-44% by weight, approximately 37-43% by weight, approximately 38-44% by weight, approximately 38-43% by weight, approximately 39-44% by weight, approximately 39-43% by weight, approximately 40-44% by weight, approximately 40-43% by weight, approximately 41-44% by weight, approximately 41-43% by weight, approximately 42-44% by weight, or approximately 42-43% by weight (including any range or subrange thereof).

[0084] The first part of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain about 25% to about 40% by weight of fat, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. The amount of fat in the first part of the pet food meal composition may be about 27 to about 38% by weight, about 30 to about 38% by weight, about 27 to about 35% by weight, about 26 to about 35% by weight, about 30 to about 35% by weight, 29 to about 38% by weight, about 30 to about 38% by weight, about 31 to about 35% by weight, about 32 to about 35% by weight, about 33 to about 35% by weight, or about 35% by weight (including any range or partial range thereof), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to have about 51 to about 100% of the total fat content in the pet food meal composition (for example, measured as a weight percentage and / or ratio of grams of fat macronutrients in the first portion to the total amount of grams of fat macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry basis). For example, the amount of fat in the first portion of pet food meal is approximately 51-99%, 51-98%, 51-97%, 51-96%, 51-95%, 51-94%, 51-93%, 51-92%, 51-91%, 51-90%, 51-89%, 51-88%, 51-87%, 51-86%, 51-85%, 51-85%, 51-84%, including the endpoint. Approximately 51-83%, approximately 51-82%, approximately 51-81%, approximately 51-80%, approximately 51-79%, approximately 51-78%, approximately 51-77%, approximately 51-76%, approximately 51-77%, approximately 51-74%, approximately 51-73%, approximately 51-72%, approximately 51-71%, approximately 51-70%, approximately 51-69%, approximately 51-68%, approximately 51- It may also fall within the range of 67%, approximately 51-66%, approximately 51-65%, approximately 51-64%, approximately 51-63%, approximately 51-62%, approximately 51-61%, approximately 51-60%, approximately 51-59%, approximately 51-58%, approximately 51-57%, approximately 51-56%, approximately 51-55%, approximately 51-54%, approximately 51-53%, and approximately 51-52%.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain an amount of fat that is about three times (3×) the total fat amount in the second portion of the pet food meal composition (for example, measured on a dry basis as a weight percentage and / or ratio of the grams of macronutrients of fat in the first portion compared to the grams of macronutrients of fat in the second portion). For example, in some preferred embodiments, the pet food meal composition may be formulated such that the weight ratio of the amount of fat in the first part of the pet food meal composition to the amount of fat in the second part of the pet food meal composition is about 1.5:1 to about 7:1, about 1.5:1 to about 6:1, about 1.5:1 to about 5:1, about 1.5:1 to about 4:1, about 1.5:1 to about 3:1, about 2:1 to about 7:1, about 2:1 to about 6:1, about 2:1 to about 5:1, about 2:1 to about 4:1, about 2:1 to about 3:1, about 3:1 to about 7:1, about 3:1 to about 6:1, about 3:1 to about 5:1, about 3:1 to about 4:1, about 4:1 to about 7:1, about 4:1 to about 6:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be the total daily calorie amount of an animal, and the calories from fat in the first portion may be about 55 to about 75% of the total calorie amount of the pet food meal composition. For example, the amount of fat in the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 55 to about 74%, about 55 to about 73%, about 55 to about 72%, about 55 to about 71%, about 57 to about 74%, about 57 to about 73%, about 57 to about 72%, about 57 to about 71%, about 59 to about 74%, about 59 to about 73%, about 59 to about 72%, about 59 to about 71%, about 60 to about 74%, about 60 to about 73%, about 60 to about 72%, about 60 to about 71%, %, The range may be approximately 62-74%, 62-73%, 62-72%, 62-71%, 64-74%, 64-73%, 64-72%, 64-71%, 66-74%, 66-73%, 66-72%, 66-71%, 68-74%, 68-73%, 68-72%, 68-71%, 69-74%, 69-73%, 69-72%, 69-71%, or approximately 70% (including any range or subrange thereof).

[0088] In some cases, the fat in the first part of the pet food meal composition includes crude fat. Crude fat may be included in the composition in the amounts disclosed above with respect to total fat, such as about 25-40% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition includes crude fat in amounts of about 27-40% by weight, about 28-39% by weight, about 29-38% by weight, about 30-37% by weight, about 30-36% by weight, about 33-37% by weight, about 34-36% by weight, or about 34-36% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry 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 fat is obtained from an animal source. As an alternative composition, approximately 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the total fat may be obtained from plant sources.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain about 1 to about 10% by weight of fat, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. The amount of fat in the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 3 to about 9% by weight, about 4 to about 9% by weight, about 5 to about 9% by weight, about 6 to about 9% by weight, about 7 to about 9% by weight, 3 to about 8% by weight, about 4 to about 8% by weight, about 5 to about 8% by weight, about 6 to about 8% by weight, about 7 to about 8% by weight, or about 8% (including any range or partial range thereof), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the amount of fat in the second portion of the pet food meal composition may vary, but typically ranges from about 49% to about 10% by weight, based on the total amount of fat in the pet food composition on a dry basis, and includes an endpoint (e.g., measured as a weight percentage and / or ratio of grams of macronutrients of fat in the second portion to the total grams of macronutrients of fat in the pet food meal composition on a dry basis). For example, the amount of fat in the second part of a pet food meal composition is measured on a dry weight basis (for example, on a dry weight basis, as the weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients of fat in the second part relative to the total grams of macronutrients of fat in the pet food meal composition), and the endpoints include approximately 48-10%, approximately 47-10%, approximately 46-10%, approximately 45-10%, approximately 44-10%, approximately 43-10%, approximately 42-10%, approximately 41-10%, approximately 40-10%, approximately 39-10%, approximately 38-10%, approximately 37- It is also acceptable to use ranges of approximately 10%, approximately 36-10%, approximately 35-10%, approximately 34-10%, approximately 33-10%, approximately 32-10%, approximately 31-10%, approximately 30-10%, approximately 29-10%, approximately 28-10%, approximately 27-10%, approximately 26-10%, approximately 25-10%, approximately 24-10%, approximately 23-10%, approximately 22-10%, approximately 21-10%, approximately 20-10%, approximately 19-10%, approximately 18-10%, approximately 17-10%, approximately 16-10%, approximately 15-10%, approximately 14-10%, approximately 13-10%, approximately 12-10%, and approximately 11-10%.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain an amount of fat that is one-third of the total fat amount in the first portion of the pet food meal composition (for example, measured as a weight percentage and / or proportion of the grams of macronutrient of fat in the second portion compared to the grams of macronutrient of fat in the first portion on a dry matter basis). For example, in some preferred embodiments, the pet food meal composition may be formulated such that the weight ratio of the amount of fat in the second part of the pet food meal composition to the amount of fat in the first part of the pet food meal composition is about 1:1.5 to about 1:7, about 1:1.5 to about 1:6, about 1:1.5 to about 1:5, about 1:1.5 to about 1:4, about 1:1.5 to about 1:3, about 1:2 to about 1:7, about 1:2 to about 1:6, about 1:2 to about 1:5, about 1:2 to about 1:4, about 1:2 to about 1:3, about 1:3 to about 1:7, about 1:3 to about 1:6, about 1:3 to about 1:5, about 1:3 to about 1:4, about 1:4 to about 1:7, about 1:4 to about 1:64 to about 1:5, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain a certain amount of fat, such that the calories from fat in the second portion, which may be the total calories consumed by an animal in a day, account for about 10 to about 30% of the total calories in the pet food composition. The range of fat content in the second part of the pet food composition is based on the calorie percentage (calories %) of the total calorie content of the pet food meal composition, and is approximately 10-28%, 10-27%, 10-26%, 10-25%, 10-25%, 10-24%, 10-23%, 10-22%, 12-28%, 12-27%, 12-26%, 12-25%, 12-25%, 12-24%, 12-23%, 12-22%, 14-27%, 14-26%, 14-25%, 14-25%, and 1 The range may be 4-24%, 14-23%, 14-22%, 16-27%, 16-26%, 16-25%, 16-25%, 16-24%, 16-23%, 16-22%, 18-27%, 18-26%, 18-25%, 18-25%, 18-24%, 18-23%, 18-22%, 20-27%, 20-26%, 20-25%, 20-25%, 20-24%, 20-23%, 20-22%, or approximately 22% (including any range or subrange thereof).

[0093] In some cases, the fat in the second part of the pet food meal composition is crude fat. Crude fat may be included in the composition in the amounts disclosed above with respect to total fat, such as 0.5 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition contains crude fat in amounts of about 1 to about 12% by weight, about 2 to about 13% by weight, about 3 to about 12% by weight, about 4 to about 10% by weight, about 5 to about 9% by weight, or about 6 to about 9% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry 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 fat is obtained from animal sources. As an alternative configuration, 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 fat may be obtained from plant sources.

[0094] The term “fat” generally refers to lipids or mixtures of lipids that may be generally solid or liquid at normal room temperature (e.g., 25°C) and pressure (e.g., 1 atmosphere). In some examples, fats may be viscous liquids or amorphous solids at standard room temperature and standard pressure. Fats may be completely incorporated into the food composition, deposited on the outside of the pet food meal composition, or a mixture of both. In some embodiments, the pet food meal 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, green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculata), and mixtures thereof.

[0095] The fat may include dietary fats such as triglycerides. In some embodiments, the triglycerides may be present in amounts of about 20 to about 100% by weight, about 40 to about 100% by weight, about 50 to about 100% by weight, about 60 to about 100% by weight, about 70 to about 100% by weight, about 80 to about 100% by weight, or about 90 to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of fat in the pet food meal composition. In further embodiments, the triglycerides may be present in amounts of about 20 to about 95% by weight, about 40 to about 95% by weight, about 50 to about 95% by weight, about 60 to about 95% by weight, about 70 to about 95% by weight, about 80 to about 95% by weight, or about 90 to about 95% by weight, based on the total weight of fat in the pet food meal composition. In additional embodiments, the triglycerides comprise about 20-90% by weight, about 40-90% by weight, about 50-90% by weight, about 60-90% by weight, about 70-90% by weight, and about 80-90% by weight, based on the total weight of fat in the pet food meal composition. In further embodiments, the triglycerides comprise about 20-80% by weight, about 40-80% by weight, about 50-80% by weight, about 60-80% by weight, and about 70-80% by weight, based on the total weight of fat in the pet food meal composition.

[0096] Triglycerides may contain one or more components, each containing one or more fatty acid components / parts. For example, a triglyceride may contain one, two, or three planar chains selected from fatty acid components. Non-limiting examples of fatty acid components include, but are not limited to, 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. One or more fatty acid parts may 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 acid components include those selected from linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the triglyceride may contain a polyunsaturated fatty acid component selected from omega-6 fatty acids. Examples of omega-6 fatty acid components include linolenic acid, calendic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenaline, osbondic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, or two or more combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and two or more combinations thereof.

[0098] The triglycerides may be selected from those having at least one aliphatic carbon chain consisting of 6 to 10 carbon atoms. For example, a triglyceride may have one, two, or three aliphatic carbon chains of 6 to 10 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the triglycerides have aliphatic carbon chains of 6, 7, 8, 9, and / or 10 carbon atoms. For example, the aliphatic carbon chain of a medium-chain triglyceride may contain 6 to 9 carbon atoms, 6 to 8 carbon atoms, 6 to 7 carbon atoms, 7 to 10 carbon atoms, 7 to 9 carbon atoms, 7 to 8 carbon atoms, 8 to 10 carbon atoms, or 8 to 9 carbon atoms, or 9 to 10 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the triglycerides contain aliphatic carbon chains having 6, 8, or 10 carbon atoms. For example, a triglyceride may have an aliphatic carbon chain selected from caprylates, caprates, and / or decanoates.

[0099] 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 vegetable 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 vegetable fat sources, such as corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, and / or oils derived from orestra.

[0100] The pet food meal composition is formulated to contain a total amount of dietary fiber ranging from approximately 10% to approximately 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the total amount of fiber present in the pet food meal composition is approximately 10-24% by weight, approximately 10-23%, approximately 10-22%, approximately 10-21%, approximately 12-24%, approximately 12-23%, approximately 12-22%, approximately 12-21%, approximately 14-24%, and approximately 14- The range may be approximately 23% by weight, approximately 14-22% by weight, approximately 14-21% by weight, approximately 16-24% by weight, approximately 16-23% by weight, approximately 16-22% by weight, approximately 16-21% by weight, approximately 18-24% by weight, approximately 18-23% by weight, approximately 18-22% by weight, approximately 18-21% by weight, approximately 20% by weight, or approximately 21% by weight (including those ranges and partial ranges).

[0101] The first part of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain about 10% to about 20% by weight of fiber, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the amount of fiber in the first part of the pet food meal composition of the present disclosure may be in the range of about 11 to about 20% by weight, about 11 to about 19% by weight, about 11 to about 18% by weight, about 11 to about 17% by weight, about 11 to about 16% by weight, about 11 to about 15% by weight, about 13 to about 20% by weight, about 13 to about 19% by weight, about 13 to about 18% by weight, about 13 to about 17% by weight, about 13 to about 16% by weight, about 13 to about 15% by weight, about 15 to about 20% by weight, about 15 to about 19% by weight, about 15 to about 18% by weight, about 15 to about 17% by weight, and about 15 to about 16% by weight (including any range or partial range thereof), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis.

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain more than half the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal (for example, measured as a weight percentage of the grams of fiber macronutrients in the first portion and / or the weight percentage of the grams of macronutrients relative to the total amount of fiber macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry basis). As stated above, the total amount of fiber from the pet food meal composition may be the total amount of fiber an animal consumes in a day. For example, the amount of fiber in the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 51 to about 100% based on the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal composition (for example, measured as a weight percentage and / or ratio of the grams of fiber macronutrients in the first portion relative to the total amount of fiber macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry basis).For example, the first part of the pet food meal composition contains fiber, measured based on the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal composition (for example, as the weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients of fiber in the first part relative to the total amount of grams of macronutrients of fiber in the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis), approximately 51-91%, approximately 51-92%, approximately 51-93%, approximately 51-94%, approximately 51-95%, approximately 51-96%, approximately 51-97%, 51-98%, 51-99%, approximately 51-80%, approximately 51-81%, approximately 51-82%, approximately 51-83%, approximately 51-84%, approximately 51-85%, approximately 51-86%, approximately 51-87%, approximately 51-88%, approximately 51-89%, 51-90%, 51-70%, 51-71%, 51-72%, 51-73%, 51-74%, 51-75%, 51-76%, 51-77%, 51-78%, 51-79%, 51-80%, 51-60%, 51-61%, 51-62%, 51-63%, 51- May include 64%, approximately 51-65%, approximately 51-66%, approximately 51-67%, approximately 51-68%, approximately 51-69%, approximately 51-70%, approximately 51-59%, approximately 51-58%, approximately 51-57%, approximately 51-56%, approximately 51-55%, approximately 51-54%, approximately 51-53%, and approximately 51% to 52% by weight (including that range and subranges).

[0103] In certain embodiments, the first portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain twice (2×) the amount of fiber present in the second portion of the pet food meal composition. For example, the pet food composition may be formulated such that the weight ratio of the amount of fiber in the first portion of the pet food meal composition to the amount of fiber in the second portion of the pet food meal composition is approximately 5:1 to approximately 1:1, approximately 4:1 to approximately 1:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 1:1, approximately 2:1 to approximately 1:1, approximately 5:1 to approximately 2:1, approximately 4:1 to approximately 2:1, approximately 3:1 to approximately 2:1, approximately 5:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 4:1 to approximately 3:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0104] The second portion of the pet food meal composition may contain about 1% to about 10% by weight of dietary fiber, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the amount of dietary fiber present in the second portion of the pet food meal composition is in the range of about 3 to about 10% by weight, about 3 to about 9% by weight, about 3 to about 8% by weight, about 4 to about 10% by weight, about 4 to about 9% by weight, about 4 to about 8% by weight, about 5 to about 8% by weight, or about 5 to about 7% by weight (including the range and partial range), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis.

[0105] Additionally or alternatively, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain less than half the amount of fiber in the pet food meal composition, which may be the total amount consumed by an animal in a day. For example, the amount of fiber in the second portion of the pet food composition may be between approximately 49% and approximately 10% based on the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal composition (for example, measured as the ratio of grams of fiber macronutrients in the second portion to the total grams of fiber macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis). For example, the amount of fiber in the second part of a pet food meal composition, relative to the total weight of fiber in the pet food meal composition (measured as a weight percentage and / or percentage of grams of macronutrients of fiber in the second part relative to the total grams of macronutrients of fiber in the pet food meal composition, on a dry basis), includes endpoints of approximately 48% to 10%, approximately 47% to 10%, approximately 46% to 10%, approximately 45% to 10%, approximately 44% to 10%, approximately 43% to 10%, approximately 42% to 10%, approximately 41% to 10%, approximately 40% to 10%, approximately 39% to 10%, approximately 38% to 10%, approximately 37% to 10%, and approximately 36%. %~approximately 10%, approximately 35%~approximately 10%, approximately 34%~approximately 10%, approximately 33%~approximately 10%, approximately 32%~approximately 10%, approximately 31%~approximately 10%, approximately 30%~approximately 10%, approximately 29%~approximately 10%, approximately 28%~approximately 10%, approximately 27%~approximately 10%, approximately 26%~approximately 10%, approximately 25%~approximately 10%, approximately 24%~approximately 10%, approximately 23%~approximately 10%, approximately 22% ~10%, ~21%~10%, ~20%~10%, ~19%~10%, ~18%~10%, ~17%~10%, ~16%~10%, ~15%~10%, ~14%~10%, ~13%~10%, ~12%~10%, ~11%~10%, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain fiber in an amount equal to half (0.5) the amount of fiber present in the first portion of the pet food meal composition. For example, the pet food composition may be formulated such that the weight ratio of fiber in the second portion of the pet food meal composition to the amount of fiber in the first portion of the pet food meal composition is approximately 1:5 to approximately 1:1, approximately 1:4 to approximately 1:1, approximately 1:3 to approximately 1:1, approximately 1:2 to approximately 1:1, approximately 1:5 to approximately 2:1, approximately 1:4 to approximately 2:1, approximately 1:3 to approximately 2:1, approximately 1:5 to approximately 3:1, approximately 1:4 to approximately 3:1, or any range or partial range thereof.

[0107] The total amount of fiber present in a pet food meal composition generally includes the amounts of crude fiber and dietary fiber. The amounts of crude fiber and / or dietary fiber may be present in the pet food meal composition in any of the above amounts disclosed with respect to the total amount of fiber. Examples of crude fiber include indigestible components contained in the cell walls and cell contents of plants such as grains, such as the husks of grains like rice, corn, and beans.

[0108] In some embodiments, crude fiber comprises the majority of the total amount of dietary fiber. In at least one embodiment, crude fiber comprises about 45–55% by weight, about 65% or more by weight, about 75% or more by weight, about 80% or more by weight, about 85% or more by weight, about 90% or more by weight, about 95% or more by weight, or about 98% or more by weight of the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal composition, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis. In further embodiments, the total amount of fiber consists essentially of or comprises crude fiber.

[0109] Dietary fiber refers to plant components that are resistant to digestion by animal digestive enzymes. Dietary fiber includes soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine and is completely or partially fermented in the large intestine, and includes, for example, beet pulp, guar gum, chicory root, psyllium, pectin, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, apples, oats, legumes, citrus fruits, barley, or peas. Insoluble fiber can be supplied from any variety of ingredient sources, including, for example, cellulose, whole wheat products, wheat oat, corn bran, flaxseed, grapes, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels, vegetable peels, peanut shells, and soy fiber. Crude fiber includes, for example, the husks of grains such as rice, corn, and beans, and the indigestible components contained in the cell walls and cellular contents of plants such as grains.

[0110] The dietary fiber in the first part of the pet food meal may contain soluble fiber in an amount of about 1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis. For example, the first part of the pet food meal composition may contain soluble fiber in amounts ranging from 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 4% by weight, and about 2 to about 3% by weight, including the range and partial range, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis.

[0111] The dietary fiber in the second part of the pet food meal may contain soluble fiber in an amount of about 1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis. For example, the first part of the pet food meal composition may contain soluble fiber in an amount ranging from 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 4% by weight, and about 2 to about 3% by weight, including the range and partial range, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis.

[0112] The dietary fiber in the first part of the pet food meal may contain insoluble fiber in an amount of about 5 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis. For example, the first part of the pet food meal composition may contain insoluble fiber in an amount ranging from about 6 to about 15% by weight, about 7 to about 15% by weight, about 8 to about 14% by weight, about 8 to about 15% by weight, about 8 to about 14% by weight, about 8 to about 13% by weight, about 8 to about 12% by weight, about 9 to about 14% by weight, about 9 to about 13% by weight, about 9 to about 12% by weight, about 10 to about 13% by weight, about 10 to about 12% by weight, and about 11 to about 12% by weight (including the ranges and partial ranges), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis.

[0113] The dietary fiber in the second part of the pet food meal may contain insoluble fiber in an amount of about 1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. In some embodiments, the amount of insoluble fiber present in the second part of the pet food meal composition is in the range of about 3 to about 10% by weight, about 3 to about 10% by weight, about 3 to about 10% by weight, about 4 to about 10% by weight, about 4 to about 9% by weight, about 4 to about 8% by weight, about 5 to about 8% by weight, or about 5 to about 7% by weight (including the range and partial range), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis.

[0114] The pet food meal composition may be formulated so that the total amount of protein is about 35 to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. The range of the total amount of protein may be modified, but is typically about 35 to about 60% by weight, about 40 to about 60% by weight, about 45 to about 60% by weight, about 50 to about 60% by weight, about 35 to about 65% by weight, about 40 to about 65% by weight, about 45 to about 65% by weight, or about 50 to about 65% by weight (including the range and partial range), based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis.

[0115] The first and second parts of the pet food meal composition may be individually formulated to contain protein in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. For example, the amount of protein in the first and / or second parts of the pet food meal composition may be, individually, about 15 to about 50% by weight, about 15 to about 48% by weight, about 15 to about 46% by weight, about 15 to about 44% by weight, about 15 to about 42% by weight, about 15 to about 40% by weight, about 15 to about 38% by weight, about 15 to about 36% by weight, about 15 to about 34% by weight, about 20 to about 55% by weight, about 20 to about 50% by weight, about 20 to about 48% by weight, about 20 to about 46% by weight, about 20 to about 44% by weight, about 20 to about 42% by weight, about 20 to about 40% by weight, and about 20 to about 38% by weight. The range may be %, approximately 20-36% by weight, approximately 20-34% by weight, approximately 25-55% by weight, approximately 25-50% by weight, approximately 25-48% by weight, approximately 25-46% by weight, approximately 25-44% by weight, approximately 25-42% by weight, approximately 25-40% by weight, approximately 25-38% by weight, approximately 25-36% by weight, approximately 25-34% by weight, approximately 30-55% by weight, approximately 30-50% by weight, approximately 30-48% by weight, approximately 30-46% by weight, approximately 30-44% by weight, approximately 30-42% by weight, approximately 30-40% by weight, approximately 30-38% by weight, or approximately 30-36% by weight (including ranges in between and partial ranges).

[0116] In some examples, the amount of protein in the first and / or second parts of the pet food meal composition may be about 40 to about 60% individually, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food meal composition (for example, measured as the weight percentage and / or percentage of the grams of protein in each part relative to the total grams of protein in the pet food meal composition on a dry weight basis). For example, the amount of protein in the first and / or second parts of the pet food meal composition may be about 40 to about 59% by weight, about 40 to about 58% by weight, about 41 to about 59% by weight, about 41 to about 58% by weight, about 42 to about 59% by weight, about 42 to about 58% by weight, about 43 to about 59% by weight, about 43 to about 58% by weight, about 44 to about 59% by weight, about 44 to about 58% by weight, and about 45 to about 59% by weight. The ranges may be approximately 45-58% by weight, approximately 46-59% by weight, approximately 46-58% by weight, approximately 40-57% by weight, approximately 40-56% by weight, approximately 41-57% by weight, approximately 41-56% by weight, approximately 42-57% by weight, approximately 42-56% by weight, approximately 43-57% by weight, approximately 43-56% by weight, approximately 44-57% by weight, approximately 44-56% by weight, approximately 45-57% by weight, approximately 45-56% by weight, approximately 46-57% by weight, and approximately 46-56% by weight (including those ranges or partial ranges). In certain embodiments, each of the first and second portions of the pet food meal composition may be formulated to contain protein in an amount approximately half the total amount of protein in the pet food meal composition, which may correspond to the total amount of protein an animal consumes in a day (for example, measured as a weight percentage and / or percentage of the grams of protein macronutrients in each portion relative to the total amount of grams of protein macronutrients in the pet food meal composition on a dry basis).

[0117] In certain embodiments, the pet food composition may be formulated such that the weight ratio of the amount of protein in the first part of the pet food meal composition to the amount of protein in the second part of the pet food meal composition is about 1:1.25 to about 1.25:1, about 1:1.2 to about 1.25:1, about 1:1.1 to about 1.25:1, about 1:1 to about 1:1.25, or any range or part thereof.

[0118] The proteins in the pet food meal composition include 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, and / or serine, and one or more amino acids selected from two or more combinations thereof. The pet food meal composition may contain two or more amino acids. For example, the pet food meal composition may contain two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more amino acids. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition contains glycine and proline, and optionally one or more additional amino acids.

[0119] In some cases, one or more amino acids may include essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be newly synthesized or are synthesized in insufficient amounts by living organisms, 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) are 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.

[0120] A portion of the protein in the composition may be digestible protein. For example, the composition may contain an amount of protein in which about 40% or more by weight, about 50% or more by weight, about 60% or more by weight, about 70% or more by weight, about 80% or more by weight, about 90% or more by weight, about 95% or more by weight, about 98% or more by weight, or about 99% or more by weight of the total protein is digestible protein. In some embodiments, for example, when the desired composition promotes weight loss, the portion of the protein that is digestible protein is about 60% or less by weight, about 50% or less by weight, about 40% or less by weight, about 30% or less by weight, about 20% or less by weight, or about 10% or less by weight, based on the total amount of protein in the pet food meal composition on a dry material basis. In further embodiments, the amount of digestible 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 within and partial ranges thereof.

[0121] Proteins may be supplied from any variety of sources well known to those skilled in the art, including plant sources, animal sources, microbial sources, or combinations 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, soybeans, cottonseed, and peanuts. 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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.

[0124] The pet food meal composition 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 meal composition in amounts ranging from about 1.0% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry weight 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, based on the total weight of the food composition on a dry weight basis.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the pet food meal composition contains moisture. Moisture may be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, moisture may be present in an amount of about 3% to about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition. For example, moisture may be present in an amount of 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 meal 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 meal 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 meal 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 meal composition.

[0126] The pet food meal composition may contain one or more components and / or sources of glucose mimetic, carotenoids, and / or arginine and their derivatives. Sources of glucose mimetic may include glucose antagonists (including 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, and 3-O-methylglucose), anhydro sugars (including 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, and 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol), mannoheptulose, and / or avocado extract containing mannoheptulose. Sources of carotenoids may include lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, bixin, lycopene, and / or β-carotene. Sources of antioxidant components may include tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin C, vitamin A, plant-derived materials, carotenoids (as described above), selenium, and / or CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10). In preferred embodiments, the pet food meal composition contains high levels of arginine and its derivatives. The amount of arginine present in the composition may be about 0.01 to about 10.0% by weight, about 0.01 to about 5.0% by weight, about 0.01 to about 2.0% by weight, about 0.1 to about 10.0% by weight, about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, about 0.1 to about 2.0% by weight, about 0.5 to about 5.0% by weight, about 0.5 to about 2.0% by weight, about 1.5 to about 5.0% by weight, about 1.5 to about 2.0% by weight, about 0.5 to about 2.0% by weight, about 1.5 to about 5.0% by weight, about 1.5 to about 2.0% by weight, about 0.5% by weight, about 1.0% by weight, about 1.4% by weight, about 1.44% by weight, about 1.8% by weight, or about 2.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry weight basis. The arginine present in the composition may be L-arginine, D-arginine, or a mixture thereof.

[0127] The pet food meal compositions disclosed herein may be wet or dry compositions, and the 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 the surface. Furthermore, the pet food meal compositions may be formulated and manufactured to be of various forms and / or consistency. For example, the pet food meal 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.

[0128] Pet food products may also contain multiple cohesive components, such as soft, chewy, meat-like particles or fragments, and kibble having an outer coating and an inner “core” component. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition may be in the form of kibble or food kibble. As used in this disclosure, the terms “kibble” or “food kibble” refer to granular pellets of cat or dog feed, such as components of cat or dog feed, or cat or dog feed. In some embodiments, food kibble has a water content or moisture of less than 15% by weight. Food kibble can range in texture from hard to soft. Food kibble can range in internal structure 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.

[0129] The pet food meal compositions of this disclosure may additionally 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.

[0130] Examples of stabilizing substances include those that tend to increase the shelf life of the pet food meal 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.

[0131] The concentration of these additives in the pet food meal composition can typically be up to approximately 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry matter basis. For example, additives may be present in amounts ranging from approximately 0.01 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 0.01 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 0.01 to approximately 4% by weight, approximately 0.01 to approximately 3% by weight, approximately 0.01 to approximately 2% by weight, approximately 0.01 to approximately 1% by weight, approximately 0.1 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 0.1 to approximately 4% by weight, 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 1 to approximately 5% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 4% 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 approximately 4 to approximately 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of such additives (especially when such additives are primarily nutritional balancers, such as vitamins and minerals) is about 0 to about 2.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. The amount of vitamin-containing additives may be added to the amount of vitamin B described above. In some embodiments, the concentration of such additives (again, especially when such additives are primarily nutritional balancers) is about 0 to about 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal composition on a dry basis. While the aforementioned list of additives may be potentially appropriate in some embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned additives may be excluded from other embodiments of the pet food meal composition.

[0132] In certain embodiments, pet food meal 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 is formulated, for instance, typically based on life stage, age, size, weight, body composition, and breed.

[0133] Sources of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and balancing agents suitable for inclusion in pet food meal compositions, particularly in pet food products administered by the methods provided herein, can be selected from conventional materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0134] Pet food meal composition: beef broth, brewer's dried yeast, eggs, egg products, flaxseed flour, DL-methionine, amino acids, leucine, lysine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, aspartic acid, polyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate; zinc chloride, copper gluconate, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, triclosan, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green-lipped mussel, blue-lipped mussel, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), boron, boric acid, phytoestrogens, phytoandrogens, genistein, daidzein, L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid-base regulators, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate; eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, plasticizers, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, saturates. The materials may include, or exclude in some cases, one or more materials selected from amphitheaters, lubricants, carriers, pH adjusters, natural ingredients, stabilizers, bioadditives (such as enzymes (including proteases and lipases)), chemical additives, coolants, chelating agents, denaturants, astringents, emulsifiers, topical analgesics, fragrance compounds, humectants, opacifying agents (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), defoamers (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, thickeners (aqueous and non-aqueous), scavenging agents, keratolytic agents, eggshell membrane, ancient grains, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0135] Pet food meal compositions may be manufactured by various methods to achieve a desired pet food meal composition or a 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 meal 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, fats, 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 may 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 airtightly sealed. The sealed cans are then placed in a conventional apparatus designed to sterilize the contents. Sterilization is typically achieved by heating to a temperature above 230°C for an appropriate amount of time, depending on the temperature used, the properties of the composition, and related factors. The pet food meal compositions and foods of this disclosure may also be added to or combined with food compositions before, during, or after their preparation.

[0136] In some embodiments, pet food products 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 fats, oils, water, animal protein, water, etc., are added and mixed with the dry material. Specific formulations, addition sequences, combinations, and 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 coating agents, including, for example, flavors, fats, oils, powders, etc. 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.

[0137] When preparing a composition, any component can generally be incorporated into the composition during the formulation process, for example, while and / or after mixing the other components of the composition. The distribution of these components into the composition can be achieved by conventional means. In a particular embodiment, 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.

[0138] A method is provided which, according to one aspect of the present invention, provides an animal with a pet food meal comprising a first portion and a second portion by first providing a first portion in a first period and then providing a second portion in a second period, wherein the first portion has a different macronutrient profile from the second portion.

[0139] In some embodiments, a method is provided which involves feeding an animal a pet food meal comprising a first portion of the pet food meal and a second portion of the pet food meal, by providing the animal with a first portion of the pet food meal followed by a second portion of the pet food meal. The second portion typically has a different composition and / or macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

[0140] The method may include providing pet food meal once a day. In some embodiments, the pet food meal composition is provided to the animal, for example, once every 24 hours, 23 hours, 22 hours, 21 hours, 20 hours, 19 hours, 18 hours, 17 hours, 16 hours, 15 hours, 14 hours, or 13 hours.

[0141] The first portion of pet food meal is typically provided over a first period (e.g., made available for animal feeding), and the second portion of pet food meal is provided over a second period following the first portion (e.g., made available for animal feeding).

[0142] The first period may be approximately 5 to 20 minutes. For example, the first period could be approximately 6 to 19 minutes, 7 to 18 minutes, 6 to 17 minutes, 5 to 16 minutes, 5 to 17 minutes, 5 to 18 minutes, 5 to 17 minutes, 6 to 16 minutes, 6 to 15 minutes, 7 to 17 minutes, 7 to 16 minutes, 7 to 15 minutes, 8 to 17 minutes, 8 to 16 minutes, 8 to 15 minutes, 9 to 17 minutes, 8 to 17 minutes. , may include approximately 9 to 16 minutes, approximately 9 to 15 minutes, approximately 10 to 20 minutes, approximately 10 to 19 minutes, approximately 10 to 18 minutes, approximately 10 to 17 minutes, approximately 10 to 16 minutes, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, approximately 11 to 19 minutes, approximately 11 to 18 minutes, approximately 11 to 17 minutes, approximately 11 to 16 minutes, approximately 11 to 15 minutes, approximately 12 to 15 minutes, approximately 13 to 16 minutes, approximately 14 to 17 minutes, 15 minutes, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0143] In some embodiments, the method includes removing any remaining amount of the first portion of the pet food meal composition after the end of the first period. For example, if the animal does not consume the entire first portion of the pet food meal during the first period, in some embodiments, the remaining first portion of the pet food meal composition is removed.

[0144] The second period is typically about 5 to 20 minutes. The second period is, for example, about 6 to 19 minutes, about 7 to 18 minutes, about 6 to 17 minutes, about 5 to 16 minutes, about 5 to 17 minutes, about 5 to 18 minutes, about 5 to 17 minutes, about 6 to 16 minutes, about 6 to 15 minutes, about 7 to 17 minutes, about 7 to 16 minutes, about 7 to 15 minutes, about 8 to 17 minutes, about 8 to 16 minutes, about 8 to 15 minutes, about 9 to 17 minutes, about 8 to 17 minutes. , may include approximately 9 to 16 minutes, approximately 9 to 15 minutes, approximately 10 to 20 minutes, approximately 10 to 19 minutes, approximately 10 to 18 minutes, approximately 10 to 17 minutes, approximately 10 to 16 minutes, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, approximately 11 to 19 minutes, approximately 11 to 18 minutes, approximately 11 to 17 minutes, approximately 11 to 16 minutes, approximately 11 to 15 minutes, approximately 12 to 15 minutes, approximately 13 to 16 minutes, approximately 14 to 17 minutes, 15 minutes, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0145] In some embodiments, the method includes removing any remaining amount of the second portion of the pet food meal after the end of the second period. For example, if the animal does not consume all of the second portion of the pet food meal during the second period, the remaining portion of the second portion of the pet food meal is removed.

[0146] The method preferably includes providing a second portion of the pet food meal composition following a first portion of the pet food meal composition. The time between the end of the first period of the first portion of the pet food meal composition and / or the end of feeding the first portion of the pet food meal composition and the start of the second period of the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, for example, about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, about 1 minute to about 50 minutes, about 1 minute to about 40 minutes, about 1 minute to about 35 minutes, about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute to about 25 minutes, about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, about 1 minute to about 18 minutes, about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, about 1 minute to about 12 minutes minutes, approximately 1-10 minutes, approximately 1-7 minutes, approximately 1-5 minutes, approximately 1-3 minutes, approximately 3-60 minutes, approximately 3-50 minutes, approximately 3-40 minutes, approximately 3-35 minutes, approximately 3-30 minutes, approximately 3-25 minutes, approximately 3-20 minutes, approximately 3-18 minutes, approximately 3-15 minutes, approximately 3-12 minutes, approximately 3-10 minutes, approximately 3-7 minutes, approximately 3-5 minutes, approximately 5-60 minutes, approximately 5-50 minutes, approximately 5-40 minutes, approximately 5-35 minutes, approximately 5-30 minutes, approximately 5-25 minutes, approximately 5 10 minutes to approximately 20 minutes, approximately 5 minutes to approximately 18 minutes, approximately 5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes, approximately 5 minutes to approximately 12 minutes, approximately 5 minutes to approximately 10 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 40 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 35 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 25 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 20 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 18 minutes, approximately 10 minutes to approximately 15 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 40 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 35 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 25 minutes, approximately 15 minutes to approximately 20 minutes, approximately 2 The time range may be 0 to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 20 to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 20 to approximately 40 minutes, approximately 20 to approximately 35 minutes, approximately 20 to approximately 30 minutes, approximately 20 to approximately 25 minutes, approximately 25 to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 25 to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 25 to approximately 40 minutes, approximately 25 to approximately 35 minutes, approximately 25 to approximately 30 minutes, approximately 30 to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 30 to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 30 to approximately 40 minutes, approximately 30 to approximately 35 minutes, approximately 40 to approximately 60 minutes, approximately 40 to approximately 50 minutes, approximately 45 to approximately 60 minutes, or any range or partial range thereafter.In some embodiments, the time between the end of the first period and / or the end of feeding the first portion of the pet food meal composition and the start of the second period of the second portion of the pet food meal composition may be about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 6 minutes, about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 25 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 35 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 50 minutes, about 55 minutes, about 60 minutes, or any range formed therefrom. However, in some embodiments, the animal is not given any “intermission” between the first period and the second period. [Examples]

[0147] Example 1 A non-limiting pet food meal (exemplary meal) was prepared in the form of two parts. The formulas for the two parts of the exemplary meal (part A of the example and part B of the example) are provided in Tables 1 and 2. [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0148] The exemplary meal was evaluated in comparison to a comparative meal, which consisted of two portions with the same composition and macronutrient values. The macronutrient values ​​of the two portions of the comparative meal are shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0149] Part A of the Example contained the main amounts of fat and fiber in the Example meal and provided approximately half of the calories a dog would receive daily. Part B of the Example contained the majority of the dietary carbohydrates in the Example meal and therefore also provided the majority of the dietary carbohydrates a dog would receive daily. The comparison meal was an isocaloric mixture of both Part A and Part B of the Example, thereby providing a complete distribution of macronutrients in a day. Thus, at the end of feeding either the Example meal or the comparison meal, dogs given either the Example meal or the comparison meal were given the same amount and type of macronutrients. The amount of each meal given to a dog was based on each dog's body weight and / or calorie requirement.

[0150] Example 2 Thirty-six healthy dogs were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of an exemplary meal compared to a control meal. Specifically, all 36 dogs received both portions of the control meal only once a day for a five-week pre-feeding regimen. Specifically, the dogs were given the first portion of the control meal for 15 minutes during the first feeding period, and the second portion for 15 minutes during the second feeding period. The second feeding period was administered approximately one minute after the end of the first 15-minute feeding period.

[0151] After a 5-week pre-feeding period, the dogs were randomly divided into two groups as part of the first feeding regimen. The first group was fed two portions of the exemplary meal consecutively for 5 weeks, while the second group was fed the two portions of the exemplary meal in the reverse order for 5 weeks. For example, the first group of dogs was fed exemplary portion A for 15 minutes during the first feeding period and exemplary portion B for 15 minutes during the second feeding period. The second group of dogs was fed exemplary portion B for 15 minutes during the first feeding period and exemplary portion A for 15 minutes during the second feeding period. The second feeding period was conducted approximately 1 minute after the end of the 15-minute first feeding period.

[0152] Following the completion of the first feeding regimen, the second group of dogs was then fed two portions of the exemplary meal in a consecutive order for five weeks as a second feeding regimen. Specifically, during the second feeding regimen, the second group of dogs was fed exemplary portion A for 15 minutes during the first feeding period and exemplary portion B for 15 minutes during the second feeding period. The second feeding period was implemented approximately one minute after the end of the 15-minute first feeding period.

[0153] All dogs were kept in pairs in indoor rooms with natural light. Their behavior was enriched through interaction with each other, as well as through playtime with caregivers, daily opportunities for running outdoors, and access to toys. They were fed once daily and given free access to water. All dogs were immunized against canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, Bordetella, and rabies, monitored for parasites, and received regular endocardial prophylaxis. All dogs were deemed healthy after evaluation without adverse reactions.

[0154] Blood samples were collected and evaluated from dogs after the pre-feeding regimen, the first feeding regimen, and the second feeding regimen. To evaluate exemplary meals and the method of sequentially providing exemplary meals, exemplary meals and the method of sequentially providing exemplary meals were evaluated compared to dogs given a control meal during the pre-feeding regimen, or dogs given two portions of the exemplary meal in the reverse order during the first feeding regimen. Data were analyzed by dependent-sample t-tests, and the statistical significance criterion for the evaluation items was p=0.05.

[0155] Specifically, in the fifth week of the first feeding regimen, blood was collected two hours after feeding (feeding / postprandial, after exemplary or comparative meals). For blood chemistry, including bilirubin, ALT, and BUN, a portion of whole blood-derived serum (without EDTA) was used. Postprandial circulating blood chemistry analysis was performed using a Roche Hitachi Cobas 6000. The final portion of whole blood-derived EDTA plasma was used for hormone analysis, including ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY). Hormone levels were measured in plasma after 20 hours of fasting using an ELISA kit (Milliplex Map Canine Gut Hormone Magnetic Bead Panel - Endocrine Multiplex Assay; MilliporeSigma, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA) and measured using a Luminex 200 (Luminex Inc., Austin, Texas, USA).

[0156] Example 3 As described in Example 2, blood samples were tested from dogs fed an exemplary meal and dogs receiving a control meal to evaluate differences in circulating ghrelin levels in dogs. Ghrelin is a hormone produced and released by enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach) and is known as the "hunger hormone" because it is associated with increased feelings of hunger.

[0157] The exemplary meal reduced circulating ghrelin levels compared to the control meal, as shown in Figure 1. The exemplary meal achieved approximately a 35.5% reduction in circulating ghrelin levels. This was unexpected, given that the protein content of the exemplary meal and the control meal were identical.

[0158] Example 4 As described in Example 2, blood samples from dogs receiving the exemplary meal and dogs receiving the comparative meal were tested to evaluate the effects on circulating glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and peptide YY (PYY).

[0159] The exemplary meal increased circulating glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and peptide YY (PYY) compared to the control meal, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The exemplary meal achieved an increase of approximately 35% in GLP1 and approximately 20% in PYY. In addition to a decrease in fasting levels of ghrelin, the exemplary meal achieved an increase in postprandial appetite-suppressing hormones, which are thought to counteract hunger and provide a synergistic effect. Unexpectedly, the exemplary meal was also found to improve not only satiety-related markers but also metabolic markers of fat and protein metabolism as well as liver health.

[0160] Example 5 Blood samples from dogs receiving exemplary meals and dogs receiving control meals were tested as described in Example 2 to assess blood bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of heme-containing proteins, and its presence indicates that these proteins are catabolized, thereby reducing their lifespan and functional capacity. Clinically, elevated bilirubin levels are also an indicator of poor and damaged liver function.

[0161] The exemplary meal reduced blood bilirubin compared to the control meal, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The exemplary meal achieved approximately a 52% reduction in fasting (0 hours) bilirubin and approximately a 96% reduction in post-feeding (2 hours) bilirubin. Although all values ​​remained within the clinically normal range, these results indicate that a bolus supply of fat content in the first portion of the diet directs this marker toward health by reducing fasting breakdown of heme-containing proteins and reducing the breakdown of said proteins in the fed state, thus extending the overall lifespan of these functional proteins and reducing their metabolic turnover.

[0162] Example 6 Blood samples from dogs receiving the exemplary meal and dogs receiving the control meal were tested as described in Example 4 to evaluate the effect on the reduction of postprandial ALT (alanine aminotransferase). The exemplary meal achieved a reduction of approximately 204% in ALT, as shown in Figure 5. The reduction in ALT indicates improvement in liver function.

[0163] Example 7 As described in Example 2, blood samples from dogs given the exemplary meal and dogs given the control meal were tested to evaluate the effect on BUN (blood urea nitrogen).

[0164] The exemplary meal reduced the postprandial (2 hours after the second portion of the meal) increase in BUN by approximately 15%, as shown in Figure 6. The reduction in BUN indicates improved protein and nitrogen processing in dogs. This was unexpected, as the protein content of the exemplary meal and the comparison meal were identical. In the exemplary meal, the calories and nutrients provided to the dogs were not perturbed, but the timing of the delivery of individual nutrients, particularly those related to satiety and weight management in dogs, was manipulated to reduce fasting hunger hormones and increase postprandial satiety hormones.

[0165] Desirably, the exemplary meal maximized the beneficial effects of increased dietary fat without increasing the actual amount of dietary fat supplied to the dogs, thus preventing the introduction of excess energy into the diet. Similarly, the exemplary meal maximized the effects of increased dietary fiber without increasing the actual amount of dietary fiber supplied to the dogs, resulting in no decrease in overall nutrient digestibility and palatability for the dogs. The method of providing the first and second portions of the exemplary meal achieved the benefits of increased dietary fat and fiber, improving satiety markers without harmful effects. Furthermore, the exemplary meal improved fat and protein metabolism markers and shifted liver health markers in a positive direction.

[0166] Table 4 shows a summary of the evaluation results for the dogs. [Table 4]

[0167] Example 6 The levels of specific circulating amino acids were assessed approximately two hours after the completion of the second part of the meal. A summary of circulating amino acid levels is provided in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

Claims

1. A method of feeding an animal in order to improve its satiety and metabolic response, Feeding an animal a pet food meal that includes the first part and the second part, To provide the animal with the first portion of the pet food meal, The animal is provided with the second portion of the pet food meal following the first portion, A method wherein the second portion has different macronutrient values ​​from the first portion of the pet food meal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal is provided after the animal has consumed the first portion of the pet food meal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal is provided after a period of about one minute or more.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal is provided a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes from the provision of the first portion of the pet food meal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion of the pet food meal contains starch in an amount of about 2 to about 49% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal on a dry matter basis.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains starch in an amount of about 51 to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food meal on a dry matter basis.

7. The method of transitioning according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of the amount of starch in the second portion to the amount of starch in the first portion, which is approximately 35:1 to approximately 15:1, optionally approximately 30:1 to approximately 20:1, or approximately 25:

1.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains fat in an amount less than half the total fat amount in the pet food meal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:7 between the amount of fat in the second portion and the amount of fat in the first portion.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the weight ratio of the amount of fat in the second portion to the amount of fat in the first portion is about 1:2 to about 1:6, optionally about 1:2 to about 1:5, or about 1:2 to about 1:

4.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first portion of the pet food meal contains fat in an amount exceeding half of the total fat content in the pet food meal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second portion of the pet food meal contains less than half the total amount of fiber in the pet food meal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pet food meal has a weight ratio of the amount of fiber in the second portion to the amount of fiber in the first portion of about 1:5 to about 1:

1.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the weight ratio of the amount of fiber in the second portion to the amount of fiber in the first portion is about 1:3 to about 1:

1.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first portion of the pet food meal contains an amount of fiber that is twice as large as the amount of fiber in the second portion.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the amount of protein in the first portion of the pet food meal is approximately equal to the amount of protein in the second portion of the pet food meal.

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pet food meal has macronutrient values, and the macronutrient values ​​are Based on the total calorie content, approximately 20-60 kcal of protein, Based on the total calorie content, approximately 8 to 25 kcal of fat, A method is provided which includes approximately 30 to 60 kcal% of dietary starch based on the total calorie content.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the animal is a pet.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the pet is a canid.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the method comprises feeding the animal the pet food meal only once a day.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the animal has access to the first portion of the pet food meal for about 5 to about 15 minutes.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the animal has access to the second portion of the pet food meal for about 5 to about 15 minutes.

23. Pet food meal in the form of a first part and a second part, It has macronutrient values, and said macronutrient values Based on the total calorie content, approximately 20-60 kcal of protein, Based on the total calorie content, approximately 8 to 25 kcal of fat, Based on the total calorie content, it contains approximately 30 to approximately 60 kcal% of dietary starch, and the first portion of the pet food meal contains at least 50 kcal% of the fat in the pet food meal based on the total calorie content, and at least 50 kcal% of the fiber in the pet food meal based on the total calorie content.

24. The pet food meal according to claim 23, wherein the pet food meal is adapted to increase satiety blood markers when the animal consumes the first portion of the pet food meal, and then consumes the first portion of the pet food meal again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal consumes the first portion and the second portion of the pet food meal together.

25. The pet food meal according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the pet food meal is adapted to increase insulin production when the animal ingests the first portion of the pet food meal, and then ingests the first portion of the pet food meal again after a certain period of time, compared to when the animal ingests the first portion and the second portion of the pet food meal together.

26. The pet food meal according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the animal is a domestic dog (Canis familiaris).

27. The pet food meal according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the animal is a domestic cat (Felis domesticus).

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