dog food

Abstract

To provide a dog food that can improve or ameliorate a condition of skin or hair, a state of feces, and a health condition such as diarrhea of Japanese dogs, or the like and heighten a QOL thereof.SOLUTION: A dog food contains 6.5 dry wt.% or more and less than 8 dry wt.% of crude fat, and no beef, pork, nor salmon in raw materials and is aimed at dog species such as Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Kai Ken, Hokkaido Inu, Shikoku Inu, Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Tosa To-ken, Yakushima Inu, and Kawakami Inu. The dog food may preferably contain no milk nor component derived therefrom and contain 6 dry wt.% or more of crude fiber in the raw materials.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to dog food. More specifically, it relates to dog food for specific dog breeds that, when fed to so-called Japanese dogs and dog breeds native to Japan, has the effect of improving the health of the dog, such as by improving the coat and stool quality. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a pet boom, with many households keeping pets as pets. The positive effects on the health of pet owners, such as the mental comfort they can gain from interacting with pets and the physical activity and regular lifestyle they provide through caring for pets, which can lead to improved physical health, are becoming widely known, and it is expected that more and more pets will be kept in the future.

[0003] Among the many pets kept as pets, dogs are one of the most popular because they have many desirable qualities, such as being easily accustomed to their owners, being obedient, and having a variety of sizes and appearances to suit the preferences of their owners. Pet dogs (hereafter referred to as "pet dogs") are often regarded by their owners as important members of the family, and their health is a major concern.

[0004] While many factors affect the health of pet dogs, dietary choice is a major factor that cannot be ignored. Many pet dog breeds have been artificially bred and fixed to achieve desirable appearances and personalities. During this process, the preferred diets for each breed are likely to have changed. However, the diets currently being offered to pet dogs do not necessarily take into account the needs of each breed. Feeding an inappropriate diet for a particular breed can lead to short-term symptoms such as indigestion, and long-term problems such as nutrient deficiencies and illnesses resulting from these deficiencies. To address this issue, various dog foods have been developed and marketed to meet the needs of specific breeds.

[0005] JP 2020-502039 A discloses dog food for small dogs that contains amino acids including specific amounts of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lysine, and probiotics that reduce bacteria that are one of the families Bacteroidales, Clostridiaceae, or Enterobacteriaceae, which are capable of producing p-cresol.

[0006] The publication explains that it is necessary to adjust the amount of dog food required not only based on the age, size, and health condition of the dog, but also on the breed of canid. For example, it is revealed that small dogs require a high intake of several amino acids, mainly phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lysine. The dog food disclosed in the publication is said to contain these ingredients, and feeding it to small dogs is expected to maintain their health.

[0007] As in the example of the invention described in the same publication, many inventions have been made that attempt to provide dog food optimized for a dog's age, size, health condition, or specific breed, and many of these are currently on the market. However, most of these dog foods address nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies by supplementing them with specific nutrients. Another type of dog food has been introduced to the market in recent years, due to the growing problem of obesity in pet dogs and the resulting diabetes and other adult diseases similar to those in humans. Many dog ​​foods have been reduced in fat content to make them low in calories. However, it is generally not recommended to restrict the fat intake of healthy pet dogs that are not obese. While excessive intake of high-calorie fats should be avoided to prevent obesity, dogs generally have a high fat metabolism capacity, and as long as total calorie intake is controlled, health problems are rare. In fact, it is said that an excessive carbohydrate content in total calorie intake can lead to diabetes and strain the digestive system, so caution is required.

[0008] However, the inventors of the present application have found that even in pet dogs that are not obese and are generally considered to be in a healthy state, a lower proportion of fat in the total calorie intake can improve their health. Furthermore, they have found that similar effects can be achieved by eliminating or reducing the content of components other than fat, specifically proteins derived from specific ingredients. Here, improving health does not mean curing serious illnesses, but rather achieving a more favorable state within the range that can be considered healthy, thereby improving the quality of life of pet dogs.

[0009] Examples of improvements in health status include the following. Minor changes in coat condition, stool quality, and the like are hardly considered serious illnesses, and are generally considered to be within the range of normal, everyday fluctuations. However, if these are left untreated and allowed to progress, they may worsen into skin disorders, diarrhea, malnutrition, and the like. Preventing these or improving them while they are still minor is a typical example of the improvements in health status envisioned by the present invention.

[0010] Through detailed observations, the inventors of the present invention have found that there is a strong correlation between the nutrients provided to the animals and the improvement of their health conditions. More specifically, it has been shown that coat condition, stool quality, and diarrhea symptoms can be improved by keeping the fat content of the diet low, reducing the amount of protein derived from specific ingredients, specifically beef, pork, and salmon, and more preferably reducing or eliminating lactose.

[0011] In addition, we have found that the health-improving effects are even more pronounced when certain functional foods, such as probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, and butyric acid bacteria) and their prebiotics, dietary fiber, cordyceps, and natto, are ingested. Furthermore, we have found that whether or not such effects are exhibited varies greatly depending on the breed of pet dog, and that significant effects are exhibited in so-called Japanese dogs and dog breeds native to Japan. Specifically, we have confirmed that the present invention exhibits significant effects in Japanese dog breeds such as Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Kai Inu, Hokkaido Inu, and Shikoku Inu. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the present invention exhibits significant effects in Japanese dog breeds such as Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Tosa Fighting Dog, Yakushima Inu, and Kawakami Inu. Hereinafter, the Japanese dogs and dog breeds native to Japan will be collectively referred to as "Japanese dogs, etc." Furthermore, dog breeds to which the dog food of the present invention should be fed, that is, dog breeds (including Japanese dogs, etc.) whose health condition improves when fed the dog food of the present invention, are referred to as "target dog breeds."

[0012] The exact reason why limiting the amount of fat, protein derived from certain ingredients, and lactose in Japanese dogs improves their health is unknown, but it is likely related to the fact that Japanese dogs are a breed that has evolved in symbiosis with humans for many years in Japan. In other words, while they have a poor ability to utilize ingredients that were rare in the Japanese diet until modern times, such as beef, pork, and dairy products, and to metabolize fat, they appear to be more suited to a diet that is relatively high in dietary fiber and carbohydrates.

[0013] Based on these research results, the inventors of the present application have completed a dog food that can further improve the health of pet dogs of Japanese breeds, etc. The present invention aims to improve the health of pet dogs by an epidemiological approach, regardless of the validity of the assumed mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-502039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] As explained above, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide dog food that can improve the health condition of Japanese dogs and other breeds, including the condition of their skin and coat, stool quality, and diarrheal symptoms, thereby improving their quality of life. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: Contains at least 5% but less than 10% dry weight crude fat; Ingredients do not include beef, pork, or salmon The dog food is characterized by:

[0017] The dog food of the present invention is characterized by having a crude fat content of 5% to less than 10% by dry weight, which is lower than the 10% to 20% by dry weight content of typical dog foods generally available on the market. Dog foods for obese pet dogs are known that have an even lower crude fat content (e.g., 8% by dry weight), but this is a significantly lower crude fat content than typical dog foods intended for healthy pet dogs.

[0018] The fat contained in dog food is digested and absorbed, and then metabolized and utilized as lipids in the pet dog's body, but the target dog breed has a low lipid metabolism ability, so when fed dog food containing the same amount of fat as pet dogs of normal breeds that have no problems with lipid metabolism, the digestibility tends to be low and the stool quality tends to deteriorate. However, by adjusting the fat ratio in the dog food to a low level, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such minor health problems.

[0019] The target dog breeds appear to have innate weaknesses, such as lower activity of proteolytic enzymes, such as cysteine ​​proteases, compared to other dog breeds, making them less able to digest, absorb, and metabolize certain ingredients or proteins derived from them. According to the inventor's research, these specific ingredients are specifically beef, pork, and salmon, and ingesting these ingredients and their derived proteins can cause indigestion. Therefore, by producing dog food that does not contain these ingredients and their derived proteins, indigestion can be prevented. Note that "excluding beef, pork, and salmon" as ingredients actively means that these ingredients are not used as ingredients in dog food. Therefore, even if various dog foods are produced using a common production facility and very small amounts of these ingredients are mixed in as impurities, this still meets the requirement of not including beef, pork, and salmon as ingredients and is included in the present invention. Specifically, beef, pork, and salmon must be contained in an amount of less than 0.1% by dry weight. This level of content does not cause health problems in pet dogs of the target breeds.

[0020] (2) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains at least 6.5% but less than 8% dry weight crude fat The dog food is characterized by the above (1).

[0021] As explained above, consuming a large amount of lipids in the target breeds can cause undesirable symptoms, such as reduced digestibility and poor stool quality, even if not serious. However, lipids are an important nutrient for dogs. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, in particular, is an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized in the body. A deficiency or insufficiency can lead to loss of coat luster, skin diseases such as dermatitis, and impaired kidney function. Furthermore, dogs can convert linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, into α-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, so omega-3 fatty acids are not essential fatty acids. However, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in a dog's diet is said to be related to its health. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the fatty acids essential for a dog's health through its diet. For this reason, even for pet dogs of the target breeds, which are thought to have a low lipid metabolism capacity, it is preferable to ensure sufficient essential fatty acids by using a dog food containing at least 6.5% crude fat by dry weight.

[0022] As already explained, in order to ensure that pet dogs ingest the essential fatty acids they need through their diet, it is preferable for pet dogs of target breeds that are considered to have a low lipid metabolic capacity to be fed dog food containing 4% or more crude fat by dry weight, but more preferably dog ​​food containing 6.5% or more crude fat by dry weight, because with this level of fat, most pet dogs of the target breeds will not become over-lipidized, and at the same time, will more reliably avoid becoming deficient or insufficient in essential fatty acids.

[0023] As already explained, feeding pet dogs of target breeds considered to have low lipid metabolism capacity with dog food containing a low fat content of approximately 10% by dry weight can prevent undesirable symptoms such as low digestibility and poor stool quality. However, research by the present inventors has shown that even greater effects can be achieved by further reducing the crude fat content to approximately 8% by dry weight. Meanwhile, lipids are important nutrients for dogs, and linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is an essential fatty acid that must be ingested through the diet. A deficiency or insufficiency of lipids can immediately lead to health problems such as loss of coat luster, skin disorders such as dermatitis, and impaired kidney function.

[0024] However, even if dog food is carefully formulated, since it is made from natural ingredients, there will inevitably be some fluctuation in the nutrient content. While reducing the crude fat content in dog food can prevent minor health problems, there is a risk that a deficiency in essential fatty acids within the range of nutrient content can lead to health problems. Therefore, it is preferable to aim for a crude fat content of less than 8% dry weight, so that there is no risk of essential fatty acid deficiency or insufficiency even if the nutrient content fluctuates slightly.

[0025] (3) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains no milk or milk-derived ingredients The dog food is characterized by the fact that it is the dog food according to (1) or (2).

[0026] Although milk is an excellent food rich in various nutrients, it is also known to contain substances that cause lactose intolerance, a condition in which humans are unable to properly digest the lactose (milk sugar) contained in milk, resulting in symptoms such as indigestion and diarrhea. Not only humans, but almost all mammals tend to develop lactose intolerance as they grow, and dogs are no exception. However, the inventor's observations have revealed that this symptom is particularly pronounced in the target dog breed. The direct cause of lactose intolerance in mammals is a decrease in the activity of lactase, the lactose-digesting enzyme, after weaning. However, in the target dog breed, it appears that the activity of uridyltransferase also decreases. In this case, even galactose, which is produced by the breakdown of lactose, becomes a problem. Depending on the degree of decrease in uridyltransferase activity, this could potentially lead to serious illnesses beyond symptoms such as indigestion and diarrhea.

[0027] Therefore, by making dog food that does not contain milk or ingredients derived from milk as ingredients, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of health problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, and poor stool quality.

[0028] If lactose contained in milk is the cause, then in principle, removing lactose from milk or hydrolyzing lactose in milk using enzymes or other methods should enable the maintenance of good health in target dog breeds, even when using dog food containing milk and its derived ingredients. However, the former approach is not desirable because it is not easy to completely remove lactose from milk, and doing so would require significant costs. Furthermore, there are a certain number of dog owners who feel uneasy about feeding their pet dogs dog food manufactured through numerous artificial processing processes. Similarly, the latter approach is also undesirable because it is not easy to completely hydrolyze lactose in milk, and a significant proportion often remains. Furthermore, if uridyltransferase activity is reduced, the galactose produced by hydrolysis of lactose may cause health problems.

[0029] On the other hand, it is not difficult to prepare dog food that satisfies the essential nutrients required by pet dogs without relying on milk, and therefore the dog food of the present invention does not contain milk or ingredients derived from milk.

[0030] (4) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains probiotics or prebiotics of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, or Clostridium butyricum The dog food according to any one of (1) to (3) is characterized in that:

[0031] Lactobacillus sporogenes is a type of bacteria known as lactic acid bacteria and is said to have strong acid resistance. Bifidobacterium infantis is also a type of lactic acid bacteria, and is said to be overwhelmingly dominant in the large intestine of breastfed infants, demonstrating its strong acid resistance. It is also one of the resistant lactic acid bacteria that is the active ingredient in the antibiotic-resistant lactic acid bacteria preparation Laxpan Powder (Laxpan is a registered trademark of Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). These bacteria have excellent acid resistance compared to other lactic acid bacteria that primarily metabolize sugars to produce lactic acid. Therefore, when ingested orally, they are thought to reach the intestine alive and metabolize sugars, including lactose, to produce lactic acid.

[0032] Butyric acid bacteria are a type of bacteria that metabolize dietary fiber and sugars to produce butyric acid.They form spores, which give them excellent acid and salt tolerance.When ingested orally, they reach the intestines alive, where they are thought to metabolize sugars, including lactose, to produce butyric acid.

[0033] These probiotic bacteria metabolize lactose and the galactose produced by its breakdown, preventing health problems such as indigestion and diarrhea in target dog breeds. This is expected to prevent health problems even when small amounts of milk or its derivatives are ingested. This, for example, could contribute to improved satisfaction for both owners and their pet dogs, by broadening the range of treat options for training and communication purposes, even if the dog's primary diet does not contain milk or its derivatives. Furthermore, although studies have primarily been conducted on humans, the intake of these probiotics has been shown to have favorable effects, such as reduced constipation and serum cholesterol, and allergy symptoms. Therefore, it is expected that the health of pet dogs, which, like humans, are omnivorous, may also be improved.

[0034] As explained above, lactic acid bacteria is a general term for bacteria that primarily metabolize sugars to produce lactic acid, and there are many different types. Research by the present inventors has shown that adding Lactobacillus sporogenes and Bifidobacterium infantis to pet food can produce significant benefits, making these species the preferred species among the many available. These species have excellent acid resistance and are likely to reach the intestine alive when orally ingested, while many lactic acid bacteria are said to be nearly dead by the time they reach the intestine. This is likely one of the reasons why favorable results were obtained with these species in the present inventors' research. Incidentally, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, and butyric acid bacteria are all species isolated from the intestines of healthy pet dogs of the target breed, and since they naturally reside in the intestines of healthy pet dogs of the target breed and maintain their health, it is not surprising that supplementing them would restore or improve the health of the target breed. The dog food according to the present invention preferably contains these probiotics in an amount of 0.01% or more and less than 5% by dry weight, because even a relatively small amount of probiotics, when continuously fed, has the effect of favorably changing the intestinal bacterial flora in the intestines of pet dogs of the target breed, and the required effect can be achieved at this content.

[0035] In the present invention, prebiotics refer to dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, and the like that contribute to promoting the growth of these bacteria. However, because lactose intake in target dog breeds can cause health problems, lactose is preferably excluded from the prebiotics of the present invention. Feeding prebiotics makes lactic acid bacteria and butyric acid bacteria dominant in the intestinal flora of pet dogs, so similar effects to those achieved by feeding probiotics can be expected.

[0036] (5) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains at least 6% crude fiber by dry weight The dog food is characterized in that it is the dog food according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0037] Although dietary fiber is not essential for dogs, it is believed to improve stool quality and act as a type of prebiotic, and various dog foods containing dietary fiber have been commercially available. It is believed that excessive dietary fiber can cause constipation and reduce digestibility, hindering the absorption of essential nutrients. Therefore, most dog foods, except those for obese pet dogs, contain approximately 5% crude fiber by dry weight. However, research by the present inventors has shown that for pet dogs of the target breed, even if the crude fiber content is set at a higher level, problems such as reduced digestibility are unlikely to occur, and stool quality may actually improve. This effect is even more pronounced when probiotics are administered, leading to a more significant improvement in health. Therefore, it is preferable to use dog foods with a high crude fiber content of 6% or more by dry weight.

[0038] (6) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains 0.01% or more by dry weight but less than 5% by dry weight of natto The dog food according to any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that:

[0039] Natto is a fermented food made by bacterial fermentation of steamed or boiled soybeans using natto bacteria. Because soybeans are used as the raw material, it is rich in protein, making it a suitable protein source for the pet food of the present invention. It is also rich in dietary fiber, which itself regulates intestinal function and is expected to function as a prebiotic. Furthermore, natto bacteria are a type of Bacillus subtilis that form spores, making them highly acid- and salt-resistant. When ingested orally, they reach the intestines alive and multiply, promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria and other bacteria. They are also one of the active ingredients in The Guard Alpha Three Plus Intestinal Regulatory Tablets, an intestinal and antacid health medicine sold by Kowa Co., Ltd.

[0040] The effects of natto described above, such as improving diarrhea symptoms and stool quality, are similar to the effects of the present invention described in (1) to (5). However, research by the present inventors has found that adding a small amount of natto to the dog foods described in (1) to (5) significantly improves these effects. In addition to the effects of natto itself, the probiotic and prebiotic effects of natto appear to have a synergistic effect that enhances the effects of the dog food of the present invention. Therefore, it is preferable to use dog food containing natto. The natto content is preferably 0.01% or more and less than 5% by dry weight. This range provides the desired effects without causing adverse effects, including a loss of palatability.

[0041] (7) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Contains 0.01% to 5% by dry weight of Cordyceps The dog food according to any one of (1) to (6) is characterized in that:

[0042] Cordyceps is a general term for mushrooms such as Cordyceps sinensis, Semitake, Nomushitake, Sanagitake, and Hanasanagitake, whose mycelium parasitizes insects in the soil and produces fruiting bodies above ground. Cordyceps has been shown to have various effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunosuppressive properties, and human clinical trials have shown that Semitake hot water extract has the effect of preventing rough skin.

[0043] Although the exact mechanism by which Cordyceps exerts its effect of preventing rough skin is unknown, one of the major causes of rough skin and dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin due to allergies and other factors, and it is thought that Cordyceps' anti-inflammatory effect inhibits this, thereby preventing or curing rough skin. According to the research of the present inventors, it has been confirmed that Cordyceps also improves the condition of the skin and coat of pet dogs, similar to its effect of preventing rough skin in humans, i.e., it inhibits the occurrence of so-called dandruff and improves the shine of the coat.

[0044] The effects of Cordyceps described above, such as improving or ameliorating the condition of skin and coat, are similar to the effects of the present invention described in (1) to (5). However, research by the present inventors has found that adding a small amount of Cordyceps to the dog foods described in (1) to (5) significantly improves these effects. When symptoms such as rough skin occur, an inflammatory reaction often occurs concomitantly. It is believed that healing or ameliorating this reaction through the action of Cordyceps will also quickly heal or improve the original symptoms, such as rough skin. Therefore, it is preferable to use dog food containing Cordyceps.

[0045] However, since Cordyceps is difficult to eat as is, for example, it does not soften even when heated for a long time, it is crushed and added to foods, etc., or an extract thereof is added to foods, etc., to obtain more preferable foods, etc. Apart from differences in texture, etc., there is no difference in the effects of the functional foods, etc. of the present invention whether Cordyceps is added as is or crushed Cordyceps or an extract of Cordyceps is added. It is preferable that the content of Cordyceps is 0.01% or more and less than 5% by dry weight. This is because within this range, the required effects are obtained without causing any adverse effects, including palatability.

[0046] (8) In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, Suitable for Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Kai Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Shikoku Inu, Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Tosa Fighting Dog, Yakushima Inu, and Kawakami Inu breeds. The dog food according to any one of (1) to (7) is characterized in that:

[0047] Based on various pieces of evidence, the dog food of the present invention can improve coat condition and stool quality, thereby enhancing the health of target dog breeds, by reducing the fat intake rate, reducing the amount of protein derived from specific ingredients, and preferably reducing or eliminating lactose. However, since it is extremely difficult to fully understand the true phenomena occurring within the bodies of any living organism, not just dogs, it must be acknowledged that the mechanism by which the dog food of the present invention improves the health of target dog breeds involves speculation. Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the health of pet dogs through an epidemiological approach, regardless of the validity of the speculated mechanism. Furthermore, since it is said that in typical dog breeds with a high lipid metabolism capacity, an excessive proportion of carbohydrates in the total calorie intake poses a risk of developing diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders, it cannot be said with certainty that the dog food of the present invention is suitable for all dog breeds.

[0048] According to the applicant's research, it has been confirmed that the health of the target dog breeds, namely Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Kai Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Shikoku Inu, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Tosa Fighting Dog, Yakushima Inu, and Kawakami Inu, is improved by feeding them the dog food of the present invention, which has a low fat intake rate and a reduced amount of protein derived from specific ingredients, and it is clear that there is a benefit to the health of the target dog breeds, regardless of the mechanism.

[0049] Therefore, by making the dog food of the present invention suitable for these target breeds, owners can easily decide to feed their dogs dog food with a low proportion of lipids and a reduced amount of protein derived from specific ingredients, thereby contributing to maintaining the health of pet dogs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] (1) The dog food is characterized by containing 4% or more by dry weight but less than 10% by dry weight of crude fat and not containing beef, pork, or salmon as ingredients. This has the effect of preventing the occurrence of minor health problems, such as deterioration of the skin and coat condition, poor stool quality, and indigestion, in the target dog breeds, thereby improving or enhancing the health of the target dog breeds.

[0051] (2) Since the crude fat content is set to be 6.5% by dry weight or more but less than 8% by dry weight, not only is the effect of the present invention more pronounced, but also there is an effect that the dog food can be produced without the concern of a deficiency or insufficiency of essential fatty acids even if there is a fluctuation in the nutrients contained in dog food produced from natural raw materials.

[0052] (3) Since the raw materials do not contain milk or ingredients derived from milk, the target dog breeds will not experience health problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, and poor stool quality, which makes it possible to more reliably obtain the effects of the present invention.

[0053] (4) The product contains probiotics or prebiotics of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, or butyric acid bacteria, which can suppress the occurrence of health problems even when the target dog breed ingests undesirable sugars such as lactose. This also has the effect of contributing to increased satisfaction for both owners and pet dogs, such as by expanding the range of treat choices for training and communication purposes.

[0054] (5) The crude fiber content of the dog food of the present invention is set to 6% by dry weight or more, which not only improves stool quality but also makes the effects of probiotics even more pronounced. When probiotics are ingested, the effects become even more pronounced, and the health condition is improved even more significantly.

[0055] (6) Since the dog food contains natto, the effects of the dog food of the present invention, such as improvement of diarrhea symptoms and stool quality, can be significantly improved.

[0056] (7) Since the dog food of the present invention contains Cordyceps, it has the effect of further enhancing the effects of the dog food of the present invention, such as healing or improving rough skin and dermatitis, and improving the luster of the coat.

[0057] (8) Because the dog food is made for the target breed, owners can easily decide to feed their pets dog food with a low proportion of lipids and a reduced amount of protein derived from specific ingredients, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the health of pet dogs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. In the following description, various dog foods according to the present invention and comparative examples will be discussed, and the ingredients thereof are summarized in Table 1.

[0059] [Table 1] [Example]

[0060] As shown in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 in Table 1, two dog foods were prepared: one with a total calorie content of 360 kcal and adjusted to contain 25% crude protein, 8% crude fat, and 5% crude fiber (Example 1), and the other with a content of 25% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 5% crude fiber (Comparative Example 1). Both Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were prepared using chicken, cod, sweet potato, rice, and canola oil as the main ingredients, and did not contain beef, pork, salmon, or dairy products as ingredients.

[0061] The dog food of Example 1 and the dog food of Comparative Example 1 were fed to five healthy Shiba Inu dogs, one Akita Inu dog, one Kishu Inu dog, one Kai Inu dog, one Hokkaido Inu dog, one Shikoku Inu dog, and one Japanese Spitz dog for one month, and then digestibility tests and fecal tests were conducted. As a result, in all dog breeds, better results were obtained in both the digestibility test and the fecal test when the dog food of Example 1 was fed, demonstrating the superiority of the present invention in the target dog breeds. [Example]

[0062] As shown in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 in Table 1, dog food (Example 2) was prepared with a total calorie content of 360 kcal and adjusted to 25% crude protein, 8% crude fat, and 6% crude fiber, and dog food (Comparative Example 2) was prepared with a crude protein content of 25% crude fat, and 4% crude fiber. Both the dog food of Example 2 and the dog food of Comparative Example 2 were prepared using the same ingredients as those used in Example 1.

[0063] The dog food of Example 2 and the dog food of Comparative Example 2 were fed to five healthy Shiba Inu dogs, one Akita Inu dog, one Kishu Inu dog, one Kai Inu dog, one Hokkaido Inu dog, one Shikoku Inu dog, and one Japanese Spitz dog for one month, respectively, and digestibility tests and fecal tests were then conducted. The results showed that the digestibility of the two dog foods was almost the same for all dog breeds. Generally, the higher the crude fiber content in a dog's diet, the lower the digestibility, but this tendency was not observed in the target dog breeds. Furthermore, in the fecal tests, better results were obtained when the dog food of Example 2 was fed to all dog breeds. This demonstrates the superiority of the present invention in the target dog breeds. [Example]

[0064] As shown in Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 in Table 1, a complete nutritional diet was prepared with a total calorie content of 325 kcal, 25% crude protein, 7% crude fat, and 6% crude fiber, and 5% dry weight chicken was added to obtain the dog food of Example 3(a). Similarly, cod, beef, salmon, and unsalted cheese were added to the complete nutritional diet to obtain the dog foods of Example 3(b), Comparative Example 3(a), Comparative Example 3(b), and Comparative Example 3(c), respectively. The complete nutritional diet that served as the base for the dog foods of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 was prepared using the same ingredients as in Example 1.

[0065] The two dog foods of Example 3 and the three dog foods of Comparative Example 3 were fed to five healthy Shiba Inu dogs for one week, and then digestibility tests and fecal tests were conducted. As a result, a clear tendency for indigestion was observed when the three dog foods of Comparative Example 3 were fed, and it was found that it is preferable to feed dog foods that do not contain beef, salmon, or unsalted cheese to the target dog breed. This demonstrates the superiority of the present invention in the target dog breed. [Example]

[0066] As shown in Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 in Table 1, the same dog food as in Example 1 was prepared, and N3+ (manufactured by Mushroom Design Studio Co., Ltd.), a supplement made of coated granular powder containing Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, and butyric acid bacteria, was added to it to form Example 4, and Comparative Example 4 was prepared without adding N3+ (the same as in Example 1).

[0067] The dog food of Example 4 and the dog food of Comparative Example 4 were fed to 25 healthy Shiba Inu dogs for one month each, and then the owners were surveyed on three aspects: stool quality, coat condition, and overall impression of health. As a result, a significantly large number of respondents reported that favorable changes had occurred in each category after feeding the dog food of Example 4, demonstrating the superiority of the present invention in the target dog breeds. [Example]

[0068] As shown in Example 5 and Comparative Example 5 in Table 1, the same dog food as in Example 1 was prepared, and 1g each of Cordyceps, natto, Sparassis crispa, and soybeans, calculated as a daily dietary amount, was added to these to give Example 5(a), Example 5(b), Comparative Example 5(a), and Comparative Example 5(b), respectively. While Cordyceps and natto are ingredients that produce the effects already described, Sparassis crispa and soybeans were selected as ingredients that are thought to be relatively similar to these for comparison. Sparassis crispa is similar to Cordyceps in that it is a type of mushroom, and soybeans are an ingredient of natto.

[0069] The two dog foods of Example 5 and the two dog foods of Comparative Example 5 were fed to five healthy Shiba Inu dogs for one month each, and then the owners were surveyed on three aspects: stool quality, coat condition, and overall impression of health. As a result, a significantly large number of respondents reported that favorable changes had occurred in all categories after feeding the dog foods of Example 5(a) and Example 5(b), demonstrating the superiority of the present invention in the target dog breeds. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] As explained above, the present invention provides dog food that can improve or ameliorate the health condition of Japanese dogs and other breeds, including the condition of their skin and coat, stool quality, and diarrheal symptoms, thereby improving their quality of life, and is of great industrial value.

Claims

1. 5% by dry weight or more and less than 10% by dry weight crude fat; Contains probiotics or prebiotics of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidobacterium infantis, and butyric acid bacteria, The ingredients do not include beef, pork, salmon, or proteins derived from these, or milk or ingredients derived from these. A dog food characterized by:

2. Contains at least 6% by dry weight crude fiber The dog food according to claim 1 .

3. Contains 0.01% or more by dry weight and less than 5% by dry weight of natto The dog food according to claim 1 .

4. Contains 0.01% to less than 5% by dry weight of Cordyceps or Cordyceps extract The dog food according to claim 1 .

5. Suitable for Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Kai Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Shikoku Inu, Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, Tosa Fighting Dog, Yakushima Inu, and Kawakami Inu breeds. The dog food according to claim 1 .

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