Pet food composition

Abstract

Described herein are pet food compositions containing propolis, along with methods of making and using the same. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pet food composition comprising propolis in an amount greater than about 0.1 wt %, about 10 to about 40 wt % protein, about 9 to about 25 wt % lipid, and about 10 to about 90 wt % carbohydrate, all weight percentages being based on the total weight of the food composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 112,361, filed on November 11, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Failure in weight management typically occurs due to either consuming excessive calories and not burning them (which leads to weight gain) or not consuming enough calories to maintain weight (which leads to weight loss).

[0003] The health of a bred animal may be closely related to its diet. The correct diet should result in a lively and healthy pet. To achieve the correct diet, specific ingredients that have beneficial effects on the animal and the concentrations of those ingredients can be utilized. Such beneficial effects can include an increase in the animal's weight, or a decrease in the daily food intake, or both.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pet food composition that can have a beneficial effect on an animal, such as by increasing the animal's weight, or decreasing the food intake, or affecting both.

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] The applicant has discovered that utilizing certain components in a pet food composition provides effective health benefits. In one embodiment, the health benefit may be an increase in the animal's mass. In another embodiment, the health benefit may be a decrease in the animal's food intake. In yet another embodiment, the benefit may be a decrease in the animal's food intake and an increase in the animal's weight. In yet another embodiment, the animal may be a companion animal. In yet another embodiment, the animal may be an elderly animal. In yet another embodiment, the animal may be a canid. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention is a pet food composition comprising propolis.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pet food composition comprising propolis present in an amount of about 0.1% or more based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 1% to about 3% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis is present in an amount of about 1% to about 2% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, the composition is substantially free of antioxidants. In a particular embodiment, the composition does not contain antioxidants. In a particular embodiment, the composition contains about 6% to about 12% moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the composition contains approximately 65% ​​to 85% moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises citrus pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition for reducing the food intake of a companion animal, wherein the composition contains more than 0.1% propolis based on the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the companion animal is a canid or a feline.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition useful for increasing body weight while reducing food intake, wherein the composition contains more than 0.1% propolis based on the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the companion animal is a canid or a feline.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the food intake of a companion animal, the method comprising feeding the companion animal an effective amount of a pet food composition, the pet food composition comprising more than about 0.1% propolis based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, propolis is present in amounts of about 0.1% to about 20%, about 0.5% to about 15%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the composition is substantially free of antioxidants. In certain embodiments, the composition is free of antioxidants. In certain embodiments, the composition contains about 6% to about 12% moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the composition contains about 65% to about 85% by weight moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises citrus pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes. In certain embodiments, the companion animal is a canid or a feline.

[0011] In further specific embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the food intake and increasing the weight of a companion animal, the method comprising feeding the companion animal an effective amount of a pet food composition containing propolis present in an amount greater than about 0.1% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the propolis is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20%, about 0.5% to about 15%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the composition is substantially free of antioxidants. In specific embodiments, the composition is free of antioxidants. In specific embodiments, the composition contains about 6% to about 12% moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the composition contains about 65% to about 85% moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the composition further comprises citrus pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes. In certain embodiments, the companion animal is a canid or a feline.

[0012] Further scopes to which the present invention may be applied will become apparent from the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” provided below. Naturally, while the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” and the specific examples illustrate typical embodiments of the present invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" concerning specific embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a bar graph showing the levels of uremic toxins in cats after being given an exemplary food composition or a comparative food composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bar graph showing the levels of advanced glycation end products (RDPs) in cats after being given an exemplary food composition or a comparative food composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Naturally, the various embodiments are not limited to the compositions, arrangements, and means shown in the figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] 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 uses and methods. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited in its applications to the details of any specific embodiment shown. The terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and do not limit the present invention, its applications, or use.

[0018] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include multiple references unless otherwise specified by context. The singular form of any class of components refers not only to a single chemical species within that class but also to mixtures of those chemical species. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” 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.”

[0019] 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 end of that range. For example, the range 0.5–6% explicitly includes all intermediate values, such as 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.9%, up to the upper limit which includes 5.95%, 5.97%, and 5.99%. Unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise, the same applies to each of the other numerical properties and / or elemental ranges described herein.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and anywhere therein should be understood to refer to weight percentages of the total composition. Unless otherwise specified, references to components or constituents present in "wt.%" and "weight %" refer to the amount of that component or constituent present in the composition based on the total weight of the composition. Where weight percentages are provided based on the total weight of the composition on a dry matter basis, such weight percentages refer to the weight percentage of that component or constituent in the composition, excluding water.

[0021] According to this application, the use of the term “about” in relation to a number refers to a value that may be + / - 5% of that number. As used herein, the term “substantially not present” is intended to mean an amount less than about 5.0% by weight ("wt."), less than 3.0% by weight, less than 1.0% by weight, preferably less than about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably less than about 0.25% by weight of the composition. As used herein, the term “not present” is intended to mean that no detectable amount exists.

[0022] The term “pet food composition” means a composition suitable for consumption by animals, and preferably pets. Pet food compositions may include, but are not limited to, nutritionally balanced compositions suitable for daily feeding, as well as supplements and / or treats, which may or may not be nutritionally balanced. The term “nutritionally balanced” means that a composition such as a pet food composition has known and necessary nutrients to sustain life in appropriate amounts and proportions, based on recommendations from recognized authorities, including but not limited to government agencies and the field of pet nutrition. Pet food compositions may be dry compositions (e.g., kibble), semi-moist compositions, wet compositions, or any mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, a composition may be a supplement such as gravy, drinking water, yogurt, powder, suspension, chews, treats (e.g., biscuits), or any other delivery form.

[0023] The term "effective dose" indicates that a material or quantity of material is effective in achieving an intended outcome, such as preventing, alleviating, or relieving one or more symptoms of a disease or health condition.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In the event of a conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and those in the cited references, the disclosure shall control.

[0025] The present disclosure is directed to pet food compositions and methods of using such pet food compositions for the treatment of companion animals. In certain embodiments, the pet is a canine. In other embodiments, the canine is elderly. In further embodiments, the pet is a feline. In certain embodiments, the feline is elderly. In certain embodiments, the elderly pet is at least 4, 5, 6, or 7 years old.

[0026] The inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that providing an animal with a pet food diet containing propolis results in an improvement in the animal's health benefits. Such improvements in health benefits can be exemplified by a number of aspects. In a first aspect, the health benefit may be to increase the animal's body weight. In another aspect, the health benefit may be to decrease the animal's food intake. In another aspect, the health benefit may be both to increase the animal's body weight and at the same time to decrease the animal's food intake.

[0027] In one aspect, the present disclosure thus provides a pet food composition comprising propolis present in an amount of about 0.1% or more, based on the weight of the pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the propolis is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. Some embodiments of the composition may have a reduced amount of antioxidant. The antioxidant included in a limited amount or excluded from the composition may be butylated hydroxyanisole (“BHA”), butylated hydroxytoluene (“BHT”), tert-butylhydroquinone (“TBHQ”), vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, its tocopherol derivatives, rosemary, grape seeds, turmeric, a mixture of plants, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the pet food composition has a reduced amount (e.g., substantially free or free) of rosemary, grape seeds, turmeric, or a mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the pet food composition is substantially free of antioxidant. For example, the composition may contain an antioxidant of about 3 wt% or less, about 2 wt% or less, about 1 wt% or less, about 0.5 wt% or less, about 0.1 wt% or less, about 0.05 wt% or less, or about 0.01 wt% or less, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry matter basis. In certain embodiments, the pet food composition contains no antioxidant.

[0028] Propolis is generally a glue-like, natural resinous substance collected by honeybees from the seedlings and buds of various plants. Propolis preferably contains one or more of the following: pollen, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, or combinations of two or more of these. For example, propolis may contain flavonoids selected from flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanonols, chalcones, dihydrochalcones, isoflavones, isodhihydroflavones, flavans, isoflavanes, neoflavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and combinations of two or more of these. Propolis preferably contains one or more flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-allergic properties. In at least one embodiment, the propolis comprises flavonoids selected from 2-(1-(2-methylcorthonoyloxy)-1-methylethyl)-8-oxo-1,2-dihydrofuran[2,3-H]2H-chromene, 3-methyl-buto-2-enoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-8-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H,8H-pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-3-yl ester, 2H-cyclopentacyclooctene, 4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-1,2,2,3-tetramethyl, germanicol, dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-[1,3-(13C2)]bisicle, and two or more combinations thereof. The composition may also comprise propolis comprising one or more terpenoids selected from acyclic monoterpenes, monocyclic monoterpenes, bicyclic monoterpenes, and two or more combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the propolis comprises dodeca-1,3,5,6,8,10-hexaene-9,10-dicarboxylate, spiro[benzo[a]cyclopenta[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-c]cyclohepten-,8(5H),2'-[1,3]dioxane], 6,7,7b,10a-tetrahydro-1,14-methylcholest-7-en-3-ol-15-one, (3α,4α)-4-methylstigmasto-22-en-3-ol, and terpenoids selected from two or more combinations thereof. The composition may also contain one or more polyphenols, such as polyphenols that can chelate metal ions.

[0029] Propolis may be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, propolis may be present in an amount of about 0.1% or more based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, propolis may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, propolis may be present in amounts of approximately 0.1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.8% by weight, 1.0% by weight, approximately 1.2% by weight, approximately 1.4% by weight, approximately 1.6% by weight, approximately 1.8% by weight, approximately 2.0% by weight, approximately 2.2% by weight, approximately 2.4% by weight, approximately 2.6% by weight, approximately 2.8% by weight, approximately 3.0% by weight, approximately 3.2% by weight, approximately 3.4% by weight, approximately 3.6% by weight, approximately 3.8% by weight, approximately 4.0% by weight, approximately 4.2% by weight, approximately 4.4% by weight, approximately 4.6% by weight, approximately 4.8% by weight, or approximately 5.0% by weight, approximately 8.0% by weight, approximately 10.0% by weight, approximately 10.5% by weight, approximately 15.0% by weight, approximately 17.5% by weight, approximately 18.0% by weight, or approximately 20.0% by weight. In another embodiment, propolis may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.1% to about 7%, about 0.1% to about 5%, or about 0.1% to about 3%, based on the weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In a further embodiment, propolis may be present in an amount of about 1% or more, about 2% or more, about 3% or more, about 4% or more, about 6% or more, about 10% or more, or about 15% or more, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis. In a further embodiment, propolis is present in amounts of approximately 0.1% to approximately 20%, approximately 0.1% to approximately 15%, approximately 0.1% to approximately 10%, approximately 0.1% to approximately 6%, approximately 0.1% to approximately 4%, approximately 0.5% to approximately 5%, approximately 1% to approximately 15%, approximately 1% to approximately 10%, approximately 1% to approximately 5%, approximately 1% to approximately 3%, or approximately 1% to approximately 2%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0030] Pet food compositions may contain protein and / or digestible crude protein. “Digestive crude protein” is the portion of protein that, after being digested by gastric enzymes, can be made available or converted into free nitrogen (amino acids). In vitro measurement of digestible crude protein may be achieved by using gastric enzymes such as pepsin, digesting the sample, and measuring the free amino acids after digestion. In vivo measurement of digestible crude protein may be achieved by measuring the protein level in a feed / food sample, feeding the sample to an animal, and measuring the amount of nitrogen collected in the animal's feces.

[0031] The protein and / or digestible crude protein in the composition may be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, the protein may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 40% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, the protein may be present in an amount of about 10% by weight, about 15% by weight, about 20% by weight, about 25% by weight, about 30% by weight, about 35% by weight, or about 40% by weight. In another embodiment, the protein may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 25%, about 15% to about 25%, or about 15% to about 20%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry weight basis. In a particular embodiment, the protein may be present in an amount of about 12% to about 35%, about 13% to about 25%, or about 15% to about 25%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry weight basis.

[0032] 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 composition. In further embodiments, the amount of digestible protein is, based on the total amount of protein in the composition, 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, including ranges and partial ranges thereof.

[0033] The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain additional components suitable for use in pet food compositions. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, amino acids, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and additives.

[0034] Carbohydrates can be supplied from any variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to oat fiber, cellulose, peanut husks, beet pulp, parboiled rice, corn starch, corn gluten meal, and any combination of these sources. Examples of grains that supply carbohydrates include, but are not limited to, wheat, corn, barley, and rice. The carbohydrate content of a food can be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art. Generally, the percentage of carbohydrates can be calculated as soluble non-nitrogenous material ("NFE"), which can be calculated as follows: NFE = 100% - (Moisture %) - (Protein %) - (Fat %) - (Ash %) - (Crude Fiber %). The amount of carbohydrates present in the composition (for example, calculated as NFE) may be 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 40% by weight, about 10 to about 30% by weight, about 10 to about 20% by weight, about 20 to about 90% by weight, about 20 to about 70% by weight, about 20 to about 50% by weight, about 20 to about 40% by weight, about 30 to about 90% by weight, about 30 to about 70% by weight, about 30 to about 50% by weight, about 30 to about 40% by weight, about 50 to about 90% by weight, about 50 to about 70% by weight, or about 70 to about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0035] 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 component 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 indigestible components contained in the cell walls and cell contents of plants such as grains (e.g., the hulls of grains such as rice, corn, and beans). The typical crude fiber content in the compositions of this disclosure can be about 0–10% by weight, about 1–5% by weight, about 1–3% by weight, or about 1–2% by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry material basis.

[0036] The pet food composition may contain total dietary fiber. Total dietary fiber may be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, total dietary fiber may be present in an amount of less than about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, total dietary fiber may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 20% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, total dietary fiber may be present in amounts of approximately 10.0% by weight, approximately 10.5% by weight, approximately 11.0% by weight, approximately 11.5% by weight, approximately 12.0% by weight, approximately 12.5% ​​by weight, approximately 13.0% by weight, approximately 13.5% by weight, approximately 14.0% by weight, approximately 14.5% by weight, approximately 15.0% by weight, approximately 15.5% by weight, approximately 16.0% by weight, approximately 16.5% by weight, approximately 17.0% by weight, approximately 17.5% by weight, approximately 18.0% by weight, approximately 18.5% by weight, approximately 19.0% by weight, approximately 19.5% by weight, or approximately 20.0% by weight. In another example, total dietary fiber may be present in amounts of approximately 10% to approximately 18%, approximately 12% to approximately 18%, or approximately 15% to approximately 18%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In further embodiments, total dietary fiber is present in amounts of about 15% to about 20%, about 16% to about 19%, or about 16% to about 18%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

[0037] Amino acids, including essential amino acids, can be added to the compositions of this disclosure as free amino acids, or supplied to the compositions of this disclosure by any number of component sources (e.g., crude protein). Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be newly synthesized or that can only be synthesized in insufficient amounts by living organisms, and therefore must be supplied in the diet. Essential amino acids differ from species to species, depending on the metabolism of the living organism. 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.

[0038] The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain lipids. The term "lipid" 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 atm). In some cases, lipids may be viscous liquids or amorphous solids at standard room temperature and standard pressure.

[0039] Lipids can be supplied by any of the various ingredient sources known to those skilled in the art, such as meat, meat by-products, canola oil, fish oil, and plants. Examples of plant lipid sources include wheat, flaxseed, rye, barley, rice, sorghum, corn, oats, millet, wheat germ, corn germ, soybeans, peanuts, and cottonseed, as well as oils derived from these and other plant lipid sources. The compositions of this disclosure may contain at least about 9% by weight (or about 9 to about 25% by weight, or about 10 to about 20% by weight, or about 10 to about 15% by weight) of total lipids based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In some cases, the lipids in the composition are crude lipids. Crude lipids may be included in the composition in amounts of about 10 to about 20% by weight, about 10 to about 18% by weight, about 10 to about 16% by weight, about 12 to about 20% by weight, about 12 to about 18% by weight, or about 12 to about 16% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry weight basis. In some cases, it may be preferable that approximately 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the total lipids be obtained from animal sources. Alternatively, approximately 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the total lipids may be obtained from plant sources.

[0040] The compositions of this disclosure may also contain one or more minerals and / or trace elements (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, or iron salts) having counterions such as chlorides, iodides, fluorides, sulfides, or oxides, in amounts necessary to avoid deficiency and maintain health. These amounts are known to those skilled in the art, for example, as provided in the Official Publication of the Associate of American Feed Control Officials, Inc. ("AAFCO"), Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006. Typical mineral amounts are about 0.1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2%.

[0041] The compositions of the present invention may also contain vitamins in amounts necessary to avoid deficiencies and maintain health. These amounts and methods of measurement are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the Official Publication of the Associate of American Feed Control Officials, Inc. ("AAFCO"), Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006, provides recommended amounts of such components for dogs and cats. As intended herein, vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1. 12 Examples of vitamins include, but are not limited to, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin H (biotin), vitamin K, folic acid, choline, inositol, niacin, and pantothenic acid. The typical amount of vitamins in the composition of the present invention is about 0 to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2%, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry basis.

[0042] The nutritional components of a pet food composition may be derived from a variety of food sources. In non-limiting examples, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber nutrients, and vitamins may be provided by the use of one or more animal sources (such as chicken, beef, and pork) and / or plant sources (such as corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, gluten, citrus pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes). In certain embodiments, the nutritional components are provided by utilizing at least citrus pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes.

[0043] The compositions of this disclosure may additionally contain other additives, such as flavor enhancers and stabilizers, in amounts and combinations well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of stabilizers include, for example, substances that tend to increase the shelf life of the composition. Other examples of such additives that are potentially suitable for inclusion in the compositions of the present invention include, for example, preservatives, colorants, antioxidants, flavoring agents, cohesive agents and scavengers, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and wetting agents. While the above-mentioned list of additives may be potentially suitable in some embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned additives may be excluded from other embodiments of the composition. Examples of emulsifiers and / or thickeners include, for example, gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starch. The concentration of such additives in the composition can typically be up to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition on a dry weight basis. 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 composition on a dry basis. 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 composition on a dry basis.

[0044] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may be wet or dry compositions, and propolis and other components may be incorporated into the food composition or incorporated on the surface of any composition component by, for example, spraying, agglomerating, sprinkling, or precipitating on the surface.

[0045] In certain embodiments, pet food compositions of any viscosity or water content are intended, and for example, the compositions of the present invention can be dry, moist, or semi-moist food compositions for animals. "Semi-moist" refers to a food composition containing about 25 to about 35% water. "Moist" food refers to a food composition having a water content of about 60 to 90% or more. "Dry" food refers to a food composition having a water content of about 3 to about 12%, and is often manufactured in the form of pieces or kibble.

[0046] In the pet food industry, foods are generally classified as "wet" or "dry." Wet food has a relatively high moisture content and is usually contained in cans or containers from which air is substantially or completely removed. Examples of such foods are "chunky, gravie-like" individual solid particles in the presence of liquid gravy or loaf-type material, which generally takes the form of a container. Dry food is generally baked or extruded material, which is then cut into individual shaped portions, usually known as kibble. Propolis can be readily incorporated into wet or dry food by conventional means.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the pet food composition contains moisture. Moisture can be present in varying amounts or concentrations. In one embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts ranging from about 5% to about 15% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. For example, moisture may be present in amounts of about 5.0% by weight, about 5.5% by weight, about 6.0% by weight, about 6.5% by weight, about 7.0% by weight, about 7.5% by weight, about 8.0% by weight, about 8.5% by weight, about 9.0% by weight, about 9.5% by weight, about 10.0% by weight, about 10.5% by weight, about 11.0% by weight, about 11.5% by weight, about 12.0% by weight, about 12.5% ​​by weight, about 13.0% by weight, about 13.5% by weight, about 14.0% by weight, about 14.5% by weight, or about 15.0% by weight. In another embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 6% to about 12%, about 9% to about 13%, about 9% to about 11%, or about 9% to about 13% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a particular embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 5% to about 12%, about 6% to about 11%, or about 7% to about 10.0%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In a further embodiment, moisture may be present in amounts of about 65% to about 85%, about 60% to about 80%, or about 60% to about 75%, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the pet food is in a dry form. In certain embodiments, the pet food is kibble. In certain embodiments, the kibble is dry. In other embodiments, the kibble contains moisture.

[0049] In certain embodiments, this application further discloses methods for preparing any of the compositions of the present disclosure. In the preparation of the compositions of the present invention in wet or canned form, any component (e.g., propolis, protein, carbohydrates) can generally be incorporated into the composition, for example, during the processing of the formulation, for example, during and / or after the mixing of other components of the composition. The distribution of these components into the composition can be achieved by conventional means. In some embodiments, ground animal protein tissue and poultry protein tissue are mixed with other components, including fish oil, grains, other nutritionally balanced components, and special-purpose additives (e.g., vitamin and mineral mixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose and beet pulp, fillers, and the like), and a sufficient amount of water is added for processing. These components can be mixed in a suitable container for heating while blending the components. Heating of the mixture can be carried out using any suitable method, for example, by direct steam injection or by using a container equipped with a heat exchanger. Following the addition of the final ingredient, the mixture can be heated to a temperature range of approximately 50°F (10°C) to approximately 212°F (100°C). In some cases, the mixture can be heated to a temperature range of approximately 70°F (21°C) to approximately 140°F (60°C). Temperatures outside these ranges are generally acceptable, but may be commercially impractical without the use of other processing aids. Once heated to the appropriate temperature, the material will typically be in the form of a concentrated liquid. This concentrated liquid can be filled into cans. Once filled into cans, lids are fitted and the containers are airtight. The sealed cans are then placed in conventional equipment designed to sterilize the contents. This is usually achieved by heating to a temperature above approximately 230°F (110°C) for an appropriate amount of time, which depends, for example, on the temperature and composition used.

[0050] Alternatively, pet food compositions can be prepared in a dry form using conventional processes. Typically, dry components such as animal protein, plant protein, grains, etc., are ground and mixed together. Then, wet or liquid components such as lipids, oils, animal protein, and water are added and mixed with the dry mixture. The mixture is then processed into kibble or similar dry pieces. Kibble is often formed using an extrusion process in which a mixture of dry and wet components is subjected to high pressure and high temperature in a mechanical operation, extruded through a small opening, and cut into kibble by a rotating knife. The wet kibble is then optionally dried and / or coated with one or more localized coatings (which may include, for example, flavorings, lipids, oils, powders, and the like). Kibble can also be made from dough using a baked process rather than extrusion, in which the dough is placed in a mold and then subjected to a dry heat treatment.

[0051] The pet food composition may be administered at a frequency and duration effective in either reducing the food intake of the companion animal consuming the pet food composition, or reducing food intake and increasing weight. In certain embodiments, the composition is administered at least once a day, and in certain circumstances, the composition is administered at a less frequent frequency, such as twice a week or once a week. In certain embodiments, administration may continue for at least about one week, for example, at least about two weeks, at least about three weeks, at least about one month, at least about two months, at least about three months, at least about four months, at least about five months, at least about six months, at least about one year, at least about two years, or at least about three years. In one embodiment, administration continues from the start for substantially the remainder of the animal's life. Generally, the pet food composition is administered to the companion animal when the companion animal ingests the pet food composition.

[0052] In one embodiment, the Disclosure provides a method for reducing the food intake of a companion animal, the method comprising feeding the companion animal a pet food composition containing propolis as described above and in the Examples. In a preferred embodiment, the reduction in food intake is greater than the reduction that would occur in the absence of intake of the inventive composition as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the change in food intake is at least about 7 g, about 7.7 g, about 8 g, about 9 g, or more grams per metabolic body weight.

[0053] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a method for reducing the food intake of a companion animal and increasing its body weight, the method comprising feeding the companion animal a pet food composition containing propolis as described above and in the Examples. The method may be used to reduce the advanced glycation end products by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, or preferably at least 30% after daily feeding to the pet for 10 or more days, 15 or more days, or 30 or more days. In a preferred embodiment, the reduction in food intake and the increase in body weight are greater than the reduction and increase that would occur in the absence of intake of the inventive composition as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the change in food intake is at least about 7 g, about 8 g, about 9 g, or more grams per metabolic body weight. In a particular embodiment, the increase in body weight is at least about 0.3 kg, about 0.37 kg, about 0.4 kg, about 0.5 kg, or more kilograms. [Examples]

[0054] The examples and other practices described herein are illustrative and are not intended to limit the description to the entire scope of the compositions and methods of this disclosure. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations of specific practices, materials, compositions, and methods may be made within the scope of this disclosure, with substantially similar results.

[0055] Example 1 Forty older dogs were given pre-experiment food for 30 days prior to feeding. Then, the treatment period began, at which point the dogs were randomly assigned to one of four groups (each containing 10 dogs). Each group was then given either a food composition containing only propolis, or only antioxidants, or both propolis and antioxidants, or neither of these ingredients. These food compositions were fed to the dogs for 30 days. Throughout the study, daily food intake was measured, and body weight was measured weekly. The average daily intake and metabolic body weight for each dog were calculated relative to body weight. Here, metabolic body weight is equal to the animal's body weight (in kilograms) raised to the power of 3 / 4. Food amounts were provided to maintain body weight through intake. The average difference in body weight (Δbody weight) between the pre-feeding period and the post-treatment period was calculated for each treatment food. The change in food intake per unit of metabolic weight was calculated using the formula "(change in food intake) / (body weight (kg) x 0.75)".

[0056] The food composition was formulated as shown in Table 1. The values ​​represent the weight percentage of its components, based on the weight of the pet food composition. The composition contained approximately 7.4–10.3% moisture. [Table 1]

[0057] Example 2 The results of the feeding test from Example 1 are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0058] As shown in Table 2, animals fed a pet food composition containing only propolis showed a reallocation of energy utilization in older dogs to support body weight, while simultaneously reducing the amount of food consumed by the animals.

[0059] Example 3 Twenty cats aged seven years or older were evaluated after being administered either an exemplary food composition containing propolis or a comparative food composition for one month, and the effect of the exemplary food composition on the levels of feline uremic toxins and advanced glycation end products was assessed. The 20 cats underwent a one-month washout period on maintenance food before being administered either the exemplary or comparative food composition. The formulations of the exemplary and comparative food compositions are shown in Table 1. Notably, the comparative food composition had the same formulation as the exemplary food composition, except that the comparative food composition did not contain propolis. [Table 3]

[0060] Twenty cats were randomly assigned to one of two groups and given either an exemplary food composition containing propolis or a comparative food composition without propolis for one month. Samples for plasma metabolomics were collected at the end of the washout period and the end of the feeding period. Changes in the levels of each metabolite from the end of the washout period to the end of the feeding period (end of feeding - end of washout) were compared to assess the statistical differences in metabolite levels associated with feeding.

[0061] Foods containing propolis resulted in a significant reduction (P<0.05) in plasma concentrations of uremic toxins, including 2,4-dichlorophenol sulfate, 4-methoxyphenol sulfate, 2-aminophenol sulfate, phenol sulfate, 3-acetylphenol sulfate, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3-methoxycatechol sulfate, quaiacol sulfate, N6-methyllysine, kynurenate, and N-acetylkynurenine. Table 4 shows the mean levels of each of the aforementioned uremic toxins after administering either the exemplary food composition or the comparative composition for one month. [Table 4]

[0062] As can be seen in Figure 1, the example food composition resulted in a significant reduction in uremic toxins.

[0063] The levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in cats were also determined and evaluated. AGEs are formed by the glycation of amino acids such as lysine. Increased accumulation of AGEs in the blood is associated with aging, various disease states, and oxidative stress. As shown in Table 5 below, cats given the exemplary food composition had a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of AGEs, namely pyralin (P=0.0014) and N6-carboxymethyllysine (CML) (P=0.0029). The exemplary food composition also resulted in a significant decrease in methionine sulfoxide (P=0.0265), an oxidative stress marker. Figure 2 shows the significant decrease in AGEs and oxidative markers in cats administered the exemplary food composition. [Table 5]

[0064] The present invention is described with reference to several embodiments described in considerable detail for the purpose of providing a complete disclosure of the invention, but such embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by the claims appended herein. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made in these details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A pet food composition for weight gain that reduces the food intake of companion animals, A pet food composition comprising, based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis, 0.5 to 15% by weight of propolis, 10 to 40% by weight of protein, 9 to 25% by weight of lipids, and 10 to 90% by weight of carbohydrates.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the propolis is present in an amount of 1 to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the pet food composition on a dry material basis.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the propolis comprises pollen, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, or a combination thereof.

4. The pet food composition according to claim 3, wherein the flavonoid is selected from flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanonols, chalcones, dihydrochalcones, isoflavones, isodihydroflavones, flavans, isoflavans, neoflavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and combinations thereof.

5. The pet food composition according to claim 3, wherein the terpenoid comprises an acyclic monoterpene, a monocyclic monoterpene, a bicyclic monoterpene, or a combination thereof.

6. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the propolis comprises pollen and one or more of flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids.

7. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition substantially does not contain at least one of butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, tert-butylhydroquinone, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, tocopherol, and derivatives thereof.

8. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition substantially does not contain an antioxidant.

9. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition contains 6 to 12% by weight of moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

10. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition contains 65 to 85% by weight of moisture based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

11. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition further comprises citrus fruit pulp, carrots, rice, spinach, and tomatoes.

12. The pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the companion animal is a canid or a feline.

13. A method for reducing the food intake of a companion animal and increasing its weight, comprising feeding the companion animal an effective amount of the pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for reducing advanced glycation end products and uremic toxins in companion animals, wherein the advanced glycation end product is at least one selected from pyralin and N6-carboxymethyllysine, and the uremic toxin is at least one selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenol sulfate, 4-methoxyphenol sulfate, 2-aminophenol sulfate, phenol sulfate, 3-acetylphenol sulfate, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3-methoxycatechol sulfate, quaiacol sulfate, N6-methyllysine, kynurenate, and N-acetylkynurenine.

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