Feed composition for preventing or improving gastrointestinal disease and cutaneous adverse food reaction

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein, according to one aspect, the feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions may include omega-3 fatty acids and butyric acid.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. Background Technology

[0002] Chronic enteropathy is a problem occurring in the digestive system that can cause various symptoms in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In particular, chronic enteropathy is characterized by the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms over a period of three weeks or more and is a very common disease in dogs and cats; representative forms include food-responsive enteropathy, antibiotic-responsive enteropathy, steroid-responsive enteropathy, and immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy. The most common form is food-responsive enteropathy, which accounts for 50–60% of dogs and cats. Food-responsive enteropathy is an immune response mediated by proteins in the feed, causing inflammatory changes in the gastrointestinal tract; major clinical symptoms may include non-specific reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Recently, various premium pet foods have been released, characterized by their high protein and high-fat diets. In particular, high-fat diets can cause acute or chronic pancreatitis, with major symptoms including decreased vitality, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The pancreas is an organ that secretes various substances from various cells, producing a variety of endocrine and exocrine substances such as glucagon, insulin, amylin, somatostantin, ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide, amylase, lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and bicarbonate. In the treatment of pancreatitis, it is important to inhibit the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, but a high-fat diet can worsen symptoms because it promotes the secretion of pancreatic enzymes.

[0003] Adverse dietary reactions are classified into dietary allergies, which involve an immune response, and dietary intolerances, which do not. Dietary intolerance refers to abnormal physiological reactions that are not immunologically mediated by ingredients, toxins, or additives in food, leading to unwanted side effects. A representative example is lactose intolerance, where the body fails to digest or absorb lactose, causing osmotic diarrhea, consequent flatulence, and gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary allergies are hypersensitivity reactions mediated by lymphocytes and cytokines resulting from an excessive immune response, specifically antibody reactions to antigens in feed proteins. In particular, it is difficult to distinguish between dietary intolerances and dietary allergies in companion animals; typical symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis-conjunctivitis, generalized anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema, dysphonia, herpetic dermatitis, and pulmonary hemolithiasis.

[0004] There is a significant correlation between chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. Adverse dietary reactions trigger an immune response by recognizing proteins in feed as antigens, and these allergic reactions can also occur in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, in cases of gluten sensitivity, gluten intake can cause skin rashes, hives, and intestinal inflammation, which can lead to skin reactions such as rashes or hives.

[0005] Inflammatory diseases occurring in the gastrointestinal tract can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, which can lead to inflammatory skin conditions. In particular, patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may experience inflammatory skin conditions such as erythema nodosum.

[0006] Dogs with chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions are highly likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as adverse dietary reactions such as erythema, itching, herpetic dermatitis, and sneezing, when consuming regular food. This is because when regular food is consumed while the intestinal mucosal cells are weakened, the proteins in the food accelerate leaky gut syndrome and increase the permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing more allergens and bacteria to be absorbed into the body. In other words, when desmosomes located between intestinal mucosal cells are weakened by inflammation and the intercellular spaces widen, undigested large-molecular-weight proteins are absorbed and act as antigens, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies.

[0007] Therefore, dogs with chronic enteropathy have a high prevalence of adverse dietary reactions, and there is a need for prescription diets to manage both diseases. Accordingly, there is a need for a feed composition that improves chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions in dogs by supplying sufficient nutrients and restricting specific nutrients.

[0008] Currently, Korean Published Patent No. 10-2024-0109401 discloses a feed for preventing or reducing dietary allergies in dogs, and Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2665874 discloses a feed composition for improving joint, skin, and intestinal health in dogs; however, there is no disclosure of a feed composition containing hydrolyzed protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and butyric acid as active ingredients that has excellent effects of preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and allergic skin diseases as in the present invention. The problem to be solved

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. means of solving the problem

[0010] As a result of efforts to develop a feed composition that improves chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, the inventors have completed a functional feed composition capable of improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions.

[0011] The feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to the present invention may include omega-3 fatty acids and butyric acid.

[0012] A feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of protein hydrolysates, dietary fiber, and oils.

[0013] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acid may be included in an amount of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the feed composition.

[0014] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the butyric acid may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the feed composition.

[0015] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acid may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of microalgae, flaxseed, salmon, herring oil, shrimp, krill, mackerel, tilapia, saury, and sardine.

[0016] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the oils may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 10.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition.

[0017] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the molecular weight of the protein hydrolysate may be 500 Da to 1,000 Da.

[0018] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the protein hydrolysate may be included in an amount of 5.0% to 50.0% by weight based on the total weight of the feed composition.

[0019] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the dietary fiber may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 15.0% by weight based on the total weight of the feed composition.

[0020] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the protein may include at least one of animal protein and plant protein.

[0021] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the animal protein may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken, duck, cattle, pig, sheep, goat, eggs, salmon, herring, shrimp, krill, tuna, tilapia, and mackerel.

[0022] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the plant protein may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, fava beans, chickpeas, corn, rice, lentils, oats, wheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, canola, and cottonseed.

[0023] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the dietary fiber may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugar beet, soybean, lentil, rapeseed, pea, chickpea, psyllium husk, and beet pulp.

[0024] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the dietary fiber may include at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose, inulin, fructooligosaccharide, mannan oligosaccharide, lignin, pectin, chitin, and beta-glucan.

[0025] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the oils may include at least one of animal oils and vegetable oils.

[0026] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the animal fat may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken fat, lard, beef fat, duck fat, mackerel, tilapia, salmon, herring, shrimp, and krill.

[0027] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the vegetable oil may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, chickpeas, fava beans, rapeseed, hemp seeds, palm oil, coconut, olives, cottonseed, and avocados.

[0028] A feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment may comprise, based on the total weight of the feed composition, 5.0% to 55.0% by weight of the protein hydrolysate, 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of the oils and fats, 1.0% to 15.0% by weight of the dietary fiber, 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the omega-3 fatty acid, 1.0% to 5.0% by weight of the butyric acid, and the remainder of the cereals.

[0029] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the feed composition may be for mammals.

[0030] In a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one embodiment, the mammal may be a dog. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, a feed composition suitable for pets suffering from chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions can be provided by preventing or improving these conditions. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] Figure 1 is a graph showing the blood test evaluation for the experimental group and the control group. Figure 2 is a graph showing the evaluation of gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation for the experimental group and the control group. Figure 3 is a graph showing the fecal index, skin and coat health evaluation for the experimental group and the control group. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Since the embodiments described in this specification may be modified in various different forms, the technology according to one embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the terms "comprising," "having," "containing," or "having" any component do not exclude other components but may include additional components unless specifically stated otherwise, and do not exclude elements, materials, or processes not additionally listed.

[0034] In this specification, "identical or uniform" may mean that they are identical or uniform to one another within an acceptable margin of error, unless otherwise specified. For example, the statement that certain components or physical property measurements are identical may include not only that the two objects being compared are completely identical, but also that they are identical within a margin of error. Meanwhile, the statement that certain physical property measurements are identical may mean that the difference between the measurements between the objects is approximately less than 5%, specifically less than 3%, and more specifically less than 1%.

[0035] Unless otherwise specifically defined in this specification, “about” may be considered to be a value within 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% of the specified value.

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail below. However, the description provided herein is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described illustratively.

[0039] A feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one aspect of the present invention may include omega-3 fatty acids and butyric acid as active ingredients.

[0040] Meanwhile, a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one aspect of the present invention may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of protein hydrolysates, oils and fats, and dietary fiber.

[0041] Meanwhile, a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one aspect of the present invention may further include protein hydrolysate, oils and fats, and dietary fiber.

[0043] In one embodiment, the feed composition may include omega-3 fatty acids.

[0044] In one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acid may refer to a polyunsaturated fatty acid characterized by having a double bond at the third carbon atom from the terminal methyl group as an unsaturated fatty acid.

[0045] The above omega-3 fatty acids are one of the essential nutrients that must be supplied through diet because they cannot be synthesized in the bodies of pets. Major sources can be classified into alpha-linolenic acid found in plant sources, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in marine sources.

[0046] The above omega-3 fatty acids can suppress inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes, primarily by reducing the chemotaxis that causes leukocytes to move to the site of inflammation. Additionally, they can play a role in suppressing inflammation by inhibiting leukocytes from migrating to the site of inflammation activation through the reduction of adhesion molecule expression and adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. In particular, the above omega-3 fatty acids can suppress inflammation by reducing the production of eicosanoids, which are inflammatory substances derived from arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), and by increasing the production of weak eicosanoids. Therefore, the above omega-3 fatty acids can exhibit an effect of reducing inflammatory bowel disease caused by chronic enteropathy and inflammatory responses caused by adverse dietary reactions.

[0047] In one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acid may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of microalgae, flaxseed, salmon, herring oil, shrimp, krill, mackerel, tilapia, saury, and sardines.

[0048] In one embodiment, the omega-3 fatty acid may be included in an amount of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition. For example, if the omega-3 fatty acid is included in an amount less than the above-described numerical range, the above-described anti-inflammatory effects may be negligible, and if it is included in an amount exceeding the above-described numerical range, it may lead to platelet function, gastrointestinal adverse reactions (diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis), lipid rancidity (increase in thiobarbituric acid in plasma and urine), weight gain, and impaired immune response (decrease in leukotrienes B4, B5, CD4+). In particular, dietary adverse reactions due to impaired immune response may increase, and this may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease and dietary adverse reactions.

[0050] In one embodiment, the feed composition may include butyric acid.

[0051] In one embodiment, the butyric acid is one of the short-chain fatty acids and, like other short-chain fatty acids, is known as a nutrient sensor that helps regulate energy balance and acts as an agonist for free fatty acid receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 and niacin receptor 1. In particular, butyric acid is used in the mitochondria of colon cells and can be utilized to generate ATP during fatty acid metabolism in the liver. The generated ATP can serve as an energy source for beneficial microorganisms in the intestines, thereby lowering the intestinal pH and inhibiting the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.

[0052] Meanwhile, the butyric acid mentioned above can reduce the production of cytokines and chemokines, which are inflammatory substances, by inhibiting the activity of NF-kB and STAT3, and thereby can play a role in alleviating the inflammatory response of intestinal inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In addition, the butyric acid mentioned above can promote T-regulatory cell differentiation, thereby suppressing the immune response and exhibiting an effect of suppressing excessive inflammation.

[0053] In addition to the function of regulating inflammatory responses as described above, butyric acid acts as a major energy source for intestinal cells, which can promote the growth and regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells. Inflammation can easily occur when the intestinal barrier is damaged, butyric acid can prevent inflammation-related diseases such as leaky gut syndrome by protecting intestinal cells and strengthening the intestinal barrier.

[0054] In one embodiment, the butyric acid may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 5.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition. For example, if the butyric acid is included in an amount less than the aforementioned numerical range, the effects of the butyric acid may be negligible; if it is included in an amount exceeding the aforementioned numerical range, it may instead increase the proportion of E. Coli and Lactobacilli in the large intestine, increase the frequency of diarrhea, and cause an increase in intestinal inflammation levels due to increased intestinal wall permeability. Additionally, the characteristic taste and aroma of butyric acid may cause a decrease in palatability, leading to symptoms of refusal to eat the feed.

[0056] In one embodiment, the feed composition may include proteins. Specifically, the feed composition may include a protein hydrolysate as the proteins.

[0057] In one embodiment, the protein hydrolysate may refer to a protein in a state where the protein has been broken down into small units by water and enzymes.

[0058] Proteins can be broken down into smaller forms, such as amino acids or peptides, during the hydrolysis process; these are forms converted into structures favorable for digestion and absorption. General proteins consist of long chain structures containing specific amino acid sequences. An example of a major cause of adverse dietary reactions is the immune system's hypersensitivity to these sequences.

[0059] Meanwhile, during the above hydrolysis process, this long protein chain can be broken down into smaller pieces by enzymes or heat, and as a result, specific parts of the protein (epitopes) that may cause adverse dietary reactions may be lost or converted into small peptides or amino acids. The converted peptides and amino acids have excellent digestion and absorption rates compared to regular proteins, which can be helpful for pets suffering from chronic enteropathy, especially dogs.

[0060] In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the protein hydrolysate may be 500 Da to 1,000 Da. By having a molecular weight within the above-described numerical range, immune hypersensitivity that causes adverse dietary reactions can be minimized, and furthermore, since the protein hydrolysate is composed of amino acids and peptides, a decrease in the digestion and absorption rate caused by chronic enteropathy can be prevented.

[0061] In one embodiment, the protein may include at least one of animal protein and plant protein. That is, in one embodiment, the protein may include animal protein and / or plant protein.

[0062] In one embodiment, the animal protein may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken, duck, cow, pig, sheep, goat, egg, salmon, herring, shrimp, krill, tuna, tilapia, and mackerel.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, chicken meal, egg powder, resin meal, fish meal, feather meal, meat and bone meal, meat meal, processed blood meal, duck meal, lamb meal, beef meal, etc. may be used as raw materials for the animal protein.

[0064] In one embodiment, the plant protein may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, fava beans, chickpeas, corn, rice, lentils, oats, wheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, canola, and cottonseed.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, soybean meal, distiller's dried grains, wheat, coconut meal, palm kernel meal, rapeseed meal, canola meal, cottonseed meal, linseed meal, etc. may be used as raw materials for the vegetable protein.

[0066] In one embodiment, the protein hydrolysate may be included in an amount of 5.0% to 55.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition. For example, if the protein hydrolysate is included in an amount less than the aforementioned numerical range, the protein content of the feed is too low and is undesirable from a nutritional perspective; if it is included in an amount exceeding the aforementioned numerical range, undigested dietary protein may act as an antigen, causing an over-immune response due to adverse dietary reactions, which may act as a cause of chronic enteropathy. In particular, since dogs and cats with chronic enteropathy have a low rate of amino acid metabolism in their bodies, the supply of excessive dietary protein exceeding the aforementioned numerical range may affect bile acid and tryptophan metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway, thereby altering internal metabolism and acting as a factor that exacerbates chronic enteropathy.

[0068] In one embodiment, the feed composition may include oils.

[0069] In one embodiment, the oils may include at least one of animal oils and vegetable oils.

[0070] In one embodiment, the animal fat may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken fat, lard, beef fat, duck fat, mackerel, tilapia, salmon, herring, shrimp, and krill.

[0071] In one embodiment, the vegetable oil may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, chickpeas, fava beans, rapeseed, hemp seeds, palm oil, coconut, olives, cottonseed, and avocados.

[0072] In one embodiment, the oils may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 10.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition. Meanwhile, in such an embodiment, the content of the oils may refer to an amount including the omega-3 fatty acids described above.

[0073] On average, the required fat content for adult dogs is 5.5% according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). However, most commercially available feeds are designed with a fat content of 10% or more, which can sufficiently meet fat requirements.

[0074] However, for pets with chronic enteropathy, especially dogs, a high-fat diet can place a burden on organs that secrete digestive enzymes, such as the pancreas and small intestine, resulting in increased inflammation levels. Therefore, restricting high-fat diets can be considered appropriate dietary management for pets with chronic enteropathy.

[0075] A feed composition according to one aspect of the present invention is a low-fat feed composition containing oils in the numerical range as described above, which can provide an appropriate fat content and may be suitable for pets suffering from chronic enteropathy, particularly dogs.

[0077] In one embodiment, the feed composition may include dietary fiber.

[0078] In one embodiment, the dietary fiber may not be broken down by digestive enzymes secreted in the body as a type of carbohydrate. Meanwhile, the dietary fiber can be typically classified into soluble and insoluble fiber.

[0079] The above dietary fiber has three main characteristics and can play a role in helping with clinical symptoms caused by chronic enteropathy.

[0080] The above dietary fiber can act as food for intestinal microorganisms and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms. In particular, soluble fiber is fermented by intestinal bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate), which can contribute to alleviating intestinal inflammation and protecting the intestinal mucosa.

[0081] Furthermore, the aforementioned dietary fiber can help alleviate symptoms of chronic enteropathy through its anti-inflammatory effects that reduce inflammation in the intestines. For example, short-chain fatty acids produced by beneficial microorganisms can play a role in regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and the activity of macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells. Additionally, these short-chain fatty acids can inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) by engaging with GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors), which are receptors on the cell surface. This can help alleviate inflammatory responses caused by chronic enteropathy.

[0082] In addition, the above dietary fiber can help relieve the burden on the intestinal mucosa by promoting bowel movements and reducing transit time in the large intestine for pets, especially dogs, suffering from conditions such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, it can help improve intestinal health by helping to alleviate constipation and diarrhea seen in pets suffering from chronic enteropathy.

[0083] In one embodiment, the dietary fiber may be derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugar beet, soybean, lentil, rapeseed, pea, chickpea, psyllium husk, and beet pulp.

[0084] In one embodiment, the dietary fiber may include at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose, inulin, fructooligosaccharide, mannan-oligosaccharide, lignin, pectin, chitin, and beta-glucan.

[0085] In one embodiment, the dietary fiber may be included in an amount of 1.0% to 15.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the feed composition. For example, if the dietary fiber is included in an amount less than the aforementioned numerical range, the aforementioned effects caused by the dietary fiber may be negligible, and if it is included in an amount exceeding the aforementioned numerical range, it may affect the peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal tract. For instance, excessive intake of insoluble fiber may cause intestinal peristalsis to be promoted, thereby reducing the digestion and absorption rate of nutrients and potentially leading to increased feed intake and increased stool volume. Conversely, excessive intake of soluble fiber may adsorb moisture within the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the time that digested food remains in the tract, and the soluble fiber combined with moisture may crystallize, interfering with binding with digestive enzymes and affecting the digestibility of nutrients. Therefore, if dietary fiber is consumed in excess of the aforementioned numerical range, it may cause an increase in inflammatory responses due to excessive gastrointestinal motility and an increase in abnormal fermentation due to the stagnation of digested food, which may act as a factor that exacerbates chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the feed composition may further include raw materials that can be conventionally used in feed compositions in addition to the omega-3 fatty acids, butyric acid, protein hydrolysates, oils and fats and dietary fibers described above.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the feed composition may further include cereals. Examples of cereals that may be used include corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, rye, etc.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the feed composition may further include additives such as vitamins, minerals, and other health functional ingredients.

[0090] The above vitamin preparation may, for example, include at least one selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

[0091] The above mineral agent may, for example, include at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride ions, phosphorus, sulfur, copper, iodine, zinc, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, chromium, selenium, and vanadium.

[0093] In one embodiment, the feed composition can prevent or improve chronic enteropathy in mammals.

[0094] In one embodiment, the feed composition can prevent or improve adverse dietary reactions in mammals.

[0095] In one embodiment, the feed composition may be a feed composition for non-human animals, specifically for mammals excluding humans, specifically for companion animals. In a specific embodiment, the mammal may be a dog. In a specific embodiment, the companion animal may be a dog.

[0097] A method for preparing a feed composition for preventing or improving chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a step of mixing raw materials to form a mixture; a step of molding the mixture to form a molded product; a step of drying the molded product to form a dried product; a step of removing impurities from the dried product; and a step of coating the dried product.

[0098] In one embodiment, the step of forming the mixture may involve mixing raw materials to form the mixture. In a specific embodiment, the raw materials may include omega-3 fatty acids and butyric acid. In a more specific embodiment, the raw materials may further include protein hydrolysates, oils, and dietary fiber.

[0099] In one embodiment, the raw materials may be mixed to include 0.5 to 5.0 weight percent of the omega-3 fatty acid relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0100] In one embodiment, the raw materials may be mixed to include 1.0 to 5.0 weight percent of butyric acid relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0101] In one embodiment, the raw materials may be mixed to include 5.0 to 55.0 weight% of the protein hydrolysate relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0102] In one embodiment, the raw materials may be mixed to include 1.0 to 10.0 weight% of the oils relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0103] In one embodiment, the raw materials may be mixed to include 1.0 to 15.0 weight% of the dietary fiber relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0104] In addition, regarding the detailed matters concerning the above-mentioned omega-3 fatty acids, butyric acid, protein hydrolysates, oils and fats, and dietary fiber, the above description can be applied as is, so redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0105] In one embodiment, the raw material may further include grains, and may further include additional additives such as vitamins, minerals, and other health functional ingredients as needed.

[0106] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the molded article, the mixture may be molded to form the molded article. In a specific embodiment, the mixture may be extruded to form the molded article. Meanwhile, the shape and form of the molded article may be applied without limitation to shapes and forms applied in conventional feed compositions.

[0107] In one embodiment, the extrusion molding can be performed at a temperature of 80°C to 150°C.

[0108] In one embodiment, the extrusion molding can be performed at a pressure of 5 bar to 30 bar.

[0109] In one embodiment, the extrusion molding can be performed under conditions of 200 rpm to 600 rpm.

[0110] In one embodiment, the extrusion molding may be performed for 10 to 270 seconds under the above conditions.

[0111] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the dried product, the molded product may be dried to form the dried product. For the drying, conventional methods for drying a feed composition, such as heat drying or air drying, may be applied without limitation.

[0112] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the dried product, the molded product may be dried at a temperature of 50°C to 100°C for 5 to 20 minutes.

[0113] In one embodiment, impurities in the dried material can be removed by a step of removing impurities from the dried material. For example, impurities in the dried material can be physically removed using a vibration device.

[0114] In one embodiment, a coating may be formed on the dried material during the coating step. For example, the coating may be performed by spraying a known coating composition, such as animal oil, which is commonly used to coat the feed composition, onto the dried material.

[0116] The embodiments of the present invention will be further explained below through specific experimental examples. However, the examples and comparative examples included in the experimental examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent claims. Accordingly, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention, and that such modifications fall within the scope of the patent claims.

[0118] Examples

[0119] (Example)

[0120] A feed containing a feed composition according to the composition listed in Table 1 below was prepared.

[0121] ingredient Content (weight%) grains 40 Animal protein hydrolysate 20 Vegetable protein hydrolysate 20 Omega-3 fatty acids 0.9 animal fats 4.1 Vegetable oils 3 Dietary fiber 10 butyric acid 1.5 Additives (Vitamins + Minerals) 0.5

[0123] (Comparative Example)

[0124] A commercially available prescription diet for Gastrointestinal was prepared, containing protein, dietary fiber, fat, and prebiotics, using meat meal, animal-derived protein, and eggs as protein sources, using beet pulp, fructooligosaccharide, and psyllium husk as dietary fiber sources, and having a fat content of about 20% by weight.

[0126] Evaluation example

[0127] 1. Materials and Methods

[0128] Thirty dogs with a history of acute or chronic diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, and food allergies were recruited from among the patients visiting the veterinary hospital and divided into two groups of 15 dogs each. One group was fed the feed of the above example, and the other group was fed the feed of the above comparative example for 4 weeks. Afterward, blood tests, evaluation of gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation, fecal index, and evaluation of skin and coat health were performed, respectively. The group fed the feed of the above example was classified as the experiment group, and the group fed the feed of the above comparative example was classified as the control group for evaluation.

[0130] 2. Blood test

[0131] Figure 1 is a graph showing the blood test evaluation for the experimental group and the control group.

[0133] Blood biochemical tests were performed on the above experimental and control groups, and values ​​before administration (M0) and after 4 weeks of administration (M1) were measured, and the evaluation results are shown in Figure 1. Meanwhile, if there is no statistically significant difference in the results of the above blood biochemical tests, it was defined as having equivalent clinical efficacy.

[0134] As shown in Figure 1, the blood test results of the experimental group and the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. Specifically, no significant difference was found between the experimental group and the control group in the evaluation of the inflammatory cytokine IL-31 and overall inflammation (CRP).

[0135] As a result of the evaluation, it was confirmed that the feed composition according to one aspect of the present invention exhibits clinical effects equivalent to those of a commercially available gastrointestinal prescription diet.

[0137] 3. Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Immunity and Inflammation

[0138] Figure 2 is a graph showing the evaluation of gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation for the experimental group and the control group.

[0140] Gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation were evaluated for the experimental and control groups mentioned above. The results of the evaluation, which assessed relative values ​​by measuring individual values ​​before feeding (M0) and after 4 weeks of feeding (M1), are shown in Figure 2. Meanwhile, if there was no statistically significant difference in the results of the gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation evaluation, it was defined as having equivalent clinical efficacy.

[0141] As shown in Figure 2, the evaluation results of gastrointestinal immunity and inflammation between the experimental and control groups showed statistically significant differences. Specifically, IgA in the feces of dogs is a representative indicator of intestinal immunity, and the experimental group showed higher IgA levels compared to the control group. On the other hand, regarding Calprotectin levels, which represent gastrointestinal inflammation, the experimental group showed lower levels compared to the control group.

[0142] As a result of the evaluation, it was confirmed that the feed composition according to one aspect of the present invention can enhance gastrointestinal immunity and improve intestinal inflammation compared to commercially available prescription Gastrointestinal feed.

[0144] 4. Fecal Index, Skin and Coat Health Assessment

[0145] Figure 3 is a graph showing the fecal index, skin and coat health evaluation for the experimental group and the control group.

[0147] Fecal index, skin and coat health evaluations were conducted on the experimental and control groups mentioned above. The evaluation results, which assessed the relative values ​​of individual values ​​before feeding (M0) and after 4 weeks of feeding (M1), are shown in Figure 3. Meanwhile, if there was no statistically significant difference in the fecal index, skin and coat health evaluation results, it was defined as having equivalent clinical efficacy.

[0148] As shown in Figure 3, statistically significant differences were observed in the fecal index and skin and coat health evaluation results between the experimental group and the control group. Specifically, the fecal index (Facal score) of the dogs is an indicator of intestinal health, and the experimental group showed a lower fecal index compared to the control group. In addition, regarding the CADESI-04 score, which evaluates coat and skin health, the experimental group showed a decrease compared to the control group, which may indicate improvements in coat quality, itching, dandruff formation, and other overall physical conditions.

[0149] As a result of the evaluation, it was confirmed that the feed composition according to one aspect of the present invention can enhance gastrointestinal health and improve skin and coat health in response to adverse dietary reactions compared to commercially available Gastrointestinal prescription feed.

[0151] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but such embodiments are merely examples of implementing the technical concept of the present invention, and it should be understood that any modification or alteration that implements the technical concept of the present invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions containing omega-3 fatty acids and butyric acid. Claim 2 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of protein hydrolysates, dietary fiber, and oils. Claim 3 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, comprising 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the omega-3 fatty acid based on the total weight of the feed composition in claim 1. Claim 4 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, comprising 1.0% to 5.0% by weight of butyric acid based on the total weight of the feed composition in claim 1. Claim 5 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to claim 1, wherein the omega-3 fatty acid is derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of microalgae, flaxseed, salmon, herring oil, shrimp, krill, mackerel, tilapia, saury, and sardines. Claim 6 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, comprising 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of the oils based on the total weight of the feed composition in paragraph 2. Claim 7 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the molecular weight of the protein hydrolysate is 500 Da to 1,000 Da in paragraph 2. Claim 8 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, comprising 5.0% to 50.0% by weight of the protein hydrolysate based on the total weight of the feed composition in paragraph 2. Claim 9 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, comprising 1.0% to 15.0% by weight of the dietary fiber based on the total weight of the feed composition in paragraph 2. Claim 10 In paragraph 2, the protein comprises at least one of animal protein and plant protein. A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. Claim 11 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the animal protein in claim 10 is derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken, duck, cattle, pig, sheep, goat, eggs, salmon, herring, shrimp, krill, tuna, tilapia, and mackerel. Claim 12 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the plant protein is derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, fava beans, chickpeas, corn, rice, lentils, oats, wheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, canola, and cottonseed. Claim 13 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the dietary fiber is derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugar beet, soybean, lentil, rapeseed, pea, chickpea, psyllium husk, and beet pulp. Claim 14 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to claim 2, wherein the dietary fiber comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose, inulin, fructooligosaccharide, mannan oligosaccharide, lignin, pectin, chitin, and beta-glucan. Claim 15 In paragraph 2, the above oils comprise at least one of animal oils and vegetable oils, a feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. Claim 16 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the animal fats are derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken fat, lard, beef fat, duck fat, mackerel, tilapia, salmon, herring, shrimp, and krill. Claim 17 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions, wherein the vegetable oils in item 15 are derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of soybeans, peas, chickpeas, fava beans, rapeseed, hemp seeds, palm oil, coconut, olive, cottonseed, and avocado. Claim 18 A feed composition for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions according to claim 2, comprising, based on the total weight of the feed composition, 5.0% to 55.0% by weight of the protein hydrolysate, 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of the oils and fats, 1.0% to 15.0% by weight of the dietary fiber, 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the omega-3 fatty acid, 1.0% to 5.0% by weight of the butyric acid, and the remainder of the cereals. Claim 19 In claim 1, the feed composition is a feed composition for mammals for the prevention or improvement of chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions. Claim 20 In claim 19, the above mammal is a feed composition for the prevention or improvement of individual chronic enteropathy and adverse dietary reactions.

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