FOOD COMPOSITIONS FOR PETS

Abstract

This description describes pet food compositions comprising: a beta glucan; and a pentacyclic triterpene; wherein the weight ratio of beta glucan to pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 1:1. Methods of manufacture and use of these compositions are also described.

Description

FOOD COMPOSITIONS FOR PETS BACKGROUND As reported by the Animal Cancer Foundation, there are approximately 65 million dogs and approximately 32 million cats in the United States. Of these, approximately 6 million new cancer diagnoses are made in dogs and a similar number in cats each year. Cancer in the companion animal population is a spontaneous disease often similar to cancer seen in humans; some examples include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate cancer, head and neck carcinoma, mammary carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and osteosarcoma (see http: / / www.acfoundation.org). As such, cancer remains a serious concern for pet owners. The activation of certain proteins in the immune system serves as an initial checkpoint in preventing tumor formation or the spread of cancer cells. While a sustained pathological increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is harmful and leads to an inflammatory state, several of these pro-inflammatory proteins also act to reduce the risk of cancer. One such protein with antitumor effects is CXC motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), also known as interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). CXCL10 is produced by various cells, including monocytes and endothelial cells. It plays an important role in several functions, including the migration and stimulation of adhesion of activated T cells and NK cells, both of which are important in antitumor activity. Some evidence suggests that higher levels of CXCL-10 are associated with antitumor properties. Another concern for pet owners is chronic kidney disease. And, while some products of the metabolism of dietary components by commensal hindgut microbiome are beneficial (e.g., short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate), other postbiotics can have detrimental health effects. In particular, indole-derived and sulfated phenolic postbiotics act as kidney toxins and exacerbate chronic kidney disease. Given the prevalence of cancer and chronic kidney disease in companion animals, there is a need for maintenance formulations capable of reducing the risk of these conditions. Certain embodiments of the present invention are designed to address these and other needs. COMPENDIUM Some embodiments of the present invention provide a pet food composition comprising a beta-glucan and a pentacyclic triterpene, wherein the weight ratio of beta-glucan to pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 1:1. In some embodiments, the pentacyclic triterpene is boswellic acid or a derivative thereof. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a composition for reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal, comprising: from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a pentacyclic triterpene; from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a beta-glucan; and a nutritionally complete carrier. Further embodiments of the present invention provide methods for: a) reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with abnormal levels of CXC-motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / or d) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet animal; comprising: administering any one of the compositions described herein to the pet animal in need. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for the use of any one of the compositions described herein in the manufacture of a pet food composition to: a) reduce postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treat, prevent, or improve a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with abnormal levels of CXC motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treat, prevent, or improve a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / or d) treat, prevent, or improve a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet animal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 represents data demonstrating the unexpected reduction in circulating indole postbiotics provided by an illustrative composition of the present invention. Figure 2 represents data demonstrating the unexpected reduction in circulating phenol postbiotics provided by an illustrative composition of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some embodiments of the present invention provide a pet food composition comprising a beta-glucan and a pentacyclic triterpene, wherein the weight ratio of beta-glucan to pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 1:1. In some embodiments, the pentacyclic triterpene is boswellic acid or a derivative thereof. In other embodiments, the boswellic acid or a derivative thereof is Boswellia serrata. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a composition for reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal, comprising: from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a pentacyclic triterpene; from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a beta-glucan; and a nutritionally complete carrier. Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a composition for reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal, comprising: from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof; from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a beta-glucan; and a nutritionally complete carrier. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a pet food composition comprising boswellic acid or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the boswellic acid is selected from alpha, beta, and 11-keto-beta boswellic acids. Derivatives also include acetyl derivatives. In some forms, boswellic acid isomers and their derivatives are preferably of natural origin and can be derived from sources known in the art. They can, for example, be synthesized or obtained from aqueous or ethanolic extracts of a herb of the genus Boswellia, preferably from the gum resin of the serrata species. See, for example, Sen et al., Carbohydrate Res. 223, 321 (1992) and Ammon et al., Planta Med. 57, 203 (1991). A suitable source of boswellic acids is a Boswellia serrata resin extract standardized to 60% boswellic acids. Such an extract is available from Ayush Herbs, Inc., Bellevue, Wash., under the name Boswellia Plus. Some embodiments also include a beta-glucan. Generally, glucans are understood to mean polyglucans, that is, primarily branched and unbranched glucose polymers of natural origin. These are produced particularly in yeasts, cereals (especially oats and barley), fungi, lichens, and algae. Preferably, beta-glucans are used in the invention, that is, glucans in which the glucose units are linked to β-(1,3) and / or β-(1,4) and may have 1,3 and / or 1,6 branches. If β-glucans are produced from yeasts, the yeasts used are preferably those of the strains

[0017] Candida albicans, Candida cloaceae, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Geotrichum candidum, Hansenula americana, Hansenula anómala, Hansenula wingei, Hansenula arni, Hansenula henrícii, Hansenula canadiensis, Hansenula capsúlate, Hansenulapolymorpha, Kloeckera brevis, Kloeckera apiculata, Kluyveromyces p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi polysporus, Kluyveromyces bulgarícus, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Pichia fermentans, Pichia kluveri, Pichia pastoris, Pichia polymorpha, Pichia rhodanesis, Pichia ohmerí, Saccharomyces bisporus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces capsularis, Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Saccharomyces fermentati, Saccharomyces lugwigii, Saccharomyces microellipsoides, Saccharomyces pastorianus, Saccharomyces rosei, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces synnaedendra, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Torulopsis cattle, Torulopsis glabrata y,In particular, wine yeast and baker's yeast. There are several ways to produce β-glucans from yeast cells. In principle, glucans, particularly β-glucans, are treated with alkaline earth metal hydroxides / alkali metal hydroxides at a low concentration of 0.05–1.0%, either in steps or successively, or with a surfactant-containing solution (e.g., one containing sodium lauryl sulfonate) at temperatures between 20 and 100 °C. Numerous protocols are known for this process. After extraction of the cell wall fractions, the residue is gently dried. Yeast cell walls suspended in water or suitably diluted extraction solution, which have a high content of bioavailable β-glucans, can also be produced in this way. Furthermore, glucans can be produced from yeast by a combination of mechanical disintegration, purification, lyophilization, and subsequent enzymatic disruption, followed by centrifugation. In the case of a dried yeast cell wall product, the dry matter content of the resulting residue should conveniently be greater than 90% by weight, and the polysaccharide content should be at least 70% by weight (in each case based on the yeast cell wall extract). The bioavailable glucan content in the polysaccharide fraction should conveniently be at least 75% by weight. In the case of liquid cell walls or liquid preparations, equivalent contents are calculated based on dry matter. Oat or barley extracts in the context of this invention are fractions produced by milling from the cereal species of oats (genus: Avena) or barley (genus: Hordeum) comprising β-glucans typical of these cereal species. Furthermore, these are considered to refer to extracts of these cereals produced from these cereals by treatment with suitable solvents and comprising β-glucans. The extracts can be used in dissolved form or as a powder / granules / agglomerates. There are several possibilities for producing β-glucans from cereals. Some are described in WO 2001 / 026479, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. They can be separated into fractions, for example, by grinding processes (e.g., in the bran fraction, which typically comprises between 7 and 20% by weight of bioavailable β-glucan). p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi Other isolates containing bioavailable β-glucans from fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum (linghi) or shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) or Cortinellus shütake or a similar species (described, for example, in “Functional Properties of Edible Mushrooms”; Mattila-P, Suonpáá-K, Piironen-V; Nutrition; 16 (7 / 8) 694-696, 2000) or extracts from lichens (lichen scleroglucan, a sclerotium species, described, for example, in “Isolation and physicochemical characterization of soluble scleroglucan from Sclerotium rolfsii”·, Fariña-JI, Siñeriz-F, Molina-OE, Perotti-NI; Carbohydrate Polymers 44 (2001) 41-50), for example, the commercial product Polytran® (Pillsburg Co., Delaware 1343, Minneapolis, Min.55402; D-glucose linked to β-1,3, to which the D-glucose is attached as a side chain via β-1,6 linkages) are also materials having bioavailable β-glucans in the context of this invention and can be used as an alternative to the aforementioned extracts from yeast or cereal cell walls. This also applies to extracts containing laminaria from brown algae (Laminaria species) comprising bioavailable β-(1,3) glucans, which occasionally also contain β-(1,6) glycosidic linkages. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a pet food composition comprising: a beta-glucan; and a pentacyclic triterpene. In other embodiments, the pentacyclic triterpene comprises boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof. In further embodiments, the pet food composition comprises: a beta-glucan; and boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof; wherein the weight ratio of the beta-glucan to the boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, is approximately 1:1. In some embodiments, the boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, comprises Boswellia serrata. In some formulations, beta-glucan is produced from yeast. In other formulations, beta-glucan comprises beta-1,3-1,6-glucan. In some formulations, boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, is present in an amount of approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of the composition. In additional formulations, boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, is present in an amount of approximately 0.05%, approximately 0.1%, approximately 0.15%, approximately 0.2%, 0.25%, approximately 0.3%, approximately 0.35%, approximately 0.4%, approximately 0.45%, or approximately 0.5% by weight of the composition. Still other formulations provide pet food compositions in which boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, is present in an amount of 0.33% by weight of the composition. In some formulations, beta-glucan is present in an amount of approximately 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of the composition. In other formulations, beta-glucan is present in an amount of approximately 0.05%, approximately 0.1%, approximately 0.15%, approximately 0.2%, 0.25%, approximately 0.3%, approximately 0.35%, approximately 0.4%, approximately 0.45%, or approximately 0.5% by weight of the composition. In some forms, the combined concentration of beta glucan and boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof, is approximately 0.5% to approximately 1% by weight of the total composition. In some formulations, the pet food composition also includes an amino acid. In some formulations, the amino acid is selected from arginine, taurine, and glycine. In some formulations, the amino acid includes taurine. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition for reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal, comprising: from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof; from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of a beta-glucan; and a nutritionally complete carrier. In further embodiments, the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 15% by weight of fat, on a dry matter basis. In some embodiments, the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 25% by weight of protein, on a dry matter basis. In other embodiments, the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 10% by weight of fiber, on a dry matter basis. In certain embodiments, the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 8% by weight of moisture. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for: a) reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with abnormal levels of CXC-motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / or d) treating, preventing, or ameliorating a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet animal; comprising: administering any one of the compositions described herein to the pet animal in need. Further embodiments provide for the use of any one of the compositions described herein in the manufacture of a pet food composition to: a) reduce postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treat, prevent, or improve a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with abnormal levels of CXC-motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treat, prevent, or improve a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / op / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi d) treat, prevent or improve a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet. In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of a croquette. In additional embodiments, the composition is in the form of a multi-layered croquette. Still other embodiments provide a multi-layered croquette comprising a coating. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a palatant. In some embodiments, the coating further comprises a beta-glucan and a boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the croquette is formed by extrusion. In some embodiments, the croquette also comprises a binder. In some embodiments, the binder may comprise any of the following materials or combinations thereof: monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, mannose, arabinose; and trisaccharides, such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, lactulose; corn and rice syrup solids; dextrins, such as corn, wheat, rice, and tapioca dextrins; maltodextrins; starches, such as rice, wheat, corn, potato, tapioca starches, or these starches modified by chemical modification; alginates, chitosans; gums, such as carrageenan and gum arabic; polyols, such as glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol; esters of polyols, such as sucrose esters, polyglycol esters, glycerol esters, polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters; sorbitol; molasses; Honey; jellies; peptides;proteins and modified proteins, such as liquid whey, whey powder, whey concentrate, whey isolate, whey protein isolate, high lactose whey by-product, meat broth solids such as chicken broth, chicken broth solids, soy protein and egg white.; In some formulations, lipids and lipid derivatives may also be used as binding agents. Lipids may be used in combination with water and / or other binding agents. Lipids may include vegetable fats such as soybean oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and their partially and fully hydrogenated derivatives; animal fats and their partially and fully hydrogenated derivatives; and waxes. In some formulations, the composition is not prepared by extrusion. In some formulations, the composition has a selected form: a bar, a stew, a "meat and sauce" form, a porridge, shreds with a moisture content greater than 50%, and a product that can be introduced through a syringe. As used in this description, the term "companion animal" refers to an animal of any species kept by a keeper as a pet, or any animal of a variety of species that have been widely domesticated as pets, including dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis domesticus), regardless of whether the individual animal is kept solely or partially as a companion. Companion animals thus include, for example, but are not limited to, working dogs, farm cats kept for rodent control, domestic cats, domestic dogs, ferrets, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and fish. In some instances, the companion animal is selected from a canine and a feline. In other instances, the companion animal is a canine. As used in the present description, the term "soluble fiber" means one or more fibers that are readily fermented in the large intestine, for example, beet pulp, guar gum, chicory root, psyllium, pectin, blueberry, cranberry, pumpkin, apples, oats, beans, citrus fruits, or barley. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may contain a source of “insoluble fiber.” In some embodiments, the insoluble fiber may be supplied by any of a variety of sources, including cellulose, whole wheat products, wheat oats, corn bran, flaxseed, grapes, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels, vegetable peels, peanut shells, and soybean fiber. In cases where the composition is animal feed, it may include vitamins and minerals in amounts necessary to prevent deficiencies and maintain health. These amounts are available in the technical specifications. The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides the recommended amounts of such nutrients for dogs and cats. See the American Association of Feed Control Officials Official Publication, pp. 126-140 (2003). Vitamins useful as feed additives include, for example, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin H (biotin), vitamin K, folic acid, inositol, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Minerals and trace elements useful as feed additives include salts of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, choline, and iron. The compositions of the present invention may also contain additives known in the art. Such additives must be present in quantities that do not impair the purpose and effect provided by the invention. Examples of additives include stabilizing substances, organoleptic substances, processing aids, and substances that provide nutritional benefits. Stabilizing agents can increase the shelf life of a composition. Suitable examples include preservatives, antioxidants, synergistic and sequestering agents, gas packing agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and humectants. Examples of emulsifying and / or thickening agents include gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starches. Additives for coloring, palatability, and nutritional purposes may include colorants, salts (including but not limited to sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other edible salts), vitamins, minerals, and flavorings. The amount of such additives in a composition is typically up to approximately 5% by weight (based on the dry matter of the composition). Other additives may include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, plant extracts, herbal extracts, etc. The term "palatability," as used in this description, encompasses all the various properties of the food detected by the animal, such as texture, flavor, and aroma. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a carbohydrate source. The carbohydrate source may comprise cereals, grains, corn, wheat, rice, oats, corn grits, sorghum, sorghum / milo grain, wheat bran, oat bran, amaranth, durum wheat, and / or semolina. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a fat source. The fat source or fatty ingredient may comprise poultry fat, chicken fat, turkey fat, pork fat, lard, tallow, beef fat, vegetable oils, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, fish oil, lacha oil, anchovy oil, and / or olestra oil. Other embodiments of the present invention comprise additional ingredients. For example, these additional ingredients may include active ingredients such as fiber sources, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, glucose mimetics, probiotics, prebiotics, and others. Fiber sources may include, for example, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), beet pulp, mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), oat fiber, citrus pulp, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), guar gum, gum arabic, apple pomace, citrus fiber, fiber extracts, fiber derivatives, dried beet fiber (unsweetened), cellulose, α-cellulose, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides and starch oligo derivatives, inulin, psyllium, pectins, citrus pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, alginates, gum arabic, talha gum, beta-glucans, chitins, lignin, celluloses, non-starch polysaccharides, carrageenan, reduced starch, soy oligosaccharides, trehalose, raffinose, stachyose, lactulose, polydextrose, oligodextran, gentioligosaccharide, oligosaccharide pectic and / or hemicellulose. Mineral sources may include, for example, sodium selenite, monosodium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, potassium iodide, and / or cobalt carbonate. In some varieties, pecan shells can also be a source of lignin-based fiber. Suitable vitamins may include choline chloride, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, pantothenic acid, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, vitamin C and / or ascorbic acid. Ingredients that are sources of polyphenols may include tea extract, rosemary extract, rosemarinic acid, coffee extract, pecan shells, caffeic acid, turmeric extract, blueberry extract, grape extract, grape seed extract and / or soy extract. Sources of amino acids may include 1 - Tryptophan, Taurine, Histidine, Carnosine, Alanine, Cysteine, Arginine, Methionine, Tryptophan, Lysine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Glycine, Glutamine, Taurine, Tyrosine, Homocysteine, Ornithine, Citrulline, Glutamic acid, Proline and / or Serine. Sources of carotenoids may include lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, bixin, lycopene, and / or beta-carotene. Sources of antioxidants may include tocopherols (vitamin E), vitamin C, vitamin A, plant-derived materials, carotenoids (described above), selenium, and / or CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10). Sources of fatty acids may include arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and / or fish oils as a source of EPA and / or DHA. Sources of glucose mimetics may include glucose antimetabolites, including 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose; anhydrous sugars, including 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, mannoheptulose and / or avocado extract, comprising mannoheptulose. Other ingredients may include beef broth, dried brewer's yeast, egg, egg product, flaxseed meal, DL-methionine, amino acids, leucine, lysine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, aspartic acid, polyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate; zinc chloride, copper gluconate, stannous chloride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, triclosan, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green-edged mussel, blue-edged mussel, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), boron, boric acid, phytoestrogens, phytoandrogens, genistein, diadzein, L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, chromium tripicolinate, chromium nicotinate, acid / base modifiers, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate;eucalyptus, lavender, mint, plasticizers, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, buffering agents, glidants, carriers, pH adjusting agents, natural ingredients, stabilizers, biological additives such as enzymes (including proteases and lipases), chemical additives, refrigerants, chelating agents, denaturants, astringent drugs, emulsifiers, external analgesics, fragrance compounds, humectants, opacifying agents (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), antifoaming agents (such as silicone), preservatives (such as butylated hydroxytoluene p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, benzalkonium chloride, EDTA, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens and mixtures thereof), reducing agents, solvents, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents (non-surfactant), solvents, viscosity-increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous), sequestering agents and / or keratolytic agents.; Suitable probiotics may include one or more bacterial probiotic microorganisms suitable for pet consumption and effective in improving the microbial balance in the pet's gastrointestinal tract or for other benefits, such as disease or condition relief or prophylaxis. Several probiotic microorganisms are known in the art. In some formulations, the probiotic component may be selected from bacteria, yeasts, or microorganisms of the genera Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus (e.g., Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663 and Enterococcus faecium SFQ8), Lactobacillus, Leuconostrom, Saccharomyces, Candida, Streptococcus, and any mixtures thereof. In other formulations, the probiotic may be selected from the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and combinations thereof. Those of the genus Bacillus may form spores. In additional formulations, the probiotic does not form a spore.Non-limiting examples of lactic acid bacteria suitable for use in the present description include strains of Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetylactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acplohillus ( strain DSM 13241 Lactobacillus acidophilus), Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus bifidus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus delbrukii, Lactobacillus ferment, Lactobacillus fermenta, Lactobacillus fermenta Lactobacillus salvarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobactenum longum, Bifidobactenum infantis, Bifidobactenum bifidum, Bifidobactenum animalis, Bifidobactenum pseudolongum, and Pediococcus cerevisiae, or any mixture thereof. In specific embodiments, the probiotic-enriched coating can comprise the bacterial strain Bifidobactenum animalis AHC7 NCIMB 41199. As used in this description, the term kibble includes a granular component of animal feed, such as for dogs and cats, that typically has a moisture or water content of less than 12% by weight. Kibble can vary in texture from hard to soft. Kibble can also vary in internal structure from expanded to dense. Kibble can be formed by an extrusion process. For example, a kibble can be formed from a core and a coating to create a coated kibble, also called a coated kibble. It should be understood that when the term "kibble" is used, it can refer to either an uncoated or a coated kibble. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a protein source. The protein source, or protein ingredient, may comprise chicken meal, chicken, chicken by-product meal, lamb, lamb meal, turkey, turkey meal, beef, beef by-products, offal, fish meal, whole grains, kangaroo, whitefish, venison, soybean meal, soybean protein isolate, soybean protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, corn protein concentrate, distillers dried grains and / or soluble distillers dried grains, and single-cell proteins, for example, yeast cultures, algae, and / or bacteria. The embodiments of the present invention will be further described by means of the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES Example 1 The diets were formulated according to the nutritional standards established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and the NRC (National Research Council). The finished kibble was produced by extrusion, dried, and coated with palatants. In diets containing Boswellia and / or beta-glucan, the ingredients were coated onto the outside of the dried kibble along with the palatants. All diets were canine maintenance formulations. A first comparative formulation (Example 1) contained only the nutritional components of the formulation without the experimental ingredients (i.e., without Boswellia or beta-glucan). Two additional comparative formulations were also prepared and evaluated; these contained either Boswellia or beta-glucan and are identified as Ex. Comp. 2 and Ex. Comp. 3 in this description. In contrast, the illustrative composition of the present invention contained both Boswellia and beta-glucan at the same levels found individually in Ex. Comp. 2 and Ex. Comp. 3. The four compositions are described below in Table 1. Table 1 Ingredients Ex. Comp. 1 Ex. Comp. 2 Ex. Comp. 3 Ex. 1% by weight Chicken, ground, fresh 14 14 14 14 Barley, pearled, cascaded 13.7521 13.7521 13.7521 13.7521 Sorghum, whole grain 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.6 Wheat, red, whole grain 13.99 13.66 13.69 13.36 Corn, yellow, whole grain 11.99 11.99 11.99 11.99 Corn, gluten, flour 9.63 9.63 9.63 9.63 Chicken meal 8.985 8.985 8.985 8.985 Boswellic acids — 0.33 — 0.33 Pork fat 2.7303 2.7303 2.7303 2.7303 Beetroot Pulp 13 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Chicken Liver Digest 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Flavor 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 Lactic Acid 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Flaxseed 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.95 Salt(s) 0.3911 0.3911 0.3911 0.3911 Calcium Carbonate 0.301 0.301 0.301 0.301 Choline Chloride 0.2446 0.2446 0.2446 0.2246 Beta Glucan — - 0.3 0.3 Vitamins and Minerals 0.2201 0.2201 0.2201 0.2201 Vitamin premix 0.0937 0.0937 0.0937 0.0937 Mineral premix 0.0578 0.0578 0.0578 0.0578 Vegetable, fruit, and oat fiber mix 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 Taurine 0.033 0.033 0.033 0.033 Total 100 100 100 100 p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi The illustrative composition of the present invention described in Table 1 (above) is not prepared by extrusion, whereas the comparative examples can be prepared by extrusion. Example 2 An IACUC-approved clinical dietary intervention protocol was implemented, comprising healthy canines randomly assigned to four groups based on age, weight, and sex. The dogs were assessed as healthy using biochemical and clinical health markers. The study was a provisional, blinded, longitudinal design in a 2x2 format (+ / Boswellia, + / - beta-glucan). Circulating cytokines were assessed using multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and expressed in picograms per milliliter (pg / ml). Ex vivo whole blood culture was performed using blood drawn from fasted dogs. Two blood culture tubes were drawn from each dog that had been fed one of four experimental diets for 28 days. One tube contained blood culture medium to maintain blood cell activity (control tube). A second tube contained the same medium but also included a pro-inflammatory compound (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) to assess the composition's ability to enhance canonical immune activation (LPS tube). In the control tube, the whole blood was left undisturbed to allow the immune processes established by the dog's nutritional status prior to blood collection to continue.Despite being a clinically healthy population, the dogs had measurable levels of the antitumorigenic cytokine IP-10. The increased IP-10 levels in the control tube indicate an enhanced antitumorigenic state in the dogs. The increased IP-10 levels in the LPS tube indicate an ability to enhance an immunologically induced antitumorigenic state in dogs. Surprisingly, the illustrative composition of the present invention increased IP10 in both the control tube and the LPS tube, indicating that the compositions of the present invention have an inherent IP-10-inducing effect, but also enhance canonical endogenous activation pathways. These results are described below in Table 2 (control tube) and Table 3 (LPS tube). Table 2: Control tube p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi Composition IP-10* LN level (pg / ml) Ex. 1 0.99 Ex. Comp. 2 0.16 Ex. Comp 3 0.01 *IP-10 levels recorded as the difference with respect to Ex. Comp. 1, which is a negative control that does not include a source of Boswellia or beta glucan. Table 3: LPS Tube Composition IP-10* LN level (pg / ml) Ex. 1 0.83 Ex. Comp. 2 0.24 Ex. Comp 3 (-) 0.02 'IP-10 levels recorded as the difference with respect to Ex. Comp. 1, which is a negative control that does not include a source of Boswellia or beta glucan. As demonstrated by the data described above in Tables 2 and 3, the compositions of the present invention, comprising Boswellia and beta glucan, provide a synergistic increase in the levels of cytokine interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). A comparison of the comparative formulas and the illustrative composition of the present invention shows that the diets contained the same expressed nutritional qualities while varying in their inclusion of the experimental ingredients - Boswellia (boswellic acids) and beta-glucan (beta-1,3-1,6-glucans). All diets were formulated with the following predicted values ​​(dry matter basis excluding moisture): fat (14.6 g / 100 g), protein (24.8 g / 100 g), nitrogen-free extract (52.8 g / 100 g), fiber (10 g / 100 g), ash (5.8 g / 100 g), moisture (8 g / 100 g), Atwater energy (3954 kcal / kg). Since there were no foreseeable differences in macronutrient composition, nor were there any qualitative differences in ingredients other than the experimental ingredients, it follows that the results observed by the present inventors are driven by the unique and inventive combination of Boswellia and beta glucan. Example 3 An IACUC-approved clinical dietary intervention protocol was implemented, comprising healthy canines randomly assigned to four groups based on age, weight, and sex. The dogs were assessed as healthy using biochemical and clinical health markers. The study was a provisional, blinded, longitudinal design in a 2x2 format. A global metabolomics screening was performed on serum samples extracted from each dog fed one of the four experimental diets for 28 days. In summary, the serum was lyophilized and extracted with methanol:water to release the metabolites from the serum matrix. Metabolomics was performed using LC-MS with relative double quantification. Postbiotic indole levels in blood serum extracted from dogs fed an illustrative composition of the present invention (Ex. 1) and three comparative compositions (Ex. Comp. 1 - Ex. Comp. 3) were compared. As shown in Figure 1, an illustrative composition of the present invention comprising the combination of Boswellia and beta-glucan reduced indole-based postbiotic uremic toxin levels more consistently and to a greater extent than the comparative compositions containing only Boswellia or beta-glucan. There was a statistically significant treatment effect as indicated by multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA; p < 0.05). Example 4 An evaluation was performed on the magnitude of the effect of an illustrative composition of the present invention (Ex. 1) in relation to the sum of the individual effects of the comparative compositions (Ex. Comp. 2 and Ex. Comp. 3), to assess the degree to which the simultaneous feeding of Boswellia and beta-glucan can produce a greater effect than the sum of the individual effects of these diets consumed separately. The results are described below in Table 4. p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi Table 4 Indole postbiotic Ex. Comp. 2 Ex. Comp. 3 Ex. Comp. 2 + Ex. Comp. 3 Ex.1 Least squares group means (relative multiple levels) 2-oxindol-3-acetate 3.15 (-)1.40 1.75 (-) 2.77 3-indoxyl sulfate 0.21 (-) 0.01 0.20 (-) 0.20 5-hydroxyindole sulfate (-) 0.21 (-) 0.08 (-) 0.29 (-) 0.55 5-hydroxyindoleacetate 0.24 0.12 0.36 (-) 0.11 6-hydroxyindoleacetate (-) 0.08 (-) 0.32 (-) 0.41 (-) 0.52 7-hydroxyindoleacetate (-)0.18 0.15 (-)0.03 (-) 0.42 Indoleacetylacetate 1.37 (-) 0.02 1.35 (-) 0.60 Indoleacetylalanine 0.24 0.46 0.70 (-) 0.36 indoleacetylglutamine 0.51 0.66 1.18 0.03 indoleacrylate 0.21 0.23 0.44 (-) 0.32 indollactate 0.13 0.37 0.51 (-) 0.24 indolepropionate 0.50 0.60 1.10 (-) 0.43 indolin-2-one 0.21 (-) 0.01 0.20 (-) 0.25 Methyl indole-3-acetate 1.18 0.29 1.47 0.28 The data described in Table 4 (above) demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention comprising a combination of Boswellia and beta-glucan provide a synergistic reduction of postbiotic indole uremic toxins. These results were surprising in light of the results obtained from comparative formulations containing only Boswellia or beta-glucan. Example 5 Postbiotic phenol levels in blood serum extracted from dogs fed an illustrative composition of the present invention (Ex. 1) and three comparative compositions (Ex. Comp. 1 - Ex. Comp. 3) were compared. As shown in Figure 2, an illustrative composition of the present invention comprising the combination of Boswellia and beta-glucan reduced phenol-based postbiotic uremic toxin levels more consistently and to a greater extent than the comparative compositions containing only Boswellia or beta-glucan. There was a statistically significant treatment effect as indicated by multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA; p < 0.05). Example 6 An evaluation was performed on the magnitude of the effect of an illustrative composition of the present invention (Ex. 1) in relation to the sum of the individual effects of the comparative compositions (Ex. Comp. 2 and Ex. Comp. 3), to assess the degree to which the simultaneous conjugation of Boswellia and beta-glucan in feeding can produce a greater effect than the sum of the individual effects of these diets consumed separately. The results are described below in Table 5. p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi Table 5 Phenol postbiotic Ex. Comp. 2 Ex. Comp. 3 Ex. Comp. 2 + Ex. Comp. 3 Ex.1 Least squares group means (relative multiple levels) 1,2,3-Benzenetriol sulfate (-) 0.87 (-) 0.90 (-)1.77 (-)1.07 4-Hydroxybenzoate 0.40 0.00 0.40 (-) 0.59 Benzoate 0.23 (-) 0.11 0.12 (-) 0.55 Benzoyl carnitine (-) 0.13 (-) 0.01 0.12 (-) 0.18 Methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate sulfate 0.32 0.06 0.38 0.35 2-Aminophenol sulfate 0.45 0.29 0.73 0.15 3-(3-Hydroxyphenol)-propionate 1.32 (-) 0.19 1.12 (-)1.17 3-(3-hydroxyphenol)propionate sulfate 0.93 0.35 1.29 (-) 0.49 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-lactate 0.00 0.23 0.23 0.01 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate 2.24 (-) 0.50 1.74 (-)1.63 3-hydroxy-3-phenyl propionate 0.79 0.04 0.83 (-) 0.52 3-phenyl propionate 0.94 (-) 0.56 0.38 (-)1.65 4-acetylphenyl sulfate 0.68 0.42 1.10 (-) 0.23 4-Ethylphenyl sulfate 0.13 0.06 (-) 0.08 (-) 0.28 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetate 0.50 (-) 0.46 0.03 (-) 0.56 4-Hydroxyphenylacetateyl carnitine 1.34 0.19 1.53 (-) 0.22 4-hydroxyphenylacetyl glycine 0.61 0.02 0.62 (-) 0.31 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate 0.11 0.25 0.36 0.06 4-vinylphenol sulfate 0.02 0.11 0.13 (-) 0.04 Phenol sulfate (-) 0.67 (-) 0.55 (-)1.21 (-) 0.56 Phenylacetyl glutamine 0.45 0.22 0.67 0.21 Phenylacetyl glycine 0.49 (-) 0.03 0.46 0.09 Phenyl lactate 0.50 0.37 0.87 (-) 0.36 Phenyl pyruvate 0.07 0.06 0.12 0.00. The data described in Table 5 (above) demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention comprising a combination of Boswellia and beta-glucan provide a synergistic reduction of certain postbiotic uremic phenol toxins. These results were surprising in light of the results obtained from comparative formulations containing only Boswellia or beta-glucan. In summary, as illustrated by the results described in the Examples, namely Figures 1 and 2; and Tables 2-5, the compositions of the present invention comprising, in a significant part, a combination of Boswellia and beta glucan, decrease circulating uremic toxins in a manner greater than could have been expected from either of the experimental ingredients alone. Although several embodiments of the invention have been described in the preceding description, it is understood that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art to whom the invention belongs, with the benefit of the indications presented in the preceding description and the associated figures. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it is intended that many modifications and other embodiments will be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although specific terms are used in the present description, as well as in the claims that follow, these are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limiting the described invention or the claims that follow. p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention as above, it is considered novel and, therefore, the contents contained in the following are claimed as property:

Claims

1. A pet food composition comprising: a beta glucan; and a pentacyclic triterpene; wherein the weight ratio of the beta glucan to the pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 1:

1.

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene comprises boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof.

3. The pet food composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene comprises Boswellia serrata.

4. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beta glucan is produced from a yeast.

5. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beta glucan comprises beta-1,3-1,6-glucan.

6. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene is present in an amount of approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of the composition.

7. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene is present in an amount of approximately 0.3% by weight of the composition.

8. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene is present in an amount of approximately 0.33% by weight of the composition.

9. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein beta glucan is present in an amount of approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% by weight of the composition.

10. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein beta glucan is present in an amount of approximately 0.3% by weight of the composition.

11. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an amino acid.

12. The pet food composition according to claim 10, wherein the amino acid is selected from arginine, taurine, and glycine. c / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi 13. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined concentration of beta glucan and pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 0.5% to approximately 1% by weight of the total composition.

14. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in the form of a kibble.

15. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in the form of a multi-layered kibble.

16. The pet food composition according to claim 15, wherein the multi-layered kibble comprises a coating.

17. The pet food composition according to claim 16, wherein the coating comprises a palatant.

18. The pet food composition according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the coating further comprises beta glucan and boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof.

19. The pet food composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is not prepared by extrusion.

20. The pet food composition according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the kibble further comprises a binder.

21. The pet food composition according to any of claims 1 to 13 and 19, wherein the composition has a form selected from: a bar, a stew, a “meat and gravy” form, a mash, shredded, with a moisture content greater than 50%, and a product that could be introduced through a syringe.

22. A composition for reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal, comprising: from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 0.5% by weight of a pentacyclic triterpene; from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 0.5% by weight of a beta glucan; and a nutritionally complete carrier.

23. The composition according to claim 22, wherein the pentacyclic triterpene comprises boswellic acid, or a derivative thereof.

24. The composition according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the pet is selected from a canine and a feline.

25. The composition according to claim 24, wherein the pet is a canine. p / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi 26. The composition according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the weight ratio of beta glucan to pentacyclic triterpene is approximately 1:

1.

27. The composition according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 15% by weight of fat, on a dry matter basis of the composition.

28. The composition according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 25% by weight of protein, on a dry matter basis of the composition.

29. The composition according to any of claims 22 to 28, wherein the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 10% by weight of fiber, on a dry matter basis of the composition.

30. The composition according to any of claims 22 to 29, wherein the nutritionally complete carrier comprises approximately 8% by weight of moisture.

31. A method for: a) reducing postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treating, preventing, or improving a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with abnormal levels of chemokine 10 with CXC motif (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treating, preventing, or improving a symptom of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / or d) treating, preventing, or improving a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet animal; comprising: administering any of the compositions described herein to a pet animal in need thereof.

32. Use of any of the compositions described herein in the manufacture of a pet food composition to: a) reduce postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; b) treat, prevent or improve a symptom of a disease, condition or disorder associated with abnormal levels of chemokine 10 with CXC motif (CXCL10) in a pet animal; c) treat, prevent or improve a symptom of a disease, condition or disorder associated with elevated levels of postbiotic uremic toxins in a pet animal; and / op / c / nn / Lznz / E / YiAi d) treat, prevent or improve a symptom associated with chronic kidney disease in a pet animal.