Oral pet care compositions

Abstract

Described herein is an oral care composition comprising a blend of 1) a liquid carrier, a active ingredient such as zinc lactate, arginine, green tea, polyphosphates, plant extract, and vitamin C, and 2) potassium alginate, and wherein the zinc lactate and potassium alginate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100: 1.

Description

PET CARE COMPOSITIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,793, filed June 27, 2024, titled PET CARE COMPOSITIONS, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Animals, particularly companion animals (e.g., dogs and cats), suffer from a wide variety of oral conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, plaque, tartar, and malodor. Thus, there is a need for a better composition that can help address the oral conditions.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention includes an oral care composition comprising a blend of a liquid carrier; an active ingredient comprising zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20: 1 to about 100:1.

[0004] Other embodiments of the present invention include an oral care composition comprising a blend of a liquid carrier; an active ingredient; a gum; a palatant; potassium alginate; and wherein the potas sium alginate and gum are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 5 : 1 to about 15:1.

[0005] In other embodiments, the present invention includes a pet oral care product comprising: a packaging comprising a reservoir; wherein the volume of the previously discussed oral care composition is located inside of the reservoir.

[0006] Other embodiments of the present invention include a method of treating oral health in a pet, the method comprising providing a volume of the previously discussed oral care composition to a mouth cavity of the pet.

[0007] Other embodiments of the present invention include a method of manufacture of an oral care composition: a) forming a blend of a liquid carrier, zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; wherein the zinc lactate and potassium alginate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0009] A list of non-limiting example embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention is provided below:

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment 1, provided is a pet care composition comprising: a liquid carrier; an active ingredient comprising zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20: 1 to about 100:1.

[0011] According to an embodiment 2, provided is the pet care composition according to embodiment 1 , further comprising a gum.

[0012] According to an embodiment 3, provided is the pet care composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, further comprising a palatant.

[0013] According to an embodiment 4, provided is the pet care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the active ingredient may further comprise one or more of Arginine, Cranberry, Green tea, Ginger, Polyphosphates, Lactic acid, Licorice extract, Magnolia extract, Pomegranate, Propolis, Vitamin C.

[0014] According to an embodiment 5, provided is the pet care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the pH of the blend is about 8.

[0015] According to an embodiment 6, provided is the pet care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

[0016] According to an embodiment 7, provided is the pet care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the zinc lactate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

[0017] According to an embodiment 8, provided is the pet care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the potassium alginate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment 9, provided is a pet care composition comprising: a liquid carrier; an active ingredient; a gum; a palatant; potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and gum are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 5:1 to about 15:1.

[0019] According to an embodiment 10, provided is the pet care composition according to embodiment 9, wherein the active ingredient comprises one or more of Arginine, Cranberry, Green tea, Ginger, Polyphosphates, Lactic acid, Licorice extract, Magnolia extract, Pomegranate, Propolis, Vitamin C.

[0020] According to an embodiment 11, provided is the pet care composition according to embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

[0021] According to an embodiment 12, provided is the pet care composition according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the potassium alginate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment 13, provided is a pet care product comprising: a packaging comprising a reservoir; wherein a volume of the pet care composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 is located inside of the reservoir.

[0023] According to an embodiment 14, provided is the pet care product according to embodiment 13, wherein the packaging comprises a sleeve-material.

[0024] According to an embodiment 15, provided is the pet care product according to embodiment 13 or embodiment 14, wherein the packaging is deformable.

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment 16, provided is a method of treating oral health in a mammalian subject, the method comprising providing an effective amount of the pet care composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 to the oral cavity of a mammalian subject in need thereof.

[0026] In accordance with an embodiment 17, provided is a method of manufacturing a pet care composition: a) forming a blend of a liquid carrier, zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; wherein the zinc lactate and potassium alginate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

[0027] According to an embodiment 18, provided is the method according to embodiment 17, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

[0028] According to an embodiment 19, provided is the method according to any one of embodiments 17 to 18, wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description of the preferred cmbodimcnt(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0030] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer to percentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weight of the material.

[0032] The terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used in their open, non-limiting sense.

[0033] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the disclosure described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

[0034] Additionally, all numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0035] According to the present application, the term “substantially free” less than about 0.1 wt. % based on the total of the referenced value. According to the present application, the term “free” is 0.0 wt. % based on the total of the referenced value.

[0036] All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. For examples, any value or point described herein that falls within a range described herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive a sub-range, etc. Furthermore, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range within, and combination of sub ranges between, the given ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

[0037] As used herein, the use of a compound comprising several isomers or stereoisomers includes all the isomeric forms of that compound. When referring to chemical structures, and names, the symbols “C”, “H”, and “O” mean carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. The symbols “=” and “= ’ mean single bond, double bond, and triple bond, respectively. For readability purposes, the chemical functional groups are in their adjective form; for each of the adjective, the word “group” is assumed. For example, the adjective “alkyl” without a nouns thereafter, should be read as “an alkyl group.”

[0038] As used herein, the expression “at least one” is interchangeable with the expression “one or more” and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures / combinations.

[0039] The verb term “treat” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refers to the application of compositions of the present disclosure onto the surface of an oral cavity. The noun term “treat” may refer to an edible composition that can be given to an animal (pet) as a reward.

[0040] The term “active material” as used herein with respect to the percent amount of an ingredient or raw material, refers to 100% activity of the ingredient or raw material.

[0041] The term, “a mixture thereof’ or “a blend thereof’ does not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C,D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.”

[0042] Likewise, the term “a salt thereof’ also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt ofE, and a salt of F may be included.

[0043] The salts referred to throughout the disclosure may include salts having a counter-ion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium countcr-ion. This list of counter-ions, however, is non-limiting.

[0044] The expression “inclusive” for a range of concentrations means that the limits of the range are included in the defined interval.

[0045] The term “weight ratio” or “mass ratio” as used herein, references the amount of a substance in proportion to a mixture containing said substance, and is calculated by dividing the amount of said substance by weight contained in the mixture by the weight of the mixture containing said substance. As an example, a weight ratio of 0.4 for substance A in a mixture of A, B, and C indicates that the weight of substance A divided by the total weight of substances A, B, and C is 0.4.

[0046] Some of the various categories of components identified may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two components that overlap), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, a fatty acid may be characterized as both a nonionic surfactant and a fatty compound. If a particular composition includes both a nonionic surfactant and a fatty compound, a single fatty acid will serve as only the nonionic surfactant or as only the fatty compound (the single fatty acid does not serve as both the nonionic surfactant and the fatty compound).

[0047] The term “polymers,” as defined herein, include homopolymers and copolymers formed from at least two different types of monomers.

[0048] Any member in a list of species that are used to exemplify or define a genus, may be mutually different from, or overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly the same as, or identical to, any other member of the list of species. Further, unless explicitly stated, such as when reciting a Markush group, the list of species that define or exemplify the genus is open, and it is given that other species may exist that define or exemplify the genus just as well as, or better than, any other species listed.

[0049] All components and elements positively set forth in this disclosure can be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the pet care compositions of the instant disclosure can be free or essentially free of all components and elements positively recited throughout the instant disclosure. In some instances, the pet care compositions of the present disclosure may besubstantially free of non-incidental amounts of the ingredient(s) or compound(s) described herein. A non-incidcntal amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of that ingredient or compound that is added into the pet care composition by itself. For example, a pet care composition may be substantially free of a non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound, although such ingredient(s) or compound(s) may be present as part of a raw material that is included as a blend of two or more compounds.

[0050] It is contemplated that the invention described herein is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0051] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0052] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] The term “regular basis” means at least monthly administration and, in one aspect, at least weekly administration. More frequent administration or consumption, such as twice or three times weekly, can be performed in certain embodiments. In one aspect, an administration regimen can comprise at least once daily consumption.

[0054] The term “single package” means that the components of a kit are physically associated in or with one or more containers and considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cartons, bottles, packages such as shrink wrap packages, stapled or otherwise affixed components, or combinations thereof. A single package may be containers of the food compositions, or components thereof, physically associated such that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

[0055] The present invention relates to any animal, preferably a mammal. The animal, more preferably, is a companion animal. The term “companion animal” refers to any animal that lives in close association with humans and includes, but is not limited to, canines and felines of any breed. For example, it is contemplated herein that this term may also encompass any animal whose diet may be controlled by humans and which may benefit from feeding the formulations disclosedherein. These animals may include, for example, domesticated farm animals (e.g., cattle, horses, swine, etc.) as well as undomcsticatcd animals held in captivity, c.g., in zoological parks and the like. Preferably, companion animals are cats and dogs.

[0056] All percentages expressed herein are on a weight by dry matter basis unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0057] The term ‘‘tooth” and “teeth” refers to natural teeth and any other hard surfaces, such as crowns, caps, fillings, bridges, dental implants, and the like, that are permanently fixed within the oral cavity and cleansed in situ within the oral cavity of a subject.

[0058] The term tartar may refer to dental calculus. Dental calculus, or tartar, refers to a build-up of hardened (mineralized) plaque on the teeth, formed by the presence of saliva, debris, and minerals. Mature calculus consists of an inorganic portion which is largely calcium phosphate arranged in a hydroxyapatite crystal lattice structure similar to bone, enamel, and dentine. An organic portion is also present and consists of desquamated epithelial cells, leukocytes, salivary sediment, food debris, and various types of microorganisms. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for bacterial growth, threatening the health of the gums and absorbing unaesthetic stains far more easily than natural teeth.

[0059] Calculus may come in two forms. Supragingival (outside the gums) calculus is the visible deposit that forms on the top of the teeth. Subgingival (inside the gums) calculus forms in pockets between teeth and gums. Subgingival calculus is more harmful as it facilitates faster growth of bacteria.

[0060] The present invention includes an oral care composition. The oral care composition may be suitable for the attenuation of dental plaque, tooth stain, calculus, and gingivitis (i.e., treatment, inhibition, disintegration, and subsequent removal of) from a user’s oral cavity - specifically, from a tooth and / or teeth surface.

[0061] The oral care compositions of the present invention may be unit-dose oral care compositions. A unit-dose oral care composition is an amount of the oral care composition to be administered to a patient or mammal in a single use under the conditions of intended use. The unit-dose oral care composition can be a unit-dose dentifrice, a unit-dose mouth rinse, a unit-dose tooth gel, or any other suitable unit-dose oral care composition capable of being retained in the oral cavity for a time sufficient to contact some or all of the dental surfaces and / or oral tissues for purposes of oral health.

[0062] As used herein, “conditions of intended use” means the temperature, physical, chemical, and / or mechanical conditions that an oral care composition comprising one or more filaments of the present invention is exposed to when the oral care composition is used for its designed purpose. The oral care compositions of the present invention can be administered to a mammal via the oral cavity, mouth, throat, and combinations thereof. The conditions of intended use can be the temperature, physical, chemical, and / or mechanical conditions in the oral cavity, mouth, and / or throat of an animal.

[0063] The oral composition of the present invention may be in various forms including toothpaste, dentifrice, tooth gel, tooth powders, tablets, rinse, sub gingival gel, foam, mousse, gravy, sponge, floss, prophy paste, nonwoven web, or foam. In one embodiment, the oral composition is in the form of a paste. In another embodiment, the oral composition is in the form of a mousse. The oral care composition may also be a strip that can be directly applied to a surface of the oral cavity.

[0064] As used herein, the term “applying” includes spraying, dusting, sprinkling, coating, surface-printing (e.g., in the shape of a desired adornment, decoration, or pattern), pouring on, injecting into the interior, dipping, or by any other suitable means, such as by use of a depositor, sifter, or powder bed.

[0065] The oral care composition may comprise an active ingredient, a matrix component, and an orally acceptable carrier. The oral care composition may comprise a blend of the active ingredient, the matrix component, and the orally acceptable carrier. The blend may form 100 wt. % of the oral care composition.

[0066] The term “orally acceptable carrier” as used herein means a suitable vehicle or ingredient, which can be used to form and / or apply the present compositions to the oral cavity in a safe and effective manner. The orally acceptable carrier may be a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier may comprise water. In some embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises potable water. In other embodiments, the liquid carrier may comprise deionized water.

[0067] The orally acceptable carrier may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 90 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the orally acceptable carrier may be present in an amount ranging from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % based on thetotal weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and subranges thcrc-bctwccn.

[0068] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise water in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 90 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise water in an amount ranging from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between.

[0069] The active ingredient may comprise an ion source. The ion source may be present in an effective amount to impart oral health to the user. The term “effective amount” as used herein means an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to induce a positive benefit, an oral health benefit, and / or an amount low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., to provide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the sound judgment of a skilled artisan. Depending on the type of oral health benefit and the efficacy of active compound, “effective amount” means at least about 0.0001% of the material, 0.001% of the material, or 0.01 of the material, by weight of the composition.

[0070] The ion source may be a metal ion source. The metal ion source may include one or more of stannous ion sources, zinc ion sources, copper ion sources, silver ion sources, magnesium ion sources, iron ion sources, sodium ion sources, and manganese ion sources, and / or combinations thereof. The metal ion source can be a soluble or a sparingly soluble compound of stannous, zinc, or copper with inorganic or organic counter ions. Examples include the fluoride, chloride, chlorofluoride, acetate, hexafluorozirconate, sulfate, tartrate, gluconate, citrate, malate, glycinate, pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, oxalate, phosphate, carbonate salts and oxides of stannous, zinc, and copper.

[0071] Non-limiting examples of zinc ion sources may include Zinc amino acid chelate, Zinc carnosine, Zinc lactate, Zinc oxide, Zinc proteinate, and combinations thereof.

[0072] In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantially free of copper ions. In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantially free of silver ions. In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantially free of magnesium ions. In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantially free of iron ions. In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantiallyfree of manganese ions. In some embodiments, the ion source may be substantially free of tin ions.

[0073] Other non-limiting active ingredients may include one or more of Arginine, Cranberry (such as Cranberry extract), Green tea (such as Green tea extract, or Epigallocatechin gallate), Ginger (such as Ginger extract), Polyphosphates (such as Hexametaphosphate, Sodium tripolyphosphate, and combinations thereof); Lactic acid, Licorice extract Magnolia extract (such as Magnolol, Honokiol, and combinations thereof), Pomegranate (such as Pomegranate extract), Propolis (such as Propolis extract), Vitamin C (such as Vitamin C palmitate, Vitaminc C phosphate, and combinations thereof), and blends thereof.

[0074] The blend of the oral care composition may comprise the active ingredient in an amount ranging from about 0.005 wt. % to about 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 2 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend - including all weight percentages and subranges there-between. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between.

[0075] In some embodiments, treatment of gingivitis, tartar, plaque, sensitivity, and improved breath may be the result of treatment using a divalent metal ion. In some embodiments, the divalent metal ion may be a zinc ion resulting from a zinc metal ion source. The divalent metal ion source may be present in the oral care composition in an effective amount to provide an amount of divalent metal ion within the oral cavity during treatment to impart the desired oral care benefits (i.e., attenuation of gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, and improved breath benefits).

[0076] An effective amount may defined as from at least about 50 ppm to about 2,000 ppm metal ion of the total composition, preferably from about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm. In the embodiments with the ion source being zinc ion, the ion may be present in an amount of about 200ppm. This is the total amount of metal ions that may he present in the compositions for delivery to the tooth surface.

[0077] The metal ion source may be a zinc ion source. The zinc ion source may be selected from the group consisting of zinc citrate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, zinc phosphate, zinc arginine, zinc fluoride, zinc iodide, zinc carbonate, and combinations thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the zinc ion source may be selected from zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, and combinations thereof. Insoluble or sparingly soluble zinc compounds, such as zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, may be used as the zinc ion source. Zinc ion sources can be soluble zinc sources such as zinc chloride or zinc sulfate. Additionally, zinc ion sources can be those where the zinc is already combined with a suitable chelating agent in the form of a salt or other complex, such as zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate and zinc glycinate. Other examples of zinc ion sources are zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate and mixtures thereof.

[0079] In an embodiment, the zinc ion source is zinc lactate.

[0080] The matrix component may comprise a polymer. Non-limiting examples of polymers can include naturally sourced polymers, synthetic polymers, and combinations thereof.

[0081] Non-limiting examples of naturally sourced polymers can include alginates, gums, proteinbased polymers, starch-based polymers, native starches, modified starches, fiber polymers, other naturally sourced polymers, and combinations thereof.

[0082] Non-limiting examples of alginates can include ammonium alginate, an alkali-metal alginate, calcium-alginate, propylene glycol alginate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkali-metal alginate may be selected from potassium alginate, sodium alginate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alginate may be potassium alginate.

[0083] In some embodiments, the blend may comprise the alginate as the matrix component but also be free of the metal ion source while still providing a treatment, inhibition, disintegration, and / or removal of dental plaque, tooth stain, calculus, and gingivitis.

[0084] Non-limiting examples of gums can include acacia gum, carrageenan, tragacanth gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0085] Non-limiting examples of protein-based polymers can include whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, egg albumin, casein, collagen, glutelin, gelatin, gluten, zein, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of starch-based polymers can include those starch-based polymers sourced from cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, and combinations thereof. Starch-basedpolymers can include glucose monomers joined in an a 1 ,4 linkage, amylose, amylopectin, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of native starches can include waxy or high amylase varieties of corn, pea, potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of modified starches can include hydroxypropyl starch, maltodextrin, high amylose starch, and combinations thereof.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of fiber polymers can include pectins, fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin, agar, beta-glucans, dextrins, lignin, celluloses, non-starch polysaccharides, reduced starch, polycarbophil, citrus fiber, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of other naturally sourced polymers can include agar, pullulan, chitin, chitosan, shellac, and combinations thereof.

[0087] Non-limiting examples of synthetic polymers can include cellulose derivatives, carbomers, polymethacrylates, other synthetic polymers, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of cellulose derivatives can include hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and combinations thereof.

[0088] Non-limiting examples of polymethacrylates can include ammonio methacrylate copolymer, basic butylated methacrylate copolymer, methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1), methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1), methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1), methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:2), polyacrylate dispersion 30%, methacrylic acid copolymer, amino methacrylate copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer dispersion, ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0089] Non-limiting examples of other synthetic polymers can include polyvinyl alcohol, carboxy vinyl polymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyethylene oxide, polyoxyethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0090] The polymer of the present invention can be selected such that its weight average molecular weight is from about 20,000 Daltons (Da) to about 10,000,000 Da, from about 100,000 Da to about 5,000,000 Da, from about 500,000 Da to about 4,000,000 Da, or from about 1,000,000 Da to about 3,000,000 Da. The weight average molecular weight is computed by summing the weight average molecular weight of each nonwoven web forming material raw material multiplied by their respective relative weight percentages by weight of the total weight of polymers present within the filament.

[0091] The polymer can be polyvinyl alcohol with a weight average molecular weight from about 10,000 Da to about 250,000 Da, in another embodiment from about 15,000 Da to about 200,000 Da, and in another embodiment from about 20,000 Da to about 150,000 Da.

[0092] The polyvinyl alcohol can have a degree of hydrolysis of from about 60% to 100%, from about 65% to about 85%, less than 85%, from about 70% to about 80%, or from about 65% to about 95%.

[0093] The polymer can be selected from the group consisting of alginates, starch-based polymers, native starches, modified starches, and combinations thereof with a weight average molecular' weight from about 1,000,000 Da to about 6,000,000 Da, from about 1,500,000 Da to about 5,000,000 Da, or from about 2,000,000 Da to about 4,000,000 Da.

[0094] The polymer can be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, pectin, corn starch, modified com starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and combinations thereof.

[0095] The polymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the polymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, to about 35 wt. %, from about 20 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, to about 25 wt. %, to about 20 wt. %, to about 15 wt. % of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the polymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the polymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 1.0 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the polymer may be present in an amount ranging from about 1.0 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition - including all weight percentages and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the polymer may be present in an amount of about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the blend of the oral care composition.

[0096] According to the present invention, treatment of gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, and improved breath may be the result of a divalent metal ion source. According to the presentinvention the matrix component prepared with a divalent cation other than calcium (such as the zinc ion) - that alternate divalent cation would bind less strongly to the matrix component than to calcium. As a result, the blend of the present invention would be capable of swapping bound ions for calcium in the oral cavity, thereby delivering the original ion and sequestering salivary calcium ion - helping the reduce the amount of calcium available in the mouth, thereby improving tooth conditions. Stated otherwise, the specific nature of the oral care composition of the present invention may better sequester available calcium inside of the oral cavity, thereby reducing the likelihood of an unwanted tooth condition (such as tartar build up).

[0097] In some embodiments, the metal ion source may provide zinc ions that are introduced into the oral cavity, whereby the zinc ions being a divalent metal ion may bind less strongly to the matrix component as compared to calcium. As a result, the oral care composition may swap the bound ions for calcium in the oral cavity, delivering the original ion and sequestering salivary calcium - thereby reducing the calcium available for deposit onto a tooth surface in the form of tartar.

[0098] The matrix component and the ion source may be present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 60:1 - including all ratios and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the matrix component and the ion source may be present in a weight ratio of about 50:1.

[0099] The matrix component may comprise alkali-metal alginate and the ion source may be a metal ion source, whereby the alkali-metal alginate and the metal ion source may be present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 60:1 - including all ratios and sub-ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the alkali-metal alginate and the metal ion source may be present in a weight ratio of about 50:1.

[0100] The matrix component may comprise potassium alginate and the ion source may be zinc lactate, whereby the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 60:1 - including all ratios and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the potassium alginate and the zinc lactate may be present in a weight ratio of about 50:1.

[0101] The oral care composition of the present invention may further comprise one or more plasticizers. Non-limiting examples of plasticizers can include polyols, polycarboxylic acids, polyesters, other suitable plasticizers, and combinations thereof.

[0102] Non-limiting examples of polycarboxylic acids can include citric acid, succinic acid, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyesters can include glycerol triacetate, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, and combinations thereof.

[0103] Non-limiting examples of other suitable plasticizers of the present invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl and allyl phthalates; lactates (e.g., sodium, ammonium and potassium salts); lactic acid; soluble collagen; modified protein; monosodium L-glutamate; proteins and amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and lysine; hydrogen starch hydrolysates; other low molecular weight esters (e.g., esters of C2-C10 alcohols and acids); and any other plasticizer known to one skilled in the art of the food, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical industries; and combinations thereof.

[0104] The oral care composition may further comprise one or more polyol. The polyol may be present in the blend. The polyol may be an organic compound with more than one hydroxyl functional groups. The polyol can comprise a sugar alcohol, a non-reducing sugar, a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a polysaccharide, and / or combinations thereof.

[0105] Sugar alcohols are a class of polyols that can be obtained through the hydrogenation of sugar compounds with the formula (CHOH)nH2, preferably where n=2-6. Suitable sugar alcohols include ethylene glycol, glycerin, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltomtriitol, maltotetraitol, and / or polyglycitol.

[0106] Non-reducing sugars are a class of saccharides that do not generate any compounds containing an aldehyde functional group. Non-reducing sugars arc stable in water and do not react with weak oxidizing agents to produce sugar alcohols.

[0107] Non-limiting examples of monosaccharides can include glucose, fructose, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of disaccharides can include sucrose, maltose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup solids, trehalose, cellobiose, gentiobiose, isomaltose, kojibiose, laminaribiose, mannobiose, melibiose, nigerose, rutinose, xylobiose, lactulose and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of trioses can include glyceraldehydes, dihydroxyacetone, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of tetroses can include erythrose, threose, erythrulose, and combinations thereof.

[0108] Non-limiting examples of pentoses can include arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of hexoses can include allosc, altrosc, galactose, glucose, gulose, idose, mannose, talose, fructose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of heptoses can include mannoheptulose, sedoheptulose, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of octoses can include octolose, 2-keto-3-deoxy-manno-octonate, and combinations thereof. A non-limiting example of nonose can include sialose.

[0109] The oral care composition can comprise from about 0.01% to about 50%, from about 0.1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 40%, from about 2% to about 25%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 5% to about 10% of a polyol, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0110] The oral care composition can optionally comprise one or more aesthetic agents. The aesthetic agent may be present in the blend. The one or more aesthetic agents can be selected from the group consisting of flavors, colorants, sensates, sweeteners, salivation agents, and combinations thereof. All aesthetic agents can be present from about 0.001% to about 60%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.005% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, about 0.05% to about 40%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.1% to about 35%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0111] Aesthetic agents can be formed within the fibrous composition, added to the surface of the fibrous composition, or included in the nonfibrous composition.

[0112] The oral care composition can optionally include one or more flavors. The flavors may be present in the blend. Non-limiting examples of flavors that can be used in the present invention can include natural flavoring agents, artificial flavoring agents, artificial extracts, natural extracts and combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of flavors can include vanilla, honey, lemon, lemon honey, cherry vanilla, peach, honey ginger, chamomile, cherry, cherry cream, mint, vanilla mint, dark berry, black berry, raspberry, peppermint, spearmint, honey peach, acai berry, cranberry, honey cranberry, tropical fruit, dragon fruit, wolf berry, red stem mint, pomegranate, black current, strawberry, lemon, lime, peach ginger, orange, orange cream, cream sickle, apricot, anethole, ginger, jack fruit, star fruit, blueberry, fruit punch, lemon grass, chamomile lemon grass, lavender, banana, strawberry banana, grape, blue raspberry, lemon lime, coffee, espresso, cappuccino, honey, Wintergreen mint, bubble gum, tart honey lemon, sour lemon, green apple, boysenberry, rhubarb, strawberry rhubarb, persimmon, green tea, black tea, red tea, white tea,honey lime, cherry lime, apple, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, pear, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, maltol, cthyl-maltol, pumpkin, carrot cake, white chocolate raspberry, chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate marshmallow, apple pie, cinnamon, hazelnut, almond, cream, creme brulee, caramel, caramel nut, butter, butter toffee, caramel toffee, aloe vera, whiskey, rum, cocoa, licorice, pineapple, guava, melon, watermelon, elder berry, mouth cooler, raspberries and cream, peach mango, tropical, cool berry, lemon ice, nectar, spicy nectar, tropical mango, apple butter, peanut butter, tangerine, tangerine lime, marshmallow, cotton candy, apple cider, orange chocolate, adipic acid, citral, denatonium benzoate, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, ethyl maltol, ethylcellulose, fumaric acid, leucine, malic acid, menthol, methionine, monosodium glutamate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, tartaric acid, thymol, and combinations thereof.

[0113] Flavors can be protected in an encapsulate or as a flavor crystal. The encapsulated flavor can have a controlled or delayed release once the encapsulated flavor reaches the oral cavity. The encapsulate can comprise a shell and a core. The flavor can be in the core of the encapsulate. The flavor can be encapsulated by any suitable means, such as spray drying or extrusion. Encapsulated flavors can be added to the surface of the fibrous composition, formed within the fibrous composition, or included in the nonfibrous composition.

[0114] Flavors can be present from about 0.05% to about 25%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.01% to about 15%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.2% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0115] The oral care composition can optionally include one or more colorants. The colorants may be present in the blend. The colorants can provide a visual signal when the oral care composition is exposed to conditions of intended use. Non-limiting examples colorants that may be used in the present invention include FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue #2, D&C blue #4, D&C blue #9, FD&C green #3, D&C green #5, D&C green #6, D&C green #8, D&C orange #4, D&C orange #5, D&C orange #10, D&C orange #11, FD&C red #3, FD&C red #4, D&C red #6, D&C red #7, D&C red #17, D&C red #21, D&C red #22, D&C red #27, D&C red #28, D&C red #30, D&C red #31, D&C red #33, D&C red #34, D&C red #36, D&C red #39, FD&C red #40, D&C violet #2, FD&C yellow #5, FD&C yellow #6, D&C yellow #7, Ext. D&C yellow #7, D&C yellow #8, D&C yellow #10, D&C yellow #11, and combinations thereof. Colorants can be present from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.01% to about 2%, byweight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.02% to about 1 .5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0116] The oral care composition can optionally include one or more sensates. The sensates may be present in the blend. Non-limiting examples of sensates can include cooling sensates, warming sensates, tingling sensates, and combinations thereof. Sensates are useful to deliver signals to the user.

[0117] Non-limiting examples of cooling sensates can include WS-23 (2-Isopropyl-N,2,3- trimethylbutyramide), WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-30 (1-glyceryl-p- mentane-3-carboxylate), WS-4 (ethyleneglycol-p-methane-3-carboxylate), WS-14 (N-t-butyl-p- menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-12 (N-(4-,ethoxyphenyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-5 (Ethyl-3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate, Menthone glycerol ketal (sold as Frescolat® MGA by Haarmann & Reimer), (-)-Menthyl lactate (sold as Frescolat® ML by Haarmann & Reimer), (-)-Menthoxypropane-l,2-diol(sold as Coolant Agent 10 by Takasago International), 3- (l-menthoxy)propane-l,2-diol, 3-(l-Menthoxy)-2-methylpropane-l,2-diol, (-)-Isopulegol is sold under the name “Coolact P® ” by Takasago International., cis & trans p-Menthane-3,8- diols(PMD38)-Takasago International, Questice® (menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate), (lR,3R,4S)-3-menthyl-3,6-dioxaheptanoate-Firmenich, (1R,2S ,5R)-3-menthyl methoxy acetate- Firmenich, (1R,2S ,5R)-3-menthyl 3,6,9-trioxadecanoate-Firmenich, (1R,2S ,5R)-menthyl 11- hydroxy-3 ,6,9-trioxaundecanoate-Firmenich, (lR,2S,5R)-3-menthyl (2-hydroxyethoxy)acetate- Firmenich, Cubebol-Firmenich, Icilin also known as AG-3-5, chemical name l-[2- hydroxyphenyl]-4-[2-nitrophenyl- ]-l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one), 4-methyl-3-(l- pyrrolidinyl)-2[5H] -furanone, Frescolat ML- menthyl lactate, Frescolat MGA-menthane glycerin acetal, Peppermint oil, Givaudan 180, L- Monomenthyl succinate, L- monomenthyl glutarate, 3-1- menthoxypropane-l,2-diol-(Coolact 10), 2-1 -men thoxy ethanol (Cooltact 5), TK10 Coolact (3-1- Menthoxy propane- 1,2-diol), Evercool 180 (N-p-benzeneacetonitrile-menthane carboxamide), and combinations thereof. Cooling sensates can be present from about 0.005% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.05% to about 7%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0118] Non-limiting examples of warming sensates can include TK 1000, TK 1 MM, Heatenol- Sensient Flavors, Optaheat-Symrise Flavors, Cinnamon, Polyethylene glycol, Capsicum, Capsaicin, Curry, FSI Flavors, Isobutavan, Ethanol, Glycerin, Nonivamide 60162807, HotactVEE, Hotact 1 MM, piperine, optaheat 295 832, optaheat 204 656, optaheat 200349, and combinations thereof. Warming scnsatcs can be present from about 0.005% to about 60%, by weight on a dry filament basis, from about 0.05% to about 50%, by weight on a dry filament basis, or from about 0.01% to about 40%, by weight on a dry filament basis. Warming sensates can be present from about 0.005% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.05% to about 7%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition. Non-limiting examples of tingling sensates can include sichuan pepper, hydroxy alpha sanshool, citric acid, Jambu extracts, spilanthol, and combinations thereof. Tingling sensates can be present from about 0.005% to about 10%, by weight on a dry filament basis or the oral care composition, from about to about 7%, by weight on a dry filament basis or the oral care composition, or from about to about 6%, by weight on a dry filament basis or the oral care composition.

[0119] The oral care composition may comprise a “palatant” or “palatability improving agent”. As used herein, the term “palatability improving agent” or “palatant” include any composition that alters the palatability of the composition to which it is added. The palatability improving agents of the invention can be meat-based or non-meat based derived from meat.

[0120] Non-limiting examples of a palatant can include chicken flavor, such as liquid digest derived from chicken livers, which can be approximately 70% water and chicken liver digests. A palatant component as used herein means anything that is added to the animal feed for the primary purpose of improving food acceptance, or preference, by the animal.A palatant component, which can also be considered a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a flavoring component, can include a liver or viscera digest, which can be combined with an acid, such as a pyrophosphate. Non-limiting examples of pyrophosphates include, but are not limited to, disodium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, trisodium polyphosphates, tripolyphosphates, and zinc pyrophosphate. The palatant component can contain additional palatant aids, non-limiting examples of which can include methionine and choline. Other palatant aids can include aromatic agents or other entities that drive interest by the animal in the food and can include cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, peptides, monoglycerides, short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, 3-methylbutyrate, zeolite, poultry hydrolysate, tarragon essential oil, oregano essential oil, 2-methylfuran, 2-methylpyrrole, 2- methyl-thiophene, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, sulfurol, algae meal, catnip, 2-Piperidione, 2,3 pentanedione, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethypyrazine, Furfural, Sulfurol, and Indole. In addition, various meat based flavorants or aroma agents can be used, non-limiting examples include meat, beef, chicken, turkey, fish, cheese, or other animal based flavor agents.

[0121] The oral care composition can optionally include one or more sweeteners. The sweetener may be present in the blend. Sweeteners can be natural or artificial. Non-limiting examples of sweeteners can include nutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols, synthetic sweeteners, high intensity natural sweeteners, and combinations thereof. All sweeteners can be present from about 0.05% to about 60%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0122] Non-limiting examples of nutritive sweeteners can include sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, tagatose, maltose, trehalose, and combinations thereof. Nutritive sweeteners can be present from about 0.1% to about 60%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 1% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0123] Non-limiting examples of sugar alcohols can include xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, and combinations thereof. Sugar alcohols can be present from about 0.1% to about 60%, by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.11% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0124] Non-limiting examples of synthetic sweeteners can include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, alitame, sodium saccharin, sucralose, neotame, cyclamate, and combinations thereof. Synthetic sweeteners can be present from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.25% to about 4%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0125] Non-limiting examples of high intensity natural sweeteners can include neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside C, dulcoside, monoammonium glycrrhizinate, thaumatin, and combinations thereof. High intensity natural sweeteners can be present from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, or from about 0.25% to about 4%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0126] The oral care compositions herein may include one or more thickening agents. The thickening agent may be present in the blend. A thickening agent may be used in an amount from about 0.01% to about 15%, or from about 0.1% to about 10%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

[0127] The oral care composition can comprise a linear sulfated polysaccharide as a thickening agent. Carrageenans or carrageenins are one example of a linear sulfated polysaccharide. Generally, carrageenans can vary based upon the degree of sulfation that includes: Kappa- carrageenan, lota-carrageenan, and Lambda-carrageenan. Combinations of carrageenans can be used. The oral care composition can contain from about 0.1% to about 3%, of a linear sulfated polysaccharides by weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.5% to about 2%, from about 0.6% to about 1.8%, or combinations thereof.

[0128] The oral care composition can comprise a silica agent, preferably a thickening silica obtained from sodium silicate solution by destabilizing with acid as to yield very fine particles. The oral care composition can include from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the oral care composition of a silica agent, preferably from about 1% to about 4%, alternatively from about 1.5% to about 3.5%, alternatively from about 2% to about 3%, alternatively from about 2% to about 5% alternatively from about 1% to 3%, alternatively combinations thereof.

[0129] The thickening agent can comprise a carboxymethyl cellulose (“CMC”). CMC is prepared from cellulose by treatment with alkali and monochloro- acetic acid or its sodium salt. Different varieties are commercially characterized by viscosity. One commercially available example is Aquaion™ branded CMC from Ashland Special Ingredients (e.g., Aquaion™ 7H3SF; Aquaion™ 9M3SF Aquaion™ TM9A; Aquaion™ TM12A). The thickening agent can contain from about 0.1% to about 3% of a CMC by weight of the oral care composition, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, alternatively from about 0.6% to about 1.8%, alternatively combinations thereof.

[0130] The oral care composition may exhibit a pH ranging from about 6.0 to about 8.0 - including all pH values and sub-ranges there-between. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may exhibit a pH of about 6.0. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may exhibit a pH of about 6.5. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may exhibit a pH of about 7.0. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may exhibit a pH of about 7.5. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may exhibit a pH of about 8.0.

[0131] The blend may exhibit a pH ranging from about 4.0 to about 10.0, optionally about 6.0 to about 8.0 - including all pH values and sub-ranges thcrc-bctwccn. In some embodiments, the blend may exhibit a pH of about 6.0. In some embodiments, the blend may exhibit a pH of about 6.5. In some embodiments, the blend may exhibit a pH of about 7.0. In some embodiments, the blend may exhibit a pH of about 7.5. In some embodiments, the blend may exhibit a pH of about 8.0.

[0132] The oral care composition may exhibit a viscosity at room temperature suitable for the intended final application. For instance, a viscosity that is suitable so that the oral care composition may be used as mousse pet treat. The amount of the matrix component of the oral care composition may be modified in order to achieve the final viscosity.

[0133] The blend may exhibit a viscosity at room temperature suitable for the intended final application. For instance, a viscosity that is suitable so that the blend may be used to from a mousse pet treat. The amount of the matrix component of the blend may be modified in order to achieve the final viscosity.

[0134] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may further comprise one or more food additives, such as sources of corn, rice, wheat, barley, as well as meat sources, such as poultry, beef, pork, vegetable sources (e.g., soy, com protein, casein, whey, eggs); fats (e.g., vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils), plant fibers (beet pulp, soy hulls, cellulose), and combinations thereof.

[0135] The present invention may further comprise an oral care product comprising a packaging and a predetermined volume of the oral care composition. In some embodiments, the oral care product is a pet oral care product suitable for treatment of attenuation of dental plaque, calculus, and gingivitis from an animal’s tooth - such as a dog or cat.

[0136] The packaging may comprise a reservoir. The predetermined volume of the oral care composition may be located inside of the reservoir. The packaging may comprise a sleevematerial. The predetermined volume may be a quantity suitable for a single use. The packaging may be deformable thereby capable of being squeezed by a user to dispense the oral care composition.EXAMPLES

[0137] A number of experiments were prepared to measure the calcium disappearance using various alginate and / or zinc containing compositions - whereby the calcium disappearance is indicative of the performance of an anti-tartar formulation.

[0138] Each formulation included combining components and blending until forming a smooth paste - whereby each formulation was then added to a separate tube containing 20 mL of about calcium at pH of 8 and agitated for a time period set forth in the below Tables. At each time interval, the calcium content of each tube was measured and recorded.

[0139] Table 1 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a formulation containing 5% alginate and 5% cellulose in water.Table 1

[0140] Table 2 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a formulation containing 5% alginate in water, no cellulose.Table 2

[0141] Table 3 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a second formulation containing 5% alginate and 5% cellulose in water.Table 3

[0142] As demonstrated by Tables 1-3, the inclusion of the alginate imparted a reducing in the amount of available calcium ion - thereby indicating a sequestration of the calcium ion, which would result in improve oral care conditions in the mouth.

[0143] Table 4 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a formulation containing 5% alginate and zinc-lactate in water.Table 4

[0144] Table 5 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a second formulation containing 5% alginate and zinc-lactate in water.Table 5

[0145] Table 6 sets forth the recorded calcium amounts of a third formulation containing 5% alginate and zinc-lactate in water.Table 6

[0146] As demonstrated by Tables 4-6, the inclusion of the zinc ion source and alginate imparted a reducing in the amount of available calcium ion - thereby indicating a sequestration of the calcium ion, which would result in improved oral care conditions in the mouth. The data further demonstrates increased availability / delivery of the zinc ion source increasing its availability to inhibit plaque bacteria.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. A pet care composition comprising: a liquid carrier; an active ingredient comprising zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

2. The pet care composition according to claim 1, further comprising a gum.

3. The pet care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a palatant.

4. The pet care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the active ingredient may further comprise one or more of Arginine, Cranberry, Green tea, Ginger, Polyphosphates, Lactic acid, Licorice extract, Magnolia extract, Pomegranate, Propolis, Vitamin C.

5. The pet care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the pH of the blend is about 8.

6. The pet care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

7. The pet care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the zinc lactate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

8. The pet care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the potassium alginate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

9. A pet care composition comprising: a liquid carrier; an active ingredient; a gum; a palatant; potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and gum are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 5:1 to about 15:1.

10. The pet care composition according to claim 9, wherein the active ingredient comprises one or more of Arginine, Cranberry, Green tea, Ginger, Polyphosphates, Lactic acid, Licorice extract, Magnolia extract, Pomegranate, Propolis, Vitamin C.

11. The pet care composition according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

12. The pet care composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the potassium alginate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the blend.

13. A pet care product comprising: a packaging comprising a reservoir; wherein a volume of the pet care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is located inside of the reservoir.

14. The pet care product according to claim 13, wherein the packaging comprises a sleevematerial.

15. The pct care product according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the packaging is deformable.

16. A method of treating oral health in a mammalian subject, the method comprising providing an effective amount of the pet care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to the oral cavity of a mammalian subject in need thereof.

17. A method of manufacturing a pet care composition: a) forming a blend of a liquid carrier, zinc lactate; and potassium alginate; wherein the zinc lactate and potassium alginate arc present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

20. A pet care composition comprising: a liquid carrier; an active ingredient comprising zinc source and a calcium source; and potassium alginate; and wherein the potassium alginate and zinc lactate are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

Images