Nutritional composition beneficial to pet health and pet food

Abstract

A nutritional composition beneficial to pet health and pet food comprising same. The nutritional composition comprises β-glucan, a plasma protein and lactoferrin, wherein the mass ratio of the β-glucan, the plasma protein and the lactoferrin is (0.055-0.275):(1.56-4.68):(0.00095-0.0285). The nutritional composition beneficial to pet health can improve the intestinal health of pets, enhance the digestive ability, can also improve the immunity of the pets, and improve the hair health of the pets.

Description

Nutritional combinations and pet food that are beneficial to pet health Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet food technology, and more specifically to a nutritional composition beneficial to pet health and pet food containing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, pets are gaining increasing importance in people's lives. How to ensure a pet's healthy growth, meet their daily micronutrient needs through diet, boost their immunity and disease resistance, and reduce the occurrence of illness are topics of great concern to pet owners. However, for pets that frequently experience gastrointestinal digestive and absorptive problems, the food they are fed often has a significant impact on their condition.

[0003] Currently, pet food and pet nutritional supplements are available on the market. Pet food, specifically designed for cats and dogs, is a high-end pet food positioned between human food and traditional livestock feed, primarily aimed at providing pets with the basic nutrients necessary for survival and growth. Pet nutritional supplements are dietary supplements formulated with various nutritional additives in specific proportions to meet pets' needs for amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and other nutrients.

[0004] Pet food and pet nutritional supplements should ideally provide the nutrients needed for daily life activities, have high digestibility and absorption rates, be scientifically formulated, and help prevent feline and canine diseases. However, currently, there are relatively few types of nutritional supplements on the market that can improve pet health in multiple ways, their combinations are relatively simple, and their functions are not comprehensive enough. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a nutritional composition that is beneficial to the health of pets, which can improve the intestinal health of pets, enhance their digestive ability, improve their immunity, and improve their coat health.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides a nutritional composition beneficial to pet health, comprising β-glucan, plasma protein and lactoferrin; wherein, in the nutritional composition, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein and lactoferrin is (0.055-0.275):(1.56-4.68):(0.00095-0.0285).

[0008] Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules linked by β-1,3- or β-1,6-glycosidic bonds, and is widely found in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Beta-glucan can inhibit inflammatory responses, alleviate inflammatory symptoms, and help relieve the onset of inflammatory diseases. It also has a hypoglycemic effect, possibly by repairing damaged pancreatic β-cells and reducing the absorption of exogenous glucose. Furthermore, it possesses antioxidant, intestinal mucosal protective, and lipid-lowering functions. In skincare, beta-glucan can promote skin cell activity, achieving skincare benefits, and also exhibits superior moisturizing properties and anti-inflammatory activity.

[0009] Plasma proteins are the most abundant solid components of blood plasma and are widely used in animal feed. Rich in various essential amino acids and easily digestible, plasma proteins provide pets with essential protein. They also contain abundant immunoglobulins and other immunologically active substances, enhancing the body's immune function and improving resistance to disease. Furthermore, plasma proteins help maintain and repair the intestinal barrier, increasing tight junctions of the mucosal epithelium, improving intestinal barrier function, repairing damaged epithelial cells, and reducing viral infections. Additionally, plasma proteins improve digestion and palatability.

[0010] Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in breast milk and animal dairy products. It contains immune substances that protect the body from harmful microorganisms and significantly enhance the body's disease resistance. It also has antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of some bacteria by binding to iron ions and competing for the iron needed for bacterial reproduction. Simultaneously, lactoferrin promotes the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota.

[0011] During their research, the inventors discovered that when β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin are used together, they unexpectedly produce a synergistic effect, significantly improving the health of pets, including improving gut health, digestion, immunity, and coat health. Furthermore, the inventors found that these three components need to be combined in a ratio of (0.055–0.275):(1.56–4.68):(0.00095–0.0285) to produce the aforementioned synergistic effect; outside this ratio, the effectiveness in improving pet health is significantly reduced.

[0012] In the nutritional composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin is (0.055-0.275):(1.56-4.68):(0.00095-0.0285). Within this range, the values ​​of β-glucan can be 0.055, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.275, etc.; the values ​​of plasma protein can be 1.56, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 4.68, etc.; and the values ​​of lactoferrin can be 0.00095, 0.001, 0.002, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.008, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.0285, etc.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in the nutritional composition is (0.055–0.165):(1.56–3.12):(0.00095–0.019). More preferably, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin is 0.1485:2.34:0.00171.

[0014] In this invention, β-glucan raw material, porcine plasma protein powder, and lactoferrin powder can be directly and evenly mixed to obtain this nutritional composition beneficial to pet health. β-glucan raw material, porcine plasma protein powder, and lactoferrin powder can all be commercially available. Preferably, the purity of the active ingredient (β-glucan) in the β-glucan raw material is ≥55.0%, the purity of the active ingredient (plasma protein) in the porcine plasma protein powder is ≥78.0%, and the purity of the active ingredient (lactoferrin) in the lactoferrin powder is ≥95.0%.

[0015] A second aspect of the invention provides the use of the described composition in improving pet gut health and / or enhancing pet immunity and / or improving pet coat health.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention provides the use of the above-described nutritional composition in the preparation of pet food.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a pet food comprising the above-described nutritional composition.

[0018] The nutritional composition of this invention can be used as a pet nutritional supplement. It can exist alone in powder form, and when used, the powder is added to pet food ingredients in a certain proportion to obtain pet food. In some embodiments, the amount of the nutritional composition added to the pet food can be 0.1-10 wt%, for example, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 3.0 wt%, 4.0 wt%, 5.0 wt%, 6.0 wt%, 7.0 wt%, 8.0 wt%, 9.0 wt%, 10.0 wt%, etc. Compared with pet food ingredients, the addition of the nutritional composition makes the pet food more nutritionally complete, which can better improve the pet's digestive and immune capabilities, and improve the pet's intestinal and coat health.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the pet food contains 0.055–0.275 wt% β-glucan, for example, 0.055 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.15 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.25 wt%, 0.275 wt%, etc.; and contains 1.56–4.68 wt% plasma protein, for example, 1.56 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 3 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%. The content of β-glucan is 0.1485 wt%, plasma protein is 2.34 wt%, and lactoferrin is 0.00171 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the pet food contains 0.1485 wt% β-glucan, 2.34 wt% plasma protein, and 0.00171 wt%. In another preferred embodiment, the pet food contains 0.1485 wt% β-glucan, 2.34 wt% plasma protein, and 0.019 wt%. The lactoferrin content is 0.00095–0.0285 wt%, for example, 0.00095 wt%, 0.001 wt%, 0.002 wt%, 0.004 wt%, 0.005 wt%, 0.006 wt%, 0.008 wt%, 0.01 wt%, 0.015 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.025 wt%, and 0.0285 wt%.

[0020] It should be noted that the above-mentioned pet food ingredients can be pet base food (also known as basal food), which contains some of the most basic nutrients that pets need, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and some oils. For example, in some embodiments, basal food may include the following components by weight percentage: crude protein 30.0%–50.0%, crude fat 9.0%–25.0%, crude fiber ≤9%, moisture ≤14%, calcium 0.6%–1.3%, total phosphorus 0.5%–1.2%, and taurine 0.1%–0.2%. This type of basal food is also commercially available.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. In the nutritional composition for pet health provided by the present invention, the three components β-glucan, plasma protein and lactoferrin produce a synergistic effect when combined in a certain proportion, which significantly improves the pet's intestinal health, enhances the pet's digestive and immune capabilities, and improves the pet's coat health.

[0023] 2. The nutritional composition beneficial to pet health provided by the present invention can be applied to pet food and can improve the health of pets. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 shows the pet cat fur rating standard;

[0025] Figure 2 shows the concentration of fecal metabolites in the normal control group, the model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1-6.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the concentration of immune factors in the feces of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1-6.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the fecal scores of the normal control group, the model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0028] Figure 5 shows the fur grade rating charts of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0029] Figure 6 shows the digestibility indicators of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0030] Figure 7 shows the concentrations of serum biochemical indicators in pet cats from the normal control group, the model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0031] Figure 8 shows the concentration of immune factors in the blood of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Example 1 group, and Comparative Examples 1-6.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the concentration of fecal metabolites in the normal control group, the model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8.

[0033] Figure 10 shows the concentration of immune factors in the feces of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8.

[0034] Figure 11 shows the fecal scores of the normal control group, the model control group, groups 1-4 of Examples, and groups 7-8 of Comparative Examples.

[0035] Figure 12 shows the fur grade rating charts of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8.

[0036] Figure 13 shows the digestibility index of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8.

[0037] Figure 14 shows the concentrations of serum biochemical indicators in pet cats from the normal control group, the model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8.

[0038] Figure 15 shows the concentrations of immune factors in the blood of pet cats in the normal control group, model control group, Examples 1-4, and Comparative Examples 7-8. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the following examples and comparative examples, the purity of β-glucan raw material was 55%, the purity of porcine plasma protein powder was 78%, and the purity of lactoferrin powder was 95%. The base food used was Solid Gold Let's Stay In cat food containing chicken, apple & lentils. The results of its component analysis are shown in Table 1. Except for moisture and oil, all components are calculated on a dry basis.

[0041] Table 1

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.27 parts β-glucan raw material, 3 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.0018 parts lactoferrin powder. The contents of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet are as follows: 0.1485 parts β-glucan, 2.34 parts plasma protein, and 0.00171 parts lactoferrin.

[0044] Add 3.2718g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this embodiment to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are as follows: β-glucan 0.1485wt%, plasma protein 2.34wt%, and lactoferrin 0.00171wt%.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] This embodiment provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.27 parts β-glucan raw material, 3 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.02 parts lactoferrin powder. The content of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet is as follows: 0.1485 parts β-glucan, 2.34 parts plasma protein, and 0.019 parts lactoferrin.

[0047] Add 3.29g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this embodiment to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are as follows: β-glucan 0.1485wt%, plasma protein 2.34wt%, and lactoferrin 0.019wt%.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] This embodiment provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.5 parts β-glucan raw material, 2 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.01 parts lactoferrin powder. The content of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet is as follows: 0.275 parts β-glucan, 1.56 parts plasma protein, and 0.0095 parts lactoferrin.

[0050] Add 2.51g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this embodiment to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredients in this finished pet food are: β-glucan 0.275wt%, plasma protein 1.56wt%, and lactoferrin 0.0095wt%.

[0051] Example 4

[0052] This embodiment provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.1 parts β-glucan raw material, 6 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.03 parts lactoferrin powder. The content of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet is as follows: 0.055 parts β-glucan, 4.68 parts plasma protein, and 0.0285 parts lactoferrin.

[0053] Add 6.13g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this embodiment to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are as follows: β-glucan 0.055wt%, plasma protein 4.68wt%, and lactoferrin 0.0285wt%.

[0054] Comparative Example 1

[0055] This comparative example provides a finished pet food prepared by adding 0.27g of β-glucan to 99.73g of base food and mixing them together. The content of active ingredients in this finished pet food is: plasma protein 0.1485wt%.

[0056] Comparative Example 2

[0057] This comparative example provides a finished pet food product obtained by adding 3g of porcine plasma protein powder to 97g of base food and mixing them together. The active ingredient content of this finished pet food is: plasma protein 2.34wt%.

[0058] Comparative Example 3

[0059] This comparative example provides a finished pet food prepared by adding 0.0018g of lactoferrin powder to 99.9982g of base food and mixing. The content of the active ingredient in this finished pet food is: lactoferrin 0.00171wt%.

[0060] Comparative Example 4

[0061] This comparative example provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.27 parts of β-glucan raw material and 3 parts of porcine plasma protein powder. In this nutritional composition powder packet, the content of the active ingredient β-glucan and plasma protein is 0.1485 parts of β-glucan and 2.34 parts of plasma protein, respectively.

[0062] Add 3.27g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this comparative example to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are: β-glucan 0.1485wt% and plasma protein 2.34wt%.

[0063] Comparative Example 5

[0064] This comparative example provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.27 parts of β-glucan raw material and 0.0018 parts of lactoferrin powder. In this nutritional composition powder packet, the content of the active ingredients β-glucan and lactoferrin is as follows: 0.1485 parts of β-glucan and 0.00171 parts of lactoferrin.

[0065] Add 0.2718g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this comparative example to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are: β-glucan 0.1485wt% and lactoferrin 0.00171wt%.

[0066] Comparative Example 6

[0067] This comparative example provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 3 parts porcine plasma protein powder and 0.0018 parts lactoferrin powder. The active ingredients, plasma protein and lactoferrin, are present in the following amounts in this nutritional composition powder packet: 2.34 parts plasma protein and 0.00171 parts lactoferrin.

[0068] Add 3.0018g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this comparative example to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient content of this finished pet food is as follows: plasma protein 2.34wt% and lactoferrin 0.00171wt%.

[0069] Comparative Example 7

[0070] This comparative example provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 0.6 parts β-glucan raw material, 1.5 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.0008 parts lactoferrin powder. The content of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet is as follows: 0.33 parts β-glucan, 1.17 parts plasma protein, and 0.00076 parts lactoferrin.

[0071] Add 2.1008g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this comparative example to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are as follows: β-glucan 0.33wt%, plasma protein 1.17wt%, and lactoferrin 0.00076wt%.

[0072] Comparative Example 8

[0073] This comparative example provides a nutritional composition powder packet beneficial to pet health, which is composed of 1.2 parts β-glucan raw material, 1.5 parts porcine plasma protein powder, and 0.05 parts lactoferrin powder. The content of the active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in this nutritional composition powder packet is as follows: 0.66 parts β-glucan, 1.17 parts plasma protein, and 0.0475 parts lactoferrin.

[0074] Add 2.75g of the nutritional composition powder packet from this comparative example to the base food and mix to obtain 100g of finished pet food. The active ingredient contents of this finished pet food are as follows: β-glucan 0.66wt%, plasma protein 1.17wt%, and lactoferrin 0.0475wt%.

[0075] Experiments and Tests

[0076] 1. Experimental Methods

[0077] Healthy adult cats of similar age and weight (male to female ratio 1:1) were randomly divided into groups of six, each individually fed with their respective pet food. All cats in each group were provided with a diet conforming to the AAFCO cat food nutritional information sheet, with feed intake determined based on the cats' nutritional needs during their adult maintenance period. Food and water were provided freely. An adaptation period of one week was implemented. Except for the normal control group, all other groups underwent intestinal immune modeling (modeling period of one week) followed by a three-week recovery period. Feces, blood, or hair samples were collected at specific time points for the following scoring or testing.

[0078] Intestinal immune modeling experiment: An intestinal immune model was established by gavage / feeding challenge with intestinal pathogens such as Escherichia coli. E. coli was administered via gavage challenge, and the feeding dosage was 5 x 10 g / kg body weight per cat. 10 Administer CFU / mL of the pathogen twice daily, morning and evening. Continue feeding the test cats the pathogen for 7 days, ensuring all cats experience diarrhea for 3-4 days to confirm successful model establishment. After the modeling period, at the start of the recovery period, continue feeding the control diet, scoring the cats' feces daily and recording growth data weekly. Collect blood and fecal samples.

[0079] 2. Experimental dosage

[0080] Normal control group: Solid Gold Let's Stay In formula cat food containing chicken, apple & lentils;

[0081] Model control group: Solid Gold Let's Stay In formula cat food containing chicken, apple & lentils;

[0082] Experimental group: Solid Gold Let's Stay In Chicken, Apple & Lentil Formula Cat Food + the combination powder packet of the example / comparative example.

[0083] 3. Experiment Content

[0084] 3.1 Fecal quality

[0085] Score the stool according to Table 2 and take the average value (the closer the score is to 3, the better).

[0086] Table 2

[0087] The diarrhea rate was calculated based on the number of diarrhea episodes during the experimental period: Diarrhea rate (%) = 100 × number of times the cats experienced diarrhea during the experimental period / total number of fecal scores recorded during the experimental period.

[0088] 3.2 Apparent nutrient digestibility

[0089] All feces were collected for five consecutive days during week 6, weighed, and stored at -20°C for analysis. The contents of crude protein (GB / T 6432-2018), dry matter (GB / T 6435-2014), crude fat (GB / T 6433-2006), crude fiber (GB / T 6434-2006), crude ash (GB / T 6438-2007), calcium (GB / T 6436-2018), and phosphorus (GB / T 6437-2018) in the diet and fecal samples were determined. The total energy (ISO 9831:1998) of the diet and fecal samples was determined using an oxygen bomb calorimeter. The formula for calculating apparent nutrient digestibility is as follows:

[0090] Apparent digestibility (%) of a nutrient = (nutrient content in feed - nutrient content in feces) / (nutrient content in feed) × 100.

[0091] 3.3 Preparation of blood samples and determination of biochemical indicators

[0092] At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from the forelimb veins of cats in both the experimental and control groups. A portion of the blood was used for complete blood count (CBC) analysis, while the remainder was separated into serum for blood biochemical tests. Blood biochemical indicators included albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), inorganic phosphorus (PHOS), calcium (Ca), globulin (GLOB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

[0093] Among the above-mentioned blood biochemical indicators, total protein is better between 54.00 and 89.00, albumin is better between 22.00 and 45.00, and globulin is better between 15.00 and 57.00; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is better between 8.2 and 100, while higher levels can lead to liver damage; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is better between 9.2 and 39.5, while higher levels can lead to liver damage.

[0094] 3.4 Hair health

[0095] Hair was collected from the back of each cat on day 42 of the experiment, and hair was scored using the method described by Rees et al. under the same lighting conditions and on the same observation platform. The scoring criteria are shown in Table 3 and Figure 1.

[0096] Table 3

[0097] Where 1≤HS≤2 is dry; 2<HS<4 is ideal; and 4≤HS≤5 is oily.

[0098] 3.5 Detection of metabolites

[0099] Animal serum and fecal samples were collected, and the concentrations of metabolites in the feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and isobutyric acid, were measured.

[0100] 3.6 Detection of inflammatory and immune factors

[0101] Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM, as well as fecal immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM.

[0102] 3.7 Intestinal health indicator testing

[0103] After the adaptation period, intestinal immune modeling was carried out: cats in the experimental group and the model control group were administered bacterial culture medium (bacterial species: Escherichia coli intestinal pathogens) by gavage, and the individual infection and recovery period, fecal scores and metabolites were observed and recorded.

[0104] 3.8 Data Processing and Analysis

[0105] Independent samples t-tests were performed using SPSS 26.0 software, and results are expressed as mean ± standard error. Letters represent significant differences; different letters indicate significant differences between groups. A single letter indicates a strong significant difference (p < 0.01), while two letters indicate a weak significant difference (p < 0.05).

[0106] Experimental Example 1: The Effects of Nutritional Composition on the Health of Pet Cats

[0107] The effects of nutritional composition on the health of pet cats are shown in Tables 4 and 5.

[0108] Table 4

[0109] Table 5

[0110] As can be seen from the results in Table 4-5 and Figure 2-8, compared with the normal control group, the pet cats in the model control group showed deterioration in multiple indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune factors and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry and hair health. This indicates that the health status of pet cats declined significantly after intestinal immune modeling.

[0111] Please refer to Table 4 and Figure 2-8. In Comparative Examples 1-3, the use of β-glucan, plasma protein, or lactoferrin alone in the nutritional composition can improve the health of the cats to some extent. Compared with the model control group, the cats in Comparative Examples 1-3 showed improvements in multiple indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune factors and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry, and hair health. However, they were still inferior to the normal control group in most indicators.

[0112] In Comparative Examples 4–6, the use of two of the following nutritional compositions—β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin—can also improve the health of cats to some extent, and the effect is superior to that of the nutritional compositions in Comparative Examples 1–3. As shown in Table 5 and Figures 2–8, the cats in Comparative Examples 4–6 showed significant improvements compared to the model control group in multiple indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry, and hair health. They were also superior to the cats in Comparative Examples 1–3, but still inferior to the normal control group in most indicators. This indicates that compared to using one of these components alone, the combined use of two of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin can better improve the health of cats.

[0113] In Example 1, when the nutritional composition simultaneously contains β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin, the results show that it significantly improves the health of pet cats, and its effect is superior to that of the nutritional compositions in Comparative Examples 1-6. As can be seen from Table 5 and Figures 2-8, the pet cats in Example 1 showed significant improvements compared to the model control group in multiple indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune factors and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry, and hair health. They also showed significant improvements compared to Comparative Examples 1-6, and were superior to the normal control group in most indicators. This indicates that when the nutritional composition simultaneously contains β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin, the three active components can have a synergistic effect, better improving the pet's intestinal health, enhancing immunity, and improving hair health.

[0114] Experimental Example 2: The Effect of Nutritional Composition Dosage on the Health of Pet Cats

[0115] The effects of the dosage of the nutritional composition on the health of pet cats are shown in Table 6-7.

[0116] Table 6

[0117] Table 7

[0118] Please refer to Tables 6-7 and Figures 9-15. The nutritional compositions of Examples 1-4 simultaneously contain three active ingredients: β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin, and their ratio is within the range of (0.055-0.275):(1.56-4.68):(0.00095-0.0285). The results show that the pet cats in Examples 1-4 exhibited significant improvements compared to the model control group in multiple indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune factors and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry, and hair health, and were comparable to or better than the normal control group.

[0119] Please refer to Table 6 and Figures 9-15. The nutritional compositions of Comparative Examples 7 and 8 simultaneously contain three active ingredients: β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin. However, their ratios are not within the range of (0.055–0.275):(1.56–4.68):(0.00095–0.0285). The results show that the cats in Comparative Examples 7 and 8 exhibited certain improvements compared to the model control group in several indicators, including digestibility, fecal quality, fecal immune factors, fecal metabolites, blood immune and inflammatory factors, serum biochemistry, and hair health. However, these improvements were still inferior to the normal control group and lagged behind the cats in Example 1. This indicates that when the three active ingredients β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin in the nutritional composition are combined in a ratio of (0.055–0.275):(1.56–4.68):(0.00095–0.0285), they can better exert their synergistic effect, thereby comprehensively improving the pet's intestinal health, enhancing immunity, and improving coat health.

[0120] In summary, the composition provided by this invention can comprehensively improve pet health. Specifically, it can improve pet intestinal health, reduce diarrhea rate, enhance pet immunity, and improve pet coat health.

[0121] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A nutritional composition for the benefit of the health of a pet, characterized in that, The nutritional composition contains β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin; wherein the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin is (0.055–0.275):(1.56–4.68):(0.00095–0.0285).

2. A nutritional composition for the benefit of the health of a pet according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the nutritional composition, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin is (0.055–0.165):(1.56–3.12):(0.00095–0.019).

3. A nutritional composition for the benefit of the health of a pet according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the nutritional composition, the mass ratio of β-glucan, plasma protein, and lactoferrin is 0.1485:2.34:0.00171.

4. The use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in improving the intestinal health of pets.

5. The use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in enhancing the immune function of pets.

6. The use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in improving the health of pet hair.

7. The use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in the preparation of pet food.

8. A pet food, characterized by, The pet food contains the nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The pet food of claim 8 wherein, The nutritional composition is added to the pet food at a rate of 0.1–10 wt%.

10. The pet food of claim 8, wherein The pet food contains 0.055–0.275 wt% β-glucan, 1.56–4.68 wt% plasma protein, and 0.00095–0.0285 wt% lactoferrin.

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