Abstract: The disclosure provides method for preparing a food product is described which includes mixing a dry ingredient composition, a protein-containing composition, and an alginate composition to provide a first mixture, mixing the first mixture with a setting composition to effect a controlled rate gelation reaction, and processing the product of the gelation reaction to provide a food product. The disclosure also provides pet food compositions comprising food products prepared according to the disclosed process.

Abstract: A food composition for managing non-food allergies in companion animals is disclosed, along with a method of managing non-food allergies.

Abstract: Described herein are pet food compositions comprising a blood glucose management component comprising soy isoflavone and yeast beta-glucan (?-glucan); along with methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pet food compositions for treating or preventing inflammation or an inflammatory disorder in an animal comprising an effective amount of at least one medium chain triglyceride and an effective amount of at least one omega-3 fatty acid, wherein the at least one medium chain triglycride and the at least one omega-3 fatty acid are present in an amount effect to a provide a synergistic decrease in the amount of circulating cytokines in the companion animal. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating or preventing inflammation or an inflammatory disorder in a companion animal, comprising administering the pet food compositions disclosed herein to the companion animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are kits for assessing the calcium oxalate titration test of an animal as well as methods for predicting the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. Further described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate titration test in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of age-related conditions in animals, particularly in companion animals, in need thereof. The methods for treating or preventing an age-related condition in an animal in need thereof, comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, a fruit source, or a combination of two or more thereof. In this method, the protein source is selected from the group consisting of chicken, egg protein, corn gluten meal, and combinations thereof; the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of millet, brewers rice, oat groats, and combinations thereof, the vegetable source is selected from the group consisting of carrots, spinach, tomato pomace, and combinations thereof, wherein the fruit source is citrus pulp.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the feline subject for the presence of two copies of major allele G of SNP A1_212891692 and/or to the concentration of betaine and/or 2-oxoarginine in the sample are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a feline subject that would benefit from a treatment that reduces risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and in methods of treating a feline subject to reduce risk of calcium oxalate stone formation The treatment on comprises administering to the feline subject a composition that comprises an effective amount of one or more of ingredients selected from the group consisting of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi. Feline food composition that comprise effective amounts of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new food compositions, particularly pet food compositions, which are resistant to microbial contamination, and methods for making the same. The compositions comprise an ingredient in an effective amount to impart antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A process for preparing a glutamine-supplemented food product by contacting water and a nutritive base that predominantly comprises meat and carbohydrate with a peptide source of glutamine to form a wet mixture and heating the wet mixture at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 105° C. for a time sufficient to cook the nutritive base. The process forms a cooked food composition comprising from about 60% to about 85% by weight water. The product is useful for feeding to an animal to increase glutamine absorption or to strengthen immune function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism in a feline comprising measuring the level of expression of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of, e.g., IYD, TG, SLC5A5, NIS, TPO, TSHR, DUOX1, DUOX2 (ThOX), TGFB1, CSTD, DCN and SEPP1 and the expression products thereof, in a biological sample from the feline, wherein elevated expression of the one or more biomarkers in the sample relative to a control value for expression in a sample from a normal feline or feline population, or a baseline value from the feline, indicates the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism; a method of treating a feline so diagnosed; and compositions, reagents and kits for carrying out the specified methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism in a feline comprising measuring the level of expression of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of, e.g., IYD, TG, SLC5A5, NIS, TPO, TSHR, DUOX1, DUOX2 (ThOX), TGFB1, CSTD, DCN and SEPP1 and the expression products thereof, in a biological sample from the feline, wherein elevated expression of the one or more biomarkers in the sample relative to a control value for expression in a sample from a normal feline or feline population, or a baseline value from the feline, indicates the existence or risk of hyperthyroidism; a method of treating a feline so diagnosed; and compositions, reagents and kits for carrying out the specified methods.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of determining a health condition of an animal is provided. First data may be received from a first sensor device. The first data may be indicative of an animal event of an animal. Second data may be received from a second sensor device. The second sensor may be separate and/or distinct from the first sensor device. The second data may confirm an occurrence of the animal event. The animal event may be a discharge event and/or a feeding event. The occurrence of the animal event may be identified based on the first data and the second data. The occurrence of the animal event may be displayed via a display device. A health condition of the animal may be determined based on the animal event. The determination of the health condition may be based on a quantity and/or a duration of the animal event.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of age related conditions in animals, particularly in companion animals, in need thereof. The methods for treating or preventing an age-related condition in an animal in need thereof, comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, a fruit source, or a combination of two or more thereof. In this method, the protein source is selected from the group consisting of chicken, egg protein, corn gluten meal, and combinations thereof; the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of millet, brewers rice, oat groats, and combinations thereof, the vegetable source is selected from the group consisting of carrots, spinach, tomato pomace, and combinations thereof, wherein the fruit source is citrus pulp.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of diagnosis, control and prophylaxis of inflammation and mitigation of inflammatory conditions, particularly arthritis and joint pain, in canines, comprising measuring inflammatory biomarkers wherein elevated levels of the biomarkers in blood correlates to reduced inflammation and reduced levels in blood correlates to increase level in the tissues. The invention further provides a method to treat or control inflammation comprising administering a diet comprising increased levels of one or more of DHA, EPA, vitamin C, vitamin E, and/or L-carnitine.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate risk index of in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: The current invention relates to animal food kibbles having a primarily disc shape and including botanicals such as curcumin. The current invention also relates to methods to reduce oral inflammation in an animal by feeding the animal with the food kibbles. The disc-shaped food kibbles induce a reduction of oral inflammation in the animal compared to control food kibbles having a different shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that enhances the palatability of pet foods designed for companion animals, e.g. dogs and cats, with renal insufficiency, and for methods of their manufacture.

Abstract: Pet food compositions and methods for increasing body weight and decreasing indoles in a feline having renal insufficiency are provided. The methods may include feeding the feline an effective amount of the pet food composition. The pet food composition may include fermentable fibers and betaine.

Abstract: Pet food compositions and methods for improving food intake of a pet are provided. The method may include providing an effective amount of the pet food composition including fermentable fibers and betaine in a wet formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pet food compositions comprising steviol. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.