Abstract: Described herein are pet food compositions comprising propolis, along with methods of making and using same. According to an aspect of the disclosure, provided is a pet food composition comprising propolis in an amount greater than about 0.1 wt. %; about 10 to about 40 wt. % of protein; about 9 to about 25 wt. % of a fat; about 10 to about 90 wt. % of a carbohydrate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the food composition.

Abstract: Pet food compositions and methods for improving the health of pets are disclosed herein. In accordance with one aspect, provided is a pet food composition comprising a fat; from about 15 to about 55 wt. % of a protein; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of a crude fiber; and optionally, a carbohydrate, wherein the pet food composition has a weight ratio of the protein to the crude fiber of from about 25:1 to about 50:1, and wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In some embodiments of the pet food composition, the weight ratio of the protein to the crude fiber is from about 28:1 to about 45:1, preferably about 30:1 to about 40:1, preferably about 30:1 to about 38:1, or preferably about 32:1 to about 36:1.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for identifying pets prone to disorders and compositions for preventing, mitigating, delaying the onset and/or reducing the severity of conditions or disorders associated with insufficient nitrogen oxide and/or liver disorder. According to one aspect, provided is a method including determining a genotype of the argininosuccinate synthase gene for a subject being a pet, wherein the genotype is determined to be a minor allele, major allele, or heterozygous allele; and providing instructions to administer arginine based on the genotype of the argininosuccinate synthase gene of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pet food composition and methods of making a pet food composition using an extrusion process, wherein the resultant pet food composition comprises an enhanced level of resistant starch. The pet food compositions disclosed herein may increase the proportions of beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing deleterious bacteria such as Megamonas. The improved microbial environment resulting from the pet food compositions disclosed herein having an enhanced level of resistant starch may lead to both improved gastrointestinal and psychobiotic health for the animal consuming the pet food composition.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of one copy or 2 copies of a minor allele of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of SNP A3_117040611, SNP A3_117041908 and SNP A3_117081913 are disclosed. Methods of identifying a feline subject as being at an increased likelihood of developing cat kidney disease are disclosed. Methods of monitoring the health of a feline subject identified as having an increased likelihood of developing CKD are provided. Methods of monitoring the health of a feline subject and response to treatment for renal disease that comprise quantifying at 2PY present are provided. Methods of delaying onset and severity of cat kidney disease in a feline subject identified as having an increased likelihood of developing CKD and methods of treating cats that have CKD are provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying canine subjects having an increased likelihood of developing elevated levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, canine stress, canine anxiety and/or an inhibition of growth of beneficial microbes and promotion of growth of harmful microbes are disclosed. Methods comprise analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of two copies of a minor allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism BICF2P1175095 in a canine subject. Methods of treating the identified canine subjects by administering an effective amount of tomato pomace are also disclosed. Methods of treating canine subjects for elevated 4-EPS levels, canine anxiety or canine stress are disclosed. Canine food compositions that comprises tomato pomace are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating anxiety or stress in an animal are disclosed. Compositions and methods of reducing or preventing elevated levels of 4-EPS are disclosed. Compositions and methods for promoting growth of beneficial microbes in an animal's microbiome and inhibiting growth of non-beneficial microbes are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber in an effective ratio of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. Compositions comprise effective amounts of n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber in an effective ratio of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating anxiety or stress in an animal, for reducing elevated levels of 4-EPS in an animal with elevated 4-EPS levels, for preventing elevated levels of 4-EPS in an animal and for promoting growth of beneficial microbes in an animal's microbiome and inhibiting growth of non-beneficial microbes. The methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of soy protein and vitamin C. Compositions are disclosed which comprise amounts of soy protein and vitamin C effective for use in the methods.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the feline subject for the presence of one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP A1_212891692 and/or to the concentration of beta-amino isobutyrate and/or 2-oxoarginine concentrations in the sample are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a feline subject that has an increased likelihood or 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 low arginine diet. Low arginine feline food compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of identifying canine subjects having an increased likelihood of developing elevated levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, canine stress, canine anxiety and/or an inhibition of growth of beneficial microbes and promotion of growth of harmful microbes are disclosed. Methods comprise analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of two copies of a minor allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism BICF2P1175095 in a canine subject. Methods of treating the identified canine subjects by administering an effective amount of tomato pomace are also disclosed. Methods of treating canine subjects for elevated 4-EPS levels, canine anxiety or canine stress are disclosed. Canine food compositions that comprises tomato pomace are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating anxiety or stress in an animal are disclosed. Compositions and methods of reducing or preventing elevated levels of 4-EPS are disclosed. Compositions and methods for promoting growth of beneficial microbes in an animal's microbiome and inhibiting growth of non-beneficial microbes are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber in an effective ratio of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. Compositions comprise effective amounts of n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber in an effective ratio of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pet food composition and methods of making a pet food composition using an extrusion process, wherein the resultant pet food composition comprises an enhanced level of resistant starch. The pet food compositions disclosed herein may increase the proportions of beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing deleterious bacteria such as Megamonas. The improved microbial environment resulting from the pet food compositions disclosed herein having an enhanced level of resistant starch may lead to both improved gastrointestinal and psychobiotic health for the animal consuming the pet food composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating anxiety or stress in an animal, for reducing elevated levels of 4-EPS in an animal with elevated 4-EPS levels, for preventing elevated levels of 4-EPS in an animal and for promoting growth of beneficial microbes in an animal's microbiome and inhibiting growth of non-beneficial microbes. The methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of soy protein and vitamin C. Compositions are disclosed which comprise amounts of soy protein and vitamin C effective for use in the methods.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary backpack for providing alerts and notification of specific events and information. The backpack is useful for providing an alert or notification to a user of the backpack of important items to remember to take at the end of a day. The backpack is also useful for reminders to eat, hydrate and directions for hikers and/or backpackers. Further the backpack is useful setting reminders for various events and thus removing the need for an additional reminder device. The backpack has an electronic system that can alert the user of the various events and activities further, the electronic system is coupled to an external light to visibly alert the user. The electronic system may further alert the user by audio voice or sounds.

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.