Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving stool quality of a puppy by adjusting the balance of metabolizable cations to metabolizable anions consumed by the puppy.

Abstract: Methods for reducing food intake by and controlling the weight of an animal by feeding the animal a composition comprising a food intake reducing amount or a weight controlling amount of a soluble fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving stool quality of a puppy by adjusting the balance of metabolizable cations to metabolizable anions consumed by the puppy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing lean muscle mass and/or reducing fat gain in growing animals by feeding the animals a composition having a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 2.5 to about 6 g/Mcal and comprising (a) arginine in a total arginine to total lysine ratio of from about 1.1 to about 1.6; (b) isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.3; (c) leucine in a total leucine to total lysine ratio of from about 1.8 to about 3.0; (d) valine in a total valine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.4; and (e) methionine and cystine in a total methionine plus cystine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.7.

Abstract: Poultry liver hydrolysate is added to animal food compositions in amounts sufficient to enhance palatability, preferably in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight of the composition. The compositions containing poultry liver hydrolysate are ingested more frequently and at a higher rate by animals, particularly finicky animals or older animals that tend not to eat enough food to maintain their health.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing the quality of life of a growing animal by feeding the animal a quality of life enhancing amount of a composition comprising about 10% by weight protein, about 4% by weight fat, and about 0.05% by weight of at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Enhanced quality of life is shown by an improvement in one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of trainability, cognitive function, motor skills coordination or agility, retinal development, cartilage protection, maintenance of muscle mass, and skin and pelage quality.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the quality of life of a senior or super senior animals by feeding the animal a composition comprising at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and various combinations of amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants in amounts effective to enhance alertness, improve vitality, protect cartilage, maintain muscle mass, enhance digestibility, and improve skin and pelage quality.