Abstract: A method for helping pets recover from periods of strenuous activity includes providing a source of carbohydrates formulated to provide a readily available replenishment source of glycogen for the pet and providing a replenishment source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are expended at rates that are higher during the strenuous activity than during non-strenuous activity.

Abstract: Pet food products and methods of manufacture are provided, the pet food product comprising a helical body having a first material formed to include an outer surface, and a second material having a striping portion deposited on the outer surface of the first material and positioned to lie along a length of the first material, the pet food product optionally having a stuffing portion positioned within a cavity in the first material. Illustratively, the second material has a composition that provides lubrication during an extrusion process to manufacture the food product.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of Tyrophagus putrescentiae in a pet food product includes the step of adding at least 0.3% by weight conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to the pet food product. Specifically, adding conjugated linoleic acid to the pet food product includes the steps of adding conjugated linoleic acid to a pet food meal pre-mix, extruding the conjugated linoleic acid containing premix to form the pet food product, cutting the pet food product to size, and drying the pet food product. The method can further include the step of coating the dried, cut to size pet food product with conjugated linoleic acid.

Abstract: A veterinary inventory management system is disclosed which includes a computer, a scanning device capable of interfacing to the computer, at least one printer capable of interfacing to the computer, and a computer program loaded and running on the computer. The computer program product enables the computer to identify product shortages and prepare product orders for a veterinary practice.

Abstract: An animal litter composition comprising a mixture of an absorbant material such as clay and silica gel is disclosed. The Litter composition effectively absorbs liquid wastes and controls odors. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the litter composition.

Abstract: A method for measuring a body composition measure of an animal includes steps of measuring a first electrical impedance between a front foot pad of the animal and a rear foot pad of the animal; measuring a second electrical impedance between two front foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another and two rear foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another; and utilizing the first electrical impedance, the second electrical impedance, and a regression relationship to determine the body composition measure of the animal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting an accurate body condition score (BCS) for pets. The method includes selecting a BCS based upon a BCS chart, and applying the selected BCS and at least one other criterion including diet or activity level to a model to determine a predicted body condition score.

Abstract: Methods are provided for glucose detection and quantification in urine. The methods include selecting a test device comprising a matrix impregnated with a chromogenic indicator mixture, locating the test device to promote incidental contact of same with animal urine, reading a developed indicator color after the device has been wetted with urine, and determining the animal's urine glucose concentration.

Abstract: A pet food product includes a first outer portion, a second outer portion, and an inner filling. The first outer portion is separated from the second outer portion by the inner filling. Each outer portion is adhered to the inner filling and the inner filling is softer than the outer portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reagent composition for use in detection and quantification of glucose in urine comprising a first chromogenic indicator reagent combination capable of color development to indicate the presence of a lower concentration of glucose, a second chromogenic indicator reagent combination capable of color development to indicate the presence of a higher concentration of glucose, wherein the first chromogenic indicator prevents color development of the second chromogenic indicator unless the higher concentration of glucose is present, a scavenger that prevents color development of the first indicator reagent composition unless a threshold concentration of glucose is present.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.

Abstract: An animal litter composition comprising a mixture of an absorbant material such as clay and silica gel is disclosed. The Litter composition effectively absorbs liquid wastes and controls odors. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the litter composition.

Abstract: A method for creating a customized pet food additive formula for a pet includes receiving, through an electronic interface, a user input including an individual pet profile for the pet, receiving an analysis from a biological sample of the pet, and electronically processing the individual pet profile and the biological sample analysis to create a pet food additive formula utilizing information obtained from the user input individual pet profile and the biological sample analysis.

Abstract: A protective port and container that incorporates the protective port are provided as well as a method for protecting a container. The protective port is attachable to the container by conventional methods and includes faces that are bendable from a base member that includes tubular ports extending therefrom. The faces protect the port from accidental penetration by a pierceable member and further provide a rigid gripping surface to manipulate the access openings to simplify the insertion of the pierceable member into one or both of the access openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and nutritional composition for providing nutrition to pediatric patients. The methods of the present invention are especially directed to pediatric patients recovering from moderate trauma, burns or surgery. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a rapidly emptying, low gastric reflux protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories, a carbohydrate source and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing and/or maintaining the level of intracellular glutathione. Pursuant to the invention, compositions including denatured and at least partially hydrolyzed proteins are administered to a patient in an amount sufficient to increase glutathione levels in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to elderly patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Preferably, the protein source includes at least 18% of the total calories. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source includes a source of dietary fiber including a balance of soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of approximately 1:3. Still further, the composition of the present invention also includes increased levels of certain vitamins and minerals.