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: A gender specific food for puppies is disclosed where the food includes at least about 0.25% methionine by weight and at least about 0.45% total sulfur amino acids. The food further includes a total dietary lipid level based on gender, and for maximizing body weight and length gains, lipid levels and the amounts of methionine are adjusted based upon the gender of the puppy.

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: 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: A complete, nutritionally balanced coffee drink providing caloric and protein nutritional support for patients, particularly elderly and long-term care patients is provided. An instant coffee composition, a method for making the instant coffee composition and coffee drink made therefrom are described. The composition and drink has a caloric distribution including from about 16% to 30% of a protein component, from about 40% to 60% of a carbohydrate component and from about 15% to 33% of a lipid component. The instant coffee composition readily dissolves in hot water to provide a beverage which looks and tastes like black coffee which may be administered to a patient in need of nutritional support.

Abstract: A complete, nutritionally balanced coffee drink providing caloric and protein nutritional support for patients, particularly elderly and long-term care patients is provided. An instant coffee composition, a method for making the instant coffee composition and coffee drink made therefrom are described. The composition and drink has a caloric distribution including from about 16% to 30% of a protein component, from about 40% to 60% of a carbohydrate component and from about 15% to 33% of a lipid component. The instant coffee composition readily dissolves in hot water to provide a beverage which looks and tastes like black coffee which may be administered to a patient in need of nutritional support.

Abstract: An adapter is providing for connecting a fluid source to any one of a variety of tubes, adapters or Y-ports having variously sized access ports. The adapter has a body having a channel extending between two ends thereof. Along an exterior of the body, increased diameter sections are provided. Some of the increased diameter sections are tapered forming barbs around the periphery of the adapter. A method is further provided for connecting a fluid source to a variety of variously sized tubes.

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.

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.