Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that mannoheptulose (mHep) reduces or inhibits the differentiation process of fat stem cells into adipocytes so as to decrease the body's fat storage capacity. Compositions comprising a mHep, process of making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions for treating or preventing overweight and obesity in a mammal, such as, for example, a growing pet (e.g., puppy, kitten), or a spayed/neutered pet, are encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of composition comprising a glucose anti-metabolite and/or source of glucose anti-metabolite in a method of enhancing a positive affect and/or energetic arousal in a mammal.

Abstract: A pet food composition comprising a supplement is provided. The supplement can comprise a Probiotic component, a cocoa butter component, and a sweetener component. A process for making the supplement can comprise providing a sweetener component, a cocoa butter component, and a Probiotic component, mixing the cocoa butter component and Probiotic component to form a mixture in a temperature and humidity controlled chamber; mixing the mixture with the sweetener component in the temperature and humidity controlled chamber to form a final mixture; optionally mixing in a colorant with the final mixture; and cooling the final mixture. A package for the supplement can comprise a secondary container housing a primary container, which houses a supplement. An array of packages is also provided.

Abstract: An active or Probiotic animal food having a low water activity that can be contained within a package having a low vapor transmission rate. The animal food can have a shelf life sufficient to deliver a target dose of Probiotic to an animal. The water activity of the animal food can be controlled. The activity level of the Probiotic can be controlled.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli obtainable by isolation from resected and washed feline gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Lactobacilli of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of optimizing one or more attributes of a product according to a product context. A product context and one or more attributes of the product are presented to a user via a software graphical user interface (GUI). A visual rendering of the product including at least one attribute of the product may be presented via the GUI. The user either may select or modify the at least one attribute and submit a user input that corresponds to the attribute and/or the modified attribute of the product in reference to the product context. The user input is received and the product is displayed via the GUI based on the user input. If the attribute of the product was modified, then the attribute of the product is modified and displayed substantially simultaneously. A correlation between the user input and the attribute of the product in reference to the product context is determined when a termination command is received.

Abstract: A method of providing an animal food having an active. A Probiotic animal food having a low water activity that can be contained within a package having a low vapor transmission rate. The animal food can have a shelf life sufficient to deliver a target dose of Probiotic to an animal. The water activity of the animal food can be controlled. The activity level of the Probiotic can be controlled.

Abstract: A pet food composition having at least two carotenoids. The carotenoids can include a keto-carotenoid and at least one non-keto-carotenoid. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin ester. The non-keto-carotenoid can include beta-carotene and/or lutein.

Abstract: A kit for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A method for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A kit and/or method for providing perceptible confirmation of the action and/or effectiveness of an oral care composition comprising a mineral ion scavenger.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Bifidobacteria.

Abstract: A deodorizing composition that entraps and neutralizes malodors and is intended to be used on a pet. The deodorizing composition contains cyclodextrin, an aqueous carrier, a water soluble silicone, and a buffer system comprising citric acid. The composition has a pH from about 5 to about 8.5 and the composition is non-irritating and non-toxic to pets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for promoting eye health in a companion animal. The composition comprising: at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffeic acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Processes for enhancing ability to learn in a puppy or kitten comprising orally administering to the puppy or kitten a composition comprising an essential fatty acid component comprising a therapeutically effective amount of docosahexaenoic acid. Processes for enhancing ability to learn in a puppy or kitten comprising orally administering to a respective maternal animal a composition comprising an essential fatty acid component comprising a therapeutically effective amount of docosahexaenoic acid during gestation, nursing, or weaning of the puppy or kitten. Kits comprising a composition comprising an essential fatty acid component comprising a therapeutically effective amount of docosahexaenoic acid; and information that use of the composition will enhance ability to learn in a puppy or kitten.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the species Bifidobacteria globosum obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacteria globosum of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the species Bifidobacteria pseudolongum obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacteria pseudolongum of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of composition comprising a glucose anti-metabolite and/or source of glucose anti-metabolite in a method of enhancing a positive affect and/or energetic arousal in a mammal.

Abstract: Avocados are processed in a controlled manner to optimize and maintain their levels of mannoheptulose and perseitol. The avocado flesh is used as a source of these materials in food compositions, especially pet foods.

Abstract: The undomesticated, i.e., criollo-type of avocado found growing in the tropics, particularly in the Dominican Republic, is used to prepare nutritional compositions for oral ingestion by humans and lower animals, especially pets such as dogs and cats.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Lactobacilli of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Bifidobacteria.