Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health of animals susceptible to or suffering from poor gastrointestinal health by administering to the animal a gastrointestinal health maintaining or improving amount of a food composition comprising from about 1 to about 20% carbohydrate; from about 3 to about 10% total dietary fiber, wherein the total dietary fiber contains from about 10 to about 40% soluble fiber and from about 90 to about 60% insoluble fiber; and from about 0.1 to about 10% omega-3 fatty acids; wherein the composition has a digestibility coefficient of at least 80. Generally, the compositions are administered to the animal to prevent or treat diarrhea or to improve stool quality. Further, the compositions may be administered in conjunction with one or more probiotics, prebiotics, anti-gastritis drugs, anti-enteritis drugs, or anti-diarrhea drugs, microbial exopolysaccharides, or combinations thereof to maintain or improve gastrointestinal health.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying animals with a reduced ability to digest fat or protein by determining various blood and physical factors for the animals and comparing the determined values to standard values that are indicative of a reduced ability to digest fat and protein.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health of animals susceptible to or suffering from poor gastrointestinal health by administering to the animal a gastrointestinal health maintaining or improving amount of a food composition comprising from about 1 to about 20% carbohydrate; from about 3 to about 10% total dietary fiber, wherein the total dietary fiber contains from about 10 to about 40% soluble fiber and from about 90 to about 60% insoluble fiber; and from about 0.1 to about 10% omega-3 fatty acids; wherein the composition has a digestibility coefficient of at least 80. Generally, the compositions are administered to the animal to prevent or treat diarrhea or to improve stool quality. Further, the compositions may be administered in conjunction with one or more probiotics, prebiotics, anti-gastritis drugs, anti-enteritis drugs, or anti-diarrhea drugs, microbial exopolysaccharides, or combinations thereof to maintain or improve gastrointestinal health.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The pet food is based on a matrix of a protein source and a carbohydrate source. The density of the product is less than 20.5 lbs/ft3. The product also has a large size as compared to at least some other prior dried pet food.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The dried pet food is based on a matrix of a denatured protein source and a gelatinized carbohydrate source. Insoluble fiber is bound within the matrix. Further, a humectant is included within the gelatinized matrix in an amount sufficient for reducing the brittleness of the dried pet food.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The dried pet food is based on a matrix of a denatured protein source and a gelatinized carbohydrate source. Insoluble fiber is bound within the matrix. Further, a humectant is included within the gelatinized matrix is an amount sufficient for reducing the brittleness of the dried pet food.

Abstract: There is provided a pet food product comprising an edible protein-rich body having reduced moisture content and a structure providing textural firmness capable of inducing thorough chewing behaviour in a pet to which it is fed and, through such behaviour, inhibiting the development of periodontal disorders in the pet animal. The food body preferably has a browned outer surface, achieved by exposure of the body to a source of dry heat. A method of producing such body includes steps of providing a coherent, edible, protein-rich body, causing moisture content of the body to be in the range from about 20% to 50% by weight and causing the body to have a structure capable of inducing thorough chewing by a pet. The method preferably includes reducing the moisture content of the body after it has been formed.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The pet food is based on a matrix of a protein source and a carbohydrate source. The density of the product is less than 20.5 lbs/ft3. The product also has a large size as compared to at least some other prior dried pet food.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The dried pet food is based on a matrix of a denatured protein source and a gelatinized carbohydrate source. Insoluble fiber is bound within the matrix. Further, a humectant is included within the gelatinized matrix is an amount sufficient for reducing the brittleness of the dried pet food.