Abstract: A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific amino acids and probiotics to maintain or increase absorption of amino acids. Methods of increasing absorption of amino acids are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probiotic combination comprising B longum CNCM I-2618 and B lactis CNCM I-3446 and —optionally further comprising B. longum ATCC BAA-999 for the treatment or prevention of an allergic disorder, or for the treatment or prevention of a food intolerance.

Abstract: Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probiotic combination comprising B. longum and B. lactis for the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory-related gastrointestinal disorder such as an inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

Abstract: A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific amino acids and probiotics to maintain or increase absorption of amino acids. Methods of increasing absorption of amino acids are also provided.

Abstract: Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining overweight risk in a companion animal and to predict percent body fat in a young animal upon maturity. In one embodiment, a method for determining overweight risk in a companion animal can comprise measuring a relative abundance of bacteria from a microbiome of the companion animal; comparing the relative abundance of the bacteria to a relative abundance of the bacteria in a lean microbiome profile or in an overweight microbiome profile; and determining that the companion animal is at risk for being overweight if the relative abundance of bacteria is within the overweight microbiome profile or if the relative abundance of bacteria is outside the lean microbiome profile.

Abstract: Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the condition and/or increasing the longevity of elderly pets. The elderly pet is administered an effective amount of a nutritional composition which contains a calcium source and an antioxidant source, such as of vitamins or vitamin precursors which have antioxidant properties. Examples of such vitamins and precursors include ?-carotene and vitamin E.

Abstract: A method for improving activity in a pet; especially elderly cats and dogs. The pets are administered a nutritional agent which promotes the growth of bifido- and lactic-bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a pet. The nutritional agent may be a prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism, or both.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the longevity, activity, and health of elderly pets are provided. The method includes in an embodiment administering a nutritional composition including an oil blend, an antioxidant, and a source of linoleic acid.