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: According to the present invention there are provided methods of regulating the immune system of a companion animal and methods of improving the digestion of a companion animal, wherein each of said methods comprises administering to a companion animal a probiotic bacteria strain of the genus Bifidobacteria.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the species Bifidobacterium pseudolongum obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacterium 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: A method for decreasing inflammation and stress in a mammal comprising; administration to a mammal a composition comprising a glucose anti-metabolite; and wherein said composition comprises amounts of the glucose anti-metabolite sufficient to lower a level of a C-reactive protein in the blood of the mammal subsequent to administration of the glucose anti-metabolite.

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.

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: 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: 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: 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.

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

Abstract: Methods of maintaining and/or attenuating a decline in the quality of life of a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal a composition comprising an effective amount of mannoheptulose wherein the effective amount of mannoheptulose provides a dosage to the mammal on a daily basis from about 0.001 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal to about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal.

Abstract: A composition including a glucose anti-metabolite and selenium. The composition can be for a companion animal. The composition can include added selenium and endogenous selenium. The composition can be a nutritionally balanced pet food composition.

Abstract: A composition including a glucose anti-metabolite, BHA, and/or BHT. The composition can be for a companion animal. The composition can be a nutritionally balanced pet food composition.

Abstract: A method of improving the immunity of a companion animal. The method can include administering to the companion animal a glucose anti-metabolite. The glucose anti-metabolite can be 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures and combinations thereof. The companion animal can be a dog or a cat. Improving the immunity can include altering the proliferative ability of T and B immune cells, and altering the relative distribution of immune cell phenotypes, for example.