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: Pet food compositions comprising a first component comprising a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrate, and a second component comprising a biologic selected from the group consisting of a probiotic component; yeast; enzymes; antibodies; immunoglobulins; cytokines; and combinations thereof are useful for providing pet food compositions that are sufficiently stable such that effective amounts of the biologic are present in the pet food compositions at the time of ingestion by a pet.

Abstract: A process and composition for controlling fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation in animals such as cats and rabbits is provided and includes feeding the animal a composition comprising from about 10 to about 42 wt % crude protein, from about 4 to about 30 wt % fat, from about 1 to about 25 wt % total dietary fiber, and a supplemental fiber source. The supplemental fiber source is present in amounts which provide from about 1 to about 13 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to control fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to kits and methods for providing a pet meal. The kits comprise of a first containing device comprising a first pet composition and a second containing device comprising a second pet composition, wherein the first and second pet compositions are compositionally distinct. The first and second pet compositions may be combined to provide a pet meal.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing adiposity in an animal such as a companion animal by feeding the animal an effective amount of Vitamin A for a time sufficient to reduce adiposity in the animal. Preferably, the such effective amount comprises from about 50,000 IU to about 1,000,000 IU of Vitamin A per kilogram of diet. Such an effective amount provides sufficient Vitamin A to decrease accumulation of body fat, increase UCP1 levels, and decrease serum leptin levels in the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods, compositions, and kits which are useful for weight management benefits in the mammal. Each of the methods, compositions, and kits utilize an added boron source.

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 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 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: Disclosed are companion animal compositions comprising from about 0.01% to about 0.2% of short chain oligofructose, by weight of the composition, wherein the short chain oligofructose comprises 1-kestose, nystose, and 1F-beta-fructofuranosylnystose. Further disclosed are various methods of using such compositions, including methods of enhancing gastrointestinal health of the companion animal or improving fecal odor of the feces of the companion animal.

Abstract: A first embodiment disclosed herein is a method of enhancing total tract digestibility of one or more dietary components in a companion animal, the method comprising administering to the companion animal a companion animal composition comprising fructooligosaccharide. Kits comprising the companion animal composition and information that use of the companion animal composition by a companion animal is useful for enhancing total tract digestibility of one or more dietary components in the companion animal, are also disclosed. In a related, but separate, embodiment, a method selected from enhancing calcium absorption, improving bone health, improving strength, improving physical activity performance, and combinations thereof, the method comprising administering to a companion animal a companion animal composition comprising fructooligosaccharide, is disclosed.