Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for identifying pets prone to disorders and compositions for preventing, mitigating, delaying the onset and/or reducing the severity of conditions or disorders associated with insufficient nitrogen oxide and/or liver disorder. According to one aspect, provided is a method including determining a genotype of the argininosuccinate synthase gene for a subject being a pet, wherein the genotype is determined to be a minor allele, major allele, or heterozygous allele; and providing instructions to administer arginine based on the genotype of the argininosuccinate synthase gene of the subject.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a dog as having deficient nucleic base salvage and methods of identifying a dog as being at an elevated risk and increased likelihood of developing immune dysfunction are disclosed. Methods of treating a dog to prevent, delay onset of or reduce severity of symptoms of immune dysfunction in the dog and methods of treating a dog diagnosed with or suspected of having immune dysfunction are disclosed. Methods of treating a dog diagnosed with or suspected of having immune dysfunction are disclosed. The disclosed methods include performing a genetic analysis of the dog to detect the presence of 2 copies of major allele G for single nucleotide polymorphism Affx-205876096. Nutritionally complete and balanced dog food compositions are disclosed. The nutritionally complete and balanced dog food compositions comprise a therapeutic level of nucleotides.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of one copy or 2 copies of a minor allele of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of SNP A3_117040611, SNP A3_117041908 and SNP A3_117081913 are disclosed. Methods of identifying a feline subject as being at an increased likelihood of developing cat kidney disease are disclosed. Methods of monitoring the health of a feline subject identified as having an increased likelihood of developing CKD are provided. Methods of monitoring the health of a feline subject and response to treatment for renal disease that comprise quantifying at 2PY present are provided. Methods of delaying onset and severity of cat kidney disease in a feline subject identified as having an increased likelihood of developing CKD and methods of treating cats that have CKD are provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying canine subjects having an increased likelihood of developing elevated levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, canine stress, canine anxiety and/or an inhibition of growth of beneficial microbes and promotion of growth of harmful microbes are disclosed. Methods comprise analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of two copies of a minor allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism BICF2P1175095 in a canine subject. Methods of treating the identified canine subjects by administering an effective amount of tomato pomace are also disclosed. Methods of treating canine subjects for elevated 4-EPS levels, canine anxiety or canine stress are disclosed. Canine food compositions that comprises tomato pomace are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of one or two copies one or two copies of minor allele T of SNP Affx-206229307; or one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP Affx-206560187; or one or two copies of minor allele T of SNP Affx-206229307 and one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP Affx-206560187 are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a canine subject that has an increased likelihood or risk of hypothyroidism and in methods of treating a canine subject to reduce risk of hypothyroidism or to treat a canine subject that has hypothyroidism. The treatments comprise administering to the canine subject a low arginine diet and/or comprising an effective amount of a composition comprising a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, and a fruit source. Canine food compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are kits for assessing the calcium oxalate titration test of an animal as well as methods for predicting the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. Further described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate titration test in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate risk index of in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the feline subject for the presence of two copies of major allele G of SNP A1_212891692 and/or to the concentration of betaine and/or 2-oxoarginine in the sample are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a feline subject that would benefit from a treatment that reduces risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and in methods of treating a feline subject to reduce risk of calcium oxalate stone formation The treatment on comprises administering to the feline subject a composition that comprises an effective amount of one or more of ingredients selected from the group consisting of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi. Feline food composition that comprise effective amounts of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the feline subject for the presence of one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP A1_212891692 and/or to the concentration of beta-amino isobutyrate and/or 2-oxoarginine concentrations in the sample are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a feline subject that has an increased likelihood or risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and in methods of treating a feline subject to reduce risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. The treatment on comprises administering to the feline subject a low arginine diet. Low arginine feline food compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of identifying canine subjects having an increased likelihood of developing elevated levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, canine stress, canine anxiety and/or an inhibition of growth of beneficial microbes and promotion of growth of harmful microbes are disclosed. Methods comprise analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of two copies of a minor allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism BICF2P1175095 in a canine subject. Methods of treating the identified canine subjects by administering an effective amount of tomato pomace are also disclosed. Methods of treating canine subjects for elevated 4-EPS levels, canine anxiety or canine stress are disclosed. Canine food compositions that comprises tomato pomace are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the canine subject for the presence of one or two copies one or two copies of minor allele T of SNP Affx-206229307; or one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP Affx-206560187; or one or two copies of minor allele T of SNP Affx-206229307 and one or two copies of minor allele A of SNP Affx-206560187 are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a canine subject that has an increased likelihood or risk of hypothyroidism and in methods of treating a canine subject to reduce risk of hypothyroidism or to treat a canine subject that has hypothyroidism. The treatments comprise administering to the canine subject a low arginine diet and/or comprising an effective amount of a composition comprising a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, and a fruit source. Canine food compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are kits for assessing the calcium oxalate titration test of an animal as well as methods for predicting the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. Further described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate titration test in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of age-related conditions in animals, particularly in companion animals, in need thereof. The methods for treating or preventing an age-related condition in an animal in need thereof, comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, a fruit source, or a combination of two or more thereof. In this method, the protein source is selected from the group consisting of chicken, egg protein, corn gluten meal, and combinations thereof; the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of millet, brewers rice, oat groats, and combinations thereof, the vegetable source is selected from the group consisting of carrots, spinach, tomato pomace, and combinations thereof, wherein the fruit source is citrus pulp.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a biological sample obtained from the feline subject for the presence of two copies of major allele G of SNP A1_212891692 and/or to the concentration of betaine and/or 2-oxoarginine in the sample are disclosed. The methods are used in methods to identify a feline subject that would benefit from a treatment that reduces risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and in methods of treating a feline subject to reduce risk of calcium oxalate stone formation The treatment on comprises administering to the feline subject a composition that comprises an effective amount of one or more of ingredients selected from the group consisting of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi. Feline food composition that comprise effective amounts of betaine, green tea, fenugreek and tulsi are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of age related conditions in animals, particularly in companion animals, in need thereof. The methods for treating or preventing an age-related condition in an animal in need thereof, comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vegetable source, a fruit source, or a combination of two or more thereof. In this method, the protein source is selected from the group consisting of chicken, egg protein, corn gluten meal, and combinations thereof; the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of millet, brewers rice, oat groats, and combinations thereof, the vegetable source is selected from the group consisting of carrots, spinach, tomato pomace, and combinations thereof, wherein the fruit source is citrus pulp.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for—inter alia—lowering the specific gravity of urine and lowering the calcium oxalate risk index of in felines. In particular, diets and methods utilizing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for enhancing the ability of a companion animal to resist and/or overcome viral infections. The methods of the invention include an amount of lipoic acid that is effective in enhancing the antiviral immunity of a companion animal.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods of identifying a dog at risk of developing a an autoimmune disease or condition, for example a hypothyroid disease or condition, comprising testing whether the dog exhibits one or more selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), together with diagnostic kits for carrying out such methods, methods of treatment or prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, e.g., comprising administering an effective amount of tea extract to a dog in need thereof, and a canine diet or supplement comprising tea extract, useful for treatment of prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, or for maintenance of thyroid health in a dog.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for hydrating cats. Cats fed diets containing certain amounts and ratios of arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid will be sufficiently hydrated and at reduced risk for development of urinary stones, feline idiopathic cystitis, or FLUTD.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for inhibiting histamine release pathways in a companion animal, for example, felines and in treating or preventing idiopathic cystitis or interstitial cystitis. The compositions and methods of the invention include an amount of lipoic acid that is effective in inhibiting histamine release pathways in a companion animal, for example, felines and in treating or preventing idiopathic cystitis or interstitial cystitis.