Abstract: A composition and method is provided for promoting weight loss in a mammal by feeding effective amounts of at least three nutrients selected from L-carnitine, chromium, Vitamin A, and a source of carbohydrates selected from a low glycemic index grain. The composition preferably includes all four nutrients and may be fed in an amount of 1.0 to 10.0 mg of L-carnitine per kilogram of body weight per day, from about 5.0 to about 15.0 micrograms of chromium per kilogram of body weight per day, and from about 1.0 to 3.0 grams of starch per kilogram of body weight per day.

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: A pet food composition is provided which improves several important clinical indicators in the renal patient and includes adequate protein, has low phosphorus levels, improves metabolic buffering, and lowers blood triglyceride levels in the animal. The animal is fed a composition which includes from about 10 to about 32% crude protein, from about 8 to about 20% fat, from about 3 to about 25% total dietary fiber, and fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber.

Abstract: A process for removing nitrogenous wastes from animals with hepatic disease is provided and includes the steps of feeding an animal a diet consisting essentially of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance of from about 15 to about 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, said fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to about 11 percent by weight of supplemental total dietary fiber, and maintaining the animal on that diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the colon of the animal to enhance bacterial activity and provide an acidic environment in said colon for trapping the nitrogenous wastes for excretion through the feces of the animal.

Abstract: A pet food composition is provided which improves several important clinical indicators in an animal suffering from renal disease and includes adequate protein, has low phosphorus levels, improves metabolic buffering, and lowers blood triglyceride levels in the animal. The animal is fed a composition which includes from about 10 to about 32% crude protein, from about 8 to about 20% fat, from about 3 to about 25% total dietary fiber, and fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber.