Abstract: A method of obtaining beneficial biological results associated with caloric restriction may be gained by administration of a composition containing at least one active agent which blocks metabolism of glucose as a source of energy in cells in glucose metabolism blocking effective amounts to an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic dietary composition is provided for companion animals such as dogs and cats which contains a source of hydrolyzed protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates. The composition preferably further includes a fiber source. The dietary composition may also be administered to companion animals as a method of managing and/or diagnosing food allergies.

Abstract: A pet food composition and method is provided for reducing inflammatory response in cats. The method includes administering a pet food composition including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a weight ratio of about 5:1, where the majority of omega-3 fatty acids comprise alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is the preferred source of alpha-linolenic acid.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) 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. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing immune response and improving the overall health of canines is provided which includes feeding the canines a dietary composition containing an effective amount of garlic in an amount of from about 1 to 10 g/kg diet. The dietary composition, when fed to canines, provides antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory benefits. The canines are fed the composition containing an effective amount of garlic in a quantity and frequency appropriate for their nutritional needs resulting in an enhanced immune response by increased lymphocyte blastogenesis and improves the overall health of the animal.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing immune response and improving the overall health of canines is provided which includes feeding the canines a dietary composition containing an effective amount of garlic in an amount of from about 1 to 10 g/kg diet. The dietary composition, when fed to canines, provides antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory benefits. The canines are fed the composition containing an effective amount of garlic in a quantity and frequency appropriate for their nutritional needs resulting in an enhanced immune response by increased lymphocyte blastogenesis and improves the overall health of the animal.

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: A hypoallergenic dietary composition is provided for companion animals such as dogs and cats which contains a source of hydrolyzed protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates. The composition preferably further includes a fiber source. The dietary composition may also be administered to companion animals as a method of managing and/or diagnosing food allergies.

Abstract: A process is provided for promoting bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines. The process includes administering to a growing canine a pet food composition which includes an appropriate amount and ratio of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The composition can further include a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of fiber, and a source of carbohydrates. Use of the preferred concentrations of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can promote synthesis and tissue accumulation of down regulating elements of inflamation, which stimulate bone formation and optimize bone modeling.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) 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. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) 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. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

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: A process is provided for promoting bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines. The process includes administering to a growing canine a pet food composition which includes an appropriate amount and ratio of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The composition can further include a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of fiber, and a source of carbohydrates. Use of the preferred concentrations of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can promote synthesis and tissue accumulation of down regulating elements of inflamation, which stimulate bone formation and optimize bone modeling.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing immune response and improving the overall health of canines is provided which includes feeding the canines a dietary composition containing an effective amount of garlic in an amount of from about 1 to 10 g/kg diet. The dietary composition, when fed to canines, provides antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory benefits. The canines are fed the composition containing an effective amount of garlic in a quantity and frequency appropriate for their nutritional needs resulting in an enhanced immune response by increased lymphocyte blastogenesis and improves the overall health of the animal.

Abstract: A process is provided for promoting bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines. The process includes administering to a growing canine a pet food composition which includes an appropriate amount and ratio of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The composition can further include a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of fiber, and a source of carbohydrates. Use of the preferred concentrations of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can promote synthesis and tissue accumulation of down regulating elements of inflamation, which stimulate bone formation and optimize bone modeling.

Abstract: A pet food composition and method is provided for reducing inflammatory response in cats. The method includes administering a pet food composition including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a weight ratio of about 5:1, where the majority of omega-3 fatty acids comprise alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is the preferred source of alpha-linolenic acid.

Abstract: A process for feeding a companion animal such as a dog a diet containing an effective amount of a combination of antioxidants to enhance immune response and improve the overall health of the animal is provided. Preferably, the diet includes from about 175 to about 400 IU of vitamin E per kilogram of diet, from about 1 to about 50 mg/day of lutein, and from about 1 to about 50 mg/day of &bgr;-carotene.

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: A food supplement and process for feeding a companion animal such as a dog or cat a diet containing an effective amount of lutein to enhance immune response and improve the overall health of the animal is provided. Preferably, the diet includes from about 1 to about 50 mg/day of lutein (from about 2 to about 315 mg lutein/kg diet). Such a diet provides sufficient lutein to be absorbed by the animal and supplied by the blood and blood leukocytes and neutrophils in the animal.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) 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. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.