U.S. patent application number 11/766677 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for weight management system for obese animals.
This patent application is currently assigned to MARS INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Tiffany L. Bierer, Linh M. Bui, Michael J. Wilson.
Application Number | 20070286889 11/766677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21988748 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070286889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bui; Linh M. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR OBESE ANIMALS
Abstract
A pet food product for promoting comprehensive weight management
in companion animals. The pet food includes, on a dry matter basis,
about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10%
by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber,
about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and
about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional ingredient. In a
preferred embodiment a diacylglyceride is the functional
ingredient.
Inventors: |
Bui; Linh M.; (Rossmoor,
CA) ; Bierer; Tiffany L.; (Brentwood, TN) ;
Wilson; Michael J.; (Rossmoor, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP
1301 MCKINNEY
SUITE 5100
HOUSTON
TX
77010-3095
US
|
Assignee: |
MARS INCORPORATED
McLean
VA
|
Family ID: |
21988748 |
Appl. No.: |
11/766677 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10054093 |
Jan 22, 2002 |
|
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11766677 |
Jun 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/442 ;
426/630 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 50/45 20160501;
A23K 20/105 20160501; A23K 20/142 20160501; A23K 20/158 20160501;
A23K 50/48 20160501; A23K 50/42 20160501; A23K 50/40 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/442 ;
426/630 |
International
Class: |
A23L 1/20 20060101
A23L001/20; A61K 47/00 20060101 A61K047/00 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A process of promoting comprehensive weight management in a
companion animal comprising the steps of: feeding to said animal a
diet comprising about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about
4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight
of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible
carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional
ingredient; and measuring a change in physiology of the companion
animal, wherein the change in physiology provides and indicator of
comprehensive weight management.
19. The process of claim 18, wherein said animal is selected from
the group consisting of a dog and a cat.
20. The process of claim 18, wherein said fat comprises essential
long-chain fatty acids.
21. The process of claim 18, wherein said functional ingredient is
selected from the group consisting of L-carnitine, a conjugated
linoleic acid and a diacylglyceride.
22. The process of claim 18, wherein said functional ingredient is
a diacylglyceride.
23. The process of claim 22, wherein said diacylglyceride is
obtained from a vegetable oil.
24. The process of claim 23, wherein said vegetable oil is Econa
oil
25. The process of claim 18, wherein the pet food product is
selected from a group consisting of a wet pet food, a semi-moist
pet food, a dry pet food, a pet treat, a pet snack, and a pet
drink.
26-57. (canceled)
58. The process of claim 18, wherein the measuring step comprises
measuring lean body mass, weight loss, satiety or food intake.
59. The process of claim 18, wherein a change in physiology of the
companion animal is selected from the group consisting of an
increase in lean body mass, an increase in weight loss, an increase
in the animal's satiety, and a decrease in the animal's voluntary
food intake.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/054,093 filed on Jan. 22, 2002, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention generally relates to a pet food for use in a
weight management system for companion animals. More particularly,
the weight management system includes a high protein, low caloric
daily diet that includes a functional ingredient that further
modulates metabolism and build lean muscle mass in companion
animals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In westernized societies the most prevalent form of
malnutrition in humans is over-consumption of calories resulting in
excess body fat. Studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of
dog and cat populations are overweight and obese (over-fat).
Obesity in domesticated dogs and cats has been linked to the
development of numerous diseases including renal failure, diabetes,
arthritis and thyroid dysfunction. Overweight dogs have an
increased risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma of the
bladder. Further, it is well established that obesity is a
predisposing factor to idiopathic hepatic lipidosis in cats,
however, their inability to convert dietary C18 essential fatty
acids into long chain fatty acids creates a need for dietary
consumption of 20 carbon long chain fatty acids. Such a dietary
requirement leaves cats extremely vulnerable to weight disorders
and weight-associated diseases such as diabetes (Appleton et al.,
2000).
[0004] Obesity generally is considered present when body weight of
the companion pet is 15% or more greater than optimum, which is the
point at which health problems begin increasing with increasing
weight. Generally speaking, the incidence of obesity in domestic
animals increases with age. Similar to humans, as a dog ages, body
fat increases, and lean body mass decreases. However, obesity
commonly goes unnoticed by the animal's owner and, thus, poses a
life-threatening problem to domesticated animals.
[0005] Some pet food compositions formulated to prevent or treat
obesity in animals have been described. U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,544
teaches that a specific combination of long chain conjugated fatty
acids (0.2 to 1.5 weight % of dry matter) together with up to 50%
protein promotes weight loss in cats. A diet greater than about 16%
by weight of animal-based protein is taught to reduce body fat in
geriatric dogs (WO 00/51443). However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,755
teaches that non-meat based animal fats in a high protein, high
farinaceous diet provides an ovo or lacto-ovo nutritionally
balanced pet food product. U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,748 describes a low
calorie dog treat that is comprised primarily of cellulose, a
.beta.-1,4-glucan that affords no nutritional value to the
animal.
[0006] Similarly, diets disclosed for the treatment of human
obesity have included compositions such as a concentrate that
consists entirely of non-animal natural components, a lack of
simple sugars and a flour comprising at least 50% protein, less
than 15% carbohydrates and 35 to 50% plant fiber for use in the
preparation of foods such as bakery products (U.S. Pat. No.
4,737,364; EP 965278 A1). Such diets are not completely without
credence because hypertension, and thus risk of developing
cardiovascular disease, in obese patients have been linked to
disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism (Nobels et al., 1989).
[0007] However, low caloric diets comprising increased ratios of
amino acids to carbohydrates, such as the diet taught in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,009,265, cause increased blood urea concentrations. Urea is a
by-product of protein or amino acid catabolism and thus is directly
related to the amount of protein in a diet. The kidneys function to
remove urea from the plasma, and in this regard high protein diets
place an unusual burden on the kidneys which can lead to severe
consequences over time including developing azotemia or uremia.
[0008] Also symptomatic of high protein diets is the potential to
induce ketosis, a condition that is shared in humans and dogs.
Ketosis is a pathological condition in which the brain consumes
ketone bodies as its major fuel source and is a diagnostic for
diabetes mellitus. For example, urine abnormally high in ketone
bodies is expected after a prolonged fast. However, this metabolic
shift is undesirable and also leads to severe renal damage if
experienced over long periods of time.
[0009] Natural products derived from plants and food have
frequently been the source of effective drugs, and in recent years
there has been an increased interest in the analysis of these
natural products, especially where a clinical benefit is claimed.
For this reason, functional ingredients are often added to pet
foods in order to effect a particular metabolic response. For
example, EP 646325A1 describes a pet food comprised of at least 30%
by weight of indigestible dextrin that demonstrates obese-improving
effects by controlling blood-sugar levels and insulin secretion in
dogs and cats.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,043 teaches jojoba seed meal as a
nutritional supplement in animal feed, especially companion dogs,
to promote weight loss. Simmondsin is described as the active or
functional ingredient, that based on previous research, results in
an associated reduction in food intake and retardation of growth.
These formulations include high fat and high caloric density to
ensure palatability.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,291 teaches dietary supplementation with
L-carnitine, a naturally occurring acid also known as
.beta.-Hydroxy-.gamma.-trimethylaminobutyrate, to dog food to
promote weight loss. Camitine is found in the body and is
enzymatically combined with fatty acids to facilitate their
transportation through mitochondrial membranes, thus aiding in
fatty acid metabolism (Yalkowsky, S. H., 1970). Oral administration
of L-carnitine for obesity in mammals has been described in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,810,994. It also has been implicated in improvements in
myocardial contractility and systolic rhythm in congestive heart
failure, it has been administered in cases of cardiac arrythmia
(U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,931; U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,241), and it has been
used for increasing the level of high density lipoproteins U.S.
Pat. No. 4,255,449).
[0012] Prior to the present invention, current solutions have not
provided a comprehensive approach in addressing the issues of
weight management. Most diets simply lower caloric density,
increase total carbohydrates by increasing fiber which leads to
reduced palatability, thereby creating a diet that leaves the
animal hungry and, sometimes, induces lean muscle loss.
[0013] The present invention provides a long-sought after weight
management system for companion animals, and in particular obese
animals, for treating and preventing obesity through dietary
intervention in companion animals such as dogs and cats. The
present invention also increases the lean body mass of companion
animals as well as enhancing the satiety and decreasing voluntary
food intake of an animal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides a comprehensive weight
management system to help optimize the body composition of a
domestic animal through dietary intervention by providing a pet
food product comprising about 35 to about 70% by weight of a
protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about
25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a
digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a
functional ingredient.
[0015] An additional object of the invention is a process for
producing a pet food product that provides comprehensive weight
management in companion animals by adding about 35 to about 70% by
weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about
5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by
weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by
weight of a functional ingredient.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is a process of
feeding companion animals a pet food product that provides
comprehensive weight management by comprising about 35 to about 70%
by weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat,
about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by
weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by
weight of a functional ingredient. The present invention also
increases the lean body mass of companion animals, enhances
satiety, decreases voluntary food intake and mitigates potential
adverse medical risks associated with high protein diets.
[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed
description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred
embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration
only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this detailed description.
[0018] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating comparative percent body
weight changes over time in dogs consuming the inventive diets
versus control diets;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the percent change in lean
and fat mass over time;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
levels of dogs consuming the inventive diets or control diets over
time; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating the blood urea nitrogen
(BUN)/creatinine ratio levels in dogs consuming the inventive diets
or control diets over time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0024] The term "functional ingredient" as used herein refers to a
compound, naturally occurring or synthetic, that is included in a
composition and effects a preventative and/or therapeutic response
by modulating metabolism in a manner found to be specific to the
compound.
[0025] A diacylglyceride is a lipid structurally characterized by a
glycerol (a three carbon alcohol) backbone, two fatty acid chains
and a phosphate group. By definition, a 1,2-diacylglyceride
comprises fatty acid chains located at carbons 1 and 2 and,
further, are characterized by a long hydrocarbon molecule such as
unsaturated, saturated and conjugated hydrocarbons.
1,2-diacylglyceride is a precursor to phosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, which are
indispensable components of biological membranes. In addition,
1,2-diacylglycerides are precursors to triglyceride biosynthesis
and, therefore, is central to energy stores of organisms. However,
1,3-diacylglycerides are not metabolized to triglyceride and, thus,
are not deposited as fat but rather, burned as energy.
1,3-diacylglyceride differs structurally from 1,2-diacylglycerides
by having an acyl group at C-3 of the glycerol backbone rather than
at C-2. Clinical investigations of obesity have included dietary
consumption of diacylglycerol and indicated that diacylglycerol
lowers serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels (Takasaka et al.,
2000) and decreases body weight and regional fat deposition (Nagao
et al., 2000). Rich natural sources of 1,3-diacylglycerides are
vegetable oils, such as Econa oil. However, a synthetic
1,3-diacylglyceride is also contemplated. As used herein, the term
"diacylglycerol" and, interchangably, "diacylglyceride" refer to a
1,3-diacylglycerol molecule unless otherwise noted.
[0026] A compound, component or composition is said to be
"acceptable" if its administration can be tolerated by a recipient
mammal. Such a component is said to be administered in an
"effective amount" if the amount administered is physiologically
significant. A component is physiologically significant if its
presence results in technical change in the physiology of a
recipient mammal. For example, in weight management of companion
animals, an agent which slows, hinders, delays, completely treats
the disease and/or symptoms of obesity, is considered
effective.
[0027] By body composition, it is meant the total quality of lean,
fat and bone in the body. By improved body composition, it is meant
that the animal exhibit a greater percentage of lean tissue and a
lower percentage of body fat energy intake in excess of that
utilized for daily activities.
[0028] Current weight loss diets for dogs rely on severe calorie
restriction and caloric dilution for effectiveness. The present
invention discloses a high protein diet that includes a functional
ingredient for promoting weight loss in obese dogs without
utilizing severe calorie restriction or caloric dilution. The
present invention is directed to a weight management system for
domestic animals that provides for the optimization of an animal's
body composition through dietary intervention and a process for
producing a pet food product and a pet food product that provides
for a comprehensive weight management system. The weight management
system includes a pet food product that generally includes, on a
dry matter basis, about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein,
about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by
weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible
carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional
ingredient.
[0029] Feeding companion animals, such as a dog or cat, and
alternatively obese dogs and cats, the pet food of the subject
invention will help optimize the body composition of a domestic
animal by modulating metabolism and building lean muscle mass.
Feeding companion animals the pet food of the subject invention
will also enhance the satiety and decrease voluntary food intake of
the companion animal. Feeding companion animals the pet food of the
subject invention will decrease blood urea nitrogen levels (BUN)
and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio levels, thereby
reducing the risk of kidney damage to the animal.
[0030] As is known to one skilled in the art, there are a variety
of commonly known pet food products. In the area of cat and dog
food, there is wet pet food, semi-moist pet food, dry pet food and
pet treats and snacks. Drinks for pets are also available such as
milk drinks for cats. Wet pet food generally has a moisture content
above 65%. Semi-moist pet food typically has a moisture content
between 20-65% and can include humectants such as propylene glycol,
potassium sorbate, and other ingredients to prevent microbial
growth (bacteria and mold). Dry pet food (kibble) generally has a
moisture content below 20% and its processing typically includes
extruding, drying and/or baking in heat. Pet treats and snacks can
typically be semi-moist chewable treats or snacks; dry treats or
snacks in any number of forms; chewable bones; baked, extruded or
stamped treats; confection treats/snacks; or other kinds of treats
as is known to one skilled in the art.
[0031] A semi-moist pet food product generally includes ingredients
such as cereal grains, meats, fats, vitamins, minerals and
functional ingredients that are blended together, cooked and
packaged. However, any semi-moist pet food formulation known to one
skilled in the art can be used. For example, a pet food of the
subject invention can be formed by adding about 35 to about 70% by
weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about
5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by
weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by
weight of a functional ingredient. Alternatively, the pet food can
be formed by making a first mixture of about 35 to about 70% by
weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about
5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, and about 10 to about 35% by
weight of a digestible carbohydrate. The functional ingredient is
then added to the first mixture in about 0.1 to about 1% by
weight.
[0032] In an example of a dry pet food, the ingredients generally
include cereal grains, meats, poultry, fats, vitamins, minerals and
other functional ingredients. The components are mixed and put
through an extruder/cooker. Thereafter, the product is cut or
shaped and dried. After drying, flavors, fats and other functional
ingredients can be coated or sprayed onto the dried product. The
spray used is of a kind that is known to one skilled in the art of
producing dry pet food.
[0033] Although a composition and process for producing a
semi-moist pet food product and a dry pet food product has been
generally described above, it should be appreciated that any
semi-moist pet food composition and process or dry pet food
composition and process known to one skilled in the art can be used
to produce the pet food product of the subject invention.
[0034] A wet pet food and pet treats/snacks are produced as is
known to one skilled in the art depending upon the kind of wet pet
food product and treat or snack desired. The procedure for
preparing the pet food of the present invention depends upon the
type of processing required to manufacture the wet pet food or
treat/snack. For example, in semi-moist treats/snacks, in which the
processing temperature usually does not exceed 5 to 70 degrees C.,
some or all of the components are added to the treat during
processing. However, if the processing temperature of the treat
generally exceeds 70 degrees C. and a component such as a
functional ingredient displays temperature sensitivity, then the
temperature-sensitive component is coated on the finished
product.
[0035] In specific embodiments, the about 4 to about 10% by weight
of fat can be provided by a fat that comprises essential long-chain
fatty acids. This is particularly desirable in a pet food product
for cats. Functional ingredients that modulate metabolism and build
lean body mass include L-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid and a
diacylglyceride, and preferably include conjugated linoleic acid
and diacylglyceride, and more preferably include a diacylglyceride.
A non-limiting example of a source of a diacylglyceride is Econa
oil. In a specific embodiment, the diacylglyceride is obtained from
a vegetable oil having a diacylglyceride content of about 1% to
about 85%. In a preferred specific embodiment, the diacylglyceride
is obtained from a vegetable oil having at least about 5%
diacylglyceride content.
[0036] A skilled artisan is aware that a pet food product further
comprising vitamins, trace minerals and flavorings, is within the
scope of the present invention, and is preferred to provide the
animal with an entire daily diet to manage obesity and promote
healthy living.
[0037] A process for producing the pet food of the subject
invention includes the step of adding about 35 to about 70% by
weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about
5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by
weight of a digestible carbohydrate and processing a first mixture.
The first mixture is then combined with about 0.1 to about 1% by
weight of a functional ingredient to provide a weight management
system in which the functional ingredient modulates metabolism and
builds lean muscle mass. Alternatively, the protein, fat, fiber,
digestible carbohydrate and functional ingredient can be processed
as one mixture.
[0038] The process of feeding the companion animal the inventive
pet food product will promote comprehensive weight management in
the companion animals, will increase the animal's lean muscle mass,
and will enhance the satiety and decrease the voluntary food intake
of the animal.
[0039] Thus, as described herein, the present invention provides a
comprehensive approach to help optimize the body composition of a
domestic animal. The invention targets (i) an induction in adipose
(fat) metabolism, (ii) a minimization of muscle wasting that can
occur from low protein, calorie-restricted diets and (iii) an
increase in satiety and maintenance of palatability to reduce
behavioral changes (i.e., begging) which lead to increased caloric
consumption and non-compliance to a caloric restricted diet. This
system reduces the total energy delivery, induces an increase in
fat metabolism, and thus, leaves the pet satiated. This system also
reduces the risk of kidney damage presented by high protein diets
by decreasing BUN levels and BUN/creatinine ratio levels in the
animal.
EXAMPLE
[0040] Five test diets (n=10 obese dogs/diet) were tested for a 12
week period. The five diets included: (1) Control (28% protein);
(2) Control+Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA); (3)
Control+diacylglycerides (DAG); (4) High protein (50% protein); and
(5) High protein+CLA. Dogs were fed at a slight caloric restriction
(15% caloric restriction based on baseline caloric intake) to
encourage weight loss. Lean body mass was determined by isotope
ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in deuterium oxide (D.sub.2O), and
the fat mass was calculated by subtracting the lean body mass from
body weight.
[0041] As illustrated in the chart of FIG. 1, the results showed a
significantly greater weight loss in the dogs fed the high protein
diets as compared to the control diet and the other test compound
diets, with or without the functional ingredient CLA.
[0042] The observed weight loss of the dogs on all five diets is
due to a significant loss of fat mass (FIG. 2) while sparing lean
body mass. The dogs on the following diets: Control+Conjugated
Linoleic Acid (CLA), Control+diacylglycerides (DAG), High protein
(50% protein), and (5) High protein+CLA, experienced an increase in
lean body mass. In contrast, the dogs on the Control diet
demonstrated a slight decrease in lean body mass. Interestingly,
the effect of DAG alone on fat mass and lean body mass indicates
its importance as a functional ingredient in a weight management
system. Comparing the two high protein diets demonstrates that the
effect of consuming high protein is stronger than the effect
observed with CLA alone on both fat and lean body mass. From these
results, it is clear that a comprehensive weight management system
including high protein, conjugated fatty acids and
1,3-diacylglycerides is effective in promoting an increase in lean
body mass and a decrease in fat mass.
[0043] BUN levels are a direct measure of protein consumption. Dogs
fed the HPLC (high protein, low carbohydrate) diet expectedly
demonstrated increased BUN levels (FIG. 3) and increased
BUN/creatinine ratio levels (FIG. 4). However, the high protein
diets comprising conjugated linoleic acid (HPLC+CLA) or a
1,3-diacyglyceride (Econa) maintained normal BUN levels as compared
to the Control dieter levels over the 12 week test period. The
designations "a", "b" and "c" indicate significant differences
between the designated groups (p>0.05) at the time the blood was
taken. Each diet afforded normal BUN levels, with or without the
correction for creatinine, for the first half of the testing
period. After 6 weeks, clogs fed the HPLC diet demonstrated above
normal and significantly different BUN/creatinine ratio levels
(FIG. 4) as compared to the CLA, HPLC+CLA and Econa dieters.
Similarly, direct measurement of BUN levels yielded above normal
and statistically different levels as compared to the CLA, HPLC+CLA
and Econa fed dogs (FIG. 3).
[0044] This unexpected effect of the inventive diets on protein
metabolism indicates that potential medical risks associated with
high protein diets are neutralized by co-consumption of the
functional ingredients. The reduced risks of renal (e.g. kidney)
damage and failure by consumption of the inventive diets is a
substantial metabolic improvement in efforts to prevent and treat
obese animals.
[0045] A common misconception in treating and preventing obesity in
companion animals is that a drastic reduction in food intake is
required. When this occurs, the animals often scavenge and beg for
food because of the constant hunger sensation. As a result of
hunger sensations, the animal finds additional food or pet owners
feed the animal in order to stop the begging, with the result of no
weight reduction. In prior art methods, for weigh reduction to
occur, the animal's food intake must be decreased for a sustained
and regular period of time and the animal must be inhibited from
constant scavenging and begging, which increases the food intake.
Most pet owners fail in the treatment and prevention of obesity in
their pets because they are unable to keep the animal's food intake
at a decreased level for extended periods of time, and they are
unable to prevent their animals from scavenging and begging.
[0046] The novel weight management system provides a comprehensive
approach to help optimize the body composition of a domestic animal
through dietary intervention without the side effects associated
with prior diets. The present invention targets (i) an induction in
adipose (fat) metabolism, (ii) an increase in satiety and
maintenance of palatability to reduce behavioral changes (i.e.,
begging) which lead to increased caloric consumption, and (iii) a
minimization of muscle wasting that can occur from low protein,
calorie-restricted diets. This weight management system reduces the
total energy delivery, induces an increase in fat metabolism, and
thus, leaves the pet satiated. Further, this weight management
system mitigates potential adverse effects associated with
consumption of high protein diets.
[0047] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
REFERENCES
[0048] The following references, to the extent that they provide
exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set
forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by
reference:
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