U.S. patent application number 12/125818 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for composition for animal consumption.
Invention is credited to Dennis Jewell, Cheryl C. Miller, William D. Schoenherr.
Application Number | 20080312132 12/125818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34556601 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080312132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Cheryl C. ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
Composition for animal consumption
Abstract
This invention is directed generally to compositions (including
foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal consumption,
particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight loss or
reduction in weight gain, and particularly compositions that
comprise one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides ("MCT").
This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such
compositions. This invention is further directed generally to
processes for making such compositions.
Inventors: |
Miller; Cheryl C.;
(Lawrence, KS) ; Jewell; Dennis; (Lawrence,
KS) ; Schoenherr; William D.; (Hoyt, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
909 RIVER ROAD
PISCATAWAY
NJ
08855
US
|
Family ID: |
34556601 |
Appl. No.: |
12/125818 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10933749 |
Sep 3, 2004 |
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12125818 |
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60608935 |
Sep 5, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/1.1 ;
514/547 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 40/20 20160501;
A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23K 50/40 20160501; A61K 31/225 20130101;
A23V 2250/1944 20130101; A23K 20/158 20160501; A23K 40/25 20160501;
A23V 2002/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/2 ;
514/547 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/16 20060101
A61K038/16; A61K 31/225 20060101 A61K031/225 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A method for aiding an animal in losing weight or reducing
weight gain, wherein the method comprises feeding the animal a
composition comprising: (a) from about 12 wt. % to about 25 wt. %
of one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (based on dry
weight of the composition); and (b) at least one of the following:
(i) from about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. % protein (based on dry
weight of the composition), and (ii) from about 2 wt. % to about 50
wt. % fat (based on dry weight of the composition).
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the animal is a cat or
dog.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the animal is a farm
animal.
14. A method according to claim 11, wherein the animal is a
bird.
15-20. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/656,056 (filed Sep. 5, 2003; and converted to a provisional
patent application on Sep. 2, 2004). The entire text of the
above-referenced patent application is incorporated by reference
into this patent.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is directed generally to compositions
(including foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal
consumption, particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight
loss or reducing weight gain, and particularly compositions that
comprise one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides ("MCT").
This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such
compositions. This invention is further directed generally to
processes for making such compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are a family of
triglycerides generally containing saturated fatty acid chains of
from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms. These fatty acid chains are
often predominantly caprylic acid (8-carbon) and capric acid
(10-carbon) chains, with lesser amounts of caproic acid (6-carbon)
and lauric acid (12-carbon) chains.
[0004] MCT have reportedly been used for parenteral nutrition in
humans requiring supplemental nutrition, and are reportedly also
increasingly being used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. MCT have
additionally reportedly been found to be non-toxic in acute
toxicity tests for a range of animal species.
[0005] In contrast to MCT, long chain triglycerides (LCT) contain
saturated and unsaturated fatty acid residues with greater than 12
carbons. Differences in fatty acid chain length and degree of
saturation reportedly have been observed to lead to differences in
digestion, absorption, and transport in at least some species.
Specifically, for example, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs)
reportedly have been observed to have a greater tendancy to enter
portal blood directly and be transported to the liver for rapid
oxidation, whereas long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) reportedly have
been observed to have a greater tendancy to be packaged into
chylomicrons and transported into the lymphatic system, allowing
for extensive uptake into the adipose tissue in at least some
animals. MCFAs also reportedly have been observed to have a
tendancy to enter mitochondria independent of the camitine
transport system and undergo preferential oxidation in at least
some animals. Papamandjaris, et al., "Medium Chain Fatty Acid
Metabolism and Energy Expenditure Obesity Treatment Implications",
Life Sciences, 62:1203-1215 (1998). It has been hypothesized that
relatively rapid metabolism of MCT may, relative to LCT, increase
energy expenditure, decrease deposition of MCT into adipose tissue,
and result in faster satiety in at least some species. See St-Onge,
M., et al., "Physiological Effects of Medium-Chain Triglycerides:
Potential Agents in the Prevention of Obesity", P. J. Nutr.,
132:329-332 (2002). See also, Rothwell, N., et al., Metabolism,
36:128-130, 1987 (reporting that feeding MCT to humans increases
energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and discussing potential for
use of MCT in weight management regimes). See also, Tsuji, H., et
al., "Dietary Medium-Chaine Triacylglycerols Suppress Accumulation
of Body Fat in a Double-Blind, Controlled Trial in Healthy Men and
Women", Nutr., 131: 2853-2859 (2001) (discussing reduction of body
weight and fat using MCT diet in humans). See also, Portillo, M.,
et al., "Energy Restriction with High-Fat Diet Enriched with
Coconut Oil Gives Higher UCP1 and Lower White Fat in Rats", Int'l
J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord., 22: 974-979 (1998) (reporting that
MCT-enriched diet is effective in stimulating uncoupling protein-1
(UCP1) expression during ad libitum feeding and preventing UCP1
down regulation during food restriction in rats). See also,
Lasekan, J., et al., "Energy expenditure in rats maintained with
intravenous or intragastric infusion of total parenteral nutrition
solutions containing medium- or long-chain triglyceride emulsions",
J. Nutr., 122: pps. 1483-1492 (1992) (reporting lower weight gain
and greater energy expenditure in rats having MCT-supplemented
parenteral nutrition relative to rats having LCT-supplemented
parenteral nutrition).
[0006] Despite the reported advantages of MCT, there have been
difficulties in developing MCT-containing foods. Some studies, for
example, have reported that MCT-containing foods tend to have poor
palatability.
[0007] Thus, there continues to be a need for compositions for
animal consumption, particularly those that aid in weight loss or
reduction in the rate of weight gain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention is directed to compositions for animal
consumption, particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight
loss or reduce the rate of weight gain. It is contemplated that
such compositions are suitable to be used with mammals, including
non-human mammals such as non-human primates (e.g., monkeys,
chimpanzees, etc.), companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats, horses,
etc.), farm animals (e.g., goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, etc.),
laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, etc.), and wild and zoo
animals (e.g., wolves, bears, deer, etc.). It also is contemplated
that such compositions are suitable to be used with non-mammalian
animals, such as companion, farm, zoo, and wild birds (e.g.,
including, for example, song birds, parrots, ducks, geese,
chickens, turkeys, ostriches, etc.).
[0009] Briefly, therefore, this invention is directed, in part, to
a composition for animal consumption, such as, for example, a food,
nutritional supplement, treat, or toy. The composition comprises
from about 2% to about 25% (based on dry weight of the composition)
of one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (i.e.,
triglycerides containing saturated fatty acid chains comprising
from about 8 to about 12 carbons). This invention also is directed
to a treat, wherein the treat comprises one or more medium chain
fatty acid triglycerides.
[0010] This invention also is directed to a toy, wherein the toy
comprises one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides.
[0011] This invention also is directed to processes for preparing
such compositions, treats, and toys.
[0012] This invention also is directed to methods for using such
compositions, treats, and toys to aid in weight loss or reducing
weight gain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 compares observed food intake over two weeks with
dogs fed MCT-supplemented food and food not supplemented with
MCT.
[0014] FIG. 2 compares observed body weight changes in lean-prone
and obese-prone dogs fed MCT-supplemented rations and rations not
supplemented with MCT.
[0015] FIG. 3 compares observed body weight changes in dogs fed
rations supplemented with MCT, rations supplemented with half the
amount of MCT, and rations not supplemented with MCT.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] This detailed description of preferred embodiments is
intended only to acquaint others skilled in the art with
Applicants' invention, its principles, and its practical
application so that others skilled in the art may adapt and apply
the invention in its numerous forms, as they may be best suited to
the requirements of a particular use. This detailed description and
its specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of
this invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only.
This invention, therefore, is not limited to the preferred
embodiments described in this specification, and may be variously
modified.
[0017] In accordance with this invention, we have found that
inclusion of MCT into an animal's diet (preferably into the
animal's food) as described in this patent tends to increase
satiety and the rate at which the animal will lose weight (or
decrease the rate at which an animal will gain weight). We have
found, for example, that such inclusion of MCT in pet food enhances
the rate of weight loss relative to a food without MCT, even when
similar amounts (calories) are consumed. This invention generally
allows feeding of an advantageous concentration of MCT without
negative effects on food intake or the health of the animal.
[0018] As used in this patent, a "triglyceride" is an ester of
three fatty acids and glycerol. Triglycerides have the general
chemical formula,
CH.sub.2(OOCR.sup.1)CH(OOCR.sup.2)CH.sub.2(OOCR.sup.3), and
correspond in structure to the following Formula I:
##STR00001##
Each of OOCR.sup.1, OOCR.sup.2, and OOCR.sup.3 is a fatty acid
residue. Each such residue is independently selected, i.e.,
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 can be identical or different.
[0019] As used in this patent, "MCT" is one or more triglycerides
containing saturated fatty acid chains of from about 8 to about 12
carbons. Each fatty acid chain in the triglyceride may be identical
or different. Sources for MCT include, for example, coconut oil,
macadamia oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and mixtures of such
oils.
[0020] The MCT may be included in various types compositions, such
as, for example, a food, supplement, treat, or toy (typically a
chewable and consumable toy). The MCT is preferably present in the
composition in an amount that is from about 2% to about 25% (or
from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about 18%, or from
about 12% to about 16%) based on the dry weight of the composition.
It is contemplated that use of such proportions of MCT in
accordance with this invention will increase an animal's energy
expenditure even in the absence of any change in caloric intake,
assist in weight loss through modification of energy use without
changing preference for the composition, and/or beneficially change
metabolism without decreasing taste.
[0021] In some embodiments, the MCT-containing composition is a
food. Although both liquid and solid foods are contemplated, solid
foods are typically preferred. Where the food is solid, the MCT may
be coated on the food, incorporated into the food, or both.
Contemplated foods include both dry foods or wet foods. The non-MCT
components of the food and their preferred proportions include
those listed in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Preferred proportion of the composition (%
of dry weight of Component composition) Carbohydrate from about 0%
to about 50%, or from (preferably a nitrogen-free or about 5% to
about 45% essentially nitrogen-free extract) Protein from about 5%
to about 70%, or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to
about 60% Fat from about 2% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about
50%, or from about 5% to about 40% Dietary fiber from about 0% to
about 40%, or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about
5.5% Nutritional balancing agents from about 0% to about 15%, or
from (e.g., vitamins and minerals) about 2% to about 8%
[0022] In a contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food that
comprises the following: [0023] (a) from about 2% to about 25% (or
from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about 18%, or from
about 12% to about 16%) MCT; and [0024] (b) at least one of the
following: [0025] (i) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10%
to about 70%, or from about 10% to about 60%) protein, and [0026]
(ii) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%, or
from about 5% to about 40%) fat. In such an embodiment, it is
contemplated that the composition also may, for example, comprise
at least one of the following: [0027] (a) no greater than about 50%
(or from about 5% to about 45%) carbohydrate, [0028] (b) no greater
than about 40% (or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to
about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and [0029] (c) no greater than about 15%
(or from about 2% to about 8%) of one or more nutritional balancing
agents.
[0030] In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a
food that comprises the following: [0031] (a) from about 2% to
about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about
18%, or from about 12% to about 16%) MCT, and [0032] (b) from about
5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10%
to about 60%) protein.
[0033] In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a
food that comprises the following: [0034] (a) from about 2% to
about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about
18%, or from about 12% to about 16%) MCT, and [0035] (b) from about
2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to
about 40%) fat.
[0036] In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a
food that comprises the following: [0037] (a) from about 2% to
about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about
18%, or from about 12% to about 16%) MCT, [0038] (b) from about 5%
to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to
about 60%) protein, and [0039] (c) from about 2% to about 50% (or
from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 40%) fat.
[0040] In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is a
food that comprises the following: [0041] (a) from about 2% to
about 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about
18%, or from about 12% to about 16%) MCT, [0042] (b) from about 5%
to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to
about 60%) protein, [0043] (c) from about 2% to about 50% (or from
about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 40%) fat, [0044]
(d) no greater than about 50% (or from about 5% to about 45%)
carbohydrate, [0045] (e) no greater than about 40% (or from about
1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and
[0046] (f) no greater than about 15% (or from about 2% to about 8%)
of one or more nutritional balancing agents.
[0047] Specific preferred amounts for each component in a
composition will depend on a variety of factors including, for
example, the species of animal consuming the composition; the
particular components included in the composition; the age, weight,
general health, sex, and diet of the animal; the animal's
consumption rate; the type of composition condition(s) being
treated; and the like. Thus, the component amounts may vary widely,
and may even deviate from the preferred proportions set forth in
this patent.
[0048] The fat and carbohydrate in the compositions of the present
invention may be supplied by a variety of sources, including, for
example, meat, meat by-products, other animal or plant protein
sources, grains, and mixtures thereof. Meat includes, for example,
the flesh of poultry, fish; and mammals (e.g., cattle, swine,
sheep, goats, and the like). Meat by-products include, for example,
lungs, kidneys, brain, livers, and stomachs and intestines freed of
their contents. Grains include, for example, wheat, corn, barley,
and rice.
[0049] Fiber in the compositions of the present invention may be
supplied from a variety of sources, including, for example,
vegetable fiber sources such as cellulose, beet pulp, peanut hulls,
and soy fiber.
[0050] Particularly in instances when the composition is an
animal's food, vitamins and minerals should be included in amounts
required to avoid deficiency and maintain health. These amounts are
readily available in the art. The National Research Council (NRC),
for example, provides recommended amounts of such ingredients for
farm animals. See, e.g., Nutrient Requirements of Swine (10th Rev.
Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1998), Nutrient Requirements
of Poultry (9th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1994),
Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Fifth Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy
Press, Wash. D.C., 1989), etc. And the American Feed Control
Officials (AAFCO), for example, provides recommended amounts of
such ingredients for dogs and cats. See American Feed Control
Officials, Incorp., Official publication, pp. 126-140 (2003).
[0051] The compositions of the present invention may further
contain additives known in the art. Preferably, such additives are
present in amounts that do not impair the purpose and effect
provided by the invention. Examples of contemplated additives
include, for example, substances that are functionally beneficial
to weight management, substances with a stabilizing effect,
processing aids, substances that enhances palatability, coloring
substances, and substances that provide nutritional benefits.
[0052] Contemplated substances that may provide a benefit for
weight management include, for example, nonfermentable fiber,
carnitine, chrominium-picolinate, and the like.
[0053] Contemplated stabilizing substances include, for example,
substances that tend to increase the shelf life of the composition.
Potentially suitable examples of such substances include, for
example, preservatives, antioxidants, synergists and sequestrants,
packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling
agents, and humectants. Examples of emulsifiers and/or thickening
agents include, for example, gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch,
starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starches.
[0054] Contemplated additives for coloring, palatability, and
nutritional purposes include, for example, colorants; iron oxide,
sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other
edible salts; vitamins; minerals; and flavoring. The amount of such
additives in a composition typically is up to 5% (dry basis of the
composition).
[0055] Supplements include, for example, a feed used with another
feed to improve the nutritive balance or performance of the total.
Contemplated supplements include compositions that are fed
undiluted as a supplement to other feeds, offered free choice with
other parts of an animal's ration that are separately available, or
diluted and mixed with an animal's regular feed to produce a
complete feed. The AAFCO, for example, provides a discussion
relating to supplements in the American Feed Control Officials,
Incorp. Official Publication, p. 220 (2003). Supplements may be in
various forms including, for example, powders, liquids, syrups,
pills, etc.
[0056] Treats include, for example, compositions that are given to
an animal to entice the animal to eat during a non-meal time.
Contemplated treats for canines include, for example, dog bones.
Treats may be nutritional, wherein the composition comprises one or
more nutrients, and may, for example, have a composition as
described above for food. Non-nutritional treats encompass any
other treats that are non-toxic. The MCT can be coated onto the
treat, incorporated into the treat, or both.
[0057] Toys include, for example, chewable toys. Contemplated toys
for dogs include, for example, artificial bones. The MCT can form a
coating on the surface of the toy or on the surface of a component
of the toy, be incorporated partially or fully throughout the toy,
or both. In a contemplated embodiment, the MCT is orally accessible
by the intended user. There a wide range of suitable toys currently
marketed. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,771. See also, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,419,283. It should be recognized that this invention
contemplates both partially consumable toys (e.g. toys comprising
plastic components) and fully consumable toys (e.g., rawhides and
various artificial bones). It should be further recognized that
this invention contemplates toys for both human and non-human use,
particularly for companion, farm, and zoo animal use, and
particularly for dog, cat, or bird use.
[0058] In preparing a composition of the present invention, the
components of the composition are adjusted so that the MCT is
present in the composition at a concentration of from about 2% up
to 25% (or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 7% to about
18%, or from about 12% to about 16%) based on the dry content of
the composition. The MCT may, for example, be incorporated into the
composition during the processing of the formulation, such as
during and/or after mixing of other components of the composition.
Distribution of these components into the composition can be
accomplished by conventional means.
[0059] Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods)
can be prepared in a canned or wet form using conventional pet food
processes. In one contemplated embodiment, ground animal and
poultry proteinaceous tissues is mixed with the other ingredients,
including fish oils, cereal grains, other nutritionally balancing
ingredients, special purpose additives (e.g., vitamin and mineral
mixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose and beet pulp, bulking agents,
and the like); and water that sufficient for processing is also
added. These ingredients preferably are mixed in a vessel suitable
for heating while blending the components. Heating of the mixture
may be effected using any suitable manner, such as, for example, by
direct steam injection or by using a vessel fitted with a heat
exchanger. Following the addition of the last ingredient, the
mixture is heated to a temperature range of from about 50.degree.
F. to about 212.degree. F. Temperatures outside this range are
acceptable, but may be commercially impractical without use of
other processing aids. When heated to the appropriate temperature,
the material will typically be in the form of a thick liquid. The
thick liquid is filled into cans. A lid is applied, and the
container is hermetically sealed. The sealed can is then placed
into conventional equipment designed to sterilize the contents.
This is usually accomplished by heating to temperatures of greater
than about 230.degree. F. for an appropriate time, which is
dependent on, for example, the temperature used and the
composition.
[0060] Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods)
can be prepared in a dry form using conventional processes. In one
contemplated embodiment, dry ingredients, including, for example,
animal protein sources, plant protein sources, grains, etc., are
ground and mixed together. Moist or liquid ingredients, including
fats, oils, animal protein sources, water, etc., are then added to
and mixed with the dry mix (which, in a contemplated embodiment,
comprises at least 2% of the desired MCT amount for the final
product). The mixture is then processed into kibbles or similar dry
pieces. Kibble is often formed using an extrusion process in which
the mixture of dry and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical
work at a high pressure and temperature, and forced through small
openings and cut off into kibble by a rotating knife. The wet
kibble is then dried and optionally coated with one or more topical
coatings which may include, for example, flavors, fats, oils (e.g.,
MCT), powders, and the like. Kibble also can be made from the dough
using a baking process, rather than extrusion, wherein the dough is
placed into a mold before dry-heat processing.
[0061] Treats of the present invention can be prepared by, for
example, an extrusion or baking process similar to those described
above for dry food. Other processes also may be used to either coat
MCT oil on the exterior of existing treat forms, or inject it into
an existing treat form.
[0062] Animal toys of the present invention are typically prepared
by coating any existing toy with MCT.
EXAMPLES
[0063] The following examples are merely illustrative, and not
limiting to this disclosure in any way.
Example 1
[0064] Balanced, dry pet foods were formulated that contained
various amounts of coconut oil (12 and 5% as mixed--see below). The
coconut oil was incorporated into the foods by injecting 2% into
the preconditioner before kibble extrusion, and coating the
remaining amount on hot kibbles. The kibbles were then allowed to
cool. All foods were stored at room temperature before use. The
foods had the compositions shown in Table 2 below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Food Compositions for Animal Studies Study 1
& 2 3 3 4 4 Coconut Oil 14.2 7.1 14.2 13.0 13.0 (%) Protein (%)
19.7 24.7 24.7 24.8 24.8 Fat (%) 20.6 16.9 16.9 22.0 22.0
Carbohydrate 53.8 51.0 51.0 46.3 27.6 (%) Crude Fiber 0.37 2.6 2.6
1.4 21.0 (%)
The protein, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber components were
nutrients to balance the formula to meet nutritional needs. All
control formulations were designed to be nutrient-matched.
A. Study 1
[0065] Study 1 utilized a 2-week crossover design with an intruded
meal at the end of each week. The dogs were fed slightly below
maintenance requirements (requirement=(1.4)(BW.sup.0.75)(70)). The
foods consisted of a dry dog food containing MCT in the form of
coconut oil (14.2% of diet), and a control food containing an equal
amount of fat (LCT) from other sources. The dogs fed coconut oil
lost more weight than control fed dogs, as shown in Table 3
below:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Average Body Weights (grams) in Study 1
Treatment Day Zero Day 7 Difference Combined control 16.31 16.05
-0.26 Combined test 16.39 15.98 -0.41
Food consumption was equal between the two treatment groups (see
FIG. 1). This is unexpected in view of other companion animal
studies reporting MCT-containing foods as having poor palatability
that leads to insufficient food intake. See, e.g., Van Dongen, A.
M., et al., Folia Vet., 44:173 (2000). See also, e.g., Hand, M. S.,
et al, Small Anim Clin Nutr, p. 769 (4th ed., Walsworth Publishing
Co., Marceline, Mo. (2000)). See also, e.g., Hill, C., "Clin Care
Nutr", The Waltham Book of Clin Nutr of the Dog and Cat, pps. 7-45
(Elsevier Sce Ltd., Oxford (1994)). Because intake was equal with
the control, inclusion of the 14.2% coconut oil increased the
amount of body weight loss over a week without changing the amount
of calories consumed.
B. Study 2
[0066] Study 2 utilized a lean-prone and obese-prone panel of dogs
that were fed slightly below maintenance requirements
(requirement=(1.3)(BW.sup.0.75)(70)). Both groups were fed the
control food for 1 week before testing started, and then randomly
assigned to either the food containing coconut oil or the control
food for 3 weeks. Both lean and obese dogs fed coconut oil lost
significantly more weight than the control fed dogs (see FIG. 2).
The lean group was taken off study at 2 weeks to avoid excessive
body weight loss. All dogs consumed the allotted amount of food
each day.
C. Study 3
[0067] Study 3 consisted of three groups of dogs fed rations in the
following manner: [0068] Group 1: Hill's prescription weight loss
food r/d as a control. [0069] Group 2: The same base food without
fiber and containing 14.2% coconut oil. [0070] Group 3: The same
base food without fiber and containing 7.1% coconut oil. All dogs
were fed at their maintenance requirements (requirement
(1.6)(BW.sup.0.75)(70)), and consumed all of their allotted food.
The dogs of Group 2 lost significantly more body weight than dogs
of Groups 1 and 3 (see FIG. 3).
D. Study 4
[0071] Study 4 consisted of four groups of obese dogs fed a food
containing 0% or 13% coconut oil, and 1.4% or 21% fiber. The dogs
were fed slightly below the maintenance requirements of their ideal
body weight (requirement=(1.3)(ideal BW.sup.0.75)(70)). As shown in
Table 4 below, dogs fed the foods containing the 13% coconut oil
lost at a greater rate than the dogs fed the control foods not
containing the coconut oil.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Rate of Body Weight Loss (grams/day)
Formulation Mean Rate of Loss SEM 1.4% fiber, 0% coconut oil 28.0
3.9 1.4% fiber, 39.6 3.9 13% coconut oil 21% fiber, 0% coconut oil
37.7 3.9 21% fiber, 43.8 3.9 13% coconut oil
E. Study 5
[0072] Study 5 consisted of food intake trials that tested foods
containing MCT (i.e., 13% coconut oil) against commercially
available dog foods used for weight loss or weight maintenance. In
all cases, the dogs consumed more of the food containing MCT than
the commercially available food (see Tables 5, 6, and 7).
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams)
Food containing 13% coconut oil 303 Commercially available 59
canine light food
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams)
Food containing 13% coconut oil 310 Commercially available 80
canine senior food
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Food Intake (grams/day) Food Intake (grams)
Food containing 13% coconut oil 211 Commercially available 132
canine maintenance food
Example 2
[0073] In this experiment, the efficacy of a dietary addition of a
high level of fiber (current Hill's Prescription Diet.RTM. Canine
r/d.RTM. dry) to control appetite and enhance weight loss in obese
dogs was compared with that of two prototype dry foods. Each
prototype food had high levels of fat (coconut oil, a natural
source of MCT), adequate protein, and moderate levels of
carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract or "NFE"). The prototypes
differed in the levels of fiber.
[0074] The study was conducted over 16 weeks. The average initial
body fat for the animals was 39.8%. The treatment and control
groups are summarized in Table 8.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Treatment and Control Groups No. of Diet
Description Animals Prescription Diet .RTM. Canine r/d .RTM., Dry
(Positive Control) 8 Prototype 1 (with added MCT) 8 Prototype 2
(with added MCT and fiber) 8
As indicated in Table 8, three foods were used in this experiment.
The first food was Prescription Diet.RTM. Canine r/d.RTM. dry. This
food was used as a positive control for weight loss. This is a
weight-loss food that provides adequate nutrient intake and
restriction of caloric intake for dogs. The second and third foods
were prototypes with added MCT oil and without or with added fiber,
respectively. These two foods maintained the same
calorie-to-protein ratio as found in the positive control. The two
foods are similar in nutrient composition in that they are high
protein, high fat, and moderate carbohydrate. The compositions of
these diets are shown in Table 9.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Food Analysis Canine Prototype 2 r/d Dry
Prototype 1 (added fiber) Protein % 25.41 37.54 36.19 Fat % 10.24
21.48 21.35 Crude fiber % 22.88 2.05 5.87 Ash % 4.92 5.17 5.31 NFE
% 35.55 33.76 31.28 Calcium % 0.71 0.92 0.93 Phosphorus % 0.58 0.78
0.81 Potassium % 0.80 0.64 0.65 Sodium % 0.28 0.44 0.43 Magnesium %
0.14 0.11 0.12 Metabolizable 2942 4356 4193 energy, kcal/kg (calc'd
using Atwater eq.) Calorie:Protein 118.9 119.0 119.0 Ratio
Composition percentages are based on a 100% dry weight of the
composition.
[0075] The dogs were fed once daily, and typically consumed all the
offered food. Daily consumption and food rejection were recorded.
Food intake was restricted for the duration of the experiment to
cause weight loss. Each dog received its daily food amount based on
energy requirements of its ideal body weight. The formula used to
determine the amount of calories offered to each animal was as
follows: kcal offered per day=1.6.times.(70.times.ideal body weight
(kg).sup.-75). The amount of food offered daily to each animal was
calculated by dividing the amount of calories to be offered by the
caloric density of the food (kcal/kg). Use of this equation allowed
animals to lose body weight at a rate of 1.0 to 1.5% of their
initial body weight per week (the dogs lost weight at a rate of
1.00, 1.06, and 1.10 of their initial body weight per week for
positive control, prototype 1, and prototype 2, respectively).
Ideal body weight was estimated by calculating fat-free body mass
from the Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis, and
adding 20% fat to this total.
[0076] On Day 0, each dog was weighed, and body composition was
determined via DEXA. Animals were allotted to treatments based on
body composition, weight, and gender. On Day 1, each dog received a
randomly assigned food, and then remained in its weight loss
dietary treatment. The end of the study was determined for each dog
by its meeting a body fat percentage of 20% or at the completion of
16 weeks on study. All dogs were weighed weekly, and scanned via
DEXA every four weeks to measure their individual progress in
weight loss.
[0077] Rates of weight change were derived from a regression
equation relating weight change to time for each animal. The slope
of each regression equation was used as the observation for each
animal and these were combined within treatment to generate means
for comparison.
[0078] Rates of fat tissue change were derived from a regression
equation relating fat tissue change to time for each animal. The
slope of each regression equation was used as the observation for
each animal and these were combined within treatment to generate
means for comparison.
[0079] Rates of lean tissue change were derived from a regression
equation relating lean tissue change to time for each animal.
[0080] The results of this experiment are shown in Table 10.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Rate of weight Rate of fat Rate of lean
tissue Food change, g/d change, g/d change, g/d Prescription diet
-20.4 -17.4 -3.1 r/d, dry Prototype 1 -24.0 -20.4 -2.3 Prototype 2
-23.2 -15.0 -5.5
[0081] As can be seen, the highest rate of weight change (-24.0
g/d) was in the dogs fed the prototype 1 food (without added
fiber). This rate of change was not statistically different
(P>0.05) than those fed Prescription Diet.RTM. Canine r/d.RTM.
dry (-20.4 g/d) or the prototype 2 food with added fiber (-23.2
g/d). Thus, all foods tested in this study with the same
calorie:protein ratio were effective for enhancing weight loss in
obese dogs.
[0082] Most of the body weight change was related to change in body
fat tissue. Dogs fed the prototype 1 food (without added fiber) had
the highest rate of fat tissue change (-20.4 g/d). This rate of fat
change was greater than those for the dogs fed Prescription
Diet.RTM. Canine r/d.RTM. dry (-17.4 g/d) and the prototype 2 (food
with added fiber) (-15.0 g/d).
[0083] All food treatments in this study resulted in loss of lean
tissue. On average, the dogs lost from 0.26 to 0.62 kg of lean
tissue over the duration of this study. Considering the dogs
averaged 8.75 kg of lean tissue at the beginning of the study, this
loss represents 3.0 to 7.1% of their total initial lean tissue.
This small amount of lean tissue loss would not be deleterious to
the health of the dogs.
Example 3
[0084] In this experiment, the efficacy of a dietary addition of a
high level of fiber (current Hill's Prescription Diet.RTM. Feline
r/d.RTM. dry) to control appetite and enhance weight loss in obese
cats was compared with that of a prototype dry food. The prototype
food had high level of fat (coconut oil, a natural source of MCT),
adequate protein, and moderate levels of NFE.
[0085] This study was conducted over 24 weeks. The average initial
body fat for the animals was 40.7%. The treatment and control
groups are summarized in Table 11.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Treatment and Control Groups No. of Diet
Description Animals Prescription Diet .RTM. Canine r/d .RTM., Dry
(Positive Control) 10 Prototype 1 (with added MCT) 10
As indicated in Table 11, two foods were used in this experiment.
The first food was Prescription Diet.RTM. Feline r/d.RTM. dry. This
food was used as a positive control for weight loss. This is a
weight-loss food that provides adequate nutrient intake and
restriction of caloric intake for cats. The second food was a
prototype with added MCT oil.
[0086] The cats were fed once per day, and typically consumed all
the offered food. Daily consumption and food rejection were
recorded. Food intake was restricted for the duration of the
experiment to cause weight loss. Each cat received its daily food
amount based on energy requirements of its ideal body weight. The
formula used to determine the amount of calories offered to each
cat was as follows: kcal offered per day=0.8.times.(70.times.ideal
body weight (kg).sup.-75). The amount of food offered daily to each
animal was calculated by dividing the amount of calories to be
offered by the caloric density of the food (kcal/kg). Use of this
equation allowed the animals to lose body weight at a rate of 0.5
to 1.0% of their initial body weight per week (the cats lost weight
at a rate of -0.81 and -0.96% of their initial body weight per week
for positive control and prototype 1, respectively). Ideal body
weight was estimated by calculating fat-free body mass from the
DEXA analysis and adding 20% fat to this total.
[0087] On day 0, each cat was weighed, and body composition was
determined via DEXA. Animals were allotted to treatments based on
body composition, weight, and gender. Beginning on day 1, each cat
received a randomly assigned food, and then remained on its
weight-loss dietary treatment. The end of the study was determined
for each cat by its meeting a body fat percentage of 20% or at the
completion of 24 weeks on study. All cats were weighed weekly, and
scanned via DEXA every four weeks to measure their individual
progress in weight loss.
[0088] The results of this experiment are shown in Table 12.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Rate of weight change, % body weight change
Food g/d per week Prescription Diet r/d, dry -6.2 -0.81 Prototype 1
-7.6 -0.96
The highest rate of weight change (-7.6 g/d) was in the cats fed
prototype 1 food (with the MCT oil added). This rate of change was
not statistically different (P>0.05) than those fed Prescription
Diet.RTM. Feline r/d.RTM. dry (-6.2 g/d). These results demonstrate
that the foods tested in this study were effective for enhancing
weight loss in obese cats.
[0089] (671 All the references cited above are incorporated by
reference into this patent.
[0090] The words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are to
be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.
[0091] The above detailed description of preferred embodiments is
intended only to acquaint others skilled in the art with the
invention, its principles, and its practical application so that
others skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its
numerous forms, as they may be best suited to the requirements of a
particular use. This invention, therefore, is not limited to the
above embodiments, and may be variously modified.
* * * * *