(19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub

US 20050249841A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0249841 A1 Hayek et al. (43) Pub. Date: Nov. 10, 2005

(54) PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS (22) Filed: May 10, 2004 (75) Inventors: Michael Gri?in Hayek, Dayton, OH Publication Classi?cation (US); Stefan Patrick Massimino, Kettering, OH (US); George Roth, (51) Int. Cl.7 ...... A23L 2/00 Pylesville, MD (US) (52) US. Cl...... 426/66 Correspondence Address: (57) ABSTRACT THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY Disclosed herein are pet food compositions. In one embodi INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION ment, pet food compositions Which are described comprise WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX a component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose; S-thio-D 161 glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5 6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures CINCINNATI, OH 45224 (US) thereof. In yet another embodiment, pet food compositions Which are described comprise an extract of plant matter (73) Assignees: The Procter & Gamble Company, Cin selected from avocado, alfalfa, ?g, primrose, and mixtures cinnati, OH (US); The IAMS Company thereof. The pet food compositions may be prepared by any of a variety of processes including, but not limited to, (21) Appl. No.: 10/842,301 optional processes described herein. US 2005/0249841 A1 Nov. 10, 2005

PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS including reduction of body Weight, decrease in plasma insulin levels, reduction of body temperature, retardation of FIELD OF THE INVENTION tumor formation and groWth, and elevation of circulating glucocorticoid hormone concentrations. (For a revieW see [0001] The present invention is directed to pet food com Roth et al., Ann. NYAcad. Sci. 928:305-315, 2001). These positions. In certain embodiments, the pet food composi effects result from inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism. tions may comprise a selected carbohydrate component, or extract of plant material selected from avocado, alfalfa, ?g, [0006] HoWever, the commercial utility of such compo primrose, and mixtures thereof. nents has been limited, particularly as practical applications had yet been identi?ed. The present inventors herein provide BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION compositions Which may be commercially utiliZed, and further provide processes for preparation of such composi [0002] Studies have indicated that restriction of caloric tions. In particular, it has been found that the components intake by food deprivation sloWs doWn certain undesirable herein may be processed from plant matter, or otherWise cellular processes in laboratory animals, many associated provided, and then subjected to traditional pet food process With aging and age-related diseases. ing (such as, for example, extrusion or other such vigorous [0003] In particular, caloric restriction has been shoWn to methods) Without compromising the integrity of the com consistently extend the life span, delay onset and sloW tumor ponent. progression, and retard physiologic aging in many systems. Indeed, research spanning more than sixty years has shoWn SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION that caloric restriction is a nutritional intervention that [0007] The present invention is directed to pet food com consistently extends longevity in animals. See Weindruch positions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and Disease by pet food compositions comprising a component selected Dietary Restriction,” Spring?eld, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas from the group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose; S-thio-D (1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5 Restriction,” Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures “Biological Effects of Dietary Restriction,” Springer, NeW thereof. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed York (1991). These effects of caloric restriction on life span to pet food compositions comprising an extract of plant and tumorigenesis have been reported numerous times since matter selected from the group consisting of avocado, the early studies of McKay. See McKay et al., “The Effect alfalfa, ?g, primrose, and mixtures thereof. The pet food of Retarded GroWth Upon the Length of Lifespan and Upon compositions may be prepared by any of a variety of Ultimate Body Size,” J. Nutr., Vol. 10, pp. 63-79 (1935). processes including, but not limited to, optional processes Indeed, over the past tWo decades, a resurgence of interest described herein. in caloric restriction in gerontology has led to the general acceptance that this dietary manipulation sloWs physiologic DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE aging in many systems. See Weindruch and Walford, “The INVENTION Retardation of Aging and Disease by Dietary Restriction,” Spring?eld, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas (1988); Yu, “Modula [0008] Various documents including, for example, publi tion of Aging Processes by Dietary Restriction,” Boca cations and patents, are recited throughout this disclosure. Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, “Biological Effects All such documents are hereby incorporated by reference. of Dietary Restriction,” Springer, NeW York (1991). The citation of any given document is not to be construed as [0004] Reductions in fasting glucose and insulin levels are an admission that it is prior art With respect to the present invention. readily measured biomarkers of caloric restriction. Calori cally restricted rodents exhibit loWer fasting glucose and [0009] All percentages and ratios are calculated by Weight insulin levels, and the peak glucose and insulin levels unless otherWise indicated. All percentages and ratios are reached during a glucose challenge are reduced in those on calculated based on the total composition unless otherWise caloric restriction. See Kalant et al., “Effect of Diet Restric indicated. tion on Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Repsonsiveness [0010] Referenced herein are trade names for components and Aging Rats,” Mech. Aging Dev., Vol. 46, pp. 89-104 including various ingredients utiliZed in the present inven (1988). It is also knoWn that hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor tion. The inventors herein do not intend to be limited by associated With several such disease processes, including materials under a certain trade name. Equivalent materials heart disease and diabetes (Balkau and EschWege, Diabetes (e.g., those obtained from a different source under a different Obes. Metab. 1 (Suppl. 1): S23-31, 1999). Reduced insulin name or reference number) to those referenced by trade levels and body temperature are tWo of the most reliable name may be substituted and utiliZed in the descriptions indicators of this altered metabolic pro?le (Masoro et al., J. herein. Gerontol. Biol. Sci. 47:B202-B208, 1992); KoiZumi et al., J. Nutr. 117: 361-367, 1987; Lane et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. [0011] In the description of the invention various embodi 93:4154-4164, 1996). ments or individual features are disclosed. As Will be appar ent to the ordinarily skilled practitioner, all combinations of [0005] Components such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose have been such embodiments and features are possible and can result described Which block or inhibit certain aspects of carbo in preferred executions of the present invention. hydrate metabolism and may therefore mimic the effects of caloric restriction (ReZek et al., J. Nutr. 106:143-157, 1972; [0012] The compositions herein may comprise, consist US. patent application Publication No. 2002/0035071). essentially of, or consist of any of the features or embodi These components exert a number of physiological effects, ments as described herein. US 2005/0249841 A1 Nov. 10, 2005

[0013] While various embodiments and individual fea [0019] Avocado (also commonly referred to as alligator tures of the present invention have been illustrated and pear, aguacate, or palta) contains unusually enriched sources described, various other changes and modi?cations can be of mannoheptulose, as Well as related sugars and other made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the carbohydrates. Avocado is a sub-tropical evergreen tree invention. As Will also be apparent, all combinations of the fruit, groWing most successfully in areas of California, embodiments and features taught in the foregoing disclosure Florida, HaWaii, Guatemala, Mexico, the West Indies, South are possible and can result in preferred executions of the Africa, and Asia. invention. [0020] Species of avocado include, for example, Persea [0014] As used herein, the term “pet” means a domestic Americana and Persea nabigena, including all cultivars dog or cat. Within these illustrative species. Cultivars may include [0015] As used herein, the term “pet food composition” ‘Anaheim,’ ‘ Bacon,’ ‘ Creamhart,’ ‘ Duke,’ ‘Fuerte,’ ‘ Ganter, means a composition that is intended for ingestion by the "GWen,"Hass,"Jim,"Lula,"Lyon,"Mexicola,"Mexicola pet. Pet food compositions may include, Without limitation, Grande,’ ‘Murrieta Green,’ ‘ Nab al, ’ ‘Pinkerton,’ ‘ Queen, nutritionally balanced compositions suitable for daily feed, "Puebla,"Reed,"Rincon,"Ryan,"Spinks,"Topa Topa, as Well as supplements (e.g., treats) Which may or may not "Whitsell,"WurtZ,’ and ‘Zutano.’ The fruit of the avocado be nutritionally balanced. is particularly preferred for use herein, Which may contain the pit or Wherein the pit is removed or at least partially COMPOSITIONS OF THE PRESENT removed. Fruit from Persea Americana is particularly pre INVENTION ferred for use herein, as Well as fruit from cultivars Which produce larger fruits (e. g., about 12 ounces or more When the [0016] The present invention is directed to pet food com fruit is mature), such as Anaheim, Creamhart, Fuerte, Hass, positions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to Lula, Lyon, Murrieta Green, Nabal, Queen, Puebla, Reed, pet food compositions comprising a component selected Ryan, and Spinks. from the group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5 [0021] Plant matter from alfalfa, ?g, or primrose are also anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures reported to provide relatively high levels of mannoheptu thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is lose. Alfalfa is also referred to as Medicago sativa. Fig, or believed that these components are glucose anti-metabolites. Ficus carica (including Cluster ?g or Sycamore ?g, for See e.g., US. patent application Publication No. 2002/ example) may also be used, as Well as primrose or Primala 0035071. In another embodiment, the components may be o?icinalis. present in the recited compositions by virtue of a component [0022] The present inventors have discovered that particu of plant matter such as avocado, or other enriched source of lar levels of a component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose; mannoheptulose such as alfalfa, ?g, or primrose. 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glu [0017] The inclusion of glucose anti-metabolites as part of citol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mix the pet food compositions herein are useful, for example, to tures thereof, are useful herein. In particular, it has been alter utiliZation of glucose or other energy sources and to found that relatively loW levels, as Well as relatively high mimic metabolic effects of caloric restriction. Without doses of the component, While useful, may provide less than intending to be limited by theory, the present use of glucose optimal ef?cacy for desired purposes. In particular, an anti-metabolites to alter glucose metabolism serves to loWer optimal dose to the pet, on a daily basis, has been surpris the metabolic rate through inhibition of glucose as an energy ingly discovered to be from about 1 mg/kg to about 15 source on the cellular level. Judicious use of components mg/kg, more advantageously from about 2 mg/kg to about that block the normal metabolism of cellular glucose can 10 mg/kg, even more advantageously from about 2 mg/kg to result in changes in physiological function that are similar to about 5 mg/kg, Wherein (as Will be commonly understood in those arising from caloric restriction. Caloric restriction has the art) the “mg” refers to level of the component and the been consistently shoWn to extend longevity in animals. See “kg” refers to kilograms of the pet. In certain embodiments, Weindruch and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and this may translate to pet food compositions comprising less Disease by Dietary Restriction,” Spring?eld, 111.: Charles C. than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or from about Thomas (1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by 0.0001% to about 0.5% of the component, all by Weight of Dietary Restriction,” Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and the composition. The level of component may be determined Fishbein, “Biological Effects of Dietary Restriction,” by one of ordinary skill in the art based on a variety of Springer, NeW York (1991). factors, for example, the form of the pet food composition (e.g., Whether a dry composition, semi-moist composition, [0018] Components Which are useful herein include Wet composition, or supplement, or any other form or 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose, mixture thereof). The ordinarily skilled artisan Will be able anhydrosugars including 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhy to utiliZe the preferred optimal doses, and use these to dro-D-glucitol, and 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, and manno determine the optimal level of component Within a given pet heptulose. Mannoheptulose is preferred for use herein. food composition. Advantageously, mannoheptulose or any other component may be present in the recited compositions as a component [0023] Similarly, Wherein an extract of plant matter is of plant matter such as avocado, or other enriched source of utiliZed in the pet food compositions herein, optimal levels mannoheptulose such as alfalfa, ?g, or primrose. The plant of extract Will of course be dependent upon level of ef?ca matter may include the fruit, seed (or pit), branches, leaves, cious component Within such extract. Optimal extracts have or any other portion of the relevant plant or combination been found herein Which comprise from about 1% to about thereof. 99% of the component, alternatively from about 5% to about US 2005/0249841 A1 Nov. 10, 2005

75% of the component, alternatively from about 10% to [0033] (b) combining the plant matter With an aque about 50% of the component, all by Weight of the extract. ous solution and optionally With an enZyme, further optionally With heating, to provide a digested plant [0024] Pet food compositions Will advantageously include foods intended to supply necessary dietary requirements, as mixture; Well as treats (e.g., dog biscuits) or other food supplements. [0034] (c) optionally separating any fractions present Optionally, the composition herein may be a pet food in the digested plant mixture, if any, to provide a composition such as a dry composition (for example, carbohydrate extract; kibble), semi-moist composition, Wet composition, or any mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the composi [0035] (d) concentrating the digested plant mixture to enhance the concentration of carbohydrate therein; tion is a supplement, such as a gravy, drinking Water, yogurt, and poWder, suspension, cheW, treat (e.g., biscuits) or any other delivery form. [0036] (e) combining the digested plant mixture With one or more pet food composition components. [0025] Moreover, in one embodiment the pet food com position is nutritionally balanced. As used herein, the term [0037] The plant matter provided in the optional processes “nutritionally balanced,” With reference to the pet food may be avocado, alfalfa, ?g, primrose, and mixtures thereof. composition, means that the composition has knoWn The plant matter may be any portion or Whole of the plant, required nutrients to sustain life in proper amounts and such as the leaves, fruit, seed or pit, particularly at least those proportion based on recommendations of recogniZed portions of the plant that contain elevated levels of carbo authorities in the ?eld of pet nutrition. hydrate such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O [0026] The compositions used herein may optionally com methylglucose, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D prise one or more further components. Other components mannitol, or mannoheptulose. In one optional process are bene?cial for inclusion in the compositions used herein, herein, the avocado is provided, and the process may com but are optional for purposes of the invention. In one mence With Whole avocado fruit, including the pit or devoid embodiment, the food compositions may comprise, on a dry (or partially devoid) of the pit. If the plant matter Which is matter basis, from about 10% to about 90% crude protein, provided contains a pit, or partial pit, the pit or portion alternatively from about 20% to about 50% crude protein, thereof may be optionally removed prior to further process alternatively from about 20% to about 40% crude protein, by ing. Alfalfa, ?g, or primrose may be similarly processed. Weight of the food composition, or alternatively from about [0038] In one optional process, production of a digested 20% to about 35% crude protein, by Weight of the compo plant mixture comprises combination of the plant matter sition. The crude protein material may comprise vegetable With an aqueous solution, such as Water, to assist With proteins such as soybean, cottonseed, and peanut, or animal maceration of the plant into manageable constituents. proteins such as casein, albumin, and meat protein. Non Optionally but preferably, an enZyme having cellulose or limiting examples of meat protein useful herein include a pectin activity, or any combination thereof (such as a cel protein source selected from the group consisting of beef, lulase, hemicellulase, or pectinase) is included to assist With pork, lamb, poultry, ?sh, vegetable, and mixtures thereof. such maceration, including to assist With dissolution and [0027] Furthermore, the compositions may comprise, on a release of carbohydrates via cell Wall disruption. The utility dry matter basis, from about 5% to about 40% fat, alterna of such an enZymatic treatment may be enhanced through tively from about 10% to about 35% fat, by Weight of the heating during such maceration, such as from above ambient food composition. temperature to about 120° C., or to about 100° C., or from about 60° C. to about 120° C., or from about 60° C. to about [0028] The compositions of the present invention may 100° C. Agitation is further preferably utiliZed, typically for further comprise a source of carbohydrate. Grains or cereals up to about 24 hours, but dependent upon the batch under such as rice, corn, milo, sorghum, barley, Wheat, and the like processing. In one embodiment, the pH is controlled such to are illustrative sources. preserve enZyme activity, often in the range of pH from [0029] The compositions may also contain other materials about 4 to about 6, preferably in the range of pH from about such as dried Whey and other dairy by products. 5 to about 6. As such, depending upon such factors as ripeness of plant matter, quality of process aqueous solution OPTIONAL PROCESSES FOR PREPARING THE (such as Water added for process, for example), and the like, COMPOSITIONS OF THE PRESENT amounts of acid or base may be desirable as Will be INVENTION appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. [0030] The pet food compositions may be prepared by any [0039] Optionally, to assist With deactivation of the of a variety of processes including, but not limited to, enZymes present, heating may be increased at the time of, or optional processes described herein. Disclosed herein are after, initial heating and agitation to form the digested plant optional processes for preparing the present inventive com mixture. Water is optionally heated to processing tempera positions. The ordinarily skilled artisan Will understand, tures prior to the addition of the plant matter. Heat may be hoWever, that the compositions are not limited by the applied by a jacketed tank Where loW pressure steam is folloWing described processes. utiliZed. [0031] A process for preparing the present compositions [0040] The digested plant mixture may result in fractions may comprise: Which may be separated in accordance With common tech [0032] (a) providing plant matter selected from the niques. For example, fractions present in the digested plant group consisting of avocado, alfalfa, ?g, primrose, mixture may be separated by ?ltration to provide the car and mixtures thereof; bohydrate extract as the resulting ?ltrate, With the ?lter cake US 2005/0249841 A1 Nov. 10, 2005

being discarded. Other methods may include, but not be Whole avocado fruit). The extract may be used in the pet limited to, gravimetric, centrifugal, other ?ltrations, or com food compositions of the present invention. binations thereof. Example 2 [0041] The carbohydrate extract may then be concen trated, optionally utilizing at least one concentration method [0046] TWo kibble compositions having the folloWing selected from the group consisting of heating, vacuum components at the approximate indicated amounts are pre drying, evaporation, refractance WindoW drying, freeZe dry pared using methods Which are standard in the art, including ing, spray drying, any other useful technique, or any com extrusion, and are fed to cats as a daily feed: bination of the foregoing. In one embodiment, at least one technique such as refractance WindoW drying is used. [0042] Once concentrated, the carbohydrate extract may Example 1A Example 1B be utiliZed in the pet food compositions of the present (Component Amount (Component Amount indicated as indicated as invention. In one embodiment herein, the present processes Component Wt %) Wt %) result in preferred yields of mannoheptulose or other car bohydrate, or carbohydrate extract, based on the starting Extract of Avocado 0.02 0.01 Chicken, Chicken By- 44 47 mass of the plant matter (e. g., avocado). In one embodiment, product Meal the yield of mannoheptulose present in the carbohydrate Fish Meal extract subsequent to concentration is less than about 20%, Chicken Fat 8 6 or from about 0.1% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about Beet Pulp 2 3 Salts 2.5 2 7%, based on the starting mass of the plant matter. In another Vitamins and Minerals** 1 1 embodiment, the yield of the carbohydrate extract subse Minors 3.5 4 quent to concentration is less than about 30%, or from about Grains Remainder Remainder 5% to about 25%, or from about 8% to about 20%, based on (corn, sorghum) the starting mass of the plant matter. Of course, even higher * Avocado may be substituted With other plant matter having enhanced yields may be desirable, and loWer yields may also be mannoheptulose content. acceptable. **Vitamins and Minerals include: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and Vitamin A, Zinc Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manga nous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Nia EXAMPLES cin, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid. [0043] The folloWing examples are provided to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof Example 3 in any manner. [0047] A beef-?avor gravy composition is prepared by combining the folloWing components in a conventional Example 1 manner: [0044] Avocado extract containing enhanced levels of mannoheptulose is prepared in accordance With the folloW ing optional process, and utiliZed in pet food compositions Component Wt % of the present invention: Mannoheptulose" 0.14 [0045] Whole avocado fruit (about 900 kilograms) is Chicken Fat 3.0 Spray-Dried Beef Particles and Broth 3.0 provided. The fruit is split and the pits are removed, either Xanthan Gum 0.5 partially or Wholly, providing about 225 kilograms of pitted Flax Seed 0.2 avocado halves. The raW avocado is charged to a disinte Vegetables 0.2 grator, Whereupon some agitation, Water (about 3000 kilo Vitamins" * 0.06 Minerals 0.04 grams) and CELLUBRIX (commercially available from Phosphoric Acid 0.95 NovoZymes A/S) (about 1 liter) is further charged. The Beef Flavor 0.1 mixture is further agitated and concurrently heated to about Water Remainder 66° C. Upon completion of the charge, further CELLUBRIX *Mannoheptulose may be substituted With another component as described (about 1 liter) is added, and the entire mixture is held under herein. agitation for about 12 hours at a controlled pH of about 5.5. **Vitamins and Minerals include: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and Vitamin A, The temperature is then further increased to about 80° C. and Zinc Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manga then held for at least about 2 hours. The resulting digested nous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Nia cin, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid. plant mixture is then ?ltered at 80° C. to provide the carbohydrate extract as the ?ltrate. The carbohydrate extract [0048] One ?uid ounce of the gravy composition is is then evaporated in a simpli?ed recirculation system at 80° admixed With one-half cup of standard dog kibble diet daily C., under vacuum, to a provide the carbohydrate extract prior to feeding to a dog. Amounts of the gravy composition having about from about 10% to about 20% solids and a pH are determined as desired by the guardian of the dog. of about 5.5 . The extract is then further concentrated using a refractance WindoW dryer to provide about 100 kilograms of the extract as a crystalline or poWder (a yield of about What is claimed is: 11% carbohydrate extract, based on the starting mass of the 1. A pet food composition comprising an extract of plant Whole avocado fruit, Which is analyZed as a yield of about matter selected from the group consisting of avocado, 4.5% mannoheptulose, based on the starting mass of the alfalfa, ?g, primrose, and mixtures thereof. US 2005/0249841 A1 Nov. 10, 2005

2. The pet food composition according to claim 1 wherein 15. A pet food composition comprising a component the extract is an avocado extract. selected from the group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 3. The pet food composition according to claim 2 com 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glu prising a component selected from the group consisting of citol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mix 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; tures thereof. 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; manno 16. The pet food composition according to claim 15 heptulose; and mixtures thereof. 4. The pet food composition according to claim 3 com comprising mannoheptulose. prising mannoheptulose. 17. The pet food composition according to claim 16 5. The pet food composition according to claim 4 Wherein comprising less than about 5% mannoheptulose, by Weight at least a portion of the mannoheptulose is derived from the of the composition. avocado extract. 18. The pet food composition according to claim 17 6. The pet food composition according to claim 5 com comprising less than about 2% mannoheptulose, by Weight prising less than about 5% mannoheptulose, by Weight of the of the composition. composition. 19. The pet food composition according to claim 18 Which 7. The pet food composition according to claim 6 com prising less than about 2% mannoheptulose, by Weight of the is in a form selected from the group consisting of dog food composition. compositions, cat food compositions, and mixtures thereof. 8. The pet food composition according to claim 7 Which 20. The pet food composition according to claim 19 Which is selected from the group consisting of dog food composi is in a form selected from the group consisting of kibbles, tions, cat food compositions, and mixtures thereof. semi-moist foods, moist foods, and mixtures thereof. 9. The pet food composition according to claim 8 Which 21. The pet food composition according to claim 20 is in a form selected from the group consisting of kibbles, comprising from about 0.0001% to about 0.5% mannohep semi-moist foods, moist foods, and mixtures thereof. tulose, by Weight of the composition. 10. The pet food composition according to claim 9 22. The pet food composition according to claim 21 Which comprising from about 0.0001% to about 0.5% mannohep is at least partially extruded. tulose, by Weight of the composition. 23. The pet food composition according to claim 22 Which 11. The pet food composition according to claim 10 Which is in the form of kibbles. is at least partially extruded. 12. The pet food composition according to claim 11 Which 24. The pet food composition according to claim 18 Which is a form of kibbles. is a supplement. 13. The pet food composition according to claim 8 Which 25. The pet food composition according to claim 24 Which is a supplement. is in a form selected from the group consisting of gravies, 14. The pet food composition according to claim 13 Which drinking Waters, yogurts, poWders, suspensions, cheWs, is in a form selected from the group consisting of gravies, treats, and mixtures thereof. drinking Waters, yogurts, poWders, suspensions, cheWs, treats, and mixtures thereof.