US 2010O159066A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0159066A1 Hayek et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 24, 2010

(54) PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS 7,666,459, which is a continuation-in-part of applica tion No. 09/950,052, filed on Sep.12, 2001, now aban (76) Inventors: Michael Griffin Hayek, Dayton, doned. OH (US); Stefan Patrick Publication Classification Massimino, Kettering, OH (US); George Roth, Pylesville, MD (US) (51) Int. Cl. A23K L/6 (2006.01) Correspondence Address: A23K L/18 (2006.01) THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY A23K L/4 (2006.01) Global Legal Department - IP (52) U.S. Cl...... 426/2: 426/658; 426/635 Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth (57) ABSTRACT Street CINCINNATI, OH 45202 (US) Disclosed herein are pet food compositions. In one embodi ment, pet food compositions which are described comprise a (21) Appl. No.: 12/716,540 component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose: 5-thio-D-glu cose: 3-O-methylglucose: 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2.5-anhy (22) Filed: Mar. 3, 2010 dro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, pet food compositions which are described comprise an extract of plant matter selected from Related U.S. Application Data avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof. The pet (63) Continuation of application No. 12/638,101, filed on food compositions may be prepared by any of a variety of Dec. 15, 2009, which is a continuation of application processes including, but not limited to, optional processes No. 10/842,301, filed on May 10, 2004, now Pat. No. described herein. US 2010/O 159066 A1 Jun. 24, 2010

PET FOOD COMPOSITIONS 47:B202-B208, 1992); Koizumi et al., J. Nutr. 117:361-367, 1987: Lane et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 93:4154-4164, 1996). CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED 0006 Components such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose have been APPLICATION described which block or inhibit certain aspects of carbohy 0001. This application claims priority to and is a Continu drate metabolism and may therefore mimic the effects of ation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/638,101, caloric restriction (Rezek et al., J. Nutr. 106:143-157, 1972: filed Dec. 15, 2009, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0035071). U.S. application Ser. No. 10/842,301, filed May 10, 2004, These components exert a number of physiological effects; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,459, issued Feb. 23, 2010, which is including reduction of body weight, decrease in plasma insu a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. application Ser. lin levels, reduction of body temperature, retardation of tumor No. 09/950,052, filed Sep. 12, 2001, now abandoned. formation and growth, and elevation of circulating glucocor ticoid hormone concentrations. (For a review see Roth et al., FIELD OF THE INVENTION Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 928:305-315, 2001). These effects result from inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism. 0002 The present invention is directed to pet food com 0007. However, the commercial utility of such compo positions. In certain embodiments, the pet food compositions nents has been limited, particularly as practical applications may comprise a selected carbohydrate component, or extract had yet been identified. The present inventors herein provide of plant material selected from avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, compositions which may be commercially utilized and fur and mixtures thereof. ther provide processes for preparation of Such compositions. In particular, it has been found that the components herein BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION may be processed from plant matter, or otherwise provided, 0003 Studies have indicated that restriction of caloric and then Subjected to traditional pet food processing (such as, intake by food deprivation slows down certain undesirable for example, extrusion or other Such vigorous methods) with cellular processes in laboratory animals, many associated out compromising the integrity of the component. with aging and age-related diseases. 0004. In particular, caloric restriction has been shown to SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION consistently extend the life span, delay onset and slow tumor progression, and retard physiologic aging in many systems. 0008. The present invention is directed to pet food com Indeed, research spanning more than sixty years has shown positions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to pet that caloric restriction is a nutritional intervention that con food compositions comprising a component selected from the sistently extends longevity in animals. See Weindruch and group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose: 5-thio-D-glucose: Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and Disease by Dietary 3-O-methylglucose: 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2.5-anhydro Restriction.” Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas (1988); Yu, D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof. In yet “Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary Restriction.” another embodiment, the invention is directed to pet food Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, “Biological compositions comprising an extract of plant matter selected Effects of Dietary Restriction.” Springer, N.Y. (1991). These from the group consisting of avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, effects of caloric restriction on life span and tumorigenesis and mixtures thereof. The pet food compositions may be have been reported numerous times since the early studies of prepared by any of a variety of processes including, but not McKay. See McKay et al., “The Effect of Retarded Growth limited to, optional processes described herein. Upon the Length of Lifespan and Upon Ultimate Body Size.” J. Nutr., Vol. 10, pp. 63-79 (1935). Indeed, over the past two DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION decades, a resurgence of interest in caloric restriction inger ontology has led to the general acceptance that this dietary 0009 Various documents including, for example, publica manipulation slows physiologic aging in many systems. See tions and patents, are recited throughout this disclosure. All Weindruch and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and Dis such documents are hereby incorporated by reference. The ease by Dietary Restriction.” Springfield, IL: Charles C. Tho citation of any given document is not to be construed as an mas (1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary admission that it is prior art with respect to the present inven Restriction.” Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, tion. “Biological Effects of Dietary Restriction.” Springer, N.Y. 0010 All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight (1991). unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are 0005 Reductions in fasting glucose and insulin levels are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise readily measured biomarkers of caloric restriction. Calori indicated. cally restricted rodents exhibit lower fasting glucose and 0011 Referenced herein are trade names for components insulin levels, and the peak glucose and insulin levels reached including various ingredients utilized in the present inven during a glucose challenge are reduced in those on caloric tion. The inventors herein do not intend to be limited by restriction. See Kalant et al., “Effect of Diet Restriction on materials under a certain trade name. Equivalent materials Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Responsiveness and Aging (e.g., those obtained from a different source under a different Rats. Mech. Aging Dev. Vol. 46, pp. 89-104 (1988). It is also name or reference number) to those referenced by trade name known that hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor associated with may be substituted and utilized in the descriptions herein. several Such disease processes, including heart disease and 0012. In the description of the invention various embodi diabetes (Balkau and Eschwege, Diabetes Obes. Metab. 1 ments or individual features are disclosed. As will be apparent (Suppl. 1): S23-31, 1999). Reduced insulin levels and body to the ordinarily skilled practitioner, all combinations of such temperature are two of the most reliable indicators of this embodiments and features are possible and can result in pre altered metabolic profile (Masoro et al., J. Gerontol. Biol. Sci. ferred executions of the present invention. US 2010/O 159066 A1 Jun. 24, 2010

0013 The compositions herein may comprise, consist of mannoheptulose, as well as related Sugars and other car essentially of, or consist of any of the features or embodi bohydrates. Avocado is a sub-tropical evergreen tree fruit, ments as described herein. growing most successfully in areas of California, Florida, 0014 While various embodiments and individual features Hawaii, Guatemala, Mexico, the West Indies, South Africa, of the present invention have been illustrated and described, and Asia. various other changes and modifications can be made without 0021 Species of avocado include, for example, Persea departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As will Americana and Persea nubigena, including all cultivars also be apparent, all combinations of the embodiments and within these illustrative species. Cultivars may include Ana features taught in the foregoing disclosure are possible and heim, Bacon, “Creamhart, Duke. Fuerte, Ganter. can result in preferred executions of the invention. Gwen. Hass. Jim, Lula, Lyon, Mexicola, Mexicola 0015. As used herein, the term “pet means a domestic dog Grande. Murrieta Green, Nabal, Pinkerton, “Queen, Or Cat. Puebla, Reed, Rincon, Ryan. Spinks. Topa Topa, 0016. As used herein, the term “pet food composition' Whitsell, Wurtz, and Zutano. The fruit of the avocado is means a composition that is intended for ingestion by the pet. particularly preferred for use herein, which may contain the Petfood compositions may include, without limitation, nutri pit or wherein the pit is removed or at least partially removed. tionally balanced compositions suitable for daily feed, as well Fruit from Persea Americana is particularly preferred for use as Supplements (e.g., treats) which may or may not be nutri herein, as well as fruit from cultivars which produce larger tionally balanced. fruits (e.g., about 12 ounces or more when the fruit is mature), Such as Anaheim, Creamhart, Fuerte, Hass, Lula, Lyon, Mur Compositions of the Present Invention rieta Green, Nabal, Queen, Puebla, Reed, Ryan, and Spinks. 0017. The present invention is directed to pet food com 0022 Plant matter from alfalfa, fig, or primrose are also positions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to pet reported to provide relatively high levels of mannoheptulose. food compositions comprising a component selected from the Alfalfa is also referred to as Medicago sativa. Fig, or Ficus group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose: 5-thio-D-glucose: carica (including Cluster fig or Sycamore fig, for example) 3-O-methylglucose: 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2.5-anhydro may also be used, as well as primrose or Primula officinalis. D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof. Without 0023 The present inventors have discovered that particu intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that these lar levels of a component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose: components are glucose anti-metabolites. See e.g., U.S. 5-thio-D-glucose: 3-O-methylglucose: 1.5-anhydro-D-gluci Patent Application PublicationNo. 2002/0035071. In another tol; 2.5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures embodiment, the components may be present in the recited thereof, are useful herein. In particular, it has been found that compositions by virtue of a component of plant matter Such as relatively low levels, as well as relatively high doses of the avocado, or other enriched source of mannoheptulose Such as component, while useful, may provide less than optimal effi alfalfa, fig, or primrose. cacy for desired purposes. In particular, an optimal dose to the 0018. The inclusion of glucose anti-metabolites as part of pet, on a daily basis, has been Surprisingly discovered to be the pet food compositions herein are useful, for example, to from about 1 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg, more advantageously alter utilization of glucose or other energy sources and to from about 2 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, even more advanta mimic metabolic effects of caloric restriction. Without geously from about 2 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, wherein (as intending to be limited by theory, the present use of glucose will be commonly understood in the art) the “mg refers to anti-metabolites to alter glucose metabolism serves to lower level of the component and the “kg” refers to kilograms of the the metabolic rate through inhibition of glucose as an energy pet. In certain embodiments, this may translate to pet food Source on the cellular level. Judicious use of components that compositions comprising less than about 5%, or less than block the normal metabolism of cellular glucose can result in about 2%, or from about 0.0001% to about 0.5% of the changes in physiological function that are similar to those component, all by weight of the composition. The level of arising from caloric restriction. Caloric restriction has been component may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the consistently shown to extend longevity in animals. See Wein art based on a variety of factors, for example, the form of the druch and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and Disease pet food composition (e.g., whether a dry composition, semi by Dietary Restriction.” Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas moist composition, wet composition, or Supplement, or any (1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary other form or mixture thereof). The ordinarily skilled artisan Restriction.” Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, will be able to utilize the preferred optimal doses, and use “Biological Effects of Dietary Restriction.” Springer, N.Y. these to determine the optimal level of component within a (1991). given pet food composition. 0019 Components which are useful herein include 0024. Similarly, wherein an extract of plant matter is uti 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose, lized in the pet food compositions herein, optimal levels of anhydroSugars including 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol. 2.5-anhy extract will of course be dependent upon level of efficacious dro-D-glucitol, and 2.5-anhydro-D-mannitol, and manno component within Such extract. Optimal extracts have been heptulose. Mannoheptulose is preferred for use herein. found herein which comprise from about 1% to about 99% of Advantageously, mannoheptulose or any other component the component, alternatively from about 5% to about 75% of may be present in the recited compositions as a component of the component, alternatively from about 10% to about 50% of plant matter Such as avocado, or other enriched source of the component, all by weight of the extract. mannoheptulose Such as alfalfa, fig, or primrose. The plant 0025 Pet food compositions will advantageously include matter may include the fruit, seed (or pit), branches, leaves, or foods intended to Supply necessary dietary requirements, as any other portion of the relevant plant or combination thereof. well as treats (e.g., dog biscuits) or other food Supplements. 0020 Avocado (also commonly referred to as alligator Optionally, the composition herein may be a pet food com pear, aguacate, or palta) contains unusually enriched sources position Such as a dry composition (for example, kibble), US 2010/O 159066 A1 Jun. 24, 2010 semi-moist composition, wet composition, or any mixture 0038. The plant matter provided in the optional processes thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the composition is a may be avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof. Supplement, such as a gravy, drinking water, yogurt, powder, The plant matter may be any portion or whole of the plant, Suspension, chew, treat (e.g., biscuits) or any other delivery Such as the leaves, fruit, seed or pit, particularly at least those form. portions of the plant that contain elevated levels of carbohy 0026. Moreover, in one embodiment the pet food compo drate such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-me sition is nutritionally balanced. As used herein, the term thylglucose, 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol. 2.5-anhydro-D-manni “nutritionally balanced, with reference to the pet food com tol, or mannoheptulose. In one optional process herein, the position, means that the composition has known required avocado is provided, and the process may commence with nutrients to Sustain life in proper amounts and proportion whole avocado fruit, including the pit or devoid (or partially based on recommendations of recognized authorities in the devoid) of the pit. If the plant matter which is provided con field of pet nutrition. tains a pit, or partial pit, the pit or portion thereof may be 0027. The compositions used herein may optionally com optionally removed prior to further processing. Alfalfa, fig, or prise one or more further components. Other components are primrose may be similarly processed. beneficial for inclusion in the compositions used herein, but 0039. In one optional process, production of a digested are optional for purposes of the invention. In one embodi plant mixture comprises combination of the plant matter with ment, the food compositions may comprise, on a dry matter an aqueous solution, such as water, to assist with maceration basis, from about 10% to about 90% crude protein, alterna of the plant into manageable constituents. Optionally but tively from about 20% to about 50% crude protein, alterna preferably, an enzyme having cellulose or pectin activity, or tively from about 20% to about 40% crude protein, by weight any combination thereof (such as a cellulase, hemicellulase, of the food composition, or alternatively from about 20% to or pectinase) is included to assist with Such maceration, about 35% crude protein, by weight of the composition. The including to assist with dissolution and release of carbohy crude protein material may comprise vegetable proteins such drates via cell wall disruption. The utility of such an enzy as soybean, cottonseed, and peanut, or animal proteins such matic treatment may be enhanced through heating during as casein, albumin, and meat protein. Non-limiting examples Such maceration, such as from above ambient temperature to of meat protein useful herein include a protein source selected about 120° C., or to about 100° C., or from about 60° C. to from the group consisting of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, about 120°C., or from about 60° C. to about 100° C. Agitation Vegetable, and mixtures thereof. is further preferably utilized, typically for up to about 24 0028. Furthermore, the compositions may comprise, on a hours, but dependent upon the batch under processing. In one dry matter basis, from about 5% to about 40% fat, alterna embodiment, the pH is controlled such to preserve enzyme tively from about 10% to about 35% fat, by weight of the food activity, often in the range of pH from about 4 to about 6, composition. preferably in the range of pH from about 5 to about 6. As such, 0029. The compositions of the present invention may fur depending upon Such factors as ripeness of plant matter, ther comprise a source of carbohydrate. Grains or cereals quality of process aqueous solution (such as water added for Such as rice, corn, milo, Sorghum, barley, wheat, and the like process, for example), and the like, amounts of acid or base are illustrative sources. may be desirable as will be appreciated by one of ordinary 0030 The compositions may also contain other materials skill in the art. such as dried whey and other dairy by products. 0040. Optionally, to assist with deactivation of the enzymes present, heating may be increased at the time of, or Optional Processes for Preparing the Compositions after, initial heating and agitation to form the digested plant of the Present Invention mixture. Water is optionally heated to processing tempera tures prior to the addition of the plant matter. Heat may be 0031. The pet food compositions may be prepared by any applied by a jacketed tank where low pressure steam is uti ofa Variety of processes including, but not limited to, optional lized. processes described herein. Disclosed herein are optional 0041. The digested plant mixture may result in fractions processes for preparing the present inventive compositions. which may be separated in accordance with common tech The ordinarily skilled artisan will understand, however, that niques. For example, fractions present in the digested plant the compositions are not limited by the following described mixture may be separated by filtration to provide the carbo processes. hydrate extract as the resulting filtrate, with the filter cake 0032. A process for preparing the present compositions being discarded. Other methods may include, but not be lim may comprise: ited to, gravimetric, centrifugal, other filtrations, or combina 0033 (a) providing plant matter selected from the group tions thereof. consisting of avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mix 0042. The carbohydrate extract may then be concentrated, tures thereof; optionally utilizing at least one concentration method 0034 (b) combining the plant matter with an aqueous selected from the group consisting of heating, vacuum drying, Solution and optionally with an enzyme, further option evaporation, refractance window drying, freeze drying, spray ally with heating, to provide a digested plant mixture; drying, any other useful technique, or any combination of the 0035 (c) optionally separating any fractions present in foregoing. In one embodiment, at least one technique Such as the digested plant mixture, if any, to provide a carbohy refractance window drying is used. drate extract; 0043. Once concentrated, the carbohydrate extract may be 0036 (d) concentrating the digested plant mixture to utilized in the pet food compositions of the present invention. enhance the concentration of carbohydrate therein; and In one embodiment herein, the present processes result in 0037 (e) combining the digested plant mixture with one preferred yields of mannoheptulose or other carbohydrate, or or more pet food composition components. carbohydrate extract, based on the starting mass of the plant US 2010/O 159066 A1 Jun. 24, 2010

matter (e.g., avocado). In one embodiment, the yield of man noheptulose present in the carbohydrate extract Subsequent to -continued concentration is less than about 20%, or from about 0.1% to Example 1A Example 1B about 10%, or from about 1% to about 7%, based on the (Component Amount (Component Amount starting mass of the plant matter. In another embodiment, the indicated as indicated as yield of the carbohydrate extract Subsequent to concentration Component Wt 9%) Wt 9%) is less than about 30%, or from about 5% to about 25%, or Chicken Fat 8 6 from about 8% to about 20%, based on the starting mass of the Beet Pulp 2 3 plant matter. Of course, even higher yields may be desirable, Salts 2.5 2 and lower yields may also be acceptable. Vitamins and Minerals** 1 1 Minors 3.5 4 Grains Remainder Remainder EXAMPLES (corn, Sorghum) 0044) The following examples are provided to illustrate *Avocado may be substituted with other plant matter having enhanced mannoheptulose the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof in content, *Vitamins and Minerals include: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and Vitamin A, Zinc Oxide, any manner. Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantoth enate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Niacin, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Folic Example 1 Acid, 0045 Avocado extract containing enhanced levels of man Example 3 noheptulose is prepared in accordance with the following optional process, and utilized in pet food compositions of the 0048. A beef-flavor gravy composition is prepared by present invention: combining the following components in a conventional man 0046 Whole avocado fruit (about 900 kilograms) is pro vided. The fruit is split and the pits are removed, either par tially or wholly, providing about 225 kilograms of pitted avocado halves. The raw avocado is charged to a disintegra tor, whereupon some agitation, water (about 3000 kilograms) Component Wt 96 and CELLUBRIX (commercially available from Novozymes Mannoheptulose O.14 A/S) (about 1 liter) is further charged. The mixture is further Chicken Fat 3.0 Spray-Dried Beef Particles and Broth 3.0 agitated and concurrently heated to about 66° C. Upon Xanthan Gum O.S completion of the charge, further CELLUBRIX (about 1 liter) Flax Seed O.2 is added, and the entire mixture is held under agitation for Vegetables O.2 about 12 hours at a controlled pH of about 5.5. The tempera Vitamins* O.O6 ture is then further increased to about 80° C. and then held for Minerals O.04 Phosphoric Acid O.95 at least about 2 hours. The resulting digested plant mixture is Beef Flavor O.1 then filtered at 80° C. to provide the carbohydrate extract as Water Remainder the filtrate. The carbohydrate extract is then evaporated in a *Manmoheptulose may be substituted with another component as described herein. simplified recirculation system at 80°C., under vacuum, to a *Vitamins and Minerals include: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and Vitamin A, Zinc Oxide, provide the carbohydrate extract having about from about Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantoth enate, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Niacin, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B. Vitamin D. Folic 10% to about 20% solids and a pH of about 5.5. The extract is Acid, then further concentrated using a refractance window dryer to provide about 100 kilograms of the extract as a crystalline or 0049. One fluid ounce of the gravy composition is powder (a yield of about 11% carbohydrate extract, based on admixed with one-half cup of standard dog kibble diet daily the starting mass of the whole avocado fruit, which is ana prior to feeding to a dog. Amounts of the gravy composition lyzed as a yield of about 4.5% mannoheptulose, based on the are determined as desired by the guardian of the dog. starting mass of the whole avocado fruit). The extract may be What is claimed is: used in the pet food compositions of the present invention. 1. A method comprising: feeding an animal a component selected from the group Example 2 consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose: 5-thio-D-glucose: 0047. Two kibble compositions having the following com 3-O-methylglucose: 1.5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2.5-anhy ponents at the approximate indicated amounts are prepared dro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures using methods which are standard in the art, including extru thereof; Sion, and are fed to cats as a daily feed: wherein the method comprises feeding both a pet food composition and a nutritionally balanced pet food com position; wherein at least one of the pet food composition and the Example 1A Example 1B nutritionally balanced pet food composition comprises (Component Amount (Component Amount indicated as indicated as the component. Component Wt 9%) Wt 9%) 2. The method of claim 1 and wherein the feeding com prises feeding the animal a daily dose of from about 1 mg of Extract of Avocado O.O2 O.O1 Chicken, Chicken By- 44 47 the component per kg of the animal to about 15 mg of the product Meal, component per kg of the animal. and Fish Meal 3. The method of claim 1 and wherein the component is present at less than about 5%, by weight. US 2010/O 159066 A1 Jun. 24, 2010

4. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet food com 12. The composition of claim 11 and wherein the compo position and the nutritionally balanced pet food composition nent comprises mannoheptulose. are different types of pet food compositions. 13. A composition comprising: a) a pet food composition comprising a component 5. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet food com Selected from the group consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glu position is selected from the list consisting of a dry compo cose: 5-thio-D-glucose: 3-O-methylglucose; 1.5-anhy sition, a semi-moist composition, a wet composition, a dro-D-glucitol; 2.5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptu Supplement, and mixtures thereof lose; and mixtures thereof, and 6. The method of claim 5 and wherein the nutritionally b) a nutritionally balanced pet food composition. balanced pet food composition is selected from the group 14. The composition of claim 13 and wherein the compo consisting of a kibble and a Supplement. nent comprises mannoheptulose. 7. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet food com 15. The composition of claim 13 and wherein the pet food position and the nutritionally balanced pet food composition composition further comprises a source of carbohydrates. are the same type of pet food composition. 16. The pet food composition of claim 13 and wherein said 8. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet composition pet food composition is selected from the group consisting of food is nutritionally balanced. a dry composition, a semi-moist composition, a wet compo sition, a Supplement, and mixtures thereof. 9. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet food com 17. The pet food composition of claim 13 and wherein the position and the nutritionally balanced pet food composition pet food composition comprises a Supplement. are fed together. 18. The pet food composition of claim 13 and wherein the 10. The method of claim 1 and wherein the combination of pet food composition comprises a gravy. the pet food composition and the nutritionally balanced pet 19. The pet food composition of claim 13 and wherein the food compositions results in a diet comprising less than 5% pet food composition comprises a kibble. mannoheptulose. 20. The pet food composition of claim 13 and wherein the 11. The method of claim 1 and wherein the pet food com pet food composition is nutritionally balanced. position and the nutritionally balanced pet food composition are mixed together. c c c c c