MX2008010423A - Method for improving dog food - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain body conformation types by categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended as a robust or athletic body conformation type and formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients beneficial for the categorized dog. Typically, the a protein and fat content of the food composition will be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type.

Description

METHOD FOR IMPROVING FOOD FOR DOG FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to methods for preparing dog food compositions and particularly to methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain types of body conformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous animal feeds are well known in the art. For canines, foods adapted for an age or canine size can be found on the market. For example, canine foods that are intended for puppies, adults and mature canines are well known and available for purchase at most retail stores that sell dog food. Likewise, foods for dogs that are intended to serve overweight or canine dogs with particular conditions or diseases are known. U.S. Patent No. 6,156,355 describes foods that are designed for specific canine breeds. There are, however, variables different to the age, size, and health that distinguish dogs from different breeds and affect their food requirements. For example, the influence of race, body weight, age, and gender or energy requirements have been investigated. The results show that some animals that have the same body weight have different energy requirements. Other studies have shown that changes related to age are observed in the metabolism and body composition of papillons, labrador, retriever and Great Dane and that these changes affect life expectancy. Studies have shown that there are some differences in terms of body composition and resting metabolic rate and that these differences are independent of body weight. For example, feeding will differ between a 30-kg (kg) farmer and a 30-kg greyhound of the same age and gender and who lives in the same environmental conditions because their genetic backgrounds are different and those differences result in different metabolisms and body compositions. For example, the greyhound may require more energy per kg of ideal body weight (Kcal per day = 150 x Kg body weight0"75) to remain in an ideal body condition and the farmer may require less energy (Kcal per day = 110 x Kg Coporal Weight0"75). Those foods known to be useful for a variety of purposes. However, the selection of a particular food for a dog or individual class of Dog is frequently confused. The consumer must determine the type and type of dog and select the food, none of which can be designed for the particular animal that will consume the food. Therefore, there is a need for new methods for classifying dogs into groups that share particular dietary or food requirements and for diets and foods that meet those particular requirements, particularly relatively simple methods that are convenient for the consumer or expert. One solution is to classify dogs on the basis of feeding and the type of simple and easily observable body conformation of those dogs with a food composition adapted for dogs with that type of body conformation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain types of body conformation. Another objective of the present invention is to provide methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for sturdy and athletic dogs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide methods for classifying dogs by conformation of body type. Another objective of the present invention is to provide methods for classifying dogs that have a conformation of the robust or athletic body type. A further object of the invention is to provide articles of manufacture in the form of equipment containing combinations of devices useful for determining the types of body conformation of the dog and food compositions adapted for dogs with certain types of body conformation. One or more of these and other objects are achieved by using novel methods to classify dogs by type of body conformation and to prepare food compositions adapted for dogs based on the type of body conformation. The methods involve categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended to serve as a conformation of the robust or athletic body type and formulating a dog food composition containing beneficial food ingredients for the categorized dog. Dogs are classified as types of robust or athletic conformation based on various characteristics such as body mass index, body composition, daily energy requirement, metabolic rate at rest, and dog breed. The food compositions for a particular type of conformation are prepared so that they satisfy nutritional and similar requirements for the dog on the basis of parameters related to the ratio of protein energy to fat energy, protein content, and protein content. food fat. Other objects, features and additional advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions The term "dog" means all canine animals, including companion dogs such as working dogs and pet dogs. The term "puppy" means an animal of any age in the stages of juvenile growth and development. For example, for dogs, "puppy" typically means from an age of up to about 1 year. The term "adult" means an animal of an age after completing the stage of juvenile growth and development until the development of an increased risk of age-related diseases. For example, for dogs, "adult" typically means a Age from approximately 1 year to approximately 7 years. The term "mature" means an animal of an age that has an increased risk of age-related diseases but may or may not have obvious physical or behavioral characteristics of aging. For example, for dogs, "mature" means an age of about 7 years to about 11 years. The term "geriatric" means an animal that shows visible signs of aging. For example, for dogs, "geriatric" means an age of approximately 11 years or more. The term "miniature dog" means a dog that weighs less than 5 kg. The term "small dog" means a dog that weighs between 5 and 10 kg. The term "medium dog" means a dog that weighs between 10 and 25 kg. The term "large dog" means a dog that weighs between 25 and 40 kg. The term "giant dog" means a dog that weighs more than 40 kg. The term "feed composition" means compositions suitable for consumption by a dog, including, but not limited to, dry, moist, semi-moist, moist and liquid food compositions.

The term "individual package" means that the components of a piece of equipment are physically associated in or with one or more containers and are considered as a unit for its manufacture, distribution, sale or use. The containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, bottles, shrink-wrapped packages, stapled or otherwise affixed components, or combinations thereof. An individual package may contain physically associated individual devices and / or food compositions, so that they are considered a unit for manufacturing, distribution, sale or use. The term "virtual package" means that the components of a computer are associated by instructions in one or more physical or virtual equipment components that instruct the user on how to obtain the other components, for example, in a bag containing a component and indications that instruct the user to go to a web site, contact a registered message, see a visual message, or contact a care or instruction for instructions on how to use the equipment. All percentages expressed herein are by weight of the composition based on dry matter unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "dry matter base" means that a concentration of an ingredient in a composition was measured after any moisture in the composition was removed. The intervals are used here to describe each and every value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected as the upper or lower value for the interval. The invention is not limited to the methodology, protocols, and particular reagents described herein since they may vary. In addition, the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include reference to the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the words "comprise", "comprise" and "comprising" should be interpreted in an inclusive rather than exclusive manner. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms and any acronym such as those used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one skilled in the art in the field of the invention. Although any compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described here, they can be used in the practice of the present invention, the compositions, methods, articles of manufacture or other preferred means or materials are those described herein. All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of those references is intended only to summarize the assertions made here. It is not admitted that any of those patents, patent applications, publications or references, or any portion thereof, is a prior art relevant to the present invention and the right to challenge the accuracy and relevance of those patents, patent applications, publications, and other references are specifically reserved.

THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain types of body conformation. The methods comprise (1) categorizing a dog for which a food composition is intended to serve as a robust or athletic body type conformation and (2) formulating a dog food composition that contain beneficial food ingredients for the categorized dog. The invention offers considerable advantages over the above methods for preparing and selecting dog food compositions. The invention provides consumers and experts with a simplified method for preparing and selecting dog food compositions for a particular dog or dog class. The methods allow an expert to use different variables to categorize a dog on the basis of the type of body conformation and prepare and / or select a food composition appropriate for the dog. That food composition is better adapted for the dog than traditional food compositions. Once prepared and / or marketed, a consumer can simply select an appropriate food composition based on the type of body conformation of the consumer's dog. Generally, a sturdy dog is a dog selected from the group consisting of a dwarf dog, a companion dog, a working dog, a watchdog, a prey dog, and a collecting dog that has at least one characteristic selected from the group. which consists of (1) a body mass index of more than 90 kg / m2 and (2) an energy requirement of less than 120 * (kilogram of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. In a further embodiment, the dog has at least one additional feature selected from the group consisting of (1) a chest / waist circumference ratio of less than 1.5; (2) a low body area / kg; (3) a fat-to-muscle ratio of more than 1; and (4) a fat mass of more than 15%. The dog food composition for a sturdy dog comprises food ingredients that provide a ratio of protein energy to fat energy of more than 0.80. Preferably, the composition of the food has a protein content of about 20-30% and a fat content of less than about 15%. Generally, an athletic dog is a dog selected from the group consisting of a dwarf dog, a companion dog, a sheepdog, a sample dog, a show dog, a watchdog, a spaniel, and a terrier and characterized as athletic because the dog has at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of (1) the body mass index of less than 90kg / m2 and (2) an energy requirement of more than 120 * (kilograms of weight ideal body) 0-75 kilocalories per day. In a further embodiment, the dog has at least one additional feature selected from the group consisting of (1) a circumference ratio of thorax / waist greater than 1.5; (2) a body surface / kg high; (3) a fat-to-muscle ratio of less than 1; and (4) a fat mass of less than 15%. The dog food composition for an athletic dog comprises food ingredients that provide a ratio of protein energy to fat energy of less than 0.80. Preferably, the feed composition has a protein content of about 20-30% on a dry matter basis and a fat content of about 15-25% on a dry matter basis. Dogs can also be classified as a puppy, an adult dog, a mature dog, or a geriatric dog. Similarly, the dog can be classified as miniature, small, medium, large or giant based on its weight. As established, a dog is classified as sturdy or athletic based on the type of body conformation of the dog. Generally, body type conformations are influenced by and depend on a variety of factors, including body mass index, body composition, daily energy requirement, resting metabolic rate, dog breed and genetic differentiation during the history of the breed. . The body mass index can be calculated by the following formula: weight (kg) / [shoulder height (m)] 2. A sturdy dog will generally have a body mass index of more than 90 kg / m2. An athletic dog will have a body mass index of less than 90 kg / m2. Examples of typical BMI values for sturdy dogs and athletic dogs are: Given the body conformation and body composition of sturdy and athletic dogs, athletic dogs may be metabolically more active than sturdy dogs. Therefore, to maintain the ideal body condition in all dogs, robust dogs require less than 120 * (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. In contrast, athletic dogs require more than 120 * (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. There are a number of criteria that define body composition. For example, the ratio of the circumference of the thorax / waist, the body surface area per kilogram, the ratio of fat to muscle, the mass of Fat plays a role in determining body composition. A dog that has a chest / waist circumference ratio of more than 1.5, a body surface area per high kilogram, a fat to muscle ratio of less than 1, a fat mass of less than 15%, preferably between 10-15% of the total body mass, it is considered an athletic dog. A dog that has a ratio of chest circumference / waistline of less than 1.5, a body surface area per kilogram low, a ratio of fat to muscle greater than 1, a fat mass of more than 15%, preferably between 15-20 % of the total body mass, is considered a robust dog. Resting metabolic rate is a measure of the energy used when the dog is in a resting state as a function of time. An RMR (resting metabolic rate) greater than 10,000 kJ / day characterizes an athletic dog, while an RMR of less than 10,000 kJ / day is typical of sturdy dogs. Athletic dogs generally have an RMR which is approximately 57% greater than the RMR of sturdy dogs. Based on the above criteria, it has been found, as a general rule, that different races can be categorized as robust or athletic. The following tables show typical examples of races and the category to which they belong.

Categorizing a dog as robust or athletic can also be influenced by the history of the dog's breed. For example, dogs may have had a different breeding history and genetic background than the breed category in which they are categorized. Generally, dogs that have some athletic blood in their breeding history tend to maintain athletic morphology as a dominant phenotype and have higher energy needs. For example, the Great Dane who belongs to the group of working dogs and guardians (and here subsequently should be classified as a sturdy dog) can be classified because of their breeding history morphology (observer dog blood). This has a clear athletic body conformation, that is, deep chest and thin abdomen and has high daily energy requirements to maintain your ideal body weight. Dogs can also be classified as a puppy, an adult dog, a mature dog or a geriatric dog. Likewise, dogs can be classified as miniature, small, medium, large or giant based on their weight. Within those age and body weight ranges, dogs can also be classified as robust or athletic. The second step in the method of the present ntion is to adapt the composition, i.e. the protein and fat content, of a dog food composition depending on whether a weight is classified as robust or athletic. The level of activity and type differ according to the conformation of the body type. For example, a robust dog may spontaneously respond to moderate activity types (eg, walking slowly), moderate (eg, vigorous walking) or occasionally intense (eg, running). An athletic dog in comparison, will be lved mainly voluntarily in moderate, intense or very intense (fast running). Within these different levels of activity, dogs can also be classified as robust or athletic. It has been found that a dog food composition having a protein energy to fat energy ratio of less than 0.80 is advantageous for athletic dogs. A composition in high protein and high fat food is particularly well adapted for athletic dogs. Typically, a dog food composition for athletic dogs has about 20-30% protein and about 15-25% fat. In reality, a food composition dense in fat energy will provide an athletic dog with enough energy for moderate to very intense activities (ie, vigorous walking to fast running) in which it spontaneously engages. Furthermore, it is found that the ratio of protein energy to fat energy is advantageous in that food composition for maintaining lean body mass of athletic dogs. Similarly, a particularly well adapted sturdy dog food composition will have the ratio of protein energy to fat energy in that feed composition greater than 0.80. More specifically, a protein content of about 20-30% and less than about 15% fat. Because of his metabolic rate at low rest, that food composition is ideally adapted for sturdy dogs. The composition will have the effect of limiting the fat consumption of sturdy dogs and therefore their tendency to be overweight. Functional ingredients may also be used in the methods of the present invention, where the food composition is intended to be useful for athletic dogs or for sturdy dogs. The functional ingredients mean any ingredient that confers a benefit to the health of the dog that consumes the food to which the ingredient is added. These functional ingredients include carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and the like or combinations thereof. Additionally, the functional ingredients that limit fat accumulation can be added to the robust dog food. These include conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), isoflavones, and the like, or combinations thereof. Typically, the dog food ingredients used in the preparation of a dog food comprise meat sources (eg chicken, lamb etc.) other sources of protein (eg, dehydrated bird protein, dried whole egg, etc.) rice, corn, wheat, animal fat, fiber (for example, beet pulp, oat fiber, etc.), oils (for example, sunflower oil, fish oil, etc.), yeast, amino acids, minerals and functional ingredients. When the dog is fed a dog food composition according to a method of the present invention, the feeding recommendations are adjusted depending on whether the dog is sturdy or athletic. Depending on their level of activity, (ie medium, moderate or intense) and frequency, robust dogs will require an energy consumption (in kilocalories) of less than 120 x (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0 * 75 kilocalories per day. Depending on their level of activity, (ie, moderate, intense or very intense) athletic dogs will require an energy consumption (in kilocalories) of more than 120 x (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of dog food ingredients in the preparation or manufacture of a dog food composition for feeding strong dogs. The composition comprises protein in an amount of about 20% to about 30% and a fat content less than about 15%. In one embodiment, the ratio of protein energy to fat energy of the feed composition is greater than 0.80.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of dog food ingredients in the manufacture of a dog food composition for feeding athletic dogs. The composition comprises protein in an amount of about 20% to about 30% and a fat in an amount of about 15% to about 25%. In embodiments, the ratio of protein energy to fat energy in the feed composition is less than 0.80. In another aspect, the present invention provides food compositions suitable for feeding a sturdy dog. The compositions comprise protein in an amount of about 20% up to about 30% and a content of. fat of less than about 15%. In one embodiment, the ratio of protein energy to fat energy in the feed composition is greater than 0.80. In a further aspect, the present invention provides food compositions suitable for feeding an athletic dog. The compositions comprise protein in an amount of about 20% to about 30% and a fat in an amount of about 15% to about 25%. In one embodiment, the ratio of protein energy to fat energy in the feed composition is less than 0.80.

In another aspect, the present invention provides suitable equipment for use in categorizing a dog based on its type of body conformation. The equipment comprises in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for a component of the equipment, a useful device to an expert or consumer to determine the type of body conformation of the dog and at least one of (1) a food composition adapted to feed a sturdy dog, (2) a feed composition adapted to feed an athletic dog, and (3) instructions on how to use the device to determine the type of dog body conformation, that is, robust or athletic. Any device that can be used to determine the types of body conformation of the dog can be used in the present invention. The appropriate equipment includes letters that illustrate a dog and the characteristics that influence the types of body conformation and electronic or similar devices that determine the type of body conformation based on a body score. In one embodiment, the device is a computer or similar device that can be connected to the Internet. The computer or similar device connects to a site on the network that provide information and instructions that allow the user to determine the type of body conformation of the dog on the basis of data fed by the user to the computer or similar device, for example, a cell phone or a network device. When the equipment comprises a virtual package, the equipment is limited to instructions in a virtual environment in which in combination with one or more physical components of the equipment. In one embodiment, the equipment contains a device for determining the types of body conformation and a container of food to be consumed by the sturdy or athletic dog. The equipment may contain additional items such as a device to contain the food, for example, a tray for food. In another modality, the equipment contains additional nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals to promote good health in an animal. In another aspect, the present invention provides means for communicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) determining the type of body conformation of the dog, (2) using food compositions adapted for sturdy or athletic dogs, to maintain the health and welfare of the dog, and (3) using the equipment of the present invention to determine the types of dog body conformation and select the food Appropriate adaptation of the dog based on the type of body conformation. The media comprises a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentations, or visual presentations containing the information or instructions. In certain modalities, the media is not a site in the deployed network, a display kiosk, brochure, product label, package insert, flyer, public announcement, audio tape, videotape, DVD, CD-ROM , computer-readable integrated microcircuit, computer-readable card, computer-readable disk, computer memory, or a combination thereof containing that information or instructions. Useful information includes one or more of (1) methods and techniques for determining the types of body conformation of the dog and (2) contact information for dog activators to use if they have a question about the invention and its use. The means of communication are useful for giving instructions on the benefits of use of the present invention and for communicating information about the types of body conformation of the dog and food adapted for dogs based on the type of body conformation. In another aspect, the present invention provides a dog food composition Prepared using the method of claim 1. In another aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising a material suitable for containing a dog food composition adapted to be consumed by a sturdy dog or an athletic dog, preferably a food composition. for dog prepared using the method of claim 1, and a label fixed to the package containing a word or words, images, design, acronym, phrase, or other device, or combination thereof, that indicates that the contents of the package contains a food composition adapted to be consumed by a sturdy or athletic dog. Typically, that device comprises the words "formulated for robust dogs", or "formulated for athletic dogs" or an equivalent expression printed on the package. Any package or package material suitable for containing the dog food is useful in the invention, for example, a bag, box, bottle, can, sack, and the like manufactured from paper, plastic, sheet metal sheets, metal and similar. In a preferred embodiment, the package comprises a dog food composition adapted for a sturdy dog or an athletic dog, as appropriate for the tag, preferably a dog food composition prepared using the method of claim 1.

• EXAMPLES The invention may be better illustrated during the following examples, although it should be understood that those examples were included solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Example 1 Typical nutritional profile of sturdy and athletic dog foods (as it is): Example 2 Typical dry dog food composition: For Robust: 8% Moisture, 27% Protein, 13% Fat, 7% Ash and 3% Fiber. Total Energy Content = Energy Carbohydrates + Protein Energy + Fat Energy = (100-8-27-13-7-3) * 3.5 + 27 * 3.5 + 13 * 8.5 = 352 Kcal / 100 g Protein energy = (27 * 3.5) / 352 * 100 = 26.8% Fat energy = ( 13 * 8.5) / 352 * 100 = 31.4% Energy Ratio of protein to fat energy = 26.8 / 31.4 = 0.85 (higher than 0.80) For Athletes: 8% Humidity, 29% Protein, 19% Fat, 7% Ash and 2% Fiber. Total Energy Content = Energy Carbohydrates + Protein Energy + Fat Energy = (100-8-29-19-7-2) * 3.5 + 29 * 3.5 + 19 * 8.5 = 385.5 Kcal / 100 g Protein energy = (29 * 3.5) /385.5100 = 26.3% Fat energy = ( 19 * 8.5) /385.5100 = 41.8% Energy ratio of protein to fat energy = 26.3 / 41.8 = 0.63 (less than 0.80) Example 3 Typical dry dog foods contain (1) recipe compositions, in descending order of inclusion, for a robust type of dog: Chicken, rice, corn, corn gluten meal, wheat, dehydrated poultry protein, digestion liver, oat fiber, dehydrated tuna protein, animal fat, beet pulp, dried whole egg, hydrolyzed sunflower oil, yeast, fish oil, calcium phosphate, sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, minerals, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine and (2) the components of the recipe, in decreasing order of inclusion, for a type of athletic dog, Lamb, rice, corn, dehydrated poultry protein, gluten flour corn, animal fat, liver digestion, dehydrated salmon protein, beet pulp, dried whole egg, calcium phosphate, fish oil, yeast, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, minerals, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine . In the specification, typical preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and, although specific terms were employed, they were used in a generic and descriptive sense only for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the claims. Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. Method for preparing a dog food composition adapted for a dog having a type of athletic or robust body conformation comprising: (1) categorizing a dog for which the composition of feed is intended to serve as a type of robust or athletic body conformation; and (2) formulating a dog food composition containing beneficial food ingredients for the categorized dog. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sturdy dog is characterized by at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of (1) a body mass index of more than 90 kg / m2 and (2) an energy requirement of less than of 120 * (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. The method according to claim 2, wherein the ring is further characterized by at least one icional characteristic selected from the group consisting of (1) a circumference of the thorax / waist circumference of less than

1. 5; (2) a low body area / kg; (3) a fat-to-muscle ratio greater than 1; and (4) a mass of fat greater than 15%. 4. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein if the dog is of a robust body conformation, the composition of dog food has a ratio of protein energy to fat energy greater than 0.80. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition of dog food for robust dogs has a protein content of 20-30% based on dry matter and a fat content of less than 15%. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sturdy dog is selected from the group consisting of a dwarf dog, a companion dog, a working dog, a watchdog, a sniffer dog and a collecting dog. The method of claim 1, wherein an athletic dog is characterized by at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of (1) body mass index of less than 90 kg / m2 and (2) an energy requirement of more than 120 * (kilograms of ideal body weight) 0.75 kilocalories per day. The method of claim 7, wherein the dog is further characterized by at least one additional feature selected from the group consisting of (1) a ratio of the thorax / waist circumference of more than 1.5; (2) a body surface / kg high; (3) a relationship from fat to muscle of less than 1; and (4) a fat mass less than 15%. The method according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the dog food composition for athletic dogs has a protein energy to fat energy ratio of less than 0.80. The method according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the composition of dog food for athletic dogs has a protein content of about 20-30% based on dry matter and a fat content of about 15-25. % on the basis of dry matter. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dog is further categorized as a puppy, an adult dog, a mature dog or a geriatric dog on the basis of age where (a) the puppy is a lesser dog 1 year old; (b) an adult is a dog from 1 to 7 years of age; (c) a mature dog is a 7 to 11 year old; and (d) a geriatric dog is over 11 years of age. Method according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dog is further categorized as miniature, small, medium, large or giant on the basis of weight, where (a) the miniature dog weighs less than 5 kg; (b) a small dog weighs between 5 and 10 kg; (c) a medium dog weighs between 10 and 25 kg; (d) a large dog weighs between 25 and 40 kg; and (e) a giant dog weighs more than 40 kg. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dog food composition is a dry, moist, semi-wet, moist or liquid food composition. 14. Use of a composition comprising from 20 to about 30% protein and less than 15% fat in the preparation of a dog food composition for robust dogs. 15. Use according to claim 14, where the ratio of protein energy to fat energy of the food composition is greater than 0.80. 16. Use of a composition comprising from 20% to about 30% protein and from 15% to about 25% fat in the preparation of a dog food composition for athletic dogs. 17. Use according to claim 16, wherein the ratio of protein energy to fat energy in the feed composition is less than 0.80. 18. Equipment to categorize a dog as a type of robust or athletic body conformation, the equipment comprises a device to determine the type of body conformation of the dog and instructions on how to use the device to determine the type of conformation dog body 19. Equipment according to claim 18, which comprises separate containers in a single package or separate containers in a virtual package and a food composition adapted to feed a sturdy dog or a feed composition adapted to feed an athletic dog. The equipment of claim 18 or claim 19, which further comprises a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation or a visual presentation containing information about or instructions to (1) determine the conformation of body type, (2) using the food composition adapted for sturdy athletic or dog dogs and (3) using the equipment of claims 18 to 20. 21. Equipment according to claims 18 to 20, where the information and instructions are provided in selected media of the group consisting of a deployed network site, a visual display kiosk, brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, public announcement, audio tape, videotape, DVD, CD-ROM, computer-readable integrated microcircuit, computer-readable card, computer-readable disk, computer memory or combinations thereof.