WO2006074088A2

WO2006074088A2 - Methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by animals

Info

Publication number: WO2006074088A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/047460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kim Gene Friesen; Ryan Michael Yamka
Original assignee: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-12-30
Filing date: 2005-12-30
Publication date: 2006-07-13
Also published as: WO2006074088A3

Abstract

Methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal by adding a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide to the compositions. The iron oxide is added in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis, generally in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition. The compositions containing iron oxide are ingested more frequently and at a higher rate by animals, particularly finicky animals or older animals that tend not eat enough food to maintain their health.

Description

METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE PALATABILITY OF COMPOSITIONS FOR

CONSUMPTION BY ANIMALS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/640,543, filed December 30, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by animals and particularly to methods for using iron oxide to enhance palatability.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Numerous potential palatability enhancers are available for pets, the only limitation appearing to be the imagination of the selector. Some are commercially available as flavoring agents. Others, inter alia, can be prepared by family recipes handed down over generations, and others are continually being synthesized anew, extracted from natural products, or digested from various animal organs. The success of these materials in compositions for animal consumption is not predictable to any great extent. Firstly, a potential palatability enhancer should be compatible with the composition during processing and packaging and it should possess a practical extended shelf-life. Secondly, the palatability enhancer should be appealing to the animals' sense of taste, smell, physical attractiveness and other attributes which appear in the overall composition. Thirdly, the palatability enhancer should be compatible with the animal after ingestion such that it does not cause any significant problems to the animal, particularly gastrointestinal problems. While many palatability enhancers are known, there is a need for new methods and compositions for increasing the palatability of compositions for animal consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal. [0005] It is another object of the invention to provide methods for increasing the amount of a composition ingested by an animal.

[0006] It is a further object of the invention to provide methods for enhancing the preference of a feline for an ingestible composition. [0007] It is another object of the invention to provide compositions having enhanced palatability for consumption by an animal.

[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide articles of manufacture in the form of kits that contain combinations of palatability enhancers, foods, compounds, devices, and other components useful for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved using novel methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal. The methods comprise adding a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide to the compositions. The iron oxide is added in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis, generally in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition. [0010] Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention provides methods for enhancing the palatability of compositions for animal consumption. The methods comprise adding a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide to the composition. Adding iron oxide to compositions for animal consumption imparts enhanced palatability to the compositions when measured against compositions for animal consumption that do not contain iron oxide. The invention also provides compositions suitable for consumption by an animal comprising a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide.

[0012] The invention further provides methods for increasing the amount of a food or other composition ingested by an animal comprising feeding the animal a composition comprising a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide. When the compositions have increased palatability, the animal ingests more of the compositions.

[0013] The invention also provides methods for enhancing the preference of a feline for an ingestible composition comprising adding to the composition a preference enhancing amount of iron oxide.

[0014] The iron oxide is added to the compositions in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis. Generally, the iron oxide is added to the compositions in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 0.25%. In certain embodiments, the amount of iron oxide added to the compositions is from about 0.05% to about 0.25% by weight. In other embodiments, the amount of iron oxide added to the compositions is from about 0.1% to about 0.25% by weight.

[0015] The iron oxide and other ingredients should be present at concentrations that are not deleterious to the intended animal's health. Thus, for example, the iron oxide and other ingredients should be present at concentrations that do not cause undesirable effects on digestion, particularly long term undesirable effects on digestion, such as undesirable effects lasting several days or longer. Undesirable effects on digestion may include, for example, constipation or diarrhea.

[0016] Any type or form of iron oxide that is compatible with compositions for animal consumption may be used in the present invention. For example, the iron oxide may be selected from the group consisting of iron (II) oxide, iron (III) oxide and mixtures of iron

(II) and iron (III) oxide.

[0017] The methods and compositions of the invention are useful for a variety of human and non-human animals, including avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline, hicrine, murine, ovine, and porcine animals, and are particularly useful for companion animals such as canines and felines, including dogs and cats.

[0018] The methods of the invention will be found especially beneficial if an animal is, or has become, finicky, has poor appetite, or is in ill health, all of which can occur in animals of all ages but especially in aged animals. The method is especially beneficial if the food composition is one to which the animal is unaccustomed or if the food composition contains ingredients or a balance of ingredients designed to improve health or wellness with less emphasis on palatability.

[0019] The invention provides a variety of compositions for animal consumption containing iron oxide. Compositions include, for example, foods, supplements, treats, and toys, typically chewable and consumable toys.

[0020] In some embodiments, the composition is a food. Both liquid and solid foods are provided. Where the food is solid, the iron oxide may be coated on the food, incorporated into the food, or both. Solid foods include both dry foods and wet foods. The non-iron oxide components of the food and their typical proportions are known to skilled artisans. In one embodiment, the composition is a food comprising:

(a) at least about 0.01% iron oxide; and

(b) at least one of the following:

(i) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to about 60%) protein, and (ii) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 40%) fat.

[0021] In such an embodiment, the composition may also comprise at least one of the following:

(a) no greater than about 50% (or from about 5% to about 45%) carbohydrate,

(b) no greater than about 40% (or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and

(c) no greater than about 15% (or no greater than about 10%, or from about 2% to about 8%) of one or more nutritional balancing agents.

[0022] In another embodiment, the composition is a food comprising:

(a) at least about 0.01 % to about 0.25% of an iron oxide,

(b) from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or from about 10% to about 60%) protein,

(c) from about 2% to about 50% (or from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 40%) fat,

(d) no greater than about 50% (or from about 5% to about 45%) carbohydrate,

(e) no greater than about 40% (or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5.5%) dietary fiber, and

(f) no greater than about 15% (or no greater than about 10%, or from about 2% to about 8%) of one or more nutritional balancing agents.

[0023] Specific suitable amounts for each component in a composition will depend on a variety of factors including, for example, the species of animal consuming the composition; the particular components included in the composition; the age, weight, general health, sex, and diet of the animal; the animal's consumption rate; and the like. Thus, the component amounts may vary widely, and may even deviate from the proportions set forth herein. [0024] The protein in the compositions may be supplied by a variety of sources, including, plant sources, animals sources, or both. Animal sources include, for example, meat, meat by-products, dairy, eggs, etc. Meats include, for example, the flesh of poultry; fish; and mammals (e.g., cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and the like). Meat by-products include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brain, livers, and stomachs and intestines (preferably freed of essentially all or all their contents). [0025] The fat and carbohydrate in the compositions of the invention may be supplied by a variety of sources, including, for example, meat, meat by-products, other animal or plant protein sources, grains, and mixtures thereof. Grains include, for example, wheat, corn, barley, and rice.

[0026] Fiber in the compositions of the invention may be supplied from a variety of sources, including, for example, vegetable fiber sources such as cellulose, beet pulp, peanut hulls, and soy fiber.

[0027] Particularly in instances when the composition is an animal's food, vitamins and minerals preferably are included in amounts required to avoid deficiency and maintain health. These amounts are readily available in the art. The National Research Council (NRC), for example, provides recommended amounts of such ingredients for farm animals. See, e.g., Nutrient Requirements of Swine (10th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1998), Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (9th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1994), Nutrient Requirements of Horses (5th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1989), etc. And the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), for example, provides recommended amounts of such ingredients for dogs and cats. See American Feed Control Officials, Incorp., Official publication, pp. 126-140 (2003). Vitamins generally useful as food additives include, for example, vitamin A, vitamin Bl, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B 12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin H (biotin), vitamin K, folic acid, inositol, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Minerals and trace elements generally useful as food additives include, for example, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, choline and iron salts.

[0028] The compositions of the invention may further contain additives known in the art. Such additives should be present in amounts that do not impair the purpose and effect provided by the invention. Examples of additives include, for example, substances with a stabilizing effect, organoleptic substances, processing aids and substances that provide nutritional benefits.

[0029] Stabilizing substances include, for example, substances that tend to increase the shelf life of the composition. Potentially suitable examples of such substances include, for example, preservatives, antioxidants, synergists and sequestrants, packaging gases, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and humectants. Examples of emulsifiers and/or thickening agents include, for example, gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starches. [0030] Additives for coloring, palatability, and nutritional purposes include, for example, colorants; sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other edible salts; vitamins; minerals; and flavoring. The amount of such additives in a composition typically is up to about 5% by weight.

[0031] Supplements include, for example, a feed used with another feed to improve the nutritive balance or performance of the total. Supplements include compositions that are fed undiluted as a supplement to other feeds, offered free choice with other parts of an animal's ration that are separately available, or diluted and mixed with an animal's regular feed to produce a complete feed. The AAFCO, for example, provides a discussion relating to supplements in the American Feed Control Officials, Incorp. Official Publication, p. 220 (2003). Supplements may be in various forms including, for example, powders, liquids, syrups, pills, encapsulated compositions, etc.

[0032] Treats include, for example, compositions that are given to an animal to entice the animal to eat during a non-meal time. Treats for canines include, for example, dog bones. Treats may be nutritional, wherein the composition comprises one or more nutrients, and may, for example, have a composition as described for food. Non-nutritional treats encompass any other treats that are non-toxic. The iron oxide can be coated onto the treat, incorporated into the treat, or both.

[0033] Toys include, for example, chewable toys. Toys for dogs include, for example, artificial bones. The iron oxide can form a coating on the surface of the toy or on the surface of a component of the toy, be incorporated partially or fully throughout the toy, or both. In an embodiment, the iron oxide is orally accessible by the intended user. There a wide range of suitable toys currently marketed. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,771 and references disclosed therein). See also, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,283 and references disclosed therein. The invention provides both partially consumable toys (e.g., toys comprising plastic components) and fully consumable toys (e.g., rawhides and various artificial bones). The invention also provides toys for both human and non-human use, particularly for companion, farm, and zoo animal use, and particularly for dog, cat, or bird use. [0034] In preparing a composition of the invention, the iron oxide may be incorporated into the composition during the processing of the formulation, such as during and/or after mixing of other components of the composition. Distribution of these components into the composition can be accomplished by conventional means. [0035] Compositions of the invention (particularly foods) can be prepared in a dry form using conventional processes. In one embodiment, dry ingredients, including, for example, animal protein sources, plant protein sources, grains, etc. are ground and mixed together. Moist or liquid ingredients, including fats, oils, animal protein sources, water, etc. are then added to and mixed with the dry mix. The mixture is then processed into kibbles or similar dry pieces. Kibble is often formed using an extrusion process in which the mixture of dry and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical work at a high pressure and temperature, and forced through small openings and cut off into kibble by a rotating knife. The wet kibble is then dried and optionally coated with one or more topical coatings which may include, for example, flavors, fats, oils, powders, and the like. Kibble also can be made from the dough using a baking process, rather than extrusion, wherein the dough is placed into a mold before dry-heat processing.

[0036] The palatability enhancing iron oxide(s) may be added to the food composition in its normal preparation procedure such as mixing, extrusion, baking and the like or is preferably added after its preparation, for example, post extrusion, such as by spraying or coating the surface of the food. This is particularly desirable for dry foods wherein the extruded strands can be contacted with the iron oxide (or a solution comprising the iron oxide) by spraying or coating the extruded strands before the strands are cut into a kibble, or the kibble can be contacted with the iron oxide (or a solution comprising the iron oxide) by spraying, coating or dipping the kibble per se.

[0037] For topical application to a food, the compound(s) may be mixed with a carrier composition to facilitate application to the surface of the food composition. For example, a liquid, slurry, light gel, or watery solid can all be utilized as a carrier for the compound(s) of this composition. Standard spraying or dipping apparatus can be employed to apply the compound(s) to the surface of the food composition. An example of such a carrier is a minced animal by-product treated with proteases in conjunction with amino acids, reducing sugar(s) and thiamin. The carrier is then mixed with the iron oxide and coated onto a kibble, thereby preparing a very palatable and acceptable dry food. In a certain preferred embodiment, the iron oxide may simply be mixed with a commercial liquid palatant enhancer or other flavor composition to create a novel flavor palatant which can then be topically applied to the composition. Suitable commercial liquid palatant enhancers for use with the iron oxides in the invention include any known or commercially available liquid palatant enhancers commercially available from pet food palatant enhancer or other flavor suppliers known to those of skill in the art.

[0038] Compositions of the invention (particularly foods) can be prepared in a canned or wet form using conventional pet food processes. In one embodiment, ground animal (e.g., mammal, poultry, and/or fish) proteinaceous tissues are mixed with the other ingredients, including fish oils, cereal grains, other nutritionally balancing ingredients, special purpose additives (e.g., vitamin and mineral mixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose and beet pulp, bulking agents, and the like). Water sufficient for processing may also be added. The wet form ingredients are typically mixed in a vessel suitable for heating while blending the components. Heating of the mixture may be effected using any suitable manner, such as, for example, by direct steam injection or by using a vessel fitted with a heat exchanger. Following the addition of the last ingredient, the mixture is heated to a temperature range of from about 50°F to about 212°F. Temperatures outside this range are acceptable, but may be commercially impractical without use of other processing aids. When heated to the appropriate temperature, the material will typically be in the form of a thick liquid. The thick liquid is filled into cans. A lid is applied, and the container is hermetically sealed. The sealed can is then placed into conventional equipment designed to sterilize the contents. This is usually accomplished by heating to temperatures of greater than about 23O⁰F for an appropriate time, which is dependent on, for example, the temperature used and the composition.

[0039] For wet foods, the iron oxide can be incorporated into the wet food composition along with a carrier such as an alcohol composition (i.e., propylene glycol or dipropylene glycol), a cyclodextrin, a maltodextrin or a starch. Alternatively, the iron oxide can be mixed into the dry materials prior to forming the wet food composition. [0040] Treats of the invention can be prepared by, for example, an extrusion or baking process similar to those described for dry food. Other processes also may be used to either coat the flavoring composition on the exterior of existing treat forms, or inject it into an existing treat form.

[0041] Animal toys of the invention are typically prepared by coating any existing toy with the flavoring composition, for example, the iron oxide mixed with a carrier composition.

[0042] The term "single package" means that the components of a kit are physically associated in or with one or more containers and considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, bottles, shrink wrap packages, stapled or otherwise affixed components, or combinations thereof. A single package may be containers of individual food compositions physically associated such that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. [0043] The term "virtual package" means that the components of a kit are associated by directions on one or more physical or virtual kit components instructing the user how to obtain the other components, e.g., in a bag containing one component and directions instructing the user to go to a website, contact a recorded message, view a visual message, or contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain instructions on how to use the kit. [0044] In a further aspect, the invention provides kits suitable for administering a composition for animal consumption having enhanced palatability to an animal. The kits comprise in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for the kit component, a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide and at least one of (1) one or more ingredients suitable for consumption by an animal, (2) instructions for how to combine the iron oxide and the ingredient(s) to produce a composition for animal consumption having enhanced palatability, and (3) instructions for how to use the composition of the invention, particularly for the benefit of the animal, more particularly for increasing the amount of a composition ingested by an animal. When the kit comprises a virtual package, the kit is limited to instructions in a virtual environment in combination with one or more physical kit components. The kit contains the iron oxide in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the ingredient. Generally, kits contain the iron oxide in amounts sufficient to produce a composition having at least about 0.01% iron oxide, most preferably in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, and at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, and combinations thereof. Typically, the iron oxide and the ingredient(s) are admixed just prior to consumption by an animal. In one embodiment, the kit contains a packet of iron oxide and a container of food for consumption by an animal. The kit may contain additional items such as a device for mixing the iron oxide and ingredient or a device for containing the admixture, e.g., a food bowl. In another embodiment, the iron oxide is mixed with additional nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals that promote good health in an animal.

[0045] In another aspect, the invention provides a means for communicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) using iron oxide to enhance the palatability of compositions for animal consumption, (2) using iron oxide to increase the amount of a composition ingested by an animal, (3) admixing iron oxide with the other components of the present invention, (4) using the kits of the present invention for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal, and (5) using the kits of the present invention to increase the amount of a composition ingested by an animal. The communicating means comprises a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display containing the information or instructions. Preferably, the communication is a displayed web site or a brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, or visual display containing such information or instructions. Useful information includes one or more of (1) methods and techniques for combining and administering the iron oxide and ingredient(s) and (2) contact information for patients to use if they have a question about the invention and its use. Useful instructions include amounts for mixing and administration amounts and frequency. The communication means is useful for instructing on the benefits of using the invention and communicating the approved methods for administering the invention to an animal.

[0046] All percentages expressed herein are on a weight by dry matter basis unless specifically stated otherwise. The invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described herein because they may vary. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., reference to "an iron oxide" includes a plurality of such iron oxides. Similarly, the words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.

[0047] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms and any acronyms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the invention. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are described herein.

[0048] AU patents, patent applications, and publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent allowed by law for the purpose of describing and disclosing the compounds, processes, techniques, procedures, technology, articles, and other compositions and methods disclosed therein that might be used with the invention. However, nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

EXAMPLES

[0049] The invention can be further illustrated by the following examples of preferred embodiments thereof, although it will be understood that these examples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Example 1

[0050] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding various amounts of iron oxide as an ingredient to a dry, commercial feline food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised poultry meal, corn, brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, choice white grease, chicken liver flavor, potassium chloride, calcium sulfate, choline chloride, iodized salt, vitamin E, vitamin premix, taurine and mineral premix.

[0051] Each test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control compositions comprised the dry, commercial feline food without addition of iron oxide. Palatability was determined by comparing the test composition and the control composition in a standard two-bowl preference test over two days with 20 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed.

[0052] Preference for the test composition was compared to the control composition and assigned a rating of "win", "parity" or "loss" as determined by statistical analysis. A "win" indicates that the test composition was more preferred than the control composition. "Parity" means that the difference in preference for the test composition and the control composition was not found to be statistically significant. A "loss" indicates that the animals preferred the control composition over the test composition. It is important to note that a portion of the animals in the test may not have demonstrated a true preference such that a sum of all results would not necessarily equal 100%.

[0053] As shown in Table 1, each of the test compositions exhibited significant palatability enhancement over the control compositions on the basis of intake and/or preference. No evidence of any intolerance of the compositions was observed in the cats following intake.

Table 1

Example 2

[0054] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial canine food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight, dry weight or dry matter basis) as an ingredient to a dry, commercial dog food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial dog food comprised corn, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, choice white grease, soybean oil, chicken liver flavor, flaxseed whole, egg, iodized salt, L-carnitine, chicken cartilage, choline chloride, vitamin E, vitamin premix, taurine, potassium chloride and mineral premix. The test compositions comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0055] The test composition was then compared against two control compositions in a palatability test. The first control composition comprised the dry, commercial canine food (Control) without addition of iron oxide. The second control composition was another dry, commercial dog food (Maxi Large Breed Adult 26 commercially available from Royal Canin USA, Inc., St. Charles, MO). Palatability was determined by comparing the test composition and the control compositions in separate, standard two-bowl preference tests. A third palatability test was also conducted to compare the two control compositions. Each of the palatability tests were conducted over one day with 25 dogs. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 500 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 45 minutes, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. The results are shown in Tables 2 A and 2B. No evidence of any intolerance of the compositions was observed in the dogs following intake.

Table 2A

Example 3

[0056] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight liquid brown iron oxide) to a dry, commercial feline composition to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised poultry by-product meal, brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, corn, choice white grease, soybean mill run, chicken liver flavor, cellulose, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, calcium sulfate, yeast, DL-methionine, vitamin E, vitamin premix, potassium citrate, taurine, fish oil, mineral premix and L-arginine. The test compositions comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis. [0057] Each test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control composition comprised the dry, commercial feline food without addition of iron oxide. Palatability was determined by comparing the test compositions and the control composition in separate two-bowl preference tests over one day with 25 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. The results are shown in Table 3. No evidence of any intolerance of the compositions was observed in the cats following intake.

Table 3

Example 4

[0058] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight, dry matter basis) as an ingredient to a dry, commercial feline food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised poultry by-product meal, brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, corn, choice white grease, soybean mill run, chicken liver flavor, cellulose, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, calcium sulfate, yeast, DL-methionine, vitamin E, vitamin premix, potassium citrate, taurine, fish oil, mineral premix and L-arginine. The test composition comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis. [0059] The test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control composition comprised the dry, commercial feline food without addition of iron oxide. Palatability was determined by comparing the test composition and the control composition in a standard two-bowl preference test over two days with 25 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. As shown in Table 4, each of the test compositions exhibited significant palatability enhancement over the control compositions on the basis of intake and/or preference. No evidence of any intolerance of the compositions was observed in the cats following intake.

Table 4

Example 5

[0060] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight liquid brown iron oxide, dry matter basis) as an ingredient in a dry, commercial feline food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised poultry by-product meal, brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, corn, choice white grease, soybean mill run, chicken liver flavor, cellulose, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, calcium sulfate, yeast, DL-methionine, vitamin E, vitamin premix, potassium citrate, taurine, fish oil, mineral premix and L- arginine. The test composition comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0061] The test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control composition comprised another dry, commercial feline food (Nutro Natural Choice Feline Complete Care Senior Dry commercially available from Nutro Products, Inc., City of Industry, CA). Palatability was determined by comparing the test composition and the control composition in a standard two-bowl preference test over two days with 25 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. The results are shown in Table 5.

Table 5

Example 6

[0062] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight liquid brown iron oxide, dry matter basis) as an ingredient to a dry, commercial feline food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised poultry by-product meal, brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, corn, choice white grease, soybean mill run, chicken liver flavor, cellulose, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, calcium sulfate, yeast, DL-methionine, vitamin E, vitamin premix, potassium citrate, taurine, fish oil, mineral premix and L- arginine. The test compositions comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0063] The test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control composition comprised another dry, commercial feline food (Feline Mature 28 commercially available from Royal Canin USA, Inc., St. Charles, MO). Palatability was determined by comparing the test composition and the control composition in a standard two-bowl preference test over two days with 25 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. The results are shown in Table 6.

Table 6

Example 7

[0064] This example demonstrates the effect of iron oxide as a palatability enhancer when added to a dry, commercial feline food composition. The experiment comprised adding iron oxide (0.5% by weight liquid brown iron oxide, dry matter basis) as an ingredient to a dry, commercial feline food to form a test composition. The dry, commercial feline food comprised brewer's rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, corn, choice white grease, egg, soybean mill run, chicken liver flavor, cellulose, fish oil, potassium chloride, choline chloride, DL-methionine, L-carnitine, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, vitamin E, calcium sulfate, yeast, taurine, vitamin premix, L-cysteine, potassium citrate, mineral premix, magnesium oxide and L-arginine. The test compositions comprised iron oxide in an amount of 0.25% by weight of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0065] Each test composition was compared against a control composition in a palatability test. The control composition comprised another dry, commercial feline food (Feline Senior 26 from Royal Canin USA, Inc., St. Charles, MO). Palatability was determined by comparing the test compositions and the control composition in separate standard two-bowl preference tests over two days with 25 cats. The tests were conducted by providing the animals with access to equal amounts (approximately 120 g) of the test composition and the control composition at the same time. At the end of 20 hours, the compositions were collected and weighed to determine how much of each composition was consumed. As shown in Table 7, each of the test compositions exhibited significant palatability enhancement over the control compositions on the basis of intake and/or preference. No evidence of any intolerance of the compositions was observed in the cats following intake.

Table 7

[0066] In the specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for enhancing the palatability of a composition for consumption by an animal comprising adding to the composition a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is for consumption by a feline.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is for consumption by a canine.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is a food composition.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is a nutritional diet, a supplement, an animal treat, or an animal toy.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition by mixing the iron oxide with other composition components.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition by contacting the composition with the iron oxide.

10. A method for increasing the amount of a composition ingested by an animal comprising feeding the animal a composition comprising a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition comprises iron oxide in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition comprises iron oxide in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition is for ingestion by a feline.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition is for ingestion by a canine.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition is a food composition.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the composition is a nutritional diet, a supplement, an animal treat, or an animal toy.

17. A kit comprising in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for the kit component, a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide and at least one of (1) one or more ingredients suitable for consumption by an animal, (2) instructions for how to combine the iron oxide and the ingredient(s) to produce a composition for animal consumption having enhanced palatability, and (3) instructions for how to use the composition of the present invention.

18. The kit of claim 17 comprising iron oxide in amounts sufficient to comprise at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition when the iron oxide is admixed with the ingredient.

19. The kit of claim 17 comprising iron oxide in amounts sufficient to comprise from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition when the iron oxide is admixed with the ingredient.

20. The kit of claim 17 comprising a food composition and iron oxide in amounts sufficient to comprise from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the food composition when the iron oxide is admixed with the food composition.

21. A method for enhancing the preference of a feline for an ingestible composition comprising adding to the composition a preference enhancing amount of iron oxide.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the composition.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the iron oxide is added to the composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 0.25% by weight of the composition.

24. A composition suitable for consumption by an animal comprising a palatability enhancing amount of iron oxide.

25. The composition of claim 24 wherein the composition is a food composition.

26. The composition of claim 24 comprising at least about 0.01% iron oxide.

27. The composition of claim 24 comprising from about 0.01% to about 0.25% iron oxide.

28. A means for communicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) using iron oxide to enhance the palatability of compositions for animal consumption,

(2) using iron oxide to increase the amount of a composition ingested by an animal,

(3) admixing iron oxide with the other components of the present invention, (4) using the kits of the present invention for enhancing the palatability of compositions for consumption by an animal, and (5) using the kits of the present invention to increase the amount of a composition ingested by an animal, the means comprising a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display containing the information or instructions. 9. The means of claim 28 selected from the group consisting of a displayed web site, brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, or visual display.