CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/664,852, filed April 30, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] A wet pet food product is provided, comprising a complete pet food and less than 1 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate alone, or in combination with low levels of a citrate salt. Methods of making the pet food and maintaining or improving the renal function of an animal are also provided.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Pet food is commonly categorized on the basis of its moisture content:

(1) Dry or low moisture content products (typically less than 15% moisture). These products typically combine high nutritional content with convenience;

(2) Wet or high moisture content products (greater than about 50% moisture). These products are generally most palatable to pets;

(3) Semi-moist or semi-dry or soft dry or intermediate or medium moisture content products (generally between 15 and 50% moisture).

[0004] Two main types of wet pet food products are distinguished. The first type is known as ‘pate’ or‘loaf and is typically prepared by processing a mixture of edible components under heat to produce a homogeneous semi-solid mass that is structured by heat-coagulated protein. This homogeneous mass is usually packaged into single serve or multi serve packaging which is then sealed and sterilized. Upon packing, the homogeneous mass assumes the shape of the container.

[0005] The second type of wet pet food is known as‘chunk and gravy’,‘chunk and jelly’ or ‘chunk and mousse’, depending on the nature of the sauce component. These types of products are referred to herein as‘chunk and sauce’ products. The chunks comprise meat pieces or restructured meat pieces. Restructured meat pieces are typically prepared by making a meat emulsion containing a heat-settable component, and by applying thermal energy to ‘set’ the emulsion and allowing it to assume the desired shape, usually after cutting. The product pieces are combined with a sauce (e.g. gravy, jelly or mousse) in single serve or multi serve packaging which is then sealed and sterilized.

[0006] Many wet pet food products contain considerable amounts of meat and animal by products. Animal by-products are the entire bodies or parts of bodies of animals or products of animal origin not intended for human consumption, including ova, embryos and sperm. Animal by-products include, among others, carcasses, body parts of animals, viscera and products or foods of animal origin originally meant for human consumption but withdrawn for commercial reasons. Such by-products may be reconstituted using heat setting binders to provide restructured meat pieces with sufficient chunk strength to be used in wet pet foods.

[0007] Wet pet food products containing meat analogues or composite meat products are also known. These meat analogues usually contain a combination of meat/animal by-products and vegetable protein, e.g. gluten or soy protein.

SUMMARY

[0008] The wet pet food products provided herein contain an amount of inorganic phosphate of less than 1 g/Mcal, or 0.5 % w/w by weight of the wet pet food, alone or in combination an amount of a citrate salt, e.g., sodium, calcium or potassium citrate. The wet pet foods may either be in pate or loaf form, or in the form of chunks, in jelly, gravy or mousse. The levels of inorganic phosphate and the optional citrate salt are lower than those in conventional wet pet foods, and as a result, the present wet pet foods may provide a health benefit or at least a lower impact on renal function than wet pet foods containing higher amounts of inorganic phosphates.

[0009] Unexpectedly, it was found that incorporation of an amount of inorganic phosphate lower than conventionally used, alone or in combination with an amount of one or more citrate salts lower than conventional amounts, resulted in wet pet foods with improved palatability as compared to wet pet foods made with conventional amounts of inorganic phosphates. The improved palatability of the wet pet food products can suitably be demonstrated in a test wherein the total amount of eaten product is monitored and compared to suitable reference products.

[0010] Methods of maintaining or improving the renal function of a companion animal are also provided and comprise feeding the wet pet food product to a companion animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results of a feeding trial conducted using one embodiment of the wet pet food (sample ID VLP41984, 0.75 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal + 0.3% Na-citrate) as compared to a conventional pet food (sample ID VLP41979, 1.52 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal).

[0012] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the results of a feeding trial conducted using three embodiments of the wet pet food (sample IDS VLP42182 (0.75 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal + 0.3% Na-citrate), VLP42181 (0.75 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal), VLP41983 (0.75 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal + 0.3% K-citrate)) as compared to a conventional pet food (sample ID VLP42180, 1.52 g inorganic phosphate/Mcal).

[0013] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of a feeding trial conducted using three embodiments of the present wet pet food in a chunk and jelly format, each including a different inorganic phosphate at a level of 0.75 g/Mcal and a control wet pet food in a chunk in jelly format containing no inorganic phosphate.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of a feeding trial conducted using three embodiments of the present wet pet food in a chunk and gravy format, each including a different inorganic phosphate at a level of 0.75 g/Mcal and a control wet pet food in a chunk in gravy format containing no inorganic phosphate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The wet pet food products provided herein contain less than 1 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate (0.5 % w/w by weight of the wet pet food), alone or in combination with one or more citrate salts. The wet pet foods may either be in pate or loaf form, or in the form of chunks, in jelly, gravy or mousse. The levels of inorganic phosphate and the optional citrate salt(s) are lower than those in conventional wet pet foods, and as a result, the present wet pet foods may provide a health benefit or at least a lower impact on renal function than wet pet foods containing higher amounts of inorganic phosphates.

[0016] Organic phosphorus occurs in nature in the form of organic phosphate esters. Organic phosphates are incompletely absorbed by animals and as a result, the amount and/or number of organic phosphate(s) in the present wet pet food is not of concern and not particularly limited.

[0017] Inorganic phosphates have wide application in the food industry, not only as supplements for organic phosphates, but also to serve a number of processing functions such as pH stabilization, metal cation sequestration, emulsification, leavening and hydration. Some inorganic phosphates have antibacterial effects. Inorganic phosphates are conventionally used in wet pet foods in amounts of greater than 1.5 g/Mcal to serve one or more of these functions.

[0018] It has now been surprising discovered that much lower amounts of inorganic phosphate can be used in wet pet foods than is conventional, while still providing the aforementioned benefits and also providing a palatable pet food. Wet pet foods containing an amount less than 1 g/Mcal inorganic phosphates, or 0.5 % w/w by weight of the wet pet food, are further expected to be effective at maintaining or improving renal function in animals to whom they are fed. These benefits may be enhanced via the addition of one or more citrate salts, e.g., sodium citrate, and/or calcium citrate, and/or potassium citrate, in amounts that are also less than those conventionally used.

[0019] Any inorganic phosphate approved for use in food, or generally regarded as safe, may be used in the wet pet food provided, and such inorganic phosphates are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples include dicalcium phosphate (DCP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and tripotassium phosphate. An amount of inorganic phosphate of less than 1 g/Mcal, less than 0.9 g/Mcal, less than 0.8 g/Mcal, or less than 0.75 g/Mcal are suitably used. Wet pet foods containing these lower than conventional amounts are not only provided with the processing benefits described above, but are also palatable, as shown below. Suitable ranges of amounts of inorganic phosphate include from 0.1 g/Mcal to 1 g/Mcal, or from 0.2 g/Mcal to 0.9 g/Mcal, or from 0.3 g/Mcal to 0.8 g/Mcal, or from 0.4 g/Mcal to 0.75 b/Mcal. Stated another way, suitable ranges of the inorganic phosphate include from 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, or from 0.2 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%, or from 0.25 wt.% to 0.35 wt.%, based upon the total weight of the wet pet food product.

[0020] Similarly any citrate salt approved for use in food may be used, and examples of these include sodium citrate, calcium citrate, and potassium citrate. Although the use of citrate salts is common in food processing, amounts greater than lwt% are typically used. It has now been discovered that much lower amounts, i.e., amounts less than 0.75 wt.%, or 0.7 wt.%, or 0.6 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.%, or 0.4 wt.% or even as low as 0.3% can be used. Suitable ranges of amounts of citrate salts include from 0.1 wt.% to 0.75 wt.%, or from 0.2 wt.% to 0.7 wt.%, or from 0.3 wt.% to 0.6 wt.%, based upon the total weight of the wet pet food product.

[0021] Although the lesser amount of inorganic phosphate than conventional, on its own, can provide the aforementioned benefits, in combination with the lesser than conventional amount of citrate salt, further palatability enhancements are seen.

[0022] Conventional wet pet foods may typically contain amounts in excess of 1.5 g/Mcal, or in excess of 0.5 % w/w by weight of the wet pet food, in order to provide one or more of pH stabilization, metal cation sequestration, emulsification, leavening and hydration.

[0023] The wet pet food product described herein may suitably be prepared without any ingredient or component which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0024] The term“pet” as used herein refers to a domestic animal, including companion animals such as domestic cats and dogs.

[0025] The term“pet food” as used herein refers to a food composition designed for ingestion by a pet. The wet pet food product described herein typically is a nutritionally balanced food product to provide a pet with all the essential nutrients it needs in the right quantities. The wet pet food product may also be part of nutritionally balanced pet food product that contains one or more further pet food components (e.g. a granulate), and wherein the wet pet food product together with these one or more further pet food components provide a nutritionally balanced product. [0026] The term“sauce” as used herein refers to an aqueous composition in the form of a fluid, a paste, a gel or a mousse.

[0027] The term “animal protein” as used herein refers to proteins that originate from vertebrates, such as mammals, fowl and fish. Animal protein may originate, for example, from muscle meat, organs, tendons or bone. Proteins originating from milk or eggs are not considered animal proteins.

[0028] The term“non-animal protein” as used herein refers to proteins that are not animal protein. Examples of non-animal protein, include vegetable proteins, algal proteins, egg proteins, milk proteins, microbial proteins and insect proteins.

[0029] The term“vegetable protein” as used herein refers to protein that originates from edible plants or edible plants parts. The term“vegetable protein” encompasses proteins from fruits, grains and nuts.

[0030] The term“flour” or“vegetable flour” as used herein refers to a particulate material that has been prepared by grinding or comminuting a vegetable material.

[0031] The term“vegetable protein concentrate” as used herein refers to a material that is extracted or prepared from vegetable matter and that is enriched in protein relative to the original vegetable matter. The term“vegetable protein concentrate” encompasses vegetable protein isolates, such a soy protein isolate.

[0032] The term “legume” as used herein refers to a plant in the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae), or the fruit or seed of such a plant. Well-known legumes include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupins, mesquite, carob, soybeans, peanuts, and tamarind.

[0033] The term “starch” as used herein refers to a polysaccharide that is composed of amylose and amylopectin.

[0034] The term“fat” as used herein refers to esters of fatty acids such as triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides and phospholipids. [0035] The term“coagulate” as used herein in relation to non-animal protein refers to the denaturation of such non-animal protein, resulting in structure-forming interactions between molecules of non-animal protein. Coagulation of proteins may be brought about by a variety of processes, e.g. by heating or by the action of acids, alkalis, salts, alcohol, mechanical agitation, radiation, and ultra-sonic vibrations.

[0036] The wet pet food products and the components used therein are selected for consumption by a pet and are not intended for consumption by humans. The wet pet food product preferably is a wet pet food product for cats or dogs. Most preferably, the wet pet food product is a wet pet food product for cats.

[0037] The wet pet foods may in any format including in pate or loaf form, in the form of chunks, in jelly, gravy or mousse, or in any other pet food product formats including treat products incorporating wet pet food. Wet pet foods may also be provided in chunks in jelly, chunks in gravy or chunks in mousse format.

[0038] If in a chunks format, the wet pet food product may solely consist of chunks. In that case, the inorganic phosphate, and optionally sodium citrate, is a component of the chunk. In other embodiments, the wet pet food product comprises a chunk in combination with sauce, jelly, gravy and/or mousse. In such embodiments, the inorganic phosphate and optionally sodium citrate may be a component of the chunk and/or the sauce, jelly, gravy or mousse. Typically, the inorganic phosphate and optionally sodium citrate will end up in both the chunk and the sauce independent of whether the inorganic phosphate was initially incorporated in the chunk or the sauce.

[0039] If provided in a chunks and sauce format, the chunks may comprise any known meat, meat by-product, meat analogue, restructured meat product or composite meat product. Suitable meat analogues are disclosed for example in WO 2016/176456, suitable composite meat products are disclosed in WO 2016/176465, and suitable restructured meat products are disclosed in WO 2016/176466. The disclosures of each of these are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any and all purposes. [0040] In chunk and sauce embodiments, the chunks may be solid or semi-solid, most preferably semi-solid. The chunks may have a density of 0.8-1.2 g/ml, more preferably of 0.85-1.15 g/ml and most preferably of 0.9-1.1 g/ml.

[0041] The chunks may further comprise a plurality of elongate strands of fibers that are arranged in bundles. This fibrous structure provides a very realistic meat-like texture and appearance. A chunk having a fibrous structure may be produced by methods known in the art, e.g. the methods described in EP-A 1 231 846 and WO 00/69276, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any and all purposes.

[0042] The protein content of the chunks is preferably in the range of 15-50 wt.%, more preferably of 18-40 wt.% and most preferably of 22-35 wt.%.

[0043] The chunks of the wet pet food product, when provided in a chunks and sauce format, may contain at least 15 wt.% non-animal protein, more preferably at least 18-40 wt.% non animal protein, most preferably at least 20-35 wt.% non-animal protein.

[0044] The non-animal protein employed may suitably originate from vegetable sources. Examples of sources of non-animal protein that can be used include vegetable protein or vegetable protein concentrates, such as wheat gluten. The term “vegetable protein concentrate” as used herein refers to a material that is extracted or prepared from vegetable matter and that is enriched in protein relative to the original vegetable matter. The term “vegetable protein concentrate” encompasses vegetable protein isolates, such a soy protein isolate.

[0045] The non-animal protein may be selected from vegetable protein, algal protein, microbial protein, insect protein, egg protein, milk protein and combinations thereof. More preferably, the non-animal protein is selected from vegetable protein, egg protein and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the non-animal protein is vegetable protein.

[0046] The vegetable protein is preferably selected from cereal protein (e.g. gluten), legume protein and combinations thereof. More preferably, the vegetable protein is cereal protein. Most preferably the vegetable protein is wheat gluten. [0047] The protein in the chunks preferably comprises at least 40% non-animal protein by weight of the total protein contained in the chunk. In some embodiments, at least 50 wt.% of the total protein in the chunks is non-animal protein by weight of the total amount of protein that is contained in the chunks. In yet other embodiments, non-animal protein constitutes at least 60 wt.%, or even at least 70 wt.% of all the protein that is contained in the chunks.

[0048] The protein in the chunks preferably comprises 0-50 % of animal protein by weight of the total amount of protein that is contained in the chunks. More preferably animal protein constitutes 5-40 wt.%, most preferably 10-30 % by weight of the total amount of protein that is present in the chunks.

[0049] The animal protein is preferably selected from muscle meat protein, organ protein and combinations thereof. The animal protein preferably originates from vertebrates selected from mammals, fowl, fish and combinations thereof; most preferably selected from cattle, pigs, sheep, goat, rabbit, poultry, fish and combinations thereof.

[0050] The chunks may contain less than 12 wt.% starch, more preferably less than 10 wt.% starch, most preferably less than 8 wt.% starch.

[0051] Protein concentrates may contain substantial quantities of starch. Commercially available gluten preparations, for instance, typically contain around 20 wt.% starch. It is preferred to employ sources of vegetable proteins that have a high protein content and that contain a limited amount of starch. In embodiments wherein vegetable protein concentrates are utilized, the weight ratio of non-animal protein to starch in the chunks preferably exceeds 1: 1, exceeds 2 : 1 , or even exceeds 3: 1.

[0052] The chunks contained in the wet pet food product when in a chunks and sauce format typically have a fat content of less than 15 wt.%. More preferably, said fat content is in the range of 2 to 12 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 4 to 10 wt.%.

[0053] The fat that is contained in the chunks preferably contains at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 70 wt.% of triglycerides. The fat may suitably contain animal fat, vegetable oil, marine oil and combinations thereof. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the fat contains at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.% and most preferably at least 50 wt.% of an animal fat. The animal fat preferably originates from an animal selected from cattle, pigs, sheep, goat, poultry, fish and combinations thereof.

[0054] The chunks of the wet pet food product, when provided in chunks in sauce format, may suitably contain animal derived ingredients. Preferably, 0-50 wt.% of the dry matter in the chunks is derived from meat and/or animal by-products. More preferably 5-35 wt.%, most preferably 10-25 wt.% of the dry matter in the chunks is derived from meat and/or animal by products.

[0055] The water content of the chunks typically is at least 40 wt.%, more preferably 45-90 wt.% and most preferably 50-85 wt.%. In case the product contains a combination of chunks and sauce, the water content and composition of the chunks can suitably be determined after the chunks have been separated from the sauce and the sauce sticking to the chunks has been rinsed off with a small quantity of hot water.

[0056] The chunks may suitably comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, protein, starch, water, fat, inorganic phosphate in an amount of less than 1 g/Mcal and optionally sodium citrate. The chunks may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, protein, starch, water, fat inorganic phosphate in an amount of less than 1 g/Mcal and optionally sodium citrate, wherein the protein comprises non-animal protein in an amount of at least 40%

[0057] The sauce that is optionally present in the wet pet food product typically contains at least 80 wt.% water. More preferably, the water content of the sauce is in the range of 90-98 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 93-97 wt.%.

[0058] The sauce of the wet pet food product preferably is a fluid (gravy), a gel or a mousse. Gelling biopolymers that may suitably be employed to prepare gelled sauce include carrageenan, xanthan, guar gum, cassia gum, starch, gelatine and combinations thereof.

[0059] If provided in a chunks and sauce format, the wet pet food product may contain 90-100 wt.% chunks, at least 95 wt.% chunks or even at least 98 wt.% chunks. In some embodiments of a chunks in sauce format, the wet pet food product contains 30-90 wt.% of the chunks and 10-70 wt.% of the sauce. [0060] Other ingredients that may suitably be employed in the wet pet food product in any format include antioxidants, carbohydrates, seasoning, colourants, flavouring, minerals, preservatives, vitamins, emulsifiers, farinaceous materials and combinations thereof.

[0061] The pet food product typically contains 0.1-1.0 wt.% of taurine, more preferably 0.15- 0.5 wt.% of taurine. Taurine is an organic acid widely distributed in animal tissues. Taurine has many fundamental biological roles. Taurine is an essential dietary requirement for cats and dogs, since they cannot synthesize the compound. Taurine supplementation is a requirement of both the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

[0062] Expressed differently, it is preferred that the present pet food product contains 400- 2000 mg taurine per 1000 kcal, more preferably 425-1200 mg taurine per 1000 kcal.

[0063] The wet pet food product preferably contains added nutrients selected from the group of vitamin Bl (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and combinations thereof. Typically vitamin Bl is contained in the product in a concentration of 0.1 -3.0 mg per 1000 kcal. Vitamin B2 is typically present in a concentration of 0.8-2.0 mg per 1000 kcal. Vitamin B6 content is typically in the range of 0.5-0.9 mg per 1000 kcal.

[0064] In some embodiments, the wet pet food product comprises a loaf, pate, or chunk in sauce pet food consisting essentially of, or consisting of, inorganic phosphate in an amount of less than 1.0 g/Mcal, sodium citrate and one or more of vitamin Bl, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6. In some embodiments, the wet pet food product comprises a loaf, pate, or chunk in sauce pet food consisting essentially of, or consisting of, inorganic phosphate in an amount of less than 1.0 g/Mcal, sodium citrate and two of vitamin Bl, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6.

[0065] Methods of preparing wet pet foods, in loaf or pate form, or in the form of chunks in sauce are known, and any of these may be used to prepare the pet food described herein. Suitable methods of producing certain chunk in sauce formats are disclosed in WO 2016/176456, WO 2016/176465, and WO 2016/176466. The disclosures of each of these are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any and all purposes. [0066] A method of maintaining or improving renal function in a companion animal is also provided, and comprises feeding a companion animal the wet pet food described herein.

[0067] Some embodiments will now be described in detail in the following non-limiting examples.

[0068] Example 1

[0069] Wet pet foods having a loaf format were prepared according to a conventional formula, but for that in the inventive loaves, an amount of inorganic phosphate of 1 g/Mcal or less was added, alone (Sample ID VLP42181) or in combination with 0.3% sodium (Sample ID’s VLP41984 and VLP42182), or potassium citrate (Sample ID VLP42183).

[0070] A feeding trial was conducted with the inventive wet cat food products and a Control (including 1.52 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate, Sample ID’s VLP41979 and VLP42180) of Example 1. In these feeding trials called "two-bowl test" or "versus test", an inventive product and Control product were presented simultaneously to a group of cats. Identical amounts of product were served in each of the two bowls. In the feeding trials the cats were twice exposed to the two products. The position of the two bowls was switched in the second exposure to avoid any bias. The quantity eaten was measured after a single meal exposure. Statistical analyses (Analysis of variance) were made on the data to determine the statistical significance of the observed differences.

[0071] The outcome of the feeding trial is summarized in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, cats preferred the inventive loaf form wet pet food, containing 0.75 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate (Sample ID VLP42181), and the inventive loaf form wet pet food, containing 0.75 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate and 0.3 percent sodium citrate (Sample IDs VLP41984 and VLP42182) over a conventional wet pet food in loaf format, containing l .52g/Mcal inorganic phosphate (Control, Sample IDs VLP41979 and VLP42180).

[0072] Example 2

[0073] Inventive wet pet foods were prepared in Chunk in Gravy (CIG) and Chunk in Jelly (CIJ) formats, containing an amount of one of dicalcium phosphate (DCP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and tripotassium phosphate (TKPP) of less than 1 g/Mcal. A comparative formulation of each of the Chunk in Gravy and Chunk in Jelly formats was also prepared including 1.52 g/Mcal inorganic phosphate, as well as a comparative formulation having no inorganic phosphate added to the otherwise conventional formulation.

[0074] A feeding trial was conducted in the Chunk in Jelly format between each inorganic phosphate (DCP vs. STPP, STPP vs. TKPP, TKPP vs DCP, etc.) and between each inorganic phosphate and no phosphate, and in the Chunk in Gravy format between each inorganic phosphate and no phosphate. In these feeding trials called "two-bowl test" or "versus test" the two products were presented simultaneously to a group of cats. Identical amounts of product were served in each of the two bowls. In the feeding trials the cats were twice exposed to the two products. The position of the two bowls was switched in the second exposure to avoid any bias. The quantity eaten was measured after a single meal exposure. Statistical analyses (Analysis of variance) were made on the data to determine the statistical significance of the observed differences.

[0075] The outcome of the feeding trial is summarized in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, there was no statistical difference in the amount eaten of the Chunk in Jelly format and between any of the inorganic phosphates or between any of the three inorganic phosphates and no phosphate. However, in the Chunk and Gravy format, there was a significant preference shown for the inorganic phosphates dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) as compared to tripotassium phosphate (TKPP) or no added inorganic phosphate.

[0076] Example 3

[0077] The following inventive formulations were prepared, wherein all amounts are weight percents, based upon the total weight of the formulation:

Table 1

Table 1 (cont.)