Method for improving bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines

Abstract

A process is provided for promoting bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines. The process includes administering to a growing canine a pet food composition which includes an appropriate amount and ratio of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The composition can further include a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of fiber, and a source of carbohydrates. Use of the preferred concentrations of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can promote synthesis and tissue accumulation of down regulating elements of inflamation, which stimulate bone formation and optimize bone modeling.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A process for improving bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in a growing canine comprising the step of feeding said canine a pet food composition comprising a source of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in amounts effective to improve bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning.  
     
     
         2 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 20:1 to about 1:1.  
     
     
         3 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 10:1 to about 5:1.  
     
     
         4 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 8:1 to about 5: 1.  
     
     
         5 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  in which at least about 22 wt % of the total fatty acids in the pet food composition are n-6 fatty acids.  
     
     
         6 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  in which at least about 3 wt % of the total fatty acids in the pet food composition are n-3 fatty acids.  
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  in which the pet food composition comprises from about 0.88 to about 6.6% by weight n-6 fatty acids and from about 0.16 to about 1.2% by weight n-3 fatty acids, on a dry matter basis.  
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1  in which the n-3 fatty acids of the pet food composition comprise eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  
     
     
         9 . A process for improving bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in a growing canine comprising the step of feeding said canine a pet food composition comprising from about 20 to 40 wt % crude protein, from about 4 to about 30 wt % fat, from about 2 to about 20 wt % total dietary fiber, a source of carbohydrate, and a source of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in amounts effective to improve bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning.  
     
     
         10 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  which further includes from about 1 to about 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber of fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance of 15 to 60 weight percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period.  
     
     
         11 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 20:1 to about 1:1.  
     
     
         12 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 10:1 to about 5:1.  
     
     
         13 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  in which the ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids is from about 8:1 to about 5:1.  
     
     
         14 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  in which at least about 22 wt % of the total fatty acids in the pet food composition are n-6 fatty acids.  
     
     
         15 . A process as claimed in  claim 9  in which at least about 3 wt % of the total fatty acids in the pet food composition are n-3 fatty acids.  
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 9  in which the pet food composition comprises from about 0.88 to about 6.6% by weight n-6 fatty acids and from about 0.16 to about 1.2% by weight n-3 fatty acids, on a dry matter basis.  
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 9  in which the n-3 fatty acids of the pet food composition comprise eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).