Process for enhancing immune response in canines using a dietary composition including garlic

Abstract

A composition and method for enhancing immune response and improving the overall health of canines is provided which includes feeding the canines a dietary composition containing an effective amount of garlic in an amount of from about 1 to 10 g/kg diet. The dietary composition, when fed to canines, provides antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory benefits. The canines are fed the composition containing an effective amount of garlic in a quantity and frequency appropriate for their nutritional needs resulting in an enhanced immune response by increased lymphocyte blastogenesis and improves the overall health of the animal.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for enhancing immune response in a dog comprising feeding said dog a diet including an effective amount of garlic for a time sufficient for said garlic to absorbed by said dog.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which said diet includes from about 1 to 10 g garlic per kg of diet.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said diet comprises, on a dry matter basis, about 20 to 40% by weight protein, about 4 to 30% by weight fat, and about 1 to 11% total dietary fiber.  
     
     
         4 . A method for increasing lymphocyte blastogenesis in a dog comprising feeding said dog a a diet including an effective amount of garlic for a time sufficient for said garlic to absorbed by said dog.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  in which said diet includes from about 1 to 10 g garlic per kg of diet.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said diet comprises, on a dry matter basis, about 20 to 40% by weight protein, about 4 to 30% by weight fat, and about 1 to 11% total dietary fiber.