CA2974340A1 - Feed and feed supplement formulations - Google Patents

Abstract

A formulation for alleviating horse digestive tract issues, the formulation including oat flour and dehydrated cabbage. A formulation for alleviating dog digestive tract issues, the formulation including oat flour, hemp flour, dehydrated cabbage, dehydrated carrot and diatomaceous earth.

Description

Y:\SAC01\5720 CA\Spec & Dwgs\Spec & Claims FINAL 170725.wpd FEED AND FEED SUPPLEMENT FORMULATIONS
Formulation For Horses Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to the field of animal husbandry, namely feed and feed supplements for horses.
Background of the Invention

[0002] Research indicates that horses have a rate of gastric and stomach ulcers of between 65 and 90%. Horses with ulcers and other digestive tract issues may have secondary health or pain issues. These can display as negative behavioral issues, unwillingness to work, lameness issues, poor coat and hoof health, muscular issues, etc.

[0003] We believe that horses supplemented with vitamins and minerals (stabilized chemical forms), complete feeds and highly processed, refined grains are suffering physically and mentally. Some high performance horses we have seen were unridable, in pain and constantly under vet care for various ailments including leaky gut syndrome (damaged tract lining enabling bacteria, toxins and large molecules to pass into the bloodstream leading to toxicity, laminitis or founder). Some research studies have shown that 80% of horses have gastric ulcers, 60% have colonic ulcers and more than 50% have ulcers in both stomach and colon.

[0004] Known treatments involve the use of pharmaceutical products such as Gastroguard, Ulcerguard & Omeprazole. These are proton pump inhibitors, which stop the production of stomach acids, thereby allowing the ulcers to heal. A
large number of horses treated for ulcers have recurring issues and require repeated treatments. The average cost of treatment through pharmaceuticals is approx.
$2,500 per month. Treatment is often required more than once a year.
Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors understand that the diet and lifestyle of the modern horse contributes to digestive health issues. Processed feeds contain lower grade by-products (soy hulls, wheat middlings, for example) which are nutrient deficient.
As a result, many producers of such products add synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals. In addition, binding agents are used, some artificial like lignasol or sugars like molasses which contain sulfur dioxide. The inventors understand that a horse's digestive system may be stressed by such fast digesting processed feeds containing high levels of sugar.

[0006] The inventors believe that these diet factors in combination with limited natural turnout, heavy training, and stressful showing and traveling schedules can lead to ulcers, leaky gut syndrome and the associated behavioural issues.
Regardless of what supplements or feeds are added to the horse's diet, they have a malabsorption issue due to a damaged gastrointestinal tract.

[0007] An aspect of the present invention is a formulation intended to aid in preventing and/or limiting the recurrence of the digestive tract health issues, comprising a natural whole food supplement that is understood to assist in healing the digestive cells and mucosa, allowing the horse to digest properly, and absorb nutrients.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a formulation for alleviating horse digestive tract issues, a daily feed amount of the formulation including: 1 gram to 2.2 kg of oat flour; and 1 gram to 50 grams of dehydrated cabbage.

[0009] The daily feed amount of the formulation may include up to 1 kg of hemp flour or meal; and up to 1 kg per day of dehydrated carrot.
Description of Embodiments

[0010]
Embodiments of the present invention include a formulation with the following ingredients: oat isolate (Beta Glucan); and cabbage, dehydrated, flakes or powder, dried.

[0011] A
preferred embodiment of the present invention is a formulation with the following ingredients: oat isolate (Beta Glucan); cabbage, dehydrated, flakes or powder, dried; Hemp, meal or flour from seed, dried, less than 10 ppm THC; and carrot, dehydrated, flakes or powder, dried.

[0012] The inventors understand that a usable moisture content of all ingredients may be in the range of about 5% to 10%, but preferably the moisture content is no more than about 6%. Preferably, the producers follow Good Manufacturing Guidelines (GMP) to ensure the following results:
Yeast and molds: maximum of 500 cfu/gram (colony forming units) Peroxides: less than 20 meq/kg fat (milliequivalents/ kg of fat) Water Activity: less than 0.75 Total Plate Count: Maximum of 100,000 cfu/g

[0013] The ingredients are whole foods that have not been heat processed (enzymes are de-natured and destroyed above 115 F) and all ingredients are preferably graded for human consumption.

[0014] Oat Isolate - Oat flour (steel milled oat groats). Oats are a source of beta glucans, which are understood to maintain regular rate of food passage, and prevent undigested starches from getting into the hind gut. Hindgut has flora specific for fermentation of fiber. The presence of undigested sugar or starches here can cause rise of lactic acid producing bacteria leading to ulcers or other hindgut issues (acidosis). Beta glucans are also understood to activate initial immune responses, and aid in elimination of toxins. (The initial immune response involves the activation of killer cells which respond initially before T and B
cells can Ily mobilize).

[0015] The inventors understand that the processing of some commercially available oat flour significantly reduces beta glucans. It is preferable to use a whole grain with only the hull removed, which retains up to 70% of original nutrients, with the beta glucans retained in the endosperm.

[0016] The whole oat is de-hulled (there are numerous types of de-hulling machines) which removes the indigestible outer husk. The resulting oat groat is sent through a steel cutter which splits the groat into 3 or 4 pieces hence the name steel cut oats. These oats are then processed into flour using flour mills which can include small kitchen appliances up to commercial mills ie stone mills, steel burr mills, roller mills, hammer mills etc. These processes use limited heat and therefore do not alter the nature of the oat.

[0017] Hemp meal (steel milled after oil pressed out). Hemp meal is understood to be a good source of digestible proteins (up to 50% protein, and contains all 20 amino acids and all 9 essential amino acids), and a good source of omega 3, 6 and 9 in proper ratios. Hemp meal is understood to provide a readily digestible plant protein, thus reducing the need for cereal grains which may be detrimental to gut health. Hemp meal is understood to be free from estrogen mimickers, lactose, gluten and trypsin, which enables it to be easily absorbed.

[0018] The main hemp derived feed-related products are hemp seed and hemp seed oil. Hemp production is often regulated. In Canada, all commercial industrial hemp growers use pedigreed seeds listed by Health Canada and are strictly regulated. These seeds produce plants that have less than 0.3% THC in leaves and flowering parts and less than 10 ppm in any products derived from the hemp grain. The inventors understand that there is no THC in the actual seed, and that any THC found when seeds are tested is from small amounts of the plant attached to the seed after cleaning. Manufacturers use extruders to remove the oil from the seed leaving a product they call hemp cake. This cake is then further refined into hemp meal or flour using any number or mill types as mentioned above.
The hemp product used in the embodiments of the present invention is obtained from a certified supplier in Vancouver. The hemp meal and flour used in the embodiments of the present invention test at no more than 2 ppm THC.

[0019]
Cabbage - Blend of red and green cabbage (dehydrated at low temp so enzymes are not destroyed). Cabbage is a source of L Glutamine (amino acid) which is understood to balance stomach acid. Cabbage is also a source of choline, a B vitamin and lipotropic nutrient, and assists in maintaining cell membrane structure. Cabbage is also a source of Folate, a vitamin that assists in tissue repair, and is of use in the regeneration of the digestive tract lining, as these cells are replaced as often as every 4 days.
Cabbage is also a source of S-methylmethionine which is understood to promote ulcer healing.

[0020]
Carrot (dehydrated at low temp so enzymes are not destroyed).
Carrots are understood to be a good source of folic acid (B9), beta carotene, Vitamin A and antioxidants (phytochemicals).

[0021] Both carrot and cabbage are prepared in a similar manner. In the preferred embodiment, they are locally sourced. After cleaning and chopping they are dehydrated at low temperature, to reduce moisture content. Once dehydrated, they are flaked or powdered. The flaked or powdered product is tested for m oisture.

[0022] Commercial dehydrators suitable for the desired low-temperature dehydration include: vacuum, infrared microwave, osmotic, thermal, NutraREV, radiant energy etc. If dehydration is obtained in a conventional oven, a temperature maximum of 115F, or approximately 45C, should not be exceeded and the heating should be maintained until a desired moisture content is achieved, preferably until the ingredient has a moisture content under 6%. The carrrot and cabbage may also be sun-dried, by being set in a sunny location above 85F with low humidity and insect control.

[0023] All of the ingredients are commercially available and sold as steel cut oats, hemp meal or flour, and dehydrated carrot and cabbage.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the combination and ratio of ingredients are as follows:
1 scoop is equal to 81 grams.
40g per 1 scoop of oat flour.
20g per 1 scoop hemp flour.
12.5g per 1 scoop dehydrated carrot.
8.5g per 1 scoop dehydrated cabbage.

[0025] The above preferred embodiment was found to alleviate digestive tract issues in a seven-month trial with over 40 horses.

[0026] Testing indicates that a suitable feed schedule for the above preferred embodiment is to give 1 scoop (81 grams) orally twice daily per 450 kg horse.
This can be adjusted for horses of different weights and, depending on the apparent effectiveness in alleviating digestive tract issues, can be halved as maintenance or increased to tolerance.

[0027] Workable Variations Daily by Weight 1 gram to 2.2 kg per day of oat flour.
up to 1 kg per day of hemp flour or meal.
up to 1 kg per day of dehydrated carrot.
1 gram to 50 grams per day of dehydrated cabbage.

Formulation For Dogs Field of the Invention

[0028] The present invention relates to the field of animal husbandry, namely feed and feed supplements for dogs.
Background of the Invention

[0029] Research indicates that dogs have a high incidence of gastric and stomach issues including acidosis, colon distension, leaky gut syndrome (caused by damage to the digestive tract lining enabling bacteria, toxins and large molecules to pass into the bloodstream leading to toxicity and inflammation in the body) and an ulcer frequency of up to 57%. These ailments can display as secondary issues such as ongoing pain, allergies, immune disorders, dermatological issues, pancreatitis, colitis, diarrhea, and regurgitation etc. with the cause often undiagnosed. Many of these dogs are under constant veterinarian care for various ailments. These issues can be seen in purebred and mixed breed dogs.

[0030] Known treatments involve the use of pharmaceutical products such as sleroids, immune suppressants such as Apoquel, NSAIDS, antibiotics, and pain medication. Diagnostic testing may include x-rays, scoping of the GI tract and expensive vet recommended processed feeds. A large number of dogs have recurring issues resulting in treatments which can cost thousands of dollars.
Summary of the Invention

[0031] The inventors understand that the diet of the modern dog contributes to digestive tract issues. Processed feeds may contain lower grade protein and by-products which are nutrient deficient (avian carcass for example). By-products are the internal remains of the animal excluding meat but may include diseased tissues, organs and tumors. Many producers of such products add synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals. In addition, binding agents and fillers are used such as corn and wheat gluten, food dyes and propylene glycol. The inventors understand that the dog's digestive system may be stressed by such low quality feeds.
Even natural foods may not be formulated or correctly balanced nutritionally. Food intolerances, allergies and skin issues are believed to be due, in part, to poor quality and biologically inappropriate ingredients in many commercial feeds.

[0032] The inventors believe that these diet factors in combination with natural environmental stressors or genetic predisposition may lead to leaky gut syndrome and associated secondary issues. Regardless of what supplements or feeds are added to the dog's diet, they may suffer from malabsorption issues due to a damaged gastrointestinal tract.

[0033] An aspect of the present invention is a formulation intended to aid in preventing and/or limiting the recurrence of the digestive tract health issues, comprising a natural, whole food supplement that the inventors understand assists in healing the digestive cells and mucosa, allowing the dog to digest properly, and absorb nutrients.
Description of Embodiments

[0034]
Embodiments of the present invention include a formulation with the following ingredients: oat isolate (Beta Glucan); cabbage, dehydrated, flakes or powder, dried; Hemp, meal or flour from seed, dried, less than 10 ppm THC;
carrot, dehydrated, flakes or powder, dried; and food grade diatomaceous earth (DE).

[0035] The inventors understand that a usable moisture content of all ingredients may be in the range of about 5% to 10%, but preferably the moisture content is no more than about 6%. Preferably, the producers follow Good Manufacturing Guidelines (GMP) to ensure the following results:
Yeast and molds: maximum of 500 cfu/gram (colony forming units) Peroxides: less than 20 meq/kg fat (milliequivalents/ kg of fat) Water Activity: less than 0.75 Total Plate Count: Maximum of 100,000 cfu/g

[0036] The ingredients are whole foods that have not been heat processed (enzymes are de-natured and destroyed above 115 F) and all ingredients are preferably graded for human consumption.

[0037] Oat Isolate - Oat flour (steel milled oat groats). Oats are a source of beta glucans, which are understood to maintain regular rate of food passage, and prevent undigested starches from getting into the hind gut. Hindgut has flora specific for fermentation of fiber. The presence of undigested sugar or starches here can cause rise of lactic acid producing bacteria leading to ulcers or other hindgut issues (acidosis). Beta glucans are also understood to activate initial immune responses, and aid in elimination of toxins. (The initial immune response involves the activation of killer cells which respond initially before T and B
cells can fully mobilize).

[0038] The inventors understand that the processing of some commercially available oat flour significantly reduces beta glucans. It is preferable to use a whole grain with only the hull removed, which retains up to 70% of original nutrients, with the beta glucans retained in the endosperm.

[0039] The whole oat is de-hulled (there are numerous types of de-hulling machines) which removes the indigestible outer husk. The resulting oat groat is sent through a steel cutter which splits the groat into 3 or 4 pieces hence the name steel cut oats. These oats are then processed into flour using flour mills which can include small kitchen appliances up to commercial mills ie stone mills, steel burr mills, roller mills, hammer mills etc. These processes use limited heat and therefore do not alter the nature of the oat.

[0040] Hemp meal (steel milled after oil pressed out). Hemp meal is understood to be a good source of digestible proteins (up to 50% protein, and contains all 20 amino acids and all 9 essential amino acids), and a good source of omega 3, 6 and 9 in proper ratios. Hemp meal is understood to provide a readily digestible plant protein, thus reducing the need for cereal grains which may be detrimental to gut health. Hemp meal is understood to be free from estrogen mimickers, lactose, gluten and trypsin, which enables it to be easily absorbed.

[0041] The main hemp derived feed-related products are hemp seed and hemp seed oil. Hemp production is often regulated. In Canada, all commercial industrial hemp growers use pedigreed seeds listed by Health Canada and are slrictly regulated. These seeds produce plants that have less than 0.3% THC in leaves and flowering parts and less than 10 ppm in any products derived from the hemp grain. The inventors understand that there is no THC in the actual seed, and that any THC found when seeds are tested is from small amounts of the plant attached to the seed after cleaning. Manufacturers use extruders to remove the oil from the seed leaving a product they call hemp cake. This cake is then further refined into hemp meal or flour using any number or mill types as mentioned above.
The hemp product used in the embodiments of the present invention is obtained from a certified supplier in Vancouver. The hemp meal and flour used in the embodiments of the present invention test at no more than 2 ppm THC.

[0042] Cabbage - Blend of red and green cabbage (dehydrated at low temp so enzymes are not destroyed). Cabbage is a source of L Glutamine (amino acid) which is understood to balance stomach acid. Cabbage is also a source of choline, a B vitamin and lipotropic nutrient, and assists in maintaining cell membrane structure. Cabbage is also a source of Folate, a vitamin that assists in tissue repair, and is of use in the regeneration of the digestive tract lining, as these cells are replaced as often as every 4 days.
Cabbage is also a source of S-methylmethionine which is understood to promote ulcer healing.

[0043]
Carrot (dehydrated at low temp so enzymes are not destroyed).
Carrots are understood to be a good source of folic acid (B9), beta carotene, Vitamin A and antioxidants (phytochemicals).

[0044] Both carrot and cabbage are prepared in a similar manner. In the preferred embodiment, they are locally sourced. After cleaning and chopping they are dehydrated at low temperature, to reduce moisture content. Once dehydrated, they are flaked or powdered. The flaked or powdered product is tested for moisture.

[0045]
Commercial dehydrators suitable for the desired low-temperature dehydration include: vacuum, infrared microwave, osmotic, thermal, NutraREV, radiant energy etc. If dehydration is obtained in a conventional oven, a temperature maximum of 115F, or approximately 45C, should not be exceeded and the heating should be maintained until a desired moisture content is achieved, preferably until the ingredient has a moisture content under 6%. The carrrot and cabbage may also be sun-dried, by being set in a sunny location above 85F with low humidity and insect control.

[0046]
Ingredients are commercially available and sold as steel cut oats, hemp meal or flour, and dehydrated carrot and cabbage.

[0047]
Diatomaceous earth is single celled honeycomb structured algae organisms encased in a silicon exo-skeletons, consisting of 33% silica, 19%

calcium, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron, and typically including up to about 15 other minerals such as copper and manganese. DE is available in two grades, industrial and food grade. To be considered food grade DE must test for no more than 10 mg/kg of arsenic and 10 mg/kg of lead. The present inventions uses food grade DE.

[0048] The inventors understand that diatomaceous earth is a natural detoxifying agent in that it has an anti-parasite and anti-viral effect, and cleanses the digestive tract. DE is also understood to boost liver function and is beneficial in absorbing harmful toxins from the blood. The inventors understand that DE
retains its traits as a stable particle even when suspended in liquid medium.
It carries an electrical charge allowing it to act as an anti-oxidant, by attracting free radicals, neutralizing them and carrying them from the body. DE is also understood to support bone and connective tissue health.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the dosage is 2 grams orally twice a day per 50Ib dog, with each dose containing:
.63 grams oat flour .63 grams hemp flour .30 grams cabbage .40 grams Carrot .04 grams Diatomaceous earth

[0050] Workable variations of total daily dose per 50Ib dog include:
Oats: .1 grams to 5 grams Hemp: .1 grams to 5 grams Cabbage: .1 grams to 3 grams Carrot: .1 grams to 5 grams DE: up to 1 gram

Claims (8)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1 A formulation for alleviating horse digestive tract issues, a daily feed amount of the formulation comprising:
1 gram to 2.2 kg of oat flour; and

1 gram to 50 grams of dehydrated cabbage.

2. The daily feed amount of the formulation of claim 1 further comprising:
up to 1 kg of hemp flour or meal; and up to 1 kg per day of dehydrated carrot.

3. A formulation for alleviating horse digestive tract issues, wherein a unit dosage of the formulation comprises:
about 40 grams of oat flour;
about 20 grams of dehydrated cabbag;
about 12.5 grams of dehydrated carrot; and about 8.5 grams of dehydrated cabbage.

4. The formulation of claim 3, wherein a daily feed schedule per 450 kg of horse weight for the formulation comprises two unit dosages.

5. The formulation of claim 4, wherein the two unit dosages are provided to the horse in two doses at spaced apart times during the day.

6. A formulation for alleviating dog digestive tract issues, a daily feed amount of the formulation comprising:
oat flour: .1 grams to 5 grams hemp flour: .1 grams to 5 grams dehydrated cabbage: .1 grams to 3 grams dehydrated carrot: .1 grams to 5 grams diatomaceous earth: up to 1 gram

7 The formulation of claim 6, wherein the dosage is about 2 grams orally twice a day per 50Ib dog, with each dose comprising:
about .6 grams oat flour about .6 grams hemp flour about .3 grams dehydrated cabbage about .4 grams dehydrated carrot about .04 grams diatomaceous earth.

8 The formulation of claim 7, wherein each dose comprises:
about .63 grams oat flour about .63 grams hemp flour about .30 grams dehydrated cabbage about .40 grams dehydrated carrot about .04 grams diatomaceous earth.