Composition and method

Abstract

An aqueous gel suitable for ingestion by a cat or dog comprising, a. an effective amount of a gelling agent, b. an effective amount of a cat or dog palatability enhancing agent, and c. at least about 85 wt. % water.

1 . An aqueous gel suitable for ingestion by a cat or dog comprising, 
 (a) an effective amount of a gelling agent,    (b) an effective amount of a cat or dog palatability enhancing agent, and    (c) at least about 85 wt. % water.    
     
     
         2 . The aqueous gel of  claim 1  wherein the gelling agent is kappa carrageenan.  
     
     
         3 . The aqueous gel of  claim 1  wherein there is at least about 85 wt. % water.  
     
     
         4 . A diet meeting the nutritional requirement of a cat or dog in association with an aqueous gel of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . The diet of  claim 4  wherein the gelling agent is kappa carrageenan.  
     
     
         6 . The diet of  claim 4  wherein there is at least about 85 wt. % water.  
     
     
         7 . A method for at least assisting in preventing lower urinary tract disorders in a cat or dog which comprises feeding a cat or dog the aqueous gel of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the gelling agent is kappa carrageenan.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  where the aqueous gel is at least about 85 wt. % water.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the lower urinary tract disorder is selected from the group consisting of urolithiasis, crystalluria, cystitis, Feline or Canine Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and urethal plugs.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the condition is urolithiasis.  
     
     
         12 . A method for treatment of lower urinary tract disorders in a cat or dog which comprises feeding a cat or dog an aqueous gel of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the gelling agent is kappa carrageenan.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the aqueous gel is at least 85 wt. % water.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the lower urinary tract disorder is selected from the group consisting of urolithiasis, crystalluria, cystitis, idiopathic obstruction, and urethal plugs.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the disorder is urolithiasis.  
     
     
         17 . A method for assisting in providing increased total water consumption to a cat or dog in need thereof which comprises feeding a cat or dog an aqueous gel of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the cat or dog has diabetes, is lactating, exercising, or growing.