Antioxidant-containing food composition for use in enhancing antiviral immunity in companion animals
The invention encompasses compositions for enhancing the ability of a companion animal to resist and/or overcome viral infections. The compositions of the invention include an amount of lipoic acid that is effective in enhancing the antiviral immunity of a companion animal.
1. A pet food composition comprising an effective amount of lipoic acid to enhance antiviral activity in a companion animal, wherein said effective amount of lipoic acid to enhance antiviral activity in a companion animal is at least 25 ppm to about 600 ppm, wherein the composition further comprises a source of protein and a source of fat, and wherein the pet food meets the ordinary nutritional requirements of an adult pet.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the effective amount is at least about 50 ppm.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the effective amount is at least about 100 ppm.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the effective amount is about 100 ppm to about 200 ppm.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the companion animal is a dog.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the companion animal is a cat.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the effective amount is effective to enhance innate antiviral activity in a companion animal.