1. A method of treating or preventing degenerative conditions of joints in a companion animal, which comprises feeding the animal companion a food composition comprising one or more pyruvates in an amount effective to treat or prevent degenerative conditions of the joints, where a usable composition is a food composition. The method of claim 1, wherein the companion animal is a dog. The method of claim 1, wherein the companion animal is a cat. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the amount of one or more pyruvates is up to about 20% wt. by weight of the composition. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the amount of one or more pyruvates is from about 0.1% wt. up to 10% wt. by weight of the composition. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the amount of one or more pyruvates is about 5% wt. by weight of the composition. 7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and combinations thereof. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition is a nutritious diet, feed additive, treat or animal toy. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the degenerative state of the joints includes osteoarthritis. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the degenerative state of the joints includes damage to the cartilage. Ready-to-eat food composition for pets, comprising at least one pyruvate, where the amount of one or more pyruvates is from about 3% to about 6% wt. by weight of the composition. 12. A composition according to claim 11, comprising dog food. The composition according to claim 11, representing the feed1. Способ лечения или предотвращения дегенеративных состояний суставов у животного-компаньона, который включает кормление животного компаньона пищевой композицией, включающей один или более пируватов в количест
