Pet snack capable of relieving emotion as well as preparation method and application of pet snack

Abstract

The invention provides pet snacks capable of relieving emotion as well as a preparation method and application of the pet snacks, and belongs to the technical field of pet snacks. The pet snack prepared by taking the carob bean powder as a main component and compounding the carob bean powder with the white granulated sugar, the green tea leaves, the skim milk powder, the demineralized whey powder, the valerian extract, the lemon balm extract, the edible essence, the vanillin, the pet phagostimulant and the edible oil has the effects of relieving pet mood and relieving pet stress; particularly, the carob powder is combined with the valerian extract and the lemon balm extract for use, so that the pet food has more remarkable anti-stress performance for pets, and a synergistic interaction effect is achieved. The pet snack prepared by the invention also has high safety and no toxic or side effect, and can be eaten for a long time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of pet snacks, and in particular relates to a mood-relieving pet snack and a preparation method and application thereof. Background Art

[0002] As pet owners become more knowledgeable about pet care, their perspectives on pet care are evolving, and the pet market is experiencing a consumption upgrade. "Anthropomorphism" is a trend in pet food consumption. Chocolate is a popular human snack, known for its soothing and uplifting properties. However, pets shouldn't eat chocolate because cocoa powder, its primary ingredient, contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, and abnormal behavior. Higher intakes can lead to neurological symptoms, which can be fatal if left untreated.

[0003] Currently, most pet snacks contain meat ingredients, which is why pets love them. However, long-term consumption can lead to obesity and other diseases. Pets also have poor stress tolerance. Changes in their living environment, separation from their owners, and noise can all trigger stress responses, leading to adverse symptoms such as increased heart rate, myocardial ischemia, elevated blood pressure, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Therefore, developing pet snacks that are suitable for long-term consumption, are non-toxic and have side effects, and can also soothe and alleviate stress is a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a mood-soothing pet snack, a preparation method thereof, and an application thereof. The pet snack has the effects of soothing the pet's mood and relieving the pet's stress.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention provides a mood-soothing pet snack, comprising the following components in parts by weight: 330-460 parts of carob powder, 200-250 parts of white granulated sugar, 30-50 parts of green tea leaves, 50-150 parts of skimmed milk powder, 60-100 parts of desalted whey powder, 20-50 parts of valerian extract, 20-50 parts of lemon balm extract, 10-20 parts of edible flavoring, 5-10 parts of vanillin, 1-10 parts of a pet attractant, and 10-40 parts of edible oil.

[0007] The present invention provides a preparation method of mood-soothing pet snacks, comprising the following steps: finely grinding white sugar, carob powder, skimmed milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin, and a pet attractant at a constant temperature, then adding edible oil and edible flavoring, stirring and cooling, adding green tea leaves, valerian extract, and lemon balm extract, continuing fine grinding, transferring the mixture into a heat-insulating tank for deodorization and degassing, pouring and molding, and cooling to obtain the pet snacks.

[0008] Preferably, the constant temperature fine grinding is performed to a fineness of less than 30 μm.

[0009] Preferably, the temperature of the constant temperature fine grinding is 45-50°C.

[0010] Preferably, the green tea leaves are put into a crusher and crushed for 6 to 9 minutes.

[0011] Preferably, the green tea leaves are added at a temperature of 25-30°C.

[0012] Preferably, the deodorization and degassing time is 8 to 15 hours.

[0013] Preferably, the casting should be left to stand for 8 to 10 minutes.

[0014] The present invention also provides use of the pet snack in preparing mood-relieving and stress-resistant pet products.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The present invention uses carob powder as a main component, completely replaces cocoa powder or cocoa butter substitute, and the prepared pet snacks have chocolate flavor and are loved by pets. The present invention uses carob powder in combination with valerian extract and lemon balm extract, which can significantly enhance the anti-stress ability of animals and has a synergistic effect. It has been verified by zoological experiments that the pet snacks prepared by the present invention have significant anti-stress and mood-relieving effects, are safe and have no toxic side effects, are palatable, and can be eaten for a long time.

[0017] The pet snacks prepared by the present invention do not require high-value meat as a component, have low cost, and are simple and easy to prepare. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Diagram of stool scoring chart.

[0019] Figure 2 Fecal scoring results of the experimental dogs in each group.

[0020] Figure 3 The test results of ACTH content in blood and CORT content in saliva of each group of experimental dogs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention provides a mood-soothing pet snack comprising the following components by weight: 330-460 parts carob powder, 200-250 parts white sugar, 30-50 parts green tea leaves, 50-150 parts skim milk powder, 60-100 parts demineralized whey powder, 20-50 parts valerian extract, 20-50 parts lemon balm extract, 10-20 parts edible flavoring, 5-10 parts vanillin, 1-10 parts pet attractant, and 10-25 parts cooking oil. Unless otherwise specified, the components described herein are commercially available products familiar to those skilled in the art. The pet snack prepared by combining the components described herein in appropriate amounts not only has a chocolate flavor and physical properties, but also increases fiber intake, is low in sodium, high in calcium, and is nutritious, benefiting pet health. Furthermore, animal testing has demonstrated that the pet snack also has anti-stress and mood-soothing effects. The pet snack prepared by the present invention can be suitable for a variety of pets, such as dogs, cats, rodents, and birds.

[0022] In the present invention, the carob bean powder does not contain theobromine, caffeine, etc., has similar material properties and flavor to cocoa powder, is rich in natural polyphenol antioxidants, and may have anti-stress and soothing effects on animals. It also contains a large amount of dietary fiber and has far fewer calories than cocoa powder or cocoa butter substitutes. The carob bean powder of the present invention replaces cocoa powder or cocoa butter substitutes, increases fiber intake, reduces fat content, contains antioxidants (flavonoids), has free radical scavenging activity, and also has the nutritional properties of low sodium and high calcium.

[0023] In the present invention, the green tea leaves contain a variety of nutrients necessary for living organisms, such as vitamins, polyphenols and mineral elements, and when combined with carob powder, they have high functional nutritional value for the body; the skimmed milk powder adds milk flavor; the desalted whey powder, as a milk powder additive, removes mineral salts from the whey powder, which can reduce the burden on pets' kidneys; the white sugar, edible flavoring, vanillin, edible oil and pet attractant described in the present invention can improve the palatability of pet snacks.

[0024] In the present invention, the valerian extract has antidepressant, sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties; the lemon balm extract has a sedative effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance cognitive ability. The present invention combines carob powder with valerian extract and lemon balm extract to achieve significant anti-stress and mood-soothing effects in animals, achieving a synergistic effect.

[0025] The present invention provides a method for preparing pet snacks, comprising the steps of: finely grinding white sugar, carob powder, skim milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin, and a pet attractant at a constant temperature, then adding edible oil and edible essence, stirring and cooling, adding green tea leaves, valerian extract, and lemon balm extract, continuing fine grinding, transferring the mixture into a heat-insulating vat for deodorization and degassing, casting and molding, and cooling to obtain the pet snacks. The pet snacks prepared by the present invention have a chocolate flavor and are highly favored by pets. The pet snacks can also be prepared in various shapes, have a moderate hardness, and have a good chewing texture.

[0026] In the present invention, the constant temperature fine grinding is performed to a fineness of 30 μm or less; the temperature of the constant temperature fine grinding is 45-50°C, preferably 46-49°C. The appropriate fineness and temperature set by the present invention can ensure that the mixed materials are mixed evenly, forming a highly uniform and consistent dispersion system, which is conducive to emulsification. It can also reduce the moisture content of the mixed materials, making the prepared pet snacks moderately hard, having a good chewing texture, and being smooth and moist after chewing. At the same time, it also enhances the flavor of the mixed materials, and can enhance and adjust the fragrance.

[0027] In the present invention, the green tea leaves need to be put into a crusher and ground for 6 to 9 minutes, preferably 7 to 8 minutes. The temperature of the green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract obtained by the present invention when added to the finely ground mixed material is 25 to 30°C, preferably 26 to 29°C. The setting of this temperature allows the nutrients in the green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract to be gradually and slowly released, and not to be decomposed and released too quickly, thereby retaining the activity of the active ingredients and facilitating the mutual fusion of the components. After adding the green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract, the present invention needs to continue fine grinding for 10 to 20 minutes, preferably 12 to 18 minutes, to ensure the effective release of the nutrients of the green tea leaf, valerian extract and lemon balm extract, while ensuring that the active ingredients are evenly distributed in the material.

[0028] In the present invention, the deodorization and degassing time is 8 to 15 hours, preferably 9 to 14 hours. The present invention transfers the finely ground material into a heat preservation tank for heat preservation and stirring to achieve the purpose of deodorization and degassing. The heat preservation temperature of the present invention is 30 to 50°C.

[0029] In this invention, the mold must be left to rest for 8-10 minutes after pouring to allow the material to fully expand within the mold. The molds described herein include chocolate bean molds, chocolate bar molds, or chocolate bar molds. The molds must be frozen for 2-4 hours after resting, then demolded and placed in a dry, moisture-proof bag. Pet snacks prepared in this invention should be stored sealed and out of direct sunlight at a temperature of 20-23°C and a humidity of 30-40%.

[0030] In the present invention, the sources of the components involved in the embodiments are as follows: carob powder was purchased from Fufeng Snow Biotechnology Co., Ltd., SNT210622; white sugar was purchased from Swire Sugar (China) Co., Ltd., 862535; green tea leaves were purchased from Wuxi Hongrunhong Agricultural Products Co., Ltd.; skimmed milk powder was purchased from Xiamen Weikeduo Food Technology Co., Ltd.; skimmed whey powder was purchased from Henan Bohao Food Additives Co., Ltd.; edible flavors and vanillin were purchased from Guangdong Dingsheng Food Ingredients Co., Ltd.; pet attractants were purchased from Sichuan Huatang Jurui Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; valerian extract was purchased from Shanxi Lisheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; lemon balm extract was purchased from Shaanxi Yuanshengte Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; soybean oil was purchased from Shandong Fuzekang Edible Oil Co., Ltd.

[0031] The present invention also provides use of the pet snack in preparing mood-relieving and stress-resistant pet products.

[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 380 parts of carob powder, 250 parts of white granulated sugar, 50 parts of green tea leaves, 100 parts of skimmed milk powder, 100 parts of desalted whey powder, 20 parts of valerian extract, 30 parts of lemon balm extract, 15 parts of edible flavoring, 10 parts of vanillin, 10 parts of pet attractant, and 35 parts of soybean oil.

[0035] The preparation method comprises the following steps:

[0036] (1) Quantitative weighing: Weigh the corresponding components according to the above weight parts and set aside;

[0037] (2) Grinding with auxiliary agents: Put the green tea leaves into a crusher and grind them for 8 minutes, then take them out for later use;

[0038] (3) Constant temperature fine grinding: white sugar, carob powder, skimmed milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin and pet attractant are fully mixed, added to the fine grinder, and finely ground to a fineness of less than 30 μm. The temperature of the fine grinding process is controlled at 50°C;

[0039] (4) After fine grinding, the material is cooled to 40°C in the fine grinder, and then soybean oil and edible flavoring are added to the mixed material and stirred again for 15 minutes; then the material is cooled to 30°C in the fine grinder, and the prepared green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract are added, and fine grinding is continued for 15 minutes;

[0040] (5) Deodorization and degassing: transfer the finely ground material into a heat preservation tank and keep it warm at 40°C, stirring, and deodorizing and degassing for 10 hours to remove the green tea smell that dogs dislike;

[0041] (6) drip casting and molding: slowly pour the material obtained in step (5) into the casting mold, and let it stand for 10 minutes after casting;

[0042] (7) Cooling: Place the casting material mold prepared in step (6) into the freezer of a refrigerator and freeze for 3 hours, then demold;

[0043] (8) Packaging: The product after demoulding in step (7) is placed in a dry moisture-proof bag for storage;

[0044] (9) Storage: Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight at a temperature of 20-23°C and a humidity of 30-40%.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 400 parts of carob powder, 240 parts of white sugar, 50 parts of green tea leaves, 100 parts of skimmed milk powder, 100 parts of desalted whey powder, 30 parts of valerian extract, 30 parts of lemon balm extract, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 10 parts of vanillin, 6 parts of pet attractant, and 24 parts of soybean oil.

[0047] The preparation method comprises the following steps:

[0048] (1) Quantitative weighing: Weigh the corresponding components according to the above weight parts and set aside;

[0049] (2) Grinding with auxiliary agents: Put the green tea leaves into a crusher and grind them for 9 minutes, then take them out for later use;

[0050] (3) Constant temperature fine grinding: white sugar, carob powder, skimmed milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin and pet attractant are fully mixed, added to the fine grinder, and finely ground to a fineness of less than 30 μm. The temperature during the fine grinding process is controlled at 45°C;

[0051] (4) After the fine grinding is completed, the material is cooled to 35°C in the fine grinder, and then soybean oil and edible flavoring are added to the mixed material and stirred again for 10 minutes; then the material is cooled to 25°C in the fine grinder, and the prepared green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract are added, and the fine grinding is continued for 20 minutes;

[0052] (5) Deodorization and degassing: transfer the finely ground material into a heat preservation tank and keep it warm at 50°C, stirring, and deodorizing and degassing for 15 hours to remove the green tea smell that dogs dislike;

[0053] (6) drip casting and molding: slowly pour the material obtained in step (5) into the casting mold, and let it stand for 8 minutes after casting;

[0054] (7) Cooling: Place the casting material mold prepared in step (6) into the freezer of a refrigerator and freeze for 4 hours, then demold;

[0055] (8) Packaging: The product after demoulding in step (7) is placed in a dry moisture-proof bag for storage;

[0056] (9) Storage: Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight at a temperature of 20-23°C and a humidity of 30-40%.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 420 parts of carob powder, 230 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 100 parts of desalted whey powder, 40 parts of valerian extract, 40 parts of lemon balm extract, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 10 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 25 parts of soybean oil.

[0059] The preparation method comprises the following steps:

[0060] (1) Quantitative weighing: Weigh the corresponding components according to the above weight parts and set aside;

[0061] (2) Grinding with auxiliary agents: Put the green tea leaves into a crusher and grind them for 6 minutes, then take them out for later use;

[0062] (3) Constant temperature fine grinding: white sugar, carob powder, skimmed milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin and pet attractant are fully mixed, added to the fine grinder, and finely ground to a fineness of less than 30 μm. The temperature of the fine grinding process is controlled at 48°C;

[0063] (4) After the fine grinding is completed, the material is cooled to 38°C in the fine grinder, and then soybean oil and edible flavoring are added to the mixed material and stirred again for 13 minutes; then the material is cooled to 28°C in the fine grinder, and the prepared green tea leaf powder, valerian extract and lemon balm extract are added, and fine grinding is continued for 15 minutes;

[0064] (5) Deodorization and degassing: transfer the ground material into a heat preservation tank and keep it warm at 40°C, stir, and deodorize and degas for 8 hours to remove the green tea smell that dogs dislike;

[0065] (6) Drop casting and molding: slowly pour the material obtained in step (5) into the casting mold, and let it stand for 9 minutes after casting;

[0066] (7) Cooling: Place the casting material mold prepared in step (6) into the freezer of a refrigerator and freeze for 3 hours, then demold;

[0067] (8) Packaging: The product after demoulding in step (7) is placed in a dry moisture-proof bag for storage;

[0068] (9) Storage: Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight at a temperature of 20-23°C and a humidity of 30-40%.

[0069] Example 4

[0070] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 440 parts of carob powder, 220 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 90 parts of desalted whey powder, 50 parts of valerian extract, 40 parts of lemon balm extract, 15 parts of edible flavoring, 5 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 20 parts of soybean oil.

[0071] The preparation method is the same as that of Example 1.

[0072] Example 5

[0073] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 460 parts of carob powder, 200 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 90 parts of desalted whey powder, 50 parts of valerian extract, 50 parts of lemon balm extract, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 5 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 10 parts of soybean oil.

[0074] The preparation method is the same as that of Example 1.

[0075] Comparative Example 1

[0076] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 560 parts of carob powder, 200 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 90 parts of desalted whey powder, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 5 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 10 parts of soybean oil.

[0077] The preparation method is the same as that of Example 1.

[0078] Comparative Example 2

[0079] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 460 parts of carob powder, 200 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 90 parts of desalted whey powder, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 50 parts of valerian extract, 5 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 10 parts of soybean oil.

[0080] Comparative Example 3

[0081] A pet snack is prepared from the following components in parts by weight: 460 parts of carob powder, 200 parts of white granulated sugar, 40 parts of green tea leaves, 80 parts of skimmed milk powder, 90 parts of desalted whey powder, 10 parts of edible flavoring, 50 parts of valerian extract, 50 parts of ginkgo leaf extract, 5 parts of vanillin, 5 parts of pet attractant, and 10 parts of soybean oil.

[0082] Example 6 Animal Safety Test of Pet Snacks

[0083] Thirty-two healthy beagle dogs were enrolled in this study. All dogs were over one week old, of similar weight, and were half male and half female. All dogs had no history of immune-mediated diseases, no allergies, and no other conditions that could cause chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, metabolic disorders, parasitic diseases, and kidney disease. Dogs had not taken medications or diets related to the study function, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, or surgical procedures within the past three months. Pregnant or lactating dogs that could not eat orally were excluded.

[0084] 32 healthy beagle dogs were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups, with half male and half female in each group, namely the control group, Example 1 group, Example 3 group and Example 5 group. The control group was fed only a normal diet. The Example 1 group was fed an additional 10 grams of pet snacks prepared in Example 1 per day on the basis of feeding the normal diet. The Example 3 group was fed an additional 10 grams of pet snacks prepared in Example 3 per day on the basis of feeding the normal diet. The Example 5 group was fed an additional 10 grams of pet snacks prepared in Example 5 per day on the basis of feeding the normal diet. All dogs were fed the same basal diet, and the feeding amount met the energy and nutritional needs of adult dogs. Each treatment was repeated 8 times, with 1 dog in each repeat. During the test, the general condition of each dog was observed during feeding and any abnormalities were recorded. During the 5-day pre-feeding period, each dog was observed to see if it refused to eat the basal diet or if the amount of food consumed was abnormally reduced. If the above situation occurred, the dog could not participate in the test. The formal trial period was 84 days. The subjects were weighed and their stool scores were performed on days 0, 42, and 84. Blood samples were collected on days 42 and 84 for hematological and biochemical tests.

[0085] Weight gain test: Pull the test dog onto the pet scale and read the weight after the scale stabilizes. Figure 1 As shown, on days 0, 42 and 84, there were no significant differences in body weight data between the groups 1, 3 and 5 of Examples and the control group (P>0.05), demonstrating that the pet snacks of the present invention do not affect the growth of pets.

[0086] Hematological indices were measured using an automated hematology analyzer on whole blood collected from the animals. As shown in Tables 1-2, on days 42 and 84 of the experiment, there were no significant differences in hematological indices between groups 1, 3, and 5 compared to the control group (P>0.05). Furthermore, all hematological indices in each treatment group were within the normal physiological range for dogs.

[0087] Table 1 Hematological parameters on day 42

[0088]

[0089] Table 2 Hematological parameters on day 84

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] Blood biochemical index detection: A fully automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure blood biochemical indexes of serum samples. As shown in Tables 3-4, blood biochemical indexes include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting blood glucose (GLU), blood urea nitrogen standard value (BUN), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), normal creatinine value (Cr), total cholesterol (TCHO), total protein (TP), serum albumin (ALB), and globulin (G); on days 42 and 84 of the experiment, compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in the blood biochemical indexes of dogs in groups 1, 3, and 5 of Examples (P>0.05), and the blood biochemical indexes of each treatment group were all within the normal range for dogs, indicating that the pet snacks of the present invention have no negative impact on the liver and kidney functions and sugar and protein metabolism of dogs.

[0093] Table 3 Blood biochemical indicators on day 42

[0094]

[0095] Table 4 Blood biochemical indicators on day 84

[0096]

[0097] Stool scoring: Stool scoring is based on the Waltham stool scoring table. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, professionals observe the shape of fresh feces and give scores. Figure 2 As shown, there was no significant difference in the fecal status of the dogs in Examples 1, 3 and 5 compared with the control group (P>0.05), indicating that the pet snacks of the present invention had no negative impact on the digestion, fecal status and intestinal health of dogs.

[0098] Example 7: Test on the Anti-Stress Effect of Pet Snacks on Animals

[0099] In this experiment, 40 beagle dogs from the same batch that showed mild diarrhea, poor appetite and poor mental state after long-distance transportation were selected and randomly divided into 5 treatment groups, 8 in each group, namely the control group, Example 5 group, Comparative Example 1 group, Comparative Example 2 group and Comparative Example 3 group. In addition, 8 healthy beagle dogs from the same batch that had not been transported were selected as the healthy group. The control group and the healthy group were fed a normal diet, and the Example 5 group was fed an additional 10 grams of pet snacks prepared by Example 5 on the basis of feeding a normal diet. The Comparative Examples 1-3 groups were fed an additional 10 grams of pet snacks prepared by Comparative Examples 1-3 on the basis of feeding a normal diet, and the feeding amount met the energy and nutritional needs of adult dogs. Each treatment was repeated 10 times, and each repetition involved 1 dog. The pre-test lasted 5 days, during which each dog was observed to see if it refused to eat the basal diet or if the amount of food consumed was abnormally reduced. If the above situation occurred, the dog could not participate in the experiment. The formal test period was 6 days. Blood samples were collected from the dogs on the 3rd and 6th days to detect the concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood and corticosterone (CORT) in the saliva.

[0100] Method for detecting ACTH in blood: The collected blood was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the canine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ELISA detection kit was purchased from Huke Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The specimen, standard, and horseradish peroxidase-labeled detection antibody were added to the coated microwells pre-coated with canine ACTH capture antibodies, in sequence, and incubated and thoroughly washed. The substrate tetramethylbenzidine was used for color development. Tetramethylbenzidine was converted to blue under the catalysis of peroxidase, and converted to the final yellow under the action of acid. The depth of the color is positively correlated with the canine ACTH in the sample. The absorbance (OD value) was measured at a wavelength of 450nm using an enzyme reader to calculate the sample concentration.

[0101] To test for CORT in saliva, use an 8mm x 125mm swab to collect a sample from the dog's mouth for approximately 1 minute. Place the swab in a 17mm x 100mm centrifuge tube. CORT is measured using a radioimmunoassay.

[0102] When dogs are under stress, the secretion of ACTH in the blood increases, which then stimulates the release of adrenal cortex hormones. Figure 3As shown, on day 0 from the start of the experiment, there was no significant difference in ACTH content among the control group, Example 5 group, and Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3 groups (P>0.05), while the ACTH content of the control group, Example 5 group, and Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3 groups was significantly higher than that of the healthy group (P≤0.05), indicating that on day 0, all five groups of dogs except the healthy group had stress reactions. As for the ACTH content on the 3rd day, the Example 5 group was significantly higher than the healthy group (P≤0.05), the Comparative Example 3 group was significantly higher than the Example 5 group (P≤0.05), the Comparative Example 2 group was significantly higher than the Comparative Example 3 group (P≤0.05), and there was no significant difference between the control group and the Comparative Example 1 group (P>0.05), and all were significantly higher than the Comparative Example 2 group (P≤0.05), indicating that the Example 5 group, the Comparative Example 1 group, the Comparative Example 2 group and the Comparative Example 3 group were able to reduce the secretion of ACTH in the blood to a certain extent on the 3rd day, and were ranked according to the size of the effect as follows: Example 5, Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 1. On the 6th day, there was no significant difference in ACTH content between Example 5 group and healthy group (P>0.05), Comparative Example 3 group was significantly greater than Example 5 group and healthy group (P≤0.05), Comparative Example 2 group was significantly higher than Comparative Example 3 group (P≤0.05), Comparative Example 1 group was significantly greater than Comparative Example 2 group (P≤0.05), and the control group was significantly higher than Comparative Example 1 group (P≤0.05). This shows that Example 5 has a reducing effect on the ACTH content produced by stress and is reduced to a healthy level, while Comparative Examples 1, 2 and 3 groups, although they can reduce ACTH content to a certain extent, their effect is lower than that of Example 5 group.

[0103] The CORT content in saliva increases when dogs are under stress. Figure 3As shown in the results, on day 0 from the start of the experiment, there was no significant difference in CORT content among the control group, Example 5 group, Comparative Examples 1, 2 and 3 groups (P>0.05), while the CORT content of the control group, Example 5 group, Comparative Examples 1, 2 and 3 groups was significantly higher than that of the healthy group (P≤0.05), indicating that on day 0, the five groups of dogs except the healthy group had stress response. As for the CORT content on the 3rd day, there was no significant difference between Example 5 group and the healthy group (P>0.05), there was no significant difference between Comparative Example 3 group and Example 5 group (P>0.05), Comparative Example 3 group was significantly higher than the healthy group (P≤0.05), there was no significant difference between Comparative Example 2 group and Comparative Example 3 group (P>0.05), Comparative Example 2 group was significantly higher than Example 5 group (P≤0.05), there was no significant difference between Comparative Example 1 and 2 groups and the control group (P>0.05), and the control group and Comparative Example 1 group were significantly higher than Comparative Example 3 group (P≤0.05), indicating that Example 5 group reduced the secretion of CORT in saliva on the 3rd day and reached the level of the healthy group, while Comparative Example 1 and 2 groups had no effect on reducing CORT in saliva on the 3rd day. Although Comparative Example 3 group reduced CORT in saliva, its effect failed to reduce it to a healthy level. On the 6th day, there was no significant difference in CORT content between Example 5 groups and the healthy group (P>0.05), Comparative Example 3 group was significantly higher than the healthy group and Example 5 group (P≤0.05), Comparative Example 2 group and Comparative Example 3 group had no significant difference (P>0.05), Comparative Example 2 group was significantly higher than Example 5 group and the healthy group (P≤0.05), Comparative Example 1 group and Comparative Example 2 group had no significant difference (P>0.05), Comparative Example 1 group was significantly higher than Comparative Example 3 group (P≤0.05), Control group and Comparative Example 1 group had no significant difference (P>0.05), Control group was significantly higher than Comparative Example 2 group (P≤0.05). Show that on the 6th day, Example 5 group had a significant reducing effect on the CORT content produced by stress and was reduced to a healthy level, and although Comparative Examples 1, 2 and 3 groups can reduce CORT content to a certain extent, Example 5 group is better.

[0104] The above results show that compared with the use of carob powder alone, carob powder and valerian extract, or replacing equal amounts of lemon balm extract and carob powder with ginkgo leaf extract, the combination of carob powder with valerian extract and lemon balm extract has a synergistic effect. Combined use can better relieve dogs' stress response and help soothe pets' emotions.

[0105] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pet snack that soothes mood, characterized in that: The invention comprises the following components in parts by weight: 330-460 parts of carob powder, 200-250 parts of white sugar, 30-50 parts of green tea leaves, 50-150 parts of skimmed milk powder, 60-100 parts of desalted whey powder, 20-50 parts of valerian extract, 20-50 parts of lemon balm extract, 10-20 parts of edible flavoring, 5-10 parts of vanillin, 1-10 parts of pet attractant and 10-40 parts of edible oil.

2. A method for preparing a mood-relief pet snack, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: finely grinding white sugar, carob powder, skimmed milk powder, desalted whey powder, vanillin and a pet attractant at a constant temperature, then adding edible oil and edible essence, stirring and cooling, adding green tea leaves, valerian extract and lemon balm extract, continuing fine grinding, transferring the mixture into a heat preservation tank for deodorization and degassing, pouring and molding, and cooling to obtain the pet snacks.

3. The preparation method according to claim 2, wherein The constant temperature fine grinding is performed to a fineness of less than 30 μm.

4. The preparation method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The temperature of the constant temperature fine grinding is 45-50°C.

5. The preparation method according to claim 2, wherein: The green tea leaves are put into a crusher and crushed for 6 to 9 minutes.

6. The preparation method according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: The green tea leaves are added at a temperature of 25-30°C.

7. The preparation method according to claim 2, wherein: The deodorization and degassing time is 8 to 15 hours.

8. The preparation method according to claim 2, wherein: After pouring, it needs to be left to stand for 8 to 10 minutes.

9. Use of the pet snack according to claim 1 in preparing a mood-relief and stress-relief pet product.

Images