Methods of making coated pet food products

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a coated pet food is provided. The method comprises providing an edible core having a moisture content of at least about 50% and a volume of from about 0.256 cubic centimeters to about 16.4 cubic centimeters. A first layer comprising a first plurality of particles is bonded to the edible core to provide the coated pet food. The first layer of the coated pet food resists 98% of abrasion in an abrasion test.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 433,293, filed May 12, 2006, which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 682,901, filed May 20, 2005. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a coated pet food, that presents a desirable appearance to a consumer, improved texture, and easy to access and manage by a pet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pet foods are generally manufactured and available in dry, moist and semi-moist formulations. Pet foods may be prepared from proteinaceous materials such as meat, including meat by-products or fish. Pet foods can further be formed from a combination of farinaceous materials, such as wheat or other grains, or proteinaceous materials. While flavorings and aroma modifiers are used to improve palatability, uncoated pet foods ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to a coated pet food product with a specific moisture content and a solid fraction. The pet food has a core with a coating that includes a binder. The binder does not include a gel, gum, or hydrocolloid. The coating is applied by compressing, molding, or extruding the binder onto the core. The coating can be bonded to the core with a second layer to form agglomerates. The coated pet food can be heat-treated to set the coating and kill microbes. The coating can also be applied with another coating that provides a non-glossy appearance. The technical effects include an improved texture and appearance of the coated pet food, as well as improved preservability and a reduced risk of foodborne illness.

Problems solved by technology

While flavorings and aroma modifiers are used to improve palatability, uncoated pet foods often suffer from lack of appeal to consumers.

Other disadvantages of the current components of pet foods include undesirable color, unpleasant odor and hard cores that do not appear to be real meat products.