An edible substance

Abstract

The present invention relates to an edible product, which comprises a main body and m solid or hollow bodies, the main body comprising n cavities, the solid or hollow bodies being located in the cavities of the main body, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and m ≤ n, and the maximum outer diameter of the solid or hollow bodies being less than the minimum inner diameter of the cavities. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the edible product and its uses.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201910342089.2, titled "An Edible Substance and Its Preparation Method", with a filing date of April 26, 2019.

[0002] Citation of Priority

[0003] The parent case of this application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application CN201810395920.6 (titled "An Edible Substance and Its Preparation Method") filed on April 27, 2018. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention belongs to the field of food technology, and particularly relates to edible substances for animals, their preparation methods and uses. Background Art

[0005] In the field of animal food, how to improve the interest of animals, especially anorectic animals, in food has always been a concern of those skilled in the art.

[0006] In response to this problem, those skilled in the art have made various attempts:

[0007] WO2008 / 085293 discloses an improved minced meat product and a method for preparing the minced meat product. The minced meat product has a realistic fiber profile, and the fiber profile provides a very realistic meat-like appearance and look similar to muscle.

[0008] WO2004 / 023887 discloses a method for producing pet food, including: mixing protein raw materials to generate minced meat; heating the minced meat above the boiling point of water; pressurizing the minced meat in a restricted pressurized area; coloring the minced meat in the restricted pressurized area; and discharging the minced meat in the form of discontinuous pet food pieces or thick pieces. The food has a colored exterior to mimic the appearance of real meat with a marinated or grilled look.

[0009] WO2016 / 094726 discloses a flavor composition, which contains at least one compound that regulates, increases, and / or enhances the activity of the GPR120 fatty acid receptor that can be used to enhance the fatty acid taste and / or palatability of pet food. The flavor composition can enhance the palatability of food to animals in food.

[0010] In summary, so far, the attempts in this field have mainly focused on improving the shape, color, texture, and flavor of food to improve the interest of animals in food.

[0011] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field of animal food for other ways to improve the interest of animals in food. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an edible product that is more attractive to animals. Through creative efforts, the inventor has achieved the said object.

[0013] Specifically, the present invention provides an edible product, which comprises: a) a main body, the main body comprising n cavities; and b) m solid bodies or hollow bodies located within the cavities of the main body, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and m ≤ n. In one embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the solid body or hollow body is less than the minimum inner diameter of the cavity, such that the solid body or hollow body can move relative to the cavity. In one embodiment, the main body or the solid body or hollow body independently has a Shore A durometer hardness of at least 50.

[0014] In an edible product of the present invention, part or all of the main body comprises cavities. By part or all, it means that some parts of the main body have cavities while some do not. The cavity contains one or more solid bodies or hollow bodies, which means that within the main body with cavities, the cavity can contain one solid body or hollow body, or multiple solid bodies or hollow bodies. The solid body or hollow body can rotate, shake, slide or turn within the cavity. When the edible product is rotated, shaken, slid or turned, the solid body or hollow body can collide with the inner wall of the main body to produce sound, thereby arousing the interest of animals when they chase the main body, and thus increasing the animals' interest in food. In each feeding process or interaction session, on the one hand, the pet owner can use this unique sound to stimulate the interest of the animal; on the other hand, the animal will form a conditioned reflex to eat the food when it hears this sound.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the main body or the cavity is circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, star-shaped, triangular, heart-shaped or flower-shaped or any combination thereof. The shape of the main body or the cavity can be diverse without affecting the animal's interest in the main body. In a further embodiment, the cavity is a spherical or square cavity or other irregular shape.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the solid body or hollow body is circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, star-shaped, triangular, heart-shaped or flower-shaped or any combination thereof. The shape of the solid body or hollow body can be diverse without affecting the animal's interest in the main body. In one embodiment, the solid body or hollow body is respectively a solid sphere or a hollow sphere or other irregular cube.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the sizes of one or more cavities are the same or different.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the sizes of one or more solid bodies or hollow bodies are the same or different.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the size of the solid body or hollow body is smaller than the size of the cavity in which it is located, such that the solid body or hollow body can rotate, shake, slide, and swing within the cavity, thereby making a sound and stimulating the interest of an animal. In a further embodiment, an opening or openings are provided on a part or all of the body, and the size of the opening or openings is set such that the solid body or hollow body does not fall out of the cavity through the opening or openings.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the shape of the body is in the shape of an orangutan, lion, crocodile, hedgehog, bear, cow, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, cat, pig, hippopotamus, or panda, or other animals.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the sizes of the openings of the one or more cavities are the same or different.

[0022] In a further embodiment, each cavity contains a solid body and / or a hollow body. In a further embodiment, each cavity contains a plurality of solid bodies and / or hollow bodies.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the size of the solid body or hollow body is larger than the size of the opening of the cavity in which it is located, so as to prevent the hollow body or solid body from falling out of the cavity.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the body contains one or more edible components selected from the following: meat, grains, starches, plasticizers, meat powder, proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, spices, oils, wetting agents, preservatives, additives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the solid body or hollow body contains one or more edible components selected from the following: meat, grains, starches, plasticizers, meat powder, proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, spices, oils, wetting agents, preservatives, additives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the solid body or hollow body independently contains starch, a plasticizer, water, and optionally protein, optionally fiber, and optionally additives.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the solid body or hollow body independently contains an animal component or a plant component or a combination thereof.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the animal component is chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, chicken liver, duck liver or a combination thereof.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the plant component is potato starch, sweet potato starch, potato flour, sweet potato flour, wheat flour, oats, dextrin, etc., plant protein (rice protein, soy protein, pea protein, etc.), starch-containing materials, glycerol of plant origin, vegetables (carrot, pumpkin, broccoli, purple sweet potato, spinach, seaweed, peanut, etc.), fruits (apple, blueberry, cranberry, banana, pineapple, papaya, cherry, etc.) or a combination thereof.

[0030] In a further embodiment, when m < n, an edible paste or fluid is added to the cavity of the main body without a solid or hollow body. The moisture content of the paste or fluid is ≥ 25%, the fat content is ≥ 10%, and it is in a semi-solid or liquid state with a certain fluidity. The paste or fluid contains the following components:

[0031] Animal protein hydrolyzate: hydrolyzates of chicken, chicken liver, duck, duck liver, beef, beef liver, etc.

[0032] Oil or fat: vegetable oil (soybean oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, palm oil, etc.) or animal fat (chicken fat, beef fat)

[0033] Vitamins: one or more vitamins

[0034] Trace elements: iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine, etc. or any combination thereof

[0035] Nutritional additives: whey powder, lecithin, etc.

[0036] Sugars: maltose, corn syrup or other sugars

[0037] Emulsifiers: glycerol monolaurate (GML), acetylated monoglyceride fatty acid ester, calcium stearoyl lactate, diacetyl tartaric acid, mono (di) glyceride, hydrogenated rosin glyceride, rosin glyceride, glycerol monostearate, hexaglycerol monooleate, hexaglycerol monostearate, modified soy phospholipid, caprylic / capric triglyceride, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene xylitan monostearate, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, potassium stearate, sodium caseinate, sodium stearoyl lactate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, fatty acid sucrose ester, sucrose ester, triglycerol monostearate, xylitan monostearate.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the solid body, hollow body, paste or fluid is a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the solid body, hollow body, paste or fluid contains a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the cavity of the hollow body contains a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the nutrient is a vitamin, carotenoid, nutritional lipid or fatty acid, mineral, carbohydrate or fiber, amino acid; calcium-containing substance; zinc-containing substance; fatty acid; digestive enzyme; probiotic; prebiotic; glucose and chondroitin (chondroitin sulfate); glucosamine; antioxidant (e.g., selenium), etc. or any combination thereof.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin, water-soluble vitamin or any combination thereof.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, etc.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin H, vitamin C, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the carotenoids are β-carotene, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the nutritional lipids or fatty acids are arachidonic acid, ω-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the minerals are major minerals, trace minerals and other minerals or any combination thereof.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the major minerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. The trace minerals are iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the other minerals are arsenic, boron, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, nickel, vanadium, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the nutrient may also be fructooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, xylooligosaccharide, mannan oligosaccharide, inulin, L-arginine, methionine, L-carnitine, melatonin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the drugs include, but are not limited to, antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics (e.g., gram-positive antibacterial antibiotics, gram-negative antibacterial antibiotics, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), sulfonamides and antibacterial potentiators, quinolone antibacterial agents and compound preparations, or antiviral agents; antiparasitic drugs such as nematocides, trematocides, cestocides, antiprotozoal drugs, ectoparasiticides; disinfectants and antiseptics; antipyretics and antirheumatic drugs; hormonal drugs such as hormones affecting tissue metabolism and growth, sex hormones and gonadotropins; uterine contractile and oxytocic drugs; energy and nutrient drugs; vitamin drugs; stomachic and digestive drugs; antiemetic and emetic drugs; antidiarrheal and laxative drugs such as antidiarrheal drugs, laxative drugs; expectorant, antitussive and antiasthmatic drugs; central nervous system stimulants and sedatives, analgesics such as central nervous system stimulants, sedatives (including sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs), analgesics (including analgesic chemical immobilizing agents); anesthetics and analeptics; cholinomimetic and anticholinergic drugs such as cholinomimetic drugs (visceral nerve stimulants), anticholinergic drugs (visceral nerve inhibitors); adrenergic and antiadrenergic drugs such as adrenergic drugs (cardiovascular system stimulants), antiadrenergic drugs (cardiovascular system inhibitors); cardiotonic and antiarrhythmic drugs such as cardiotonic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs; diuretics and dehydrating agents such as diuretics, dehydrating agents; hemostatic and hematopoietic drugs such as hemostatic drugs, hematopoietic drugs; antiallergic drugs and dermatosis preventives and cures such as antiallergic drugs, dermatosis preventives and cures; antidotes.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the edible is a food, chew or toy, or a component of a food, chew or toy. The edible can be used as food for animals to eat, arouse the interest of animals and promote eating; in addition, it can also be used as a chew or toy for animals, with diverse uses, but all can arouse the interest of animals.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the edible is for use in companion animals, especially canines.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the canines are wild canines and zoo canines, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, especially domestic dogs, such as purebred and / or hybrid companion dogs, pet dogs, show dogs, working dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, racing dogs and / or laboratory dogs.

[0055] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a food, chewable or toy, which comprises an edible of any of the above.

[0056] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for preparing an edible of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps: a) preparing the main body; b) preparing the solid body or hollow body; and c) assembling the main body obtained in a) and the solid body or hollow body obtained in b) into the edible, wherein the order of steps a) and b) is optionally reversed.

[0057] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for cleaning an animal's teeth, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment for cleaning the animal's teeth.

[0058] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for stimulating an animal's appetite, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment for stimulating the animal's appetite.

[0059] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for promoting an animal's health or well-being, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment for promoting health or well-being.

[0060] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for improving an animal's quality of life, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment for improving the quality of life.

[0061] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for extending the prime of an animal's life, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment for extending the prime of the animal's life.

[0062] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a kit, which comprises in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package:

[0063] (A) the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment, and

[0064] (B) one or more of the following:

[0065] (1) a description of the benefits of the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment;

[0066] (2) a description of how to administer the edible of the above embodiment or the food, chewable or toy of the above embodiment;

[0067] (3) Other edible and / or inedible substances;

[0068] (4) A food tray for providing the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments;

[0069] (5) Tableware for providing the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments; or

[0070] (6) Instructions on how to use the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments to promote animal health or well-being, improve animal quality of life or extend the prime life of animals.

[0071] The present invention also provides another embodiment: A package, comprising:

[0072] One or more containers arranged in an array, each of the one or more containers containing the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments, and

[0073] One or more devices for maintaining the containers in the array.

[0074] In a further embodiment, it further comprises one or more handles suitable for handling and transporting the package.

[0075] In a further embodiment, it further comprises one or more labels describing the contents of the containers in the package.

[0076] In a further embodiment, the device comprises one or more windows.

[0077] In a further embodiment, it further comprises a label attached to the package, which contains words, pictures, patterns, abbreviations, slogans, phrases or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the package include the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments.

[0078] The present invention also provides another embodiment, a tool for communicating information or instructions about one or more of the following aspects of the edible substance of the above embodiments, the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments, the method of the above embodiments, the kit of the above embodiments or the package of any one of the above embodiments:

[0079] (1) Administering the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments;

[0080] (2) Describing the benefits of the edible substance of the above embodiments or the food, chew or toy of the above embodiments;

[0081] (3) Promote the health or well-being of an animal with the edible of the above-described embodiment or the food, chewable, or toy of the above-described embodiment; or

[0082] (4) Prolong the prime of an animal's life with the edible of the above-described embodiment or the food, chewable, or toy of the above-described embodiment,

[0083] The tool includes a document, digital storage medium, optical storage medium, audio player, or video display containing the information or instructions.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the tool is selected from a display website, visual display, newsstand, brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, distributed printed matter, bulletin, audio tape, video tape, DVD, CD-ROM, computer-readable chip, computer-readable card, computer-readable disk, USB device, FireWire device, computer memory, and combinations thereof.

[0085] The present invention also provides another embodiment, a package, which contains markings describing the edible of the above-described embodiment, the food, chewable, or toy of the above-described embodiment, the method of the above-described embodiment, the kit of the above-described embodiment, or the package of the above-described embodiment.

[0086] The present invention also provides another embodiment, wherein the package contains the edible of the above-described embodiment and / or the food, chewable, or toy of the above-described embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of the edible of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 2 Another schematic view of an embodiment of the edible of the present invention.

[0089] In the figure: body 1, opening 2, solid body 3, cavity 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0090] The following description of the embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0091] Definition

[0092] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0093] As used herein, the term "about" means a deviation within 20%. Specifically, as used herein, the term "about" means + / - 20% of a given value, more specifically + / - 10%, and even more specifically + / - 5%.

[0094] As used herein, the components involved in the present invention include, but are not limited to, its single pure component, mixtures of multiple pure components, impure materials containing the single component, impure materials containing mixtures of multiple components, or mixtures of one or more of them. For example, starch-containing materials include, but are not limited to, pure amylose, pure amylopectin, mixtures of pure amylose and pure amylopectin, impure materials containing amylose and other substances, impure materials containing amylose, amylopectin and other substances, or mixtures of one or more of them. The components can be from natural sources, synthetic sources, or mixtures of both. This also applies to other components, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, water, proteins, grains, fibers, additives, etc.

[0095] As used herein, the term "starch-containing material" refers to a material containing starch. The starch is a polymer formed by the polymerization of glucose molecules, which is the most common storage form of carbohydrates in cells. Starch can be structurally classified into amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a polysaccharide chain in which D-glucosyl groups are linked by α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds, and its spatial conformation is coiled into a helix. In addition to the sugar chains with α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds in the amylopectin molecule, there are also branches linked by α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds, and each branch is also coiled into a helix. Amylose contains hundreds of glucose units, while amylopectin contains thousands of glucose units. In natural starch, amylose accounts for 20% - 26%, and it is soluble, and the rest is amylopectin. Natural starch refers to starch from natural sources. Modified starch (also known as starch derivatives) is a general term for starches that have been processed and have their properties changed. The purpose of the processing is to improve the properties of starch and expand its application range on the basis of the inherent properties of natural starch. By using physical, chemical or enzymatic treatments, new functional groups are introduced onto the starch molecules or the size of the starch molecules and the properties of starch granules are changed, thereby changing the natural properties of starch (such as: gelatinization temperature, thermal viscosity and its stability, freeze-thaw stability, gel strength, film-forming property, transparency, etc.) to make it more suitable for the requirements of certain applications. Starch-containing materials can be classified into natural starch-containing materials or modified starches in terms of their sources. Examples of natural starch-containing materials include, but are not limited to, rice starch, sweet potato starch, potato starch, purple sweet potato starch, corn starch, sorghum starch, wheat starch, pea starch, cassava starch, or combinations thereof. Examples of the natural starch-containing materials also include, but are not limited to, rice flour, millet flour, sweet potato flour, potato flour, corn flour, sorghum flour, wheat flour, oat flour, pea flour, cassava flour, or combinations thereof.

[0096] As used herein, the term "plasticizer" refers to a substance that weakens the secondary valence bonds between molecules, i.e., van der Waals forces, thereby increasing the mobility of molecular chains, reducing the crystallinity of molecular chains (i.e., increasing plasticity, manifested as improving the softness, fluidity, impact resistance, hardness, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, elasticity, and flexural resistance, etc. of high molecular compounds), and at the same time reducing brittleness. Examples of plasticizers include, but are not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polyhydric alcohols, sorbitol, xylitol, etc., as well as certain gums (such as carboxymethyl cellulose) and proteins (such as gelatin) and combinations thereof.

[0097] As used herein, the term "protein" is a polymer formed by one or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Proteins can be classified by source as plant proteins or animal proteins. The plant proteins are derived from plants. Examples of such plants include, but are not limited to, soybeans, amaranth, arrowroot, barley, buckwheat, canola, cassava, chickpeas, beans, lentils, lupins, corn, millet, oats, peas, potatoes, rice, rye, sorghum, sunflowers, tapioca, triticale, wheat, or combinations thereof. The animal proteins include, but are not limited to, meat, meat by-products, dairy products, eggs, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "meat" refers to the subcutaneous tissue and muscle derived from animals. Examples of such meat include, but are not limited to, chicken, duck, fish, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, pork, or combinations thereof. Examples of meat by-products as used herein include, but are not limited to, the lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, intestines, or combinations thereof of chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, cows, rabbits, or pigs.

[0098] As used herein, the term "fiber" refers to a substance composed of continuous or discontinuous filaments. Examples of fibers as used herein include, but are not limited to, alfalfa meal, grass, bamboo, flaxseed, coconut husk, peanut hull, potato peel, sweet potato peel, or combinations thereof.

[0099] As used herein, the term "animal" refers to any animal that can benefit from or enjoy the edible of the present invention, including humans, non-human animals, especially companion animals. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to, birds, cattle, dogs, horses, felines, hicrine, wolves, rats, sheep or swine. As used herein, the term "companion animal" when used in the present invention includes any non-human animal suitable for being kept as a pet by a human. Examples of the companion animal include, but are not limited to, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets or polecats, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, etc. As used herein, the term "canine" includes, but is not limited to, wild canines and zoo canines, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, especially domestic dogs, such as purebred and / or hybrid companion dogs, pet dogs, show dogs, working dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, racing dogs and / or laboratory dogs or combinations thereof. The animals include animals at various life stages, including lactation, weaning, growth, adulthood, senescence and old age. Preferably, the animals are juvenile animals, adult animals, aged animals or old animals.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "effective amount", "an effective amount" refer to the amount of the edible as described herein that can effectively achieve a specific biological result. The biological results include, but are not limited to, cleaning animal teeth, stimulating animal appetite, promoting animal health or well-being, improving animal quality of life, extending the prime of animal life, effectively treating or alleviating dental disorders selected from the following: dental plaque, dental calculus, dental pigment deposition, gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, halitosis and combinations thereof, etc. Such results can be achieved, for example, by administering the edible of the present invention to an animal. The effective amount may vary based on several factors, including the gender, age and weight of a specific animal, etc.

[0101] The term "treatment" in its various grammatical forms as it relates to the present disclosure refers to preventing, curing, reversing, attenuating, alleviating, mitigating, minimizing, inhibiting or stopping the harmful effects of one or more of the dental disorders disclosed herein.

[0102] The term "package" means that the components of a product set are physically associated in one or more containers or associated with one or more containers and are regarded as a unit for manufacturing, distributing, selling or using. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cartons, bottles, packages of any type or design or material, outer packages, shrink wraps, additional components (such as stapling, adhesion, etc.) or combinations thereof. A single package can be a container for individual edible items or a container for an individual edible item and one or more other edible ingredients or compositions that are physically associated so as to be regarded as a unit for manufacturing, distributing, selling or using.

[0103] The term "virtual kit" means that the components of a kit of products are associated by instructions on one or more tangible or virtual kit components that direct the user on how to obtain the other components, such as in a bag or other container containing one component and the following instructions: the instructions direct the user to a website, to access recorded information or a fax-back service, to view visual information, or to contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain information on how to use the kit or safety or technical information regarding one or more components of the kit.

[0104] All percentages expressed herein are based on the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise indicated.

[0105] As used herein, ranges are used to describe every value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the range.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the specific methods, protocols, and reagents described herein, as they may vary. In addition, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0107] As used herein, the singular forms of words include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, references to "a", "an", and "the" generally include the plural forms of the corresponding terms. For example, references to "an edible" or "a method" include multiple such "edibles" or "methods". Similarly, the word "comprising" will be interpreted in an inclusive rather than an exclusive manner. Likewise, the terms "include" and "or" should both be considered inclusive, unless the context clearly precludes such an interpretation. Similarly, the term "exemplary" (especially when followed by a list of terms) is merely illustrative and not to be considered exclusive or exhaustive.

[0108] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms and any abbreviations used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field of the present invention. Although any compositions, methods, articles, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred compositions, methods, articles, or other means or materials are described herein.

[0109] All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of these references is only intended to summarize the assertions made therein. It is not admitted that any such patent, patent application, publication, or reference or any part thereof is relevant prior art to the present invention, and the right to challenge the accuracy and relevance of such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references is specifically reserved.

[0110] Edible

[0111] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an edible product. In a further embodiment, the edible product comprises: a) a body 1, the body 1 comprising n cavities 4; and b) m solid bodies 3 or hollow bodies, which are located within the cavities 4 of the body 1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and m ≤ n. The body 1 may include one cavity 4 or may include multiple cavities 4. Each cavity 4 may contain one solid body 3 and / or hollow body, or may contain multiple solid bodies 3 and / or hollow bodies. When the edible product of the present invention moves (for example, is moved, rolled, shaken or rotated by an animal or an animal keeper, etc.), the inner wall of the body 1 impacts against the solid body 3 or the hollow body, thereby producing a sound.

[0112] In a further embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the body 1 or the cavity 4 of the edible product is circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, star-shaped, triangular, heart-shaped or flower-shaped or any combination thereof.

[0113] In a further embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the edible product, the solid body 3 or the hollow body 3 is circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, star-shaped, triangular, heart-shaped or flower-shaped or any combination thereof.

[0114] In a further embodiment, the shape of the body is in the shape of an orangutan, a lion, a crocodile, a hedgehog, a bear, a cow, a rabbit, a horse, a sheep, a monkey, a dog, a cat, a pig, a hippopotamus or a panda or the shape of other animals.

[0115] In a further embodiment, each cavity 4 contains one or more solid bodies 3 or hollow bodies. In a further embodiment, the inner cavity 4 of the hollow body contains one or more solid bodies 3 and / or hollow bodies. In a further embodiment, the inner cavity 4 of the hollow body further contains one or more solid bodies 3 and / or hollow bodies.

[0116] In a further embodiment, some or all of the one or more cavities 4 have an opening 2 on the surface of the body 1, where the maximum outer diameter of the solid body 3 or the hollow body is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the opening 2. When the edible product of the present invention moves (for example, is moved, rolled, shaken or rotated by an animal or an animal keeper, etc.), the solid body 3 or the hollow body will not become detached from the body 1.

[0117] In a further embodiment, the body is edible. In a further embodiment, the solid body or the hollow body is edible.

[0118] In a further embodiment, the body comprises one or more edible components selected from meat, grains, starches, meat powders, proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorants, pigments, spices, oils, humectants, preservatives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0119] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow body comprises one or more edible components selected from meat, grains, starches, meat powders, proteins, fibers, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorants, pigments, spices, oils, humectants, preservatives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the body, or the solid or hollow body, independently comprises starch, a plasticizer, water, and optionally protein, optionally fiber, and optionally additives.

[0121] In a further embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the plasticizer to the starch is about 0.030 - about 0.875: about 1.000, about 0.050 - about 0.850: about 1.000, about 0.100 - about 0.800: about 1.000, about 0.150 - about 0.750: about 1.000, about 0.200 - about 0.700: about 1.000, about 0.250 - about 0.650: about 1.000, about 0.300 - about 0.600: about 1.000, about 0.350 - about 0.650: about 1.000, about 0.400 - about 0.600: about 1.000, about 0.450 - about 0.650: about 1.000, or about 0.500 - about 0.600: about 1.000. In a further embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the water to the starch is about 0.050 - about 0.625: about 1.000, about 0.100 - about 0.600: about 1.000, about 0.150 - about 0.550: about 1.000, about 0.200 - about 0.500: about 1.000, about 0.250 - about 0.550: about 1.000, about 0.300 - about 0.500: about 1.000, about 0.350 - about 0.450: about 1.000, or about 0.325 - about 0.425: about 1.000.

[0122] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the starch ranges from about 20 wt% to about 92 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 65 wt%, or about 55 wt% to about 60 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the starch is about 20 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 55 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 80 wt%, about 85 wt%, about 90 wt%, about 92 wt% and any value between any two of them.

[0123] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the plasticizer ranges from about 3 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, or about 18 wt% to about 22 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the plasticizer is about 3 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 17 wt%, about 19 wt%, about 21 wt%, about 23 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 27 wt%, about 29 wt%, about 31 wt%, about 33 wt%, about 35 wt% and any value between any two of them.

[0124] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the water ranges from about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 24 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 23 wt%, about 8 wt% to about 22 wt%, about 9 wt% to about 21 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 11 wt% to about 19 wt%, about 12 wt% to about 18 wt%, about 13 wt% to about 17 wt%, or about 14 wt% to about 16 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the water is about 5 wt%, about 6 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 8 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 12 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 14 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 16 wt%, about 17 wt%, about 18 wt%, about 19 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 21 wt%, about 22 wt%, about 23 wt%, about 24 wt%, about 25 wt% and any value between any two of them.

[0125] In a further embodiment, for animals with poor chewing ability, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the water ranges from about 12 wt% to about 25 wt%. In a further embodiment, for animals with poor chewing ability, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the water ranges from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%.

[0126] In a further embodiment, the starch is natural starch or modified starch or a mixture of both. In a further embodiment, the natural starch is any one or more of rice starch, sweet potato starch, potato starch, purple sweet potato starch, corn starch, sorghum starch, wheat starch, pea starch or tapioca starch.

[0127] In a further embodiment, the plasticizer is any one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, sorbitol or xylitol.

[0128] In a further embodiment, the body or the solid or hollow body further comprises a protein. In a further embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the protein to the starch is about 0.000 - about 1.000: about 1.000, about 0.050 - about 0.950: about 1.000, about 0.100 - about 0.900: about 1.000, about 0.150 - about 0.850: about 1.000, about 0.200 - about 0.800: about 1.000, about 0.250 - about 0.750: about 1.000, about 0.300 - about 0.700: about 1.000, about 0.350 - about 0.650: about 1.000, about 0.400 - about 0.600: about 1.000, about 0.450 - about 0.550: about 1.000, or about 0.475 - about 0.525: about 1.000.

[0129] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage range of the protein is about 0 wt% - about 30 wt%, about 2 wt% - about 28 wt%, about 4 wt% - about 26 wt%, about 6 wt% - about 24 wt%, about 8 wt% - about 22 wt%, about 10 wt% - about 20 wt%, about 12 wt% - about 18 wt%, or about 14 wt% - about 16 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the protein is about 0 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 4 wt%, about 6 wt%, about 8 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 12 wt%, about 14 wt%, about 16 wt%, about 18 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 22 wt%, about 24 wt%, about 26 wt%, about 28 wt%, about 30 wt% and any value between any two of them.

[0130] In a further embodiment, the protein is a plant protein or an animal protein or a mixture of both.

[0131] In a further embodiment, the plant protein is any one or more of soy protein, amaranth protein, arrowroot protein, barley protein, buckwheat protein, canola protein, cassava protein, chickpea protein, bean protein, lentil protein, lupin protein, corn protein, millet protein, oat protein, pea protein, potato protein, rice protein, rye protein, sorghum protein, sunflower protein, cassava protein, triticale protein, wheat protein.

[0132] In a further embodiment, the animal protein is any one or more of meat, meat by-products, dairy products, or eggs. In a further embodiment, the meat is any one or more of chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, or pork. In a further embodiment, the meat by-products are any one or more of the lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, or intestines of chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, cows, rabbits, or pigs.

[0133] In a further embodiment, the body or the solid or hollow body further comprises fibers. In a further embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the fibers to the starch is about 0.000 - about 0.750: about 1.000, about 0.050 - about 0.700: about 1.000, about 0.100 - about 0.650: about 1.000, about 0.150 - about 0.600: about 1.000, about 0.200 - about 0.550: about 1.000, about 0.250 - about 0.500: about 1.000, about 0.300 - about 0.450: about 1.000, or about 0.350 - about 0.400: about 1.000.

[0134] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage range of the fibers is about 0 wt% - about 25 wt%, about 2 wt% - about 24 wt%, about 4 wt% - about 22 wt%, about 6 wt% - about 20 wt%, about 8 wt% - about 18 wt%, about 10 wt% - about 16 wt%, or about 12 wt% - about 14 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the fibers is about 0 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 17 wt%, about 19 wt%, about 21 wt%, about 23 wt%, about 25 wt%, and any value between any two of them.

[0135] In a further embodiment, the fibers are any one or more of alfalfa fibers, grass fibers, bamboo fibers, linseed fibers, coconut shell fibers, peanut shell fibers, potato skin fibers, or sweet potato skin fibers. In a further embodiment, the fibers have a length of about 23um - about 2000um, about 100um - about 1900um, about 200um - about 1800um, about 300um - about 1700um, about 400um - about 1600um, about 500um - about 1500um, about 600um - about 1400um, about 700um - about 1300um, about 800um - about 1200um, or about 900um - about 1100um.

[0136] In a further embodiment, the body or the solid or hollow body further comprises an additive. In a further embodiment, the relative weight ratio of the additive to the starch is from about 0.000 - about 0.500: about 1.000, about 0.050 - about 0.450: about 1.000, about 0.100 - about 0.400: about 1.000, about 0.150 - about 0.350: about 1.000, or about 0.200 - about 0.300: about 1.000.

[0137] In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage range of the additive is from about 0 wt% - about 25 wt%, about 2 wt% - about 24 wt%, about 4 wt% - about 22 wt%, about 6 wt% - about 20 wt%, about 8 wt% - about 18 wt%, about 10 wt% - about 16 wt%, or about 12 wt% - about 14 wt%. In a further embodiment, based on the total weight of the body or the solid or hollow body, the weight percentage of the additive is about 0 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 11 wt%, about 13 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 17 wt%, about 19 wt%, about 21 wt%, about 23 wt%, about 25 wt% and any value between any two of them.

[0138] In a further embodiment, the additive is any one or more of vegetable oil, animal oil, lecithin, emulsifier, vitamin, amino acid, prebiotic, probiotic, pigment, flavoring agent, preservative, antioxidant, corn syrup, sucrose or mineral salt. In a further embodiment, the vegetable oil is any one or more of corn oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, rapeseed oil or edible blended oil. In a further embodiment, the animal oil is any one or more of chicken oil, beef tallow, lard or mutton fat. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is any one or more of sodium stearoyl lactate, calcium stearoyl lactate, diacetyl tartaric acid monoglyceride, sucrose fatty acid ester, monoglyceride, triglycerin, soybean phospholipid, monoglyceride laurate, span or tween. In a further embodiment, the mineral salt is any one or more of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

[0139] In an alternative embodiment, the solid or hollow body may also be composed of other materials. For example, the solid or hollow body may comprise any one or more of materials selected from chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, chicken liver, duck liver or gelatin.

[0140] In a further embodiment, the solid body or the hollow body independently comprises an animal component, a plant component, or a combination thereof.

[0141] In a further embodiment, the animal component is chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, chicken liver, duck liver, or a combination thereof.

[0142] In a further embodiment, the plant component is potato starch, sweet potato starch, potato flour, sweet potato flour, wheat flour, oats, dextrin, etc., plant protein (rice protein, soy protein, pea protein, etc.), starch-containing materials, glycerol of plant origin, vegetables (carrots, pumpkins, broccoli, purple sweet potatoes, spinach, seaweeds, peanuts, etc.), fruits (apples, blueberries, cranberries, bananas, pineapples, papayas, cherries, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0143] In a further embodiment, when m < n, an edible paste or fluid is added to the cavity of the main body without a solid body or a hollow body. The moisture content of the paste or fluid is ≥ 25%, the fat content is ≥ 10%, it is in a semi-solid or liquid state with a certain fluidity. The paste or fluid comprises the following components:

[0144] Animal protein hydrolysates: hydrolysates of chicken, chicken liver, duck, duck liver, beef, beef liver, etc.

[0145] Oils or fats: vegetable oils (soybean oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, palm oil, etc.) or animal fats (chicken fat, beef fat)

[0146] Vitamins: one or more vitamins

[0147] Trace elements: iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine, etc., or any combination thereof

[0148] Nutritional additives: whey powder, lecithin, etc.

[0149] Sugars: maltose, corn syrup, or other sugars

[0150] Emulsifiers: glycerol monolaurate (GML), acetylated monoglyceride fatty acid ester, calcium stearoyl lactate, diacetyl tartaric acid, mono (di) glyceride, hydrogenated rosin glyceride, rosin glyceride, glycerol monostearate, hexaglycerol monooleate, hexaglycerol monostearate, modified soy lecithin, caprylic / capric glyceride, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene xylitan monostearate, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, potassium stearate, sodium caseinate, sodium stearoyl lactate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, fatty acid sucrose ester, sucrose ester, tripolyglycerol monostearate, xylitan monostearate.

[0151] In a further embodiment, the solid body or hollow body or paste or fluid is a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0152] In a further embodiment, the solid body or hollow body or paste or fluid contains a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0153] In a further embodiment, the cavity of the hollow body contains a food, nutrient or drug beneficial to animals or diseased animals.

[0154] In a further embodiment, the nutrients are vitamins, carotenoids, nutritional lipids or fatty acids, minerals, carbohydrates or fibers, amino acids; calcium-containing substances; zinc-containing substances; fatty acids; digestive enzymes; probiotics; prebiotics; glucose and chondroitin (chondroitin sulfate); glucosamine; antioxidants (e.g., selenium), etc. or any combination thereof.

[0155] In a further embodiment, the vitamins are fat-soluble vitamins or water-soluble vitamins or any combination thereof.

[0156] In a further embodiment, the fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, etc.

[0157] In a further embodiment, the water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin H, vitamin C, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0158] In a further embodiment, the carotenoids are β-carotene, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0159] In a further embodiment, the nutritional lipid or fatty acid is arachidonic acid, omega-3 fatty acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0160] In a further embodiment, the mineral is a major mineral, a trace mineral, and other minerals or any combination thereof.

[0161] In a further embodiment, the major minerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. The trace minerals are iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0162] In a further embodiment, the other minerals are arsenic, boron, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, nickel, vanadium, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0163] In a further embodiment, the nutrient may also be fructooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, xylooligosaccharide, mannan oligosaccharide, inulin, L-arginine, methionine, L-carnitine, melatonin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, etc. or any combination thereof.

[0164] In a further embodiment, the drugs include, but are not limited to, antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics (e.g., gram-positive antibacterial antibiotics, gram-negative antibacterial antibiotics, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, antifungal agents), sulfonamides and antibacterial synergists, quinolone antibacterial drugs and compound preparations, or antiviral drugs; antiparasitic drugs such as nematocides, trematocides, cestocides, antiprotozoal drugs, ectoparasiticides; disinfectants and antiseptics; antipyretics and antirheumatic drugs; hormonal drugs such as hormones affecting tissue metabolism and growth, sex hormones and gonadotropins; uterine contraction and oxytocic drugs; energy and nutrient drugs; vitamin drugs; stomachic and digestive drugs; antiemetic and emetic drugs; antidiarrheal and laxative drugs such as antidiarrheal drugs, laxative drugs; expectorant, antitussive and antiasthmatic drugs; central nervous stimulants and sedatives, analgesics such as central nervous stimulants, sedatives (including sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs), analgesics (including analgesic chemical immobilizers); anesthetics and analeptics; cholinomimetic and anticholinergic drugs such as cholinomimetic drugs (visceral nerve stimulants), anticholinergic drugs (visceral nerve inhibitors); adrenergic and antiadrenergic drugs such as adrenergic drugs (cardiovascular system stimulants), antiadrenergic drugs (cardiovascular system inhibitors); cardiotonic and antiarrhythmic drugs such as cardiotonic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs; diuretics and dehydrating drugs such as diuretics, dehydrating drugs; hemostatic and hematopoietic drugs such as hemostatic drugs, hematopoietic drugs; antiallergic and dermatosis-preventing and -treating drugs such as antiallergic drugs, dermatosis-preventing and -treating drugs; antidotes.

[0165] In a further embodiment, the edible is a food, a chew, or a toy, or a component of a food, a chew, or a toy.

[0166] In a further embodiment, the edible is for use with companion animals, particularly canines. In a further embodiment, the canines include, but are not limited to, wild canines and zoo canines such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, particularly domestic dogs such as purebred and / or hybrid companion dogs, pet dogs, show dogs, working dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, racing dogs, and / or laboratory dogs or combinations thereof.

[0167] In a further embodiment, the edible is free of any bacteria, fungi, and molds. In a further embodiment, the edible has a shelf life of at least 2 years under ambient conditions. In a further embodiment, the edible has a shelf life of about 2 to about 5 years under ambient conditions.

[0168] In a further embodiment, the body or solid or hollow body has a Shore A durometer hardness of about 50 up to 100, particularly about 70 up to 100. For example, the body or solid or hollow body has a Shore A durometer hardness as follows: about 50, about 51, about 52, about 53, about 54, about 55, about 56, about 57, about 58, about 59, about 60, about 61, about 62, about 63, about 64, about 65, about 66, about 67, about 68, about 69, about 70, about 71, about 72, about 73, about 74, about 75, about 76, about 77, about 78, about 79, about 80, about 81, about 82, about 83, about 84, about 85, about 86, about 87, about 88, about 89, about 90, about 91, about 92, about 93, about 94, about 95, about 96, about 97, about 98, about 99, or about 100 and any value between any two of them.

[0169] The inventors unexpectedly found that animals prefer to select the edible of the present invention compared to a control food. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, when the edible of the present invention is in motion (e.g., moved, rolled, shaken, or rotated, etc. by an animal or an animal keeper), the inner wall of the body impacts the solid or hollow body, thereby producing a sound. In response to this sound, the animal is more willing to play with and / or consume the edible of the present invention.

[0170] Companion animals require experiences (such as play) that enrich their lives to enhance their physical and mental health and well-being. Young companion animals are naturally inclined to engage in a great deal of play. Canines, in particular, have a playful nature and generally enjoy hitting and chasing various objects. Accordingly, the edible of the present invention can contribute to providing physical activity for animals. The play activities of companion animals can stimulate the animals' appetites. Accordingly, the edible of the present invention can be used to stimulate the animals' appetites.

[0171] The present invention also relates to a food, chewable, or toy that comprises the edible of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0172] Method for manufacturing an edible

[0173] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparing the edible of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0174] a), preparing the main body;

[0175] b), preparing the solid body or the hollow body;

[0176] and c), assembling the main body obtained in a) and the solid body or the hollow body obtained in b) into the edible, wherein the order of steps a) and b) can be optionally reversed, a) can be prepared first and then b); or b) can be prepared first and then a).

[0177] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparing the main body or the hollow body or the hollow body, the method comprising the following steps:

[0178] Mix the specified proportions of raw materials evenly. Add the evenly mixed materials to a die-casting mold under conditions of about 80 °C - about 150 °C and a pressure of about 10 MPa - about 110 MPa, so that the raw materials thermoset into the main body or the solid body or the hollow body under high temperature and high pressure. Dry the main body or the solid body or the hollow body in a drying oven, the drying temperature is about 50 - about 90 °C, and the drying time is set to about 0 - about 10 hours. Cool the main body or the solid body or the hollow body at room temperature to obtain the final product.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the solid body or the hollow body can be a food (animal components (such as meat), plant components, or any combination thereof), nutrient, or drug that is beneficial to animals or diseased animals, the food (animal components (such as meat), plant components, or any combination thereof), nutrient, or drug can be mixed with an optional zoologically acceptable excipient, carrier, or filler and prepared into a desired shape, and optionally dried to achieve the required hardness and strength. This manufacturing method is well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0180] In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 55°C to about 85°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 65°C to about 80°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 70°C to about 75°C.

[0181] In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 1 to about 9 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 8 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 3 to about 7 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 4 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is about 0 hour, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours and any value between any two of them.

[0182] In a further embodiment, the specified ratios of the materials in the starting materials are such that the ratios of the components in the final product body or solid body or hollow body are as described above.

[0183] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparing a body or solid body or hollow body, the method comprising the following steps:

[0184] Mix the materials in specified proportions evenly. Add the evenly mixed materials into an injection molding machine, set the temperature of the injection molding machine to be from about 110°C to about 125°C, set the injection pressure to be from about 80 MPa to about 100 MPa, the injection time to be about 2 to about 5 seconds, and the cooling time to be about 10 to about 40 seconds. According to these process parameters, inject the materials into a mold, and after cooling and shaping, it becomes a body or solid body or hollow body. Dry the body or solid body or hollow body in a drying oven, the drying temperature is from about 50 to about 90°C, and set the drying time to be about 0 to about 10 hours. Cool the body or solid body or hollow body at room temperature to obtain the final product.

[0185] In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 55°C to about 85°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 65°C to about 80°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 70°C to about 75°C.

[0186] In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 1 to about 9 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 8 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 3 to about 7 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 4 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is about 0 hour, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, and any value between any two of them.

[0187] In a further embodiment, the specified ratios of the materials in the starting materials are such that the ratios of the components in the final product body or solid body or hollow body are as described above.

[0188] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparing a body or solid body or hollow body, the method comprising the following steps:

[0189] Mix the materials in specified proportions uniformly. Extrude and ripen the uniformly mixed materials through an extruder, wherein the temperature of the extruder is set at about 120°C - about 150°C, the pressure at the head of the extruder is controlled at about 4 MPa, adjust the appropriate pelletizing speed of the head, and cut the extruded pellets into pellets with a length of about 3 - about 5 mm. Add the extruded pellets into an injection molding machine, set the temperature of the injection molding machine at about 110°C - about 125°C, set the injection pressure at about 80 MPa - about 100 MPa, the injection time at about 2 - about 5 seconds, and the cooling time at about 10 - about 40 seconds. According to these process parameters, inject the materials into a mold, and after cooling and shaping, it becomes a body or solid body or hollow body. Dry the body or solid body or hollow body in a drying oven, the drying temperature is about 50°C - about 90°C, and set the drying time at about 0 - about 10 hours. Cool the body or solid body or hollow body at room temperature to obtain the final product.

[0190] In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 55°C to about 85°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 65°C to about 80°C. In a further embodiment, the drying temperature is from about 70°C to about 75°C.

[0191] In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 1 to about 9 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 8 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 3 to about 7 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 4 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is from about 2 to about 6 hours. In a further embodiment, the drying time is about 0 hour, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, and any value between any two of them.

[0192] In a further embodiment, the specified ratios of the materials in the initial raw materials are such that the ratios of the components in the final product body or solid body or hollow body are as described above.

[0193] In a further embodiment, the body or solid body or hollow body obtained by the method is free of any bacteria, fungi or molds. In a further embodiment, the shelf life of the body or solid body or hollow body obtained by the method under environmental conditions is at least 2 years. In a further embodiment, the shelf life of the body or solid body or hollow body obtained by the method under environmental conditions is from about 2 to about 5 years.

[0194] In a further embodiment, by adjusting the proportion of water in the initial raw materials, the hardness of the body or solid body or hollow body obtained by the method can be changed to adapt to the different chewing abilities of animals.

[0195] Product, its related method and derivatives

[0196] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a food, chew or toy that comprises an edible as described above.

[0197] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of stimulating an animal's appetite, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount for stimulating the animal's appetite of an edible as described above or an edible food, chew, or toy as described above. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cleaning an animal's teeth, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount for cleaning the teeth of an edible as described above or an edible food, chew, or toy as described above. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of promoting an animal's health or well-being, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount for promoting health or well-being of an edible as described above or an edible food, chew, or toy as described above. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of improving an animal's quality of life, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount for improving the quality of life of an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of extending the prime of an animal's life, which comprises administering to the animal an effective amount for extending the prime of the animal's life of an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above.

[0198] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a kit that contains, in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package: (A) an edible as described above or an edible food, chew, or toy as described above, and (B) one or more of the following: (1) a description of the benefits of the edible as described above or the edible food, chew, or toy as described above; (2) instructions on how to administer the edible as described above or the edible food, chew, or toy as described above; (3) other edibles and / or non-edibles; (4) a plate for providing the edible as described above or the edible food, chew, or toy as described above; (5) utensils for providing the edible as described above or the edible food, chew, or toy as described above; or (6) instructions on how to use the edible as described above or the edible food, chew, or toy as described above to promote an animal's health or well-being, improve an animal's quality of life, or extend the prime of an animal's life.

[0199] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a package comprising: one or more containers arranged in an array, each of the one or more containers containing an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above, and one or more means for maintaining the containers in the array. In a further embodiment, the package further comprises one or more handles suitable for handling and transporting the package. In a further embodiment, the package further comprises one or more markings describing the contents of the containers in the package. In a further embodiment, the packaging device comprises one or more windows. In a further embodiment, the package further comprises a label attached to the package, which contains words, pictures, patterns, abbreviations, slogans, phrases, or combinations thereof, indicating that the package contents include an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above.

[0200] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for communicating information or instructions regarding one or more of the following aspects of an edible as described above, a food, chew, or toy as described above, a method as described above, a kit as described above, or a package as described above: (1) administering an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above; (2) describing the benefits of an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above; (3) promoting the health or well-being of an animal with an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above; or (4) extending the prime of an animal's life with an edible as described above or a food, chew, or toy as described above, the tool comprising a document, digital storage medium, optical storage medium, audio player, or video display containing the information or instructions. In a further embodiment, the tool is selected from a display website, visual display, newsstand, brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, distributed printed matter, bulletin, audio tape, video tape, DVD, CD-ROM, computer-readable chip, computer-readable card, computer-readable disk, USB device, FireWire device, computer memory, and combinations thereof.

[0201] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a package comprising markings describing an edible as described above, a food, chew, or toy as described above, a method as described above, a kit as described above, or a package as described above. In a further embodiment, the package contains an edible as described above and / or a food, chew, or toy as described above.

[0202] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification are to be understood as weight percentages. Except for ranges specified elsewhere, all percentages used in this specification are weight percentages based on dry matter.

[0203] Ranges used herein are used in a shorthand manner herein to avoid reciting each and every value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected as the upper limit, lower limit, or end value of the range, as appropriate.

[0204] The term “comprising” is intended to be interpreted as open-ended and inclusive, rather than exclusive. Similarly, the terms “including” and “or” shall both be interpreted inclusively, unless such interpretation is explicitly prohibited by the context. Similarly, the term “example” (especially when followed by a list of terms) is merely illustrative and explanatory and should not be considered exclusive or exhaustive.

[0205] The methods, compositions, and other improvements disclosed herein are not limited to the specific methodologies, protocols, and reagents described herein, as they can be varied, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of what is disclosed or claimed, nor do they limit the scope of what is disclosed or claimed.

[0206] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms, terms of the art, and abbreviations used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of this invention or the field in which the term is used. Although any compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, the preferred compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials are described herein.

[0207] All patents, patent applications, publications, technical and / or academic articles, and other references cited or mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of those references is for the purpose of summarizing the assertions made therein. No such admission is made that any of those patents, patent applications, publications, or references, or any part thereof, is relevant material or prior art. The right is specifically reserved to challenge the accuracy and relevance of any assertion that any of those patents, patent applications, publications, or other references is relevant material or prior art.

[0208] Examples

[0209] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only of the embodiments of the invention, but the scope of protection of the embodiments should be interpreted with reference to the appended claims and should not be limited to the following examples.

[0210] Example 1. Preparation of Edible Substances

[0211] 1. Preparation of the Main Body

[0212] Mix uniformly the materials in a specified ratio (40 parts by weight of corn starch, 10 parts by weight of glycerol, 3 parts by weight of sorbitol, 20 parts by weight of soy protein, 3 parts by weight of alfalfa powder, 1 part by weight of flavoring agent, 25 parts by weight of water). Extrude and cook the uniformly mixed material through an extruder, where the temperature of the extruder is set at 120°C - 150°C, control the pressure of the extruder head to be 4 MPa, adjust the appropriate granulation speed of the head, and cut the extruded particles into particles with a length of 3 - 5 mm. Add the extruded particles into an injection molding machine, set the temperature of the injection molding machine at 110°C - 125°C, set the injection pressure at 80 MPa - 100 MPa, the injection time at 2 - 5 seconds, and the cooling time at 10 - 40 seconds. According to these process parameters, inject the material into a mold, and after cooling and shaping, it becomes the main body shape. The manufacturing method can be other shaping methods such as manual shaping, mold injection molding, mold pressing molding, extrusion molding, etc.

[0213] 2. Preparation of the internal solid

[0214] Weigh a specific amount of chicken, homogenize and mix the chicken in a chopper. Manually shape the resulting mixture into a spherical shape. Dry the resulting spherical shape in a drying oven, with the drying temperature being 70 - 90°C, set the drying time at 2 - 6 hours, to obtain the internal solid.

[0215] 3. Assembly of the edible

[0216] Manually assemble the main body and the internal solid. Dry the assembled product in a drying oven, with the drying temperature being 70 - 90°C, set the drying time at 2 - 12 hours, to obtain an assembled product containing a main body and an internal solid with the desired hardness. Cool the assembled product at room temperature to obtain the final product.

[0217] 4. Preparation of the control edible

[0218] The preparation of the control edible is similar to the preparation method of the edible of the present invention, except that there is no gap between the internal solid and the main body, so that when the control edible rotates, shakes, slides, and swings, the internal solid and the inner cavity of the main body cannot collide, and thus no sound can be produced. After measurement, in the final product, the Shore A hardness of both the main body and the internal solid is greater than 50.

[0219] Example 2. Palatability experiment of the edible

[0220] Comparison of the palatability of the control edible and various target edibles for dogs

[0221] Take the same number of control edible products prepared in Example 1 with the same shape, appearance, and size, and place them separately from the target edible products without difference. Let 20 dogs (the breed of the dogs is beagle) enter the place where the control edible products and the target edible products are placed in turn. Record the number of dogs that choose the control edible products or the target edible products respectively. Divide the recorded number of dogs by the total number of dogs (20), and the obtained percentage is the first selection rate of the control edible products or the target edible products respectively. The above experiment was carried out continuously for 3 days. The experimental data is as follows:

[0222] Table 1. Number of dogs that choose the control edible products and the target edible products

[0223] The first day The second day The third day Control edible 7 8 6 Target edible 13 12 14

[0224] From the test data of 3 days, it can be seen that the first selection rate of the target edible products greatly exceeds that of the control edible products.

[0225] The above embodiments only exemplarily illustrate the principles and effects of the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. Any person familiar with this technology can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical idea disclosed by the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An edible product, comprising: a) a main body, the main body comprising n cavities, wherein some or all of the n cavities have openings on the surface of the main body; and b) m hollow bodies, which are located within the cavities of the main body, wherein, n is an integer greater than 1, m is an integer greater than 1, and m = n, wherein the size of the hollow body is smaller than the size of the cavity in which it is located, and wherein the size of the hollow body is larger than the size of the opening of the cavity in which it is located, the internal cavity of the hollow body includes one or more solid bodies and / or hollow bodies; wherein the main body and the solid body or hollow body each independently comprise starch, a plasticizer, water, protein, and fiber, and the weight ratio of the starch, plasticizer, water, protein, and fiber is 1.000: 0.030 - 0.875: 0.050 - 0.625: 0.050 - 0.950: 0.050 - 0.700; the plasticizer is one or more of glycerol or sorbitol; wherein the mixture of the starch, plasticizer, water, protein, and fiber is added to a die-casting mold under the conditions of a temperature of 80°C - 150°C and a pressure of 10 MPa - 110 MPa for plasticizing die-casting molding, so that the raw materials are thermoset into the main body or solid body or hollow body under high temperature and high pressure, and dried at 50°C - 90°C for 2 - 6 hours and cooled at room temperature, thereby obtaining the final main body or solid body or hollow body; and wherein the main body or the solid body or hollow body each independently has a Shore A durometer hardness of 70 to 100, such that when the edible product rotates, shakes, slides, or turns, the hollow body can collide with the inner wall of the main body to produce sound, the cavity of the hollow body contains food, nutrients, or drugs beneficial to animals, wherein the edible product is for pet dogs to eat.

2. The edible product according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the main body or cavity is circular, semicircular, polygonal, heart-shaped, flower-shaped, or any combination thereof.

3. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer peripheral shape of the cross-section of the solid body or hollow body is circular, semicircular, polygonal, heart-shaped, flower-shaped, or any combination thereof.

4. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid body or hollow body is respectively a solid sphere or a hollow sphere.

5. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sizes of the n cavities are the same or different.

6. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sizes of the m hollow bodies are the same or different.

7. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the main body is the shape of an orangutan, lion, crocodile, hedgehog, bear, cow, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, cat, pig, hippopotamus, or panda.

8. The edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body further comprises one or more edible components selected from the following: grains, sugars, vitamins, minerals, fragrances, pigments, oils, wetting agents, preservatives, or combinations thereof.

9. An edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid or hollow body further comprises one or more edible components selected from the group consisting of cereals, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, pigments, oils, humectants, preservatives, or combinations thereof.

10. An edible product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the source of protein in the solid or hollow body is any one or more of chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, chicken liver or duck liver.

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