Compositions and methods for pet food

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods related to kibble diets for companion animals, the kibble diets comprising protein, carbohydrate, fat, and a plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer comprises hydrolyzed sprouted barley.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 124,224, filed December 11, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Processed foods (including pet food) can be stored in a dried form to extend their shelf life. For example, food products with a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight of the composition can inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can damage the food product. In some respects, dried foods may also be less sensitive to oxidation or other chemical processes that can alter the taste, texture, or appearance of the food over months or years before use.

[0004] Unfortunately, dried foods may appear coarse, powdery, or dry, and therefore may be unappetizing. Dried foods may be perceived as harder, crisper, or denser than less dried foods. Additionally, the lack of moisture can adversely affect the texture when the product is consumed compared to semi-moist or wet foods.

[0005] Therefore, soft-dry pet foods can be desirable because they can be perceived as more chewy and palatable food products. These soft-dry pet foods typically contain propylene glycol and glycerin. Propylene glycol is used for preservation purposes, while glycerin acts as a plasticizer to produce extruded products with a desirable chewiness and meaty texture. However, such additives may be perceived as undesirable by consumers.

[0006] There is still a need for a soft-dry food, especially for pets, that meets the competing demands for taste, texture, appearance, convenience, and nutritional content. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure relates in its entirety to methods and compositions for providing soft, dry pet food.

[0008] In one embodiment, the coarsely ground food for companion animals may contain protein, carbohydrates, fat, and plasticizers, wherein the plasticizers include hydrolyzed sprouted barley.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of producing a soft, dry coarsely ground food may include blending proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and plasticizers to form a blend, and processing the blend to form a soft, dry coarsely ground food; wherein the plasticizer includes hydrolyzed sprouted barley.

[0010] Other features and advantages are described herein and will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0011] definition

[0012] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “a plasticizer” or “the plasticizer” include two or more plasticizers. The term “and / or” as used in the context of “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X” or “Y” or “X and Y.” When used herein, the terms “example” and “such as” (particularly when followed by a list of items) are exemplary and illustrative only and are not exclusive or comprehensive.

[0013] The term "companion animal" refers to domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, and pigs. In one sense, a companion animal can be a canine. In another sense, a companion animal can be a feline.

[0014] As used herein, “about” should be understood to mean a number within a certain numerical range, such as -10% to +10% of the mentioned number, -5% to +5% of the mentioned number, or in one aspect within -1% to +1% of the mentioned number, or in a particular aspect within -0.1% to +0.1% of the mentioned number. Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers or fractions within that range. Additionally, these numerical ranges should be understood to support claims that involve any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, disclosures of 1 to 10 should be understood to support ranges of 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, etc.

[0015] All percentages expressed herein are by weight percentages of the total weight of the food composition, unless otherwise stated. When pH is mentioned, the value corresponds to the pH measured using standard equipment at 25°C. “Amount” can be the total amount of the components mentioned in each serving of composition or each individual unit of composition, and / or it can be a weight percentage of the components mentioned on a dry weight basis. Furthermore, “amount” includes zero; for example, a statement of a compound amount does not necessarily imply the presence of that compound unless followed by a range that does not contain zero.

[0016] The terms "pet food," "pet food product," and "pet food composition" refer to products or compositions intended for consumption by canines or felines and to provide the animals with at least one nutrient. Furthermore, for this purpose, these terms refer to products or compositions in an edible form and are not merely intermediates in the production of edible products or compositions, although in some embodiments other food compositions, such as dietary supplements, may be added. The term "pet food" refers to any food composition intended for consumption by canines or felines.

[0017] The term "soft" refers to a quantifiable parameter and is defined as the specific force required to return the pet food product or coarsely ground food to its original height after compression to 50% using the Instron Universal Tester 5965B. The tester uses the following procedure: the center of the pet food is positioned below a 1” diameter circular metal disc probe; the probe travels at 120 mm / min until 50% of the product's initial height is compressed; during this compression, the peak (maximum) force and slope are recorded between 0.25 and 1 mm of compression; the product is held at 50% compression for 5 seconds; the probe then releases the product (at a 30°C pressure). Travel at 0 mm / min to the starting position, hold for another 5 seconds, then return to measure the product's return height (travel at 120 mm / min to return). Key parameters include: Test type: Compression; Preload / Test start: 10 gf; Compression speed: 120 mm / min; Compression distance: 50% of sample height; Compression hold time: 5 seconds; Compression release speed: 300 mm / min; Post-compression hold time: 5 seconds; Post-compression speed for height measurement: 120 mm / min; Results: Maximum force, sample height, slope (0.25-1 mm compression section), return height, % of initial height.

[0018] The relative terms “improvement,” “increase,” “enhancement,” “reduction,” etc., refer to the effect of the compositions disclosed herein (compositions containing hydrolyzed barley) relative to compositions having less or no such components but otherwise identical.

[0019] A “blended” composition has only two components, which have at least one property that is different from each other. In one respect, the water content and water activity may differ in the context of this disclosure. In this respect, describing a composition as “blended” does not mean that the blended composition has been subjected to a treatment sometimes referred to as “blending” (i.e., mixing the components so that they are indistinguishable from each other), and in one respect, such treatment is avoided when one component is mixed with other components to form a blended composition (e.g., when a dry component is mixed with a wet or semi-wet component). Furthermore, in this respect, in a blended composition, the at least two components that have at least one different property from each other can each retain their own distinct properties and appearance.

[0020] "Moist food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of approximately 50% to 90%, and in some respects, approximately 70% to 90%. "Dry food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of less than approximately 20%, and in some respects, less than approximately 15%, and in some respects, less than approximately 10%. "Semi-moist food" means pet food with a moisture content of approximately 20% to 50%, and in some respects, approximately 25% to 35%.

[0021] "Coarsely ground food" is used synonymously with "chunk" in this document, and both terms refer to chunks of dry or semi-moist pet food, which may be in pellet or any other shape and can be made by cutting a food composition into individual chunks. Non-limiting examples of coarsely ground food include: pellets; balls; pet food chunks, dehydrated meat, imitation meat products, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet treats such as jerky or dried vegetables, rawhide, and biscuits. "Imitation meat products" are meat chyme products that resemble natural meat flakes in appearance, texture, and physical structure.

[0022] When referring to food compositions, the term "perfect and balanced" means a food composition that, based on recommendations from recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, contains adequate amounts and proportions of all known essential nutrients and is therefore suitable as a standalone dietary source to sustain life or promote production without the need for supplemental nutrient sources.

[0023] Nutritionally balanced pet food and animal food compositions are well known and widely used in the field, such as well-formulated and balanced food compositions based on standards established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on January 1, 2019.

[0024] The compositions disclosed herein may not contain any elements not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosure of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" includes disclosures of embodiments that "consist substantially of the specified components" and embodiments that "comprise only the specified components." Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may not contain any steps not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosure of embodiments using the term "comprising / including" includes disclosures of embodiments that "consist substantially of the specified steps" and embodiments that "comprise only the specified steps." Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein unless otherwise expressly and directly stated.

[0025] The discussion of embodiments, aspects, examples, etc., in this invention is independent, as they are applicable to all methods and compositions. For example, colostrum used in food compositions can also be used in methods for preventing or treating allergic reactions in animals, and vice versa.

[0026] Implementation Plan

[0027] The inventors have discovered that soft, dry, coarsely ground food can be prepared using hydrolyzed sprouted barley. The compositions and methods of the present invention include hydrolyzing sprouted barley and using the hydrolyzed sprouted barley to form extruded coarsely ground food (including the manufacture of pet food using said coarsely ground food).

[0028] In one embodiment, the coarsely ground food for companion animals may comprise protein, carbohydrates, fat, and plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer includes hydrolyzed sprouted barley. In another embodiment, a method of producing soft, dry coarsely ground food may include blending protein, carbohydrates, fat, and plasticizer to form an blend, and processing the blend to form soft, dry coarsely ground food; wherein the plasticizer includes hydrolyzed sprouted barley.

[0029] Typically, hydrolyzed germinated barley can be present, resulting in a soft, coarsely ground food product. In one embodiment, hydrolyzed germinated barley may be present in the composition in an amount from about 14% to about 21% by weight. In other embodiments, hydrolyzed germinated barley may be present in amounts from 14% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 14% to 15% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 14% to 15% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 16% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 17% to 20% to 18% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 14% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 17% to 21% by weight, including amounts from 18% to 20% by weight, including amounts from 14 ...8% to 20% by weight, including amounts from 19% to 20% by weight, including amounts from 20% to 21% by weight.

[0030] In one embodiment, the hydrolyzed germinated barley may have a glucose content of at least 20% by weight. In other aspects, the glucose content may be from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, from about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight, from about 20% by weight to about 45% by weight, or even from about 20% by weight, 25% by weight, 30% by weight, 35% by weight, or 40% by weight to about 30% by weight, 35% by weight, 40% by weight, 45% by weight, or 50% by weight.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hydrolyzed malted barley may have a maltose content of less than 10% by weight. In other aspects, the maltose content may be from about 0.01% by weight to 30% by weight, 0.01% by weight to 20% by weight, 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight, 0.01% by weight to 5% by weight, 1% by weight to 5% by weight, or even from about 0.01% by weight, 0.1% by weight, or 1% by weight to about 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, or 20% by weight.

[0032] Typically, the moisture content of hydrolyzed germinated barley can be at least 20% by weight. In one embodiment, the moisture content can be from about 25% by weight to about 45% by weight, from about 25% by weight to about 40% by weight, from about 30% by weight to about 40% by weight, or even from about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight.

[0033] Typically, coarsely ground foods may have a moisture content commensurate with the product form and desired texture and firmness. In one embodiment, the coarsely ground food may have a moisture content of about 5% to about 15% by weight. In other embodiments, the moisture content may be about 2% to about 10% by weight, about 5% to about 15% by weight, or even about 5% to about 20% by weight. In one embodiment, the total water content of the supplement may be less than 5% by weight. Similarly, dietary supplements may have a water activity in the range of 0.20 to 0.75. In one aspect, the water activity may be less than 0.60.

[0034] Typically, the hydrolyzed germinated barley of the present invention can be added to coarsely ground foods to achieve the desired softness as discussed herein. This softness can be quantitatively measured as described herein. In one embodiment, the coarsely ground food may have a softness of about 10,000 g-forces (gf) to about 15,000 gf. In other embodiments, the softness may be about 11,000 gf to about 14,000 gf, about 12,000 gf to about 14,000 gf, about 12,500 gf to about 13,500 gf, or even sub-ranges thereof. In another embodiment, the softness may be measured as a slope of about 1 to about 2 (segment 0.25 mm to 1 mm).

[0035] As described in this article, coarsely ground food can be part of a pet food composition. Such compositions can be staple pet food, complete and balanced pet food, or even treats. In some respects, such compositions can be blends.

[0036] As discussed herein, the processing steps for preparing coarsely ground food typically involve blending proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and plasticizers to form an admixture, and processing the admixture to form a soft, dry coarsely ground food. In one aspect, this processing includes extruding the admixture to form the coarsely ground food and further drying it. Such processing may include the use of a pre-conditioner and / or a coating step after the coarsely ground food is formed and / or dried. In one example, ingredients other than animal digestive spices and vitamin E-containing buttery edibles (both ingredients used in the coating step) may be added to the pre-conditioner of a single extruder. Hydrolyzed germinated barley liquid and treatment water / steam may also be added to the pre-conditioner. After extrusion cooking, the coarsely ground food is formed and cut at the end of the extruder. The coarsely ground food is then sent to a dryer to reduce moisture loss to as low as 5-15%. Following the drying step, a coating step may add animal digestive spices and vitamin E-containing buttery edibles to the surface of the coarsely ground food.

[0037] In addition, the compositions disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. In one embodiment, the composition may contain probiotics and / or prebiotics. Typical probiotics include, but are not limited to, probiotic strains selected from lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, or enterococci, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus rumenans, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus spp. In some embodiments, the probiotic strain may be selected from *Lactobacillus reuteri* (NCC2581; CNCM I-2448), *Lactobacillus reuteri* (NCC2592; CNCM I-2450), *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* (NCC2583; CNCM I-2449), *Lactobacillus reuteri* (NCC2603; CNCM I-2451), *Lactobacillus reuteri* (NCC2613; CNCM I-2452), *Lactobacillus acidophilus* (NCC2628; CNCM I-2453), *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* (e.g., NCC2627), *Bifidobacterium* spp. NCC2657, or *Enterococcus faecalis* SF68 (NCIMB10415). Typically, the food composition may contain an amount of probiotics sufficient to provide approximately 10 4 To about 10 12 cfu / animals / day, in one aspect, 10 5 To about 10 11 CFU / Animal / Day, and in a specific aspect, 107 Up to 10 10 CFU / animal / day. When probiotics are killed or inactivated, the amount of the killed or inactivated probiotics or components thereof should produce beneficial effects similar to those of live microorganisms. Many such probiotics and their benefits are known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in EP1213970B1, EP1143806B1, US7189390, EP1482811B1, EP1296565B1, and US6929793. In one embodiment, the probiotic may be Enterococcus faecalis SF68 (NCIMB 10415). In another embodiment, the probiotic may be encapsulated in a carrier using methods and materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Prebiotics include any substance that alters the composition of the gut microbiota by providing substrates for microbial growth. Prebiotics include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic oligosaccharides, soluble fiber, resistant starch, and gums. Oligosaccharides can be linear or branched. Prebiotics can be specifically selected for their ability to enhance the lifespan of probiotics in storage containers or in the animal's gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics can also be specifically selected for their ability to enhance the functionality of probiotics in animals or to supplement the benefits of probiotics. Generally, prebiotics are administered in amounts sufficient to actively stimulate the healthy gut microbiota and allow these "beneficial" bacteria to multiply. Typical amounts are from about 1 gram to about 10 grams per serving, or about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber for animals.

[0039] As discussed herein, the compositions of the present invention may comprise animal digests. Animal digests useful in the present invention can be any animal digests known to those skilled in the art, including liquid animal digests and dry animal digests. Such digests include any material produced by the chemical and / or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undigested animal tissue. Additionally, dried brewer's yeast can be used in the present invention, which is any dried brewer's yeast known to those skilled in the art, for example, dried, inactive agents that are byproducts of the brewing industry. Animal digests and dried brewer's yeast have been found to enhance the palatability of compositions comprising dietary supplements and food compositions. When present in such compositions, the animal digests comprise about 1% to about 90% by weight of the composition, and the dried brewer's yeast comprises about 1% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

[0040] The compositions of the present invention may contain additional substances such as minerals, vitamins, salts, proteins, amino acids, fiber, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Non-limiting examples of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chlorine, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, selenium, and various salts thereof. Non-limiting examples of vitamins include vitamin A, various B vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K. The compositions may also contain carotenoids such as α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Additional ingredients may also be included, such as inulin, amino acids, etc.

[0041] In various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may also contain about 5% to about 60% crude protein. In one embodiment, the composition contains about 40% to about 55% crude protein. Crude protein materials may include plant proteins, such as soybean, corn, rice, cottonseed, and peanut, or animal proteins, such as casein, albumin, and meat protein. Non-limiting examples of meat proteins that may be used herein include pork, lamb, horse meat, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof.

[0042] The composition may also contain about 5% to about 40% fat. In one embodiment, the composition may contain about 15% to about 30% fat. The composition may also contain a carbohydrate source. The composition may contain about 10% to about 60% carbohydrates. Non-limiting examples of such carbohydrates include grains or cereals such as rice, corn, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally contain other materials such as dried whey and other dairy byproducts.

[0043] The composition may further comprise at least one fiber source. The composition may contain from about 0.5% to about 5% fiber. A variety of soluble or insoluble fibers may be used, as will be known to those skilled in the art. Fiber sources may be beet pulp (derived from beets), gum arabic, tarharzian gum, psyllium, rice bran, carob gum, citrus pomace, pectin, fructooligosaccharides, manno-fructooligosaccharides, soybean fiber, lupin fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharides, arabinoglycoxylan, or mixtures thereof. The fiber source may be fermentable fiber, such as many of those listed above. Fermentable fibers have previously been described as beneficial to the immune system of companion animals. Fermentable fibers or other compositions known to those skilled in the art, which provide prebiotic compositions that enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, may also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the benefits provided by the present invention to the immune system, gastrointestinal system, and general animal health.

[0044] Compositions can be specifically formulated for particular animals such as dogs or cats. Similarly, compositions can be specifically formulated for young, adult, or old animals. In one respect, the animal can be an old animal. In another respect, the animal can be a long-lived animal. Generally, specialized formulations include ingredients that meet the specific energy and nutritional requirements of a particular animal and at different stages of development or age, or specific nutritional requirements related to a disease state.

[0045] In one embodiment, the coarsely ground food and pet food composition can be formulated for companion animals. In one embodiment, the composition can be formulated for dogs. In another embodiment, the composition can be formulated for cats.

[0046] Technicians can determine the appropriate amount of an ingredient to be added to a given formulation. Such factors that can be considered include the average consumption of the composition by different animal types, whether the animals intended to ingest the dietary supplement have any specific health, overall health, or nutritional requirements, or whether they suffer from any specific disease or ailment, the animal's age, sex, size, or breed, and the manufacturing conditions under which the composition was prepared. The concentration of the ingredient to be added to the composition can be calculated based on the animal's energy and nutritional needs.

[0047] As discussed herein, in various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention can be pet food compositions. In various embodiments, the pet food compositions can be semi-moist or dry food. In one embodiment, the pet food composition or coarsely ground food is one or more components of a blend composition.

[0048] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may be any food formulated for canine or feline consumption. In one embodiment, the pet food composition may be a complete and balanced pet food; that is, providing canines or felines with complete nutrition as defined by the American Association of Official Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as of January 1, 2020.

[0049] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may contain vegetable oils, flavoring agents, coloring agents, and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, and so on. Examples of suitable flavoring agents include yeast, tallow, processed animal feed (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, and pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., roast beef), animal digests, and so on. Suitable coloring agents include FD&C pigments such as Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and so on; natural pigments such as caramel coloring, annatto, chlorophyll, cochineal, betaine, turmeric, saffron, capsicum, lycopene, elderberry juice, pandan extract, butterfly pea flower pigment, and so on; titanium dioxide; and any suitable food colorings known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may optionally contain additional ingredients, such as humectants, preservatives, polyols, salts, or combinations thereof. Suitable humectants include salts, sugars, propylene glycol, and polyols such as glycerin and sorbitol. Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methylparaben, calcium propionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0051] The specific amount of each additional ingredient in the pet food composition disclosed herein will depend on a variety of factors, such as the ingredients contained in the first edible substance and any second edible substance; the species of the animal; the animal's age, weight, general health condition, sex, and diet; the animal's feed intake rate; the purpose for administering the food product to the animal; and so on.

[0052] Example

[0053] The following non-limiting embodiments are descriptions of implementations of this disclosure.

[0054] Example 1 - Study on hydrolyzed germinated barley

[0055] The following method is used to hydrolyze germinated barley liquid, which is then added to an extruder to form a soft, dry, coarsely ground food. Commercially available germinated barley liquid from BRIESS Malt & Ingredients is used as the starting material. A two-step enzymatic hydrolysis method is used to hydrolyze the commercially available germinated barley liquid, as described below. The main processing equipment used includes a cooking vessel (batch size 800-1000 lbs / lot) with constant stirring, jacketed heating, and temperature control capabilities.

[0056] Table 1 provides the formulas used:

[0057] Table 1

[0058]

[0059] The first four components in Table 1 are enzymes, all of which are commercially available. Step-by-step process conditions are provided in Table 2:

[0060] Table 2

[0061]

[0062] During the hydrolysis process described above, the enzymes gradually break down the larger molecular weight polysaccharides and oligosaccharides in the germinated barley, releasing a large amount of small molecules (monosaccharides). Table 3 below shows the glycosylation profile, in which the amount of monosaccharides (mainly glucose) increases significantly through the hydrolysis process.

[0063] Table 3

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] Following the hydrolysis process, the hydrolyzed germinated barley is added to the extruder as a functional ingredient for the production of soft, dry, coarsely ground food. 19% hydrolyzed germinated barley, hydrolyzed from 15% germinated barley liquid, is added to the standard dog food extrusion process. Except for the hydrolyzed germinated barley, all ingredients are standard dry pet food production ingredients. Table 4 provides formulations with the following ingredient ranges:

[0067] Table 4

[0068] Element weight% Light pearl barley 3-4.5 whole wheat 20-30 amino acid L-lysine 0.01-0.05 Potassium chloride 0.1-1 Green pea-colored dried ground material 0.1-1 60% corn gluten meal 5-10 oat flour 4-7 Premix of vitamins and minerals 0.01-2.5 Egg and chicken flavor 1-5 hulled soybean flour 5-10 Poultry by-product powder 2-6 Chicken by-product powder 5-10 Calcium carbonate 0.5-1 Calcium dihydrogen phosphate / calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.1-0.5 Salt 1-5 70% choline chloride solution 0.01-0.1 monoglycerides and diglycerides 0.01-0.5 Hydrolyzed germinated barley liquid 19 Animal digestive flavor 0.1-1 Edible foods containing vitamin E (butter) 1-10 sum 100.000

[0069] The extruded coarsely ground food underwent a slight drying process and was coated on a drum to obtain a final product with 11.6% moisture content. For comparison purposes, another formulation with 15% germinated barley liquid was run using the same extruder and processing conditions (all other ingredients were identical). Table 5 provides comparative formulations with ingredient ranges:

[0070] Table 5

[0071] Element weight% Light pearl barley 3-4.5 whole wheat 20-30 amino acid L-lysine 0.01-0.05 Potassium chloride 0.1-1 Green pea-colored dried ground material 0.1-1 60% corn gluten meal 5-10 oat flour 4-7 Premix of vitamins and minerals 0.01-2.5 Egg and chicken flavor 1-5 hulled soybean flour 5-10 Poultry by-product powder 2-6 Chicken by-product powder 5-10 Calcium carbonate 0.5-1 Calcium dihydrogen phosphate / calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.1-0.5 Salt 1-5 70% choline chloride solution 0.01-0.1 monoglycerides and diglycerides 0.01-0.5 Sprouted barley liquid 15 Add water 1-5 Animal digestive flavor 0.1-1 Edible foods containing vitamin E (butter) 1-10 sum 100.000

[0072] The extruded coarse-ground food undergoes a similar drying process and, after drum coating, yields a comparable final product with 11.3% moisture content.

[0073] A palatability test was conducted on 20 dogs using the two different formulations described above, comparing the results over two bowls. Table 6 provides the results of the palatability test.

[0074] Table 6

[0075] product describe Average % consumption A Coarsely ground food containing 15% sprouted barley liquid 35.9 B Coarsely ground food containing 19% hydrolyzed sprouted barley liquid 64.1

[0076] As shown in Table 6, the test products using the hydrolysis method of the present invention improved the palatability of coarsely ground food, making it more palatable for dogs.

[0077] Texture distribution analysis (TPA) was performed to compare the softness of the final products from the two formulations mentioned above, as well as the coarsely ground food containing the common plasticizer glycerin. TPA was performed using an Instron 5965B texture analyzer. The test method used involved compressing the coarsely ground food to a fixed percentage height. A 1” disc-shaped metal probe was selected for compression. The maximum load at 50% compression (equivalent to the peak force) was recorded. Thirty pieces of coarsely ground food were tested for each composition. The data from each piece were then averaged to determine the average maximum load / peak force and the average slope. Table 7 provides the TPA results:

[0078] Table 7

[0079]

[0080] The hydrolysis process infuses the germinated barley liquid with plasticizer properties. Hydrolyzed germinated barley liquid can be used as an effective plasticizer to increase the softness of extruded dry coarse-ground foods. Notably, 19% hydrolyzed germinated barley liquid achieved a plasticizer effect comparable to 9% glycerol, a well-known and effective plasticizer for extruded coarse-ground pet food. In fact, hydrolyzed liquid barley exhibited a better average slope measurement than glycerol-coated coarse-ground foods.

[0081] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coarsely ground food for companion animals, the coarsely ground food comprising protein, carbohydrates, fat and plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer comprises hydrolyzed germinated barley, the hydrolyzed germinated barley being present in the coarsely ground food in an amount of 14% to 21% by weight, wherein the hydrolyzed germinated barley has an amount of 20% to 45% by weight of glucose and an amount of 0.01% to 5% by weight of maltose.

2. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the coarsely ground food has a moisture content of 5% to 15% by weight.

3. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the coarsely ground food has a softness of 10,000 g-force (gf) to 15,000 gf.

4. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the coarsely ground food has a softness of 1-2 slopes (sections 0.25mm-1mm).

5. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the protein is present in the coarsely ground food in an amount of 5% to 60%, the carbohydrate is present in the coarsely ground food in an amount of 10% to 60%, and the fat is present in the coarsely ground food in an amount of 5% to 40%.

6. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the coarsely ground food is formulated for canines or felines.

7. The coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the companion animal is a canine.

8. A pet food composition comprising the coarsely ground food according to claim 1.

9. A method for manufacturing a coarsely ground food according to claim 1, wherein the coarsely ground food is soft and dry, the method comprising: Proteins, carbohydrates, fats and plasticizers are blended to form blends, and said blends are processed to form soft, dry coarsely ground foods; The plasticizer comprises hydrolyzed malted barley, which is present in the coarsely ground food in an amount of 14% to 21% by weight, wherein the hydrolyzed malted barley has an amount of 20% to 45% by weight of glucose and an amount of 0.01% to 5% by weight of maltose.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the processing comprises extruding the admixture to form the coarsely ground food and further drying the coarsely ground food.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the coarsely ground food has a moisture content of 5% to 15% by weight.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the coarsely ground food has a softness of 10,000 gf to 15,000 gf.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the coarsely ground food has a softness with a slope of 1-2 (section 0.25mm-1mm).

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