A kit for an animal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit for animals comprising a main body and m solid or hollow bodies, the main body comprising n cavities, the solid or hollow bodies being located within the cavities of the main body, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and m = n, the maximum outer diameter of the solid or hollow bodies being less than the minimum inner diameter of the cavities; wherein the main body and the solid or hollow bodies each independently comprise starch, plasticizer, water, protein and fiber; the main body or the solid or hollow bodies each independently having a Shore A durometer hardness of 70 to 100, such that the edible object, when rotated, shaken, slid or rolled, the hollow bodies are able to collide with the inner wall of the main body to produce sound. The present invention is able to make the edible object have a large enough sound when in use to attract animals to eat.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application 201910342089.2, filed on April 26, 2019, entitled "An edible food and a method for preparing the same".

[0002] Priority reference

[0003] The parent application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN201810395920.6 (titled “An edible food and a method for preparing the same”), filed on April 27, 2018. Technical Field

[0004] This invention belongs to the field of food technology, specifically relating to edible animal products, their preparation methods, and uses. Background Technology

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

[0006] To address this issue, those skilled in the art have made several 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 fibrous profile that provides a very realistic meaty appearance and structure, similar to muscle.

[0008] WO2004 / 023887 discloses a method for producing pet food, comprising: mixing protein raw materials to form a paste; heating the paste above the boiling point of water; pressurizing the paste within a confined pressurization zone; coloring the paste within the confined pressurization zone; and discharging the paste in the form of discontinuous small or thick pieces of pet food. 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 comprising at least one compound that modulates, increases, and / or enhances the activity of GPR120 fatty acid receptors, which can be used to enhance the flavor and / or palatability of fatty acids in pet food. The flavor composition enhances the palatability of food for animals.

[0010] In summary, to date, attempts in this field have mainly focused on improving the shape, color, texture, and flavor of food to enhance animal interest in it.

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

[0012] The objective of this invention is to provide an edible food that is more appealing to animals. The inventors have achieved this objective through creative effort.

[0013] Specifically, the present invention provides an edible article comprising: a) a body comprising n cavities; and b) m solid or hollow bodies located within the cavities of the body, wherein 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 or hollow body is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the cavity, such that the solid or hollow body can move relative to the cavity. In one embodiment, the body or each of the solid or hollow bodies independently has a Shore A hardness of at least 50.

[0014] In an edible food of the present invention, a portion or all of the main body comprises a cavity. "A portion or all" means that a part of the main body has a cavity, while a part of the main body does not. The cavity contains one or more solid or hollow bodies; that is, within the main body with a cavity, the cavity may contain one or more solid or hollow bodies. The solid or hollow bodies can rotate, shake, slide, or turn within the cavity. When the edible food is rotated, shaken, slid, or turned, the solid or hollow bodies can collide with the inner wall of the main body to generate sound, thereby arousing the animal's interest when chasing the main body, thus increasing the animal's interest in the food. During each feeding process or interaction, on the one hand, pet owners can use this unique sound to stimulate the animal's interest; on the other hand, the animal will form a conditioned reflex to eat the food upon hearing this sound.

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

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

[0017] In a further embodiment, one or more cavities may have the same or different dimensions.

[0018] In a further embodiment, one or more solid or hollow bodies may have the same or different dimensions.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the size of the solid or hollow body is smaller than the size of the cavity in which it is located, allowing the solid or hollow body to rotate, rock, slide, and swing within the cavity, thereby producing sound and stimulating the animal's interest. In a further embodiment, a portion or all of the body has an opening, the size of which is such that the solid or hollow body will not fall out of the cavity through the opening.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the shape of the subject is that of a gorilla, lion, crocodile, hedgehog, bear, cow, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, cat, pig, hippopotamus, panda, or other animal.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the openings of the one or more cavities may be the same or different in size.

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

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

[0024] In a further embodiment, the body comprises one or more edible components selected from the following: meat, grains, starch, plasticizers, meat meal, protein, fiber, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, pigments, spices, oils, humectants, preservatives, additives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow body comprises one or more edible components selected from: meat, grains, starch, plasticizers, meat meal, protein, fiber, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, pigments, spices, oils, humectants, preservatives, additives, water, or combinations thereof.

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

[0027] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow body each independently contains animal or plant components 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., vegetable 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.

[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 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 and has a certain fluidity. The paste or fluid contains the following components:

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

[0032] 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)

[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 esters, calcium stearoyl lactate, diacetyl tartaric acid, mono (di) glycerides, hydrogenated rosin glycerides, rosin glycerides, glycerol monostearate, hexaglycerol monooleate, hexaglycerol monostearate, modified soy phospholipids, caprylic / capric triglyceride, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene xylitan monostearate, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, potassium stearate, sodium caseinate, sodium stearoyl lactate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, fatty acid sucrose esters, sucrose esters, triglycerol monostearate, xylitan monostearate.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow or paste or fluid is a food, nutrient or medicine that is beneficial to the animal or a sick animal.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow body or paste or fluid contains food, nutrients or medicine that are beneficial to the animal or the sick animal.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the cavity of the hollow body contains food, nutrients, or medicine that are beneficial to the animal or the sick animal.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the nutrients are vitamins, carotenoids, nutritional lipids or fatty acids, minerals, carbohydrates or fiber, 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.

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

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

[0044] In a further embodiment, the water-soluble vitamin is 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 carotenoid is β-carotene, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, etc., or any combination thereof.

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

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

[0048] In a further embodiment, the primary 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 fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, mannan oligosaccharides, inulin, L-arginine, methionine, L-carnitine, melatonin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the drug includes, but is not limited to, antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics (e.g., antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria, antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), sulfonamides and antimicrobial potentiators, quinolone antimicrobial agents and compound preparations or antiviral drugs; anthelmintic agents, such as nematode anthelmintics, fluke anthelmintics, tapeworm anthelmintics, antiprotozoal agents, and ectoparasite-killing agents; disinfectants and antiseptics; antipyretics, analgesics and antirheumatic drugs; hormonal drugs, such as hormones affecting tissue metabolism and growth, sex hormones and gonadotropins; uterine contraction and labor-inducing drugs; energy and nutritional drugs; vitamins; stomachic and digestive aids; antiemetics and emetics; antidiarrheals and laxatives, such as antidiarrheals and laxatives; expectorants and antitussives, etc. Asthma medications; central nervous system stimulants and sedatives, analgesics, such as central nervous system stimulants, sedatives (including sedative-hypnotics, tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants and antiepileptics), analgesics (including analgesic chemical sedatives); anesthetics and reviving agents; cholinergic and anticholinergic drugs, such as cholinergic drugs (stimulators of visceral nerves) and anticholinergic drugs (inhibitors of visceral nerves); adrenergic and antiadrenergic drugs, such as adrenergic drugs (stimulators of the cardiac and vascular systems) and antiadrenergic drugs (inhibitors of the cardiac and vascular systems); cardiotonics and antiarrhythmic drugs, such as cardiotonics and antiarrhythmic drugs; diuretics and dehydrating agents, such as diuretics and dehydrating agents; hemostatics and hematologic drugs, such as hemostatics and hematologic drugs; antihistamines and dermatology prevention and treatment drugs, such as antihistamines and dermatology prevention and treatment drugs; antidotes.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the edible substance is food, a chewing aid, or a toy, or a component of a food, chewing aid, or toy. The edible substance can be used as food for animals, arousing their interest and promoting consumption; additionally, it can also be used as a chewing aid or toy, serving various purposes, all of which can stimulate the animal's interest.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the edible substance is intended for use on companion animals, particularly dogs.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the canines are wild canines and zoo dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, especially domestic dogs, such as purebred and / or mixed-breed 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, chewing substance or toy comprising any of the above-mentioned edible substances.

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

[0057] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for cleaning animal teeth, comprising administering to the animal an amount of the above-described edible substance or the above-described food, chewing material or toy that is effective in cleaning the animal's teeth.

[0058] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for stimulating the appetite of an animal, comprising administering to the animal an amount of the edible substance or food, chewing material or toy of the above embodiment that is effective in stimulating the animal's appetite.

[0059] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for promoting animal health or well-being, comprising administering to the animal an amount of the edible substance or food, chewing material or toy of the above-described scheme that is effective in promoting health or well-being.

[0060] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for improving the quality of life of animals, comprising administering to the animals an amount of the edible substance or food, chewing material or toy of the above-described scheme that is effective in improving the quality of life.

[0061] The present invention also provides another embodiment: a method for prolonging the prime of life of an animal, comprising administering to the animal an amount of the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy of the above scheme that is effective in prolonging the prime of life of the animal.

[0062] The invention also provides another embodiment: a kit, which is contained in a single package or in a separate container within a virtual package:

[0063] (A) Edible materials or food, chewing objects, or toys of the above embodiments, and

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

[0065] (1) A description of the benefits of the edible product of the above-described embodiments or the food, chewable or toy of the above-described embodiments;

[0066] (2) Instructions on how to use the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy of the above implementation scheme;

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

[0068] (4) A plate containing edible food, chewing food, or toys as described in the above embodiments;

[0069] (5) Provide tableware for edible items or food, chewing aids or toys according to the above embodiments; or

[0070] (6) Instructions on how to use the edible materials of the above implementation scheme or the food, chewing food or toys of the above implementation scheme to promote animal health or well-being, improve the quality of life of animals or extend the lifespan 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 edible matter or food, chewables, or toys of the above embodiments, and

[0073] One or more devices for maintaining containers on an array.

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

[0075] In a further embodiment, it also includes one or more markings describing the contents of the container in the packaging.

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

[0077] In a further embodiment, it also includes a label attached to the packaging containing words, images, patterns, abbreviations, slogans, phrases, or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the packaging contain edibles or food, chewables, or toys of the above embodiments.

[0078] The present invention also provides another embodiment, a tool for communicating information or descriptions regarding one or more of the following aspects of the edible product, food, chewable or toy of the above embodiments, method of the above embodiments, kit of the above embodiments, or packaging of any of the above embodiments:

[0079] (1) Applying the edible material or food, chewing material or toy of the above-described embodiments;

[0080] (2) Describe the benefits of the edible material or food, chewing material or toy of the above embodiments;

[0081] (3) To promote the health or well-being of animals by using the edible materials of the above-described embodiments or the food, chewing food, or toys of the above-described embodiments; or

[0082] (4) Use the edible materials of the above implementation scheme or the food, chewing food or toys of the above implementation scheme to prolong the prime of life of animals.

[0083] The tools include documents containing the information or instructions, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio players, or video displays.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the tool is selected from display websites, visual displays, newsstands, brochures, product labels, packaging instructions, advertisements, distributed printed materials, notices, audio tapes, video tapes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, computer-readable chips, computer-readable cards, computer-readable disks, USB devices, FireWire devices, computer memory, and combinations thereof.

[0085] The present invention also provides another embodiment of packaging, which includes markings describing the edible, food, chewable or toy, method, kit or packaging of the above embodiments.

[0086] The present invention also provides another embodiment, wherein the packaging comprises the edibles of the above embodiments and / or the food, chewing food or toy of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0087] Figure 1 This is a front view of one embodiment of the edible product of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of one embodiment of the edible product of the present invention.

[0089] In the diagram: 1. Main body; 2. Opening; 3. Solid body; 4. Cavity. Detailed Implementation

[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 its uses.

[0091] definition

[0092] As used in this article, the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0093] As used in this document, the term "about" refers to a deviation of less than 20%. Specifically, as used in this document, "about" means + / - 20% of a given value, more specifically + / - 10%, or even more specifically + / - 5%.

[0094] As used herein, the components involved in this invention include, but are not limited to, a single pure component, a mixture of multiple pure components, an impure material containing the single component, an impure material containing a mixture of multiple components, or one or more of these. For example, starch-containing materials include, but are not limited to, pure amylose, pure amylopectin, a mixture of pure amylose and pure amylopectin, an impure material containing amylose and other substances, an impure material containing amylose and amylopectin and other substances, or one or more of these. The components may be derived from natural sources or synthetic sources or mixtures of both. This also applies to other components, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, water, protein, cereals, fiber, additives, etc.

[0095] As used herein, "starch-containing material" refers to material containing starch. Starch is a polymer of glucose molecules, the most common storage form of carbohydrates in cells. Structurally, starch can be classified into amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a polysaccharide chain with D-glucose units linked by α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds, its spatial conformation being a spiral. Amylopectin molecules, in addition to the sugar chains linked by α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds, also have branches linked by α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds, each branch also being spirally coiled. Amylose contains hundreds of glucose units, while amylopectin contains thousands. In natural starch, amylose accounts for 20%–26%, and it is soluble; the remainder is amylopectin. Natural starch refers to starch of natural origin. Modified starch (also called altered starch) is a general term for starch that has undergone processing and had its properties altered. The purpose of this processing is to improve the performance and expand the application range of starch by using physical, chemical, or enzymatic methods to introduce new functional groups onto starch molecules or change the size of starch molecules and the properties of starch granules, thereby altering the natural properties of starch (such as gelatinization temperature, thermal viscosity and its stability, freeze-thaw stability, gelling force, film-forming properties, transparency, etc.) to make it more suitable for specific application requirements. Starch-containing materials can be classified by source as natural starch-containing materials or modified starch. 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 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 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 in improved flexibility, flowability, impact resistance, hardness, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, elasticity, and flexural strength of polymers), and simultaneously reducing brittleness. Examples of plasticizers include, but are not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polyhydroxy alcohols, sorbitol, and xylitol, 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 composed of one or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Proteins can be classified by their source as plant proteins or animal proteins. Plant proteins are derived from plants. Examples of plants include, but are not limited to, soybeans, amaranth, arrowroot, barley, buckwheat, low-erucic acid rapeseed, cassava, chickpeas, legumes, lentils, lupins, corn, millet, oats, peas, potatoes, rice, rye, sorghum, sunflower, cassava, black wheat, wheat, or combinations thereof. 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 of an animal. Examples of 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 in this article include, but are not limited to, the lungs, kidneys, brains, livers, stomachs, intestines, or combinations thereof from chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, cattle, 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 shell, peanut shell, potato peel, sweet potato peel, or combinations thereof.

[0099] As used herein, the term "animal" means any animal capable of benefiting from or consuming the edible products of this invention, including humans, non-human animals, and especially companion animals. Examples include, but are not limited to, birds, cattle, dogs, horses, felines, hicrines, wolves, rodents, sheep, or pigs. As used herein, the term "companion animal" includes any non-human animal suitable for keeping as a pet by humans. Examples of companion animals include, but are not limited to, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets or weasels, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, etc. As used herein, the term "dog" includes, but is not limited to, wild dogs and zoo dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, especially domestic dogs, such as purebred and / or mixed-breed 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, senior life, and old age. Preferably, the animals are juvenile, adult, older, or elderly animals.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "effective amount" and "effective amount" refer to the amount of the edible substance described herein that is effective in achieving specific biological results. These 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 animal's prime of life, and effectively treating or alleviating dental conditions selected from: plaque, tartar, tooth discoloration, gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, halitosis, and combinations thereof. Such results can be achieved, for example, by administering the edible substance of the present invention to animals. The effective amount may vary based on several factors, including the sex, age, and weight of the specific animal, etc.

[0101] The term “treatment” in its various grammatical forms relating to this disclosure means the prevention, cure, reversal, reduction, mitigation, relief, minimization, inhibition, or cessation of the harmful effects of one or more dental conditions disclosed herein.

[0102] The term "packaging" refers to components of a set of products that are physically associated in or with one or more containers and are considered a unit for the purposes of manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cardboard boxes, bottles, packaging of any type or design or material, outer packaging, shrink wrap, additional components (such as staples, adhesives, etc.), or combinations thereof. Individual packaging can be a container for different edible individual items or a container for an edible individual and one or more other edible ingredients or compositions that are physically associated so as to be considered a unit for the purposes of manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

[0103] The term "virtual package" refers to a product kit in which components are associated with one or more tangible or virtual product kit components by instructions on how the user obtains other components, such as in a bag or other container containing one component and instructions that instruct the user to go to a website, access audio or fax services, view visual information, or contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain information on how to use the product kit or on the safety or technical information of one or more components of the product kit.

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

[0105] As used in this article, a range is used to describe each and every value within that range. Any value within the range can be selected as the range.

[0106] This invention is not limited to the specific methods, schemes, and reagents described herein, as they are subject to variation. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0107] As used herein, the singular form of a word includes the plural, and vice versa, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise. Therefore, references to “an,” “a,” and “the” generally include the plural form of the corresponding term. For example, references to “edible matter” or “method” include multiple such “edible matters” or “methods.” Similarly, the word “comprising” will be interpreted in an inclusive rather than exclusive manner. Likewise, the terms “including” and “or” should both be considered inclusive unless the context explicitly prevents this interpretation. Similarly, the term “example” (especially when followed by a list of terms) is merely illustrative and descriptive and should not 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 art. While any composition, method, article, or other means or material similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of this invention, 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 intended only to summarize the conclusions made therein. No such patent, patent application, publication, or reference, or any part thereof, is acknowledged as prior art relating to this invention, and the right to challenge the accuracy and relevance of such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references is specifically reserved.

[0110] Edible food

[0111] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an edible object. In a further embodiment, the edible object comprises: a) a body 1 containing n cavities 4; and b) m solid bodies 3 or hollow bodies located within the cavities 4 of the body 1, wherein 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 multiple cavities 4, each cavity 4 may contain one solid body 3 and / or multiple hollow bodies 3. When the edible object of the present invention moves (e.g., moved, rolled, shaken, or rotated by an animal or animal handler), the inner wall of the body 1 impacts the solid bodies 3 or hollow bodies, thereby producing sound.

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

[0113] In a further embodiment, the edible substance, solid body 3 or hollow body 3, has a cross-sectional outer periphery shape that is circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, rhomboid, 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 subject is that of a gorilla, lion, crocodile, hedgehog, bear, cow, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, cat, pig, hippopotamus, panda, or other animal.

[0115] In a further embodiment, each cavity 4 contains one or more solid bodies 3 or hollow bodies. In a further embodiment, the internal cavity 4 of the hollow body contains one or more solid bodies 3 and / or hollow bodies. In a further embodiment, the internal 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 openings 2 on the surface of the body 1, wherein 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 food of the present invention is moved (e.g., moved, rolled, shaken, or rotated by an animal or animal handler), the solid body 3 or the hollow body will not detach from the body 1.

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

[0118] In a further embodiment, the body comprises one or more edible components selected from meat, grains, starch, meat meal, protein, fiber, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, 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, starch, meat meal, protein, fiber, sugars, vitamins, minerals, flavorings, pigments, spices, oils, humectants, preservatives, water, or combinations thereof.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the body or the solid or hollow body each independently comprises starch, 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, or about 0.200-about 0.700: about 1.000. 00, 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 water to 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 these.

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

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

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

[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 cassava 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 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 of the protein ranges from about 0% to about 30% by weight, about 2% to about 28% by weight, about 4% to about 26% by weight, about 6% to about 24% by weight, about 8% to about 22% by weight, about 10% to about 20% by weight, about 12% to about 18% by weight, or about 14% to about 16% by weight. 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% by weight, about 2% by weight, about 4% by weight, about 6% by weight, about 8% by weight, about 10% by weight, about 12% by weight, about 14% by weight, about 16% by weight, about 18% by weight, about 20% by weight, about 22% by weight, about 24% by weight, about 26% by weight, about 28% by weight, about 30% by weight, and any value between any two of these.

[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 the following: soybean protein, amaranth protein, arrowroot protein, barley protein, buckwheat protein, low erucic acid rapeseed protein, cassava protein, chickpea protein, legume 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, black wheat protein, and 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-product is any one or more of the lungs, kidneys, brain, liver, stomach, or intestines of chicken, duck, goose, mutton, goat, beef, rabbit, or pig.

[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 of the fiber ranges from about 0 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 24 wt%, about 4 wt% to about 22 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 8 wt% to about 18 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 16 wt%, or about 12 wt% to 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 fiber 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 these.

[0135] In a further embodiment, the fiber is any one or more of alfalfa fiber, grass fiber, bamboo fiber, flaxseed fiber, coconut shell fiber, peanut shell fiber, potato peel fiber, or sweet potato peel fiber. In a further embodiment, the fiber has a length of about 23 μm to about 2000 μm, about 100 μm to about 1900 μm, about 200 μm to about 1800 μm, about 300 μm to about 1700 μm, about 400 μm to about 1600 μm, about 500 μm to about 1500 μm, about 600 μm to about 1400 μm, about 700 μm to about 1300 μm, about 800 μm to about 1200 μm, or about 900 μm to about 1100 μm.

[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 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 of the additive ranges from about 0 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 24 wt%, about 4 wt% to about 22 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 8 wt% to about 18 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 16 wt%, or about 12 wt% to 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 these.

[0138] In a further embodiment, the additive is any one or more of vegetable oils, animal oils, lecithin, emulsifiers, vitamins, amino acids, prebiotics, prebiotics, pigments, flavorings, preservatives, antioxidants, corn syrup, sucrose, or mineral salts. 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 blended edible oils. In a further embodiment, the animal oil is any one or more of chicken fat, beef tallow, lard, or mutton fat. In a further embodiment, the emulsifier is any one or more of sodium stearoyl lactylate, calcium stearoyl lactylate, diacetyl tartaric acid monoglyceride, sucrose esters, monoglycerides, triglycerides, soybean lecithin, laurate monoglyceride, Span derivatives, or Tween derivatives. 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 made of other materials. For example, the solid or hollow body may contain one or more 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 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 powder, sweet potato powder, 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.

[0143] In a further embodiment, when m < n, an edible paste or fluid is added to the cavity of the main body without the solid body 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 comprises the following components:

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

[0145] 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)

[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: Glyceryl monolaurate (GML), acetylated monoglyceride fatty acid ester, calcium stearoyl lactylate, diacetyl tartaric acid, mono(di)glycerides, hydrogenated rosin glycerides, rosin glycerides, glyceryl monostearate, hexamethylene glycerol monooleate, hexamethylene glycerol monostearate, modified soybean lecithin, caprylic / capric glycerides, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, monooleate polyoxyethylene sorbitan, monopalmitic acid Esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, monostearate, polyoxyethylene xylitol anhydride, monostearate, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, potassium stearate sodium caseinate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sucrose isobutyrate acetate ester, fatty acid sucrose ester, sucrose ester triglyceride monostearate, xylitol anhydride monostearate.

[0151] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow or paste or fluid is a food, nutrient or medicine that is beneficial to the animal or a sick animal.

[0152] In a further embodiment, the solid or hollow body or paste or fluid contains food, nutrients or medicine that are beneficial to the animal or the sick animal.

[0153] In a further embodiment, the cavity of the hollow body contains food, nutrients, or medicine that are beneficial to the animal or the sick animal.

[0154] In a further embodiment, the nutrients are vitamins, carotenoids, nutritional lipids or fatty acids, minerals, carbohydrates or fiber, 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 vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin or a water-soluble vitamin or any combination thereof.

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

[0157] In a further embodiment, the water-soluble vitamin is 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 carotenoid is β-carotene, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0159] In a further embodiment, the nutritional lipid or fatty acid is arachidonic acid, ω-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, trace minerals, and other minerals, or any combination thereof.

[0161] In a further embodiment, the primary 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 fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, mannan oligosaccharides, inulin, L-arginine, methionine, L-carnitine, melatonin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0164] In a further embodiment, the drug includes, but is not limited to, antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics (e.g., antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria, antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), sulfonamides and antimicrobial potentiators, quinolone antimicrobial agents and compound preparations or antiviral drugs; anthelmintic agents, such as nematode anthelmintics, fluke anthelmintics, tapeworm anthelmintics, antiprotozoal agents, and ectoparasite-killing agents; disinfectants and antiseptics; antipyretics, analgesics and antirheumatic drugs; hormonal drugs, such as hormones affecting tissue metabolism and growth, sex hormones and gonadotropins; uterine contraction and labor-inducing drugs; energy and nutritional drugs; vitamins; stomachic and digestive aids; antiemetics and emetics; antidiarrheals and laxatives, such as antidiarrheals and laxatives; expectorants and antitussives, etc. Asthma medications; central nervous system stimulants and sedatives, analgesics, such as central nervous system stimulants, sedatives (including sedative-hypnotics, tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants and antiepileptics), analgesics (including analgesic chemical sedatives); anesthetics and reviving agents; cholinergic and anticholinergic drugs, such as cholinergic drugs (stimulators of visceral nerves) and anticholinergic drugs (inhibitors of visceral nerves); adrenergic and antiadrenergic drugs, such as adrenergic drugs (stimulators of the cardiac and vascular systems) and antiadrenergic drugs (inhibitors of the cardiac and vascular systems); cardiotonics and antiarrhythmic drugs, such as cardiotonics and antiarrhythmic drugs; diuretics and dehydrating agents, such as diuretics and dehydrating agents; hemostatics and hematologic drugs, such as hemostatics and hematologic drugs; antihistamines and dermatology prevention and treatment drugs, such as antihistamines and dermatology prevention and treatment drugs; antidotes.

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

[0166] In a further embodiment, the edible substance is intended for use with companion animals, particularly dogs. In a further embodiment, the dogs include, but are not limited to, wild and zoo dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, dogs, especially domestic dogs, such as purebred and / or mixed-breed 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 product is free of any bacteria, fungi, and molds. In a further embodiment, the edible product has a shelf life of at least 2 years under environmental conditions. In a further embodiment, the edible product has a shelf life of approximately 2 to approximately 5 years under environmental conditions.

[0168] In a further embodiment, the body, solid or hollow, has a Shore A hardness of about 50 to 100, particularly about 70 to 100. For example, the body, solid or hollow, has a Shore A hardness of 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, or any value between any two of them.

[0169] The inventors unexpectedly discovered that animals preferred the edible food of this invention compared to control food. Without being bound by any particular theory, when the edible food of this invention is moved (e.g., moved, rolled, shaken, or rotated by an animal or its handler), the inner wall of the main 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 eat the edible food of this invention.

[0170] Companion animals need enriching experiences (such as play) to enhance their physical and mental health and well-being. Young companion animals are naturally inclined to engage in a lot of play. Canines, in particular, are playful and often enjoy hitting and chasing objects. Therefore, the edible product of this invention can help provide animals with physical activity. Playful activities can stimulate an animal's appetite. Therefore, the edible product of this invention can be used to stimulate an animal's appetite.

[0171] The present invention also relates to a food, chewing substance or toy comprising an edible substance according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0172] Methods of manufacturing edible food

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

[0174] a) Prepare the main body;

[0175] b) Prepare the solid or hollow body;

[0176] c) Assemble the main body obtained in a) and the solid or hollow body obtained in b) into the edible product, wherein the order of steps a) and b) can be optionally interchanged, i.e., a) can be prepared first and then b) can be prepared; 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, the method comprising the following steps:

[0178] The raw materials are mixed evenly in a specified ratio. The evenly mixed material is added to a die-casting mold at approximately 80°C to 150°C and a pressure of approximately 10 MPa to 110 MPa, allowing the raw material to thermoset under high temperature and pressure into a main body, solid body, or hollow body. The main body, solid body, or hollow body is dried in an oven at approximately 50°C to 90°C for approximately 0 to 10 hours. The main body, solid body, or hollow body is cooled at room temperature to obtain the final product.

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

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

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

[0182] In a further embodiment, the specified ratios of the materials in the initial raw materials result in the ratios of the components in the final product body, solid or hollow, as described above.

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

[0184] Mix the materials in the specified proportions until homogeneous. Add the homogeneous mixture to an injection molding machine, setting the machine temperature to approximately 110°C-125°C, the injection pressure to approximately 80MPa-100MPa, the injection time to approximately 2-5 seconds, and the cooling time to approximately 10-40 seconds. Inject the material into the mold according to these process parameters, allowing it to cool and solidify into a main body, solid form, or hollow form. Dry the main body, solid form, or hollow form in an oven at approximately 50-90°C for approximately 0-10 hours. Cool the main body, solid form, or hollow form at room temperature to obtain the final product.

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

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

[0187] In a further embodiment, the specified ratios of the materials in the initial raw materials result in the ratios of the components in the final product body, solid or hollow, as described above.

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

[0189] The materials are mixed evenly in a specified ratio. The evenly mixed material is extruded and cured using an extruder. The extruder temperature is set to approximately 120°C-150°C, the extruder head pressure is controlled at approximately 4 MPa, and the appropriate pelletizing speed is adjusted to cut the extruded particles into pellets approximately 3-5 mm in length. The extruded particles are added to an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine temperature is set to approximately 110°C-125°C, the injection pressure is set to approximately 80 MPa-100 MPa, the injection time is approximately 2-5 seconds, and the cooling time is approximately 10-40 seconds. According to these process parameters, the material is injected into a mold, and after cooling and setting, it becomes a solid or hollow body. The solid or hollow body is dried in an oven at approximately 50°C-90°C for approximately 0-10 hours. The solid or hollow body is then cooled at room temperature to obtain the final product.

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

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

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

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

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

[0195] Products, related methods and derivatives

[0196] In one embodiment, the present invention provides food, chewing food, or toys comprising edible substances as described above.

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

[0198] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a kit comprising, in a single package or in a separate container in a virtual package: (A) an edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above, and (B) one or more of the following: (1) instructions for the benefits of the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above; (2) instructions for how to apply the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above; (3) other edible substances and / or inedible substances; (4) a plate for serving the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above; (5) tableware for serving the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above; or (6) instructions for how to use the edible substance or food, chewing substance or toy as described above to promote animal health or well-being, improve animal quality of life or extend animal lifespan.

[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 edibles or food, chewables or toys as described above, and one or more means for maintaining the containers in the array. In a further embodiment, the package further includes one or more handles adapted for handling and transporting the package. In a further embodiment, the package further includes one or more markings describing the contents of the containers within the package. In a further embodiment, the packaging means includes one or more windows. In a further embodiment, the package further includes a label attached to the package containing words, images, diagrams, abbreviations, slogans, phrases or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the package contain edibles or food, chewables or toys as described above.

[0200] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tool for communicating information or descriptions regarding one or more of the following aspects of an edible substance, food, chewing substance, or toy as described above, a method as described above, a kit as described above, or a package as described above: (1) administering the edible substance or food, chewing substance, or toy as described above; (2) describing the benefits of the edible substance or food, chewing substance, or toy as described above; (3) promoting the health or well-being of an animal with the edible substance or food, chewing substance, or toy as described above; or (4) extending the prime of life of an animal with the edible substance or food, chewing substance, or toy as described above, said tool comprising a document, digital storage medium, optical storage medium, audio player, or video display containing said information or description. In a further embodiment, the tool is selected from display websites, visual displays, newsstands, brochures, product labels, packaging instructions, advertisements, distributed printed materials, notices, audio tapes, video tapes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, computer-readable chips, computer-readable cards, computer-readable disks, USB devices, FireWire devices, computer memory, and combinations thereof.

[0201] In one embodiment, the present invention provides packaging comprising markings describing an edible substance, a food, a chewable, or a 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 packaging comprises an edible substance and / or a food, chewable, or toy as described above.

[0202] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and quantities expressed herein and elsewhere in this specification shall be understood as weight percentages. Except where otherwise specified, all percentages used in this specification are based on weight percentages on a dry matter basis.

[0203] As used herein, ranges are referred to in shorthand form to avoid listing and documenting every single value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range may be selected as the upper limit, lower limit, or endpoint of the range, as appropriate.

[0204] The word “contains” is intended to be interpreted as open and inclusive, not exclusive. Similarly, the terms “include” and “or” should be interpreted as inclusive unless such an interpretation is explicitly prohibited by the context. Likewise, the term “instance” (especially when followed by a series of terms) is merely explanatory and illustrative and should not be considered exclusive or all-encompassing.

[0205] The methods and compositions disclosed herein, as well as other advancements, are not limited to the specific methodologies, procedures, and reagents described herein, as they can be modified, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope disclosed or claimed, nor does it limit the scope of disclosure or claims.

[0206] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms, art terms, and abbreviations used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the field of the invention or the field in which the term is used. While any compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other tools or materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used to practice the invention, preferred compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other tools 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 in their entirety to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of those references is solely for summarizing the arguments presented therein. No admission is made that any of these patents, patent applications, publications, or references, or any portion thereof, constitutes relevant material or prior art. The right to challenge the accuracy and relevance of any assertion that these patents, patent applications, publications, or other references constitute relevant material or prior art is specifically reserved.

[0208] Example

[0209] The following embodiments are only used to illustrate the implementation of the present 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 embodiments.

[0210] Example 1. Preparation of edible food

[0211] 1. Preparation of the main body

[0212] Mix the specified proportions of materials (40 parts by weight of corn starch, 10 parts by weight of glycerin, 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, and 25 parts by weight of water) evenly. Extrude the evenly mixed material through an extruder for curing. Set the extruder temperature to 120℃-150℃, control the extruder head pressure to 4MPa, and adjust the appropriate pelletizing speed to cut the extruded particles into granules 3-5mm in length. Add the extruded particles to an injection molding machine. Set the injection molding machine temperature to 110℃-125℃, the injection pressure to 80MPa-100MPa, the injection time to 2-5 seconds, and the cooling time to 10-40 seconds. Inject the material into a mold according to these process parameters. After cooling and setting, it will form the main shape. The manufacturing method can be manual molding, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, or other molding methods.

[0213] 2. Preparation of the solid internal body

[0214] Weigh a specific amount of chicken, homogenize and mix it in a chopper. Shape the resulting mixture into balls by hand. Dry the balls in an oven at 70-90°C for 2-6 hours to obtain a solid interior.

[0215] 3. Assembly of edible foods

[0216] The main body and internal solid parts are assembled manually. The assembly is then dried in an oven at 70-90°C for 2-12 hours to obtain an assembly containing a main body and internal solid parts with the desired hardness. The assembly is then cooled at room temperature to obtain the final product.

[0217] 4. Preparation of control edible materials

[0218] The preparation of the control edible sample is similar to the preparation method of the edible sample of the present invention, except that there is no gap between the internal solid body and the main body, so that when the control edible sample is rotated, shaken, slid, and oscillated, the internal solid body and the inner cavity of the main body cannot collide, and therefore no sound is produced. Measurements showed that in the final product, the Shore A hardness of both the main body and the internal solid body was greater than 50.

[0219] Example 2. Palatability test of edible food

[0220] Comparison of palatability of edible food with various target edible foods for dogs

[0221] Equal quantities of control and target edible samples prepared in Example 1, with identical shape, appearance, and size, were placed separately. Twenty dogs (Beagles) were sequentially introduced into the areas containing the control and target edible samples. The number of dogs selecting either the control or target edible sample was recorded. The percentage obtained by dividing the recorded number of dogs by the total number of dogs (20) represents the initial selection rate for either the control or target edible sample. The experiment was conducted continuously for three days. The experimental data are as follows:

[0222] Table 1. Number of dogs that selected the control edible and target edible foods

[0223] Day 1 the next day Day 3 Comparison of edible substances 7 8 6 Target edible materials 13 12 14

[0224] The test data over three days shows that the initial selection rate of the target edible food was significantly higher than that of the control edible food.

[0225] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A kit for an animal, the kit comprising an edible object, a plate for serving the edible object, an instruction, or the kit comprising an edible object, a utensil for serving the edible object, an instruction; the edible object comprising: a) a body, the body comprising n cavities, wherein some or all of the n cavities have an opening on the surface of the body; and b) m hollow bodies located in the cavities of the 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, one or more solid bodies and / or hollow bodies are included in the inner cavity of the hollow body; the solid body or hollow body is a solid sphere or hollow sphere, respectively; wherein the body and the solid body or hollow body each comprise starch, plasticizer, water, protein, and fiber, the weight ratio of the starch, plasticizer, water, protein, and fiber being 1.000:0.030-0.875:0.050-0.625:0.050-0.950:0.050-0.700; the weight percentage of the water ranges from about 5 wt% to about 25 wt% based on the total weight of the body or the solid body or hollow body; 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 condition of a temperature of 80-150 °C and a pressure of 10-110 MPa, plasticized die casting molding is performed, the raw material is heat solidified into the body or solid body or hollow body under high temperature and high pressure, and dried at 50-90 °C for 2-6 hours, and cooled at room temperature, thereby obtaining the final body or solid body or hollow body; and wherein the body or the solid body or hollow body each independently has a Shore A durometer hardness of 70 to 100, so that the hollow body can collide with the inner wall of the body to produce sound when the edible object is rotated, shaken, slid, or turned.

2. The kit for an animal of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional outer shape of the body or cavity is circular, semicircular, polygonal, heart-shaped, or flower-shaped, or any combination thereof.

3. The kit for an animal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional outer shape of the solid body or hollow body is circular, semicircular, polygonal, heart-shaped, or flower-shaped, or any combination thereof.

4. The kit for an animal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sizes of the n cavities are the same or different.

5. The kit for an animal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sizes of the m hollow bodies are the same or different.

6. The kit for an animal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the body is the shape of a chimpanzee, lion, crocodile, hedgehog, bear, cow, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, cat, pig, hippopotamus, or panda.

7. The kit for animals of claim 1 or 2, wherein the body further comprises one or more edible components selected from the group consisting of a cereal, a saccharide, a vitamin, a mineral, a flavoring agent, a pigment, an oil, a humectant, a preservative, or a combination thereof.

8. The kit for animals of claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid or hollow body further comprises one or more edible components selected from the group consisting of a cereal, a saccharide, a vitamin, a mineral, a flavoring agent, a pigment, an oil, a humectant, a preservative, or a combination thereof.

9. The kit for animals of 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.

10. The kit for animals of claim 1 or 2, wherein the animal is a pet dog.

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