Compositions and methods for dehydrated pet food blends

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to dehydrated pet food blends. The dehydrated pet food blend may include from about 15% to about 50% protein, from about 5% to about 40% fat, and from about 5% to about 50% carbohydrate. In addition, the blend may include a semi-wet coarse food, a dry coarse powder, and a dehydrated vegetable.

Description

Background Art

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to French utility certificate application No. 205076, filed on May 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Description of Related Art

[0004] Dry pet foods containing kibble coated with a dry natural gravy coating that reconstitutes when mixed with water are well known. Canned dog foods containing meat chunks and vegetables are also well known. In addition, dry pet foods containing freeze-dried vegetables have been introduced. The advantages of using dehydrated food components include improved stability, a healthier taste, minimization of preservatives and reduced shipping costs, but increase production time, production costs and low acceptance.

[0005] Accordingly, research and development efforts continue in the area of ​​dried and dehydrated food compositions to develop more effective compositions. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide compositions and methods involving dehydrated pet food blends.

[0007] In one embodiment, the dehydrated pet food blend may include about 15% to about 50% protein, about 5% to about 40% fat, and about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Additionally, the blend may include semi-moist kibble, dry kibble, and dehydrated vegetables.

[0008] Additionally, in another embodiment, a method for making a dehydrated pet food blend may include extruding semi-moist kibble, extruding dry kibble, grinding the dry kibble to form dry kibble, and mixing the semi-moist kibble and the dry kibble with dehydrated vegetables to form a dehydrated pet food blend.

[0009] Additional and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] definition

[0011] The term "companion animal" means any domesticated animal, and includes, but is not limited to, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, etc. In a particular aspect, the animal or companion animal can be a dog or a cat.

[0012] The term "food" or "food product" or "food composition" means a product or composition intended for ingestion by an animal and provides nutrition to the animal.

[0013] The terms "pet food" or "pet food composition" mean a composition intended for consumption by a companion animal.

[0014] When referring to food compositions, the term "complete and balanced" or "nutritional balance" means such a food composition: it is based on the recommendation of recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, contains all known essential nutrients in appropriate amounts and appropriate proportions, and can therefore be used as a separate source of dietary intake to maintain life or promote production without the need to add supplementary nutritional sources. Nutritionally balanced pet foods and animal food compositions are well known in the art and have been widely used, for example, complete and balanced food compositions formulated according to the standards established by the American Feed Control Association (AAFCO). The term includes any food, feed, snack, food supplement, treat, meal replacement or meal replacement, whether intended for humans or other animals. Animal food includes food or feed for any domesticated species or wild species. In some embodiments, food for animals represents a complete and balanced food composition, such as granular food, extruded food or dry food. The example of such animal food includes extruded pet food, such as food for dogs and cats.

[0015] The term "long-term administration" means repeated administration or consumption for a period of more than one month. A period of more than two months, three months, or four months may be used for certain embodiments. In addition, an extended period including more than 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, or 10 months may be used. A period of more than 11 months or 1 year may also be used. Long-term use of more than 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or more may also be used. For some elderly animals, these animals may continue to consume regularly throughout their lives. This may sometimes be referred to as "extended" period consumption.

[0016] The term "regularly" refers to dosing a composition or edible composition at least once a month, and in one aspect, dosing once a week. In certain embodiments, more frequent dosing or consumption may also be performed, such as twice or three times a week. Nevertheless, in other aspects, a regimen comprising at least daily consumption may still be adopted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the blood level of a compound or some metabolites of the compound or the blood level produced after consuming the compound may be a useful tool for assessing or determining the dosing frequency. For example, for determining the dosage or dosage frequency of a composition comprising MCT, the blood concentration of various ketone bodies or a certain specific ketone body may provide useful information. Whether or not it is clearly exemplified herein, the frequency allowing the desired blood level of the measured compound to be maintained within an acceptable range can be used in the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dosing frequency will vary with the composition being consumed or applied, and some compositions may require higher or lower frequency administration to maintain the desired blood level of the measured compound (e.g., ketone bodies).

[0017] The term "oral" refers to an animal ingesting one or more compositions described herein, or a human feeding an animal or feeding an animal one or more compositions described herein under instructions. When a human feeds an animal the composition under instructions, such instructions may indicate and / or inform the feeder that the use of such composition can and / or will bring about the mentioned beneficial effects, such as improving motility or activity, or preventing, reducing or delaying the decline of the above functions or qualities. Such instructions may be verbal instructions (e.g., verbal instructions from, for example, a physician, veterinarian or other health care professional or radio or television media (i.e., advertising)), or written instructions (e.g., written instructions (e.g., prescriptions) from, for example, a physician, veterinarian or other health care professional, written instructions from a professional salesperson or organization (e.g., through, for example, marketing brochures, booklets or other instructional paraphernalia), written media (e.g., the Internet, e-mail, website or other computer-related media), and / or packaging related to the composition (e.g., a label on a container containing the composition), or a combination thereof (e.g., a label or package insert with instructions to the user to visit a website for more information).

[0018] The term "individual" when referring to animals refers to an individual animal of any species or kind.

[0019] The term "microorganism" encompasses at least bacteria, molds and other fungi, and yeast. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can survive or even reproduce and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Probiotics generally promote the overall health of animals, especially the gastrointestinal health of animals.

[0020] The term "single package" means that the multiple components of the set are physically associated in or with one or more containers and are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes or cartons, bottles, packaging of any type or design or material, outer packaging, shrink wrap, attached components (e.g., binding components, adhesive components, etc.), or any combination of the above. For example, a single package kit can provide containers for the component parts and / or food component parts that are physically associated so that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

[0021] The term "virtual package" means that the components of the kit are associated with instructions on one or more physical or virtual kit components that instruct a user how to obtain other components (e.g., in a bag or other container containing one component), and are associated with instructions that instruct the user to visit a website, contact a recorded message or call-back service, view a visual message, or contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain, for example, instructions on how to use the kit or safety or technical information about one or more components of the kit. Examples of information that may be provided as part of a virtual kit include instructions for use; safety information, such as a material safety data sheet; poison control information; potential adverse reaction information; clinical study results; dietary information, such as food composition or caloric composition; general information about behavior or motor function; diseases that affect behavior or motor function; treating behavior or motor function; or general information about treating or maintaining behavior or motor function; self-help related to behavior or motor function; caregiver information for caregivers who care for animals facing behavioral or motor function challenges; and the use, beneficial effects, and potential side effects or contraindications of the composition or medication.

[0022] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all percentages expressed herein are calculated by weight on a dry matter basis of the composition. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "dry matter basis" refers to the concentration or percentage of an ingredient in a composition measured or determined after removing any free water in the composition.

[0023] Throughout the text, the ranges used herein are abbreviated ranges to avoid the need to list and describe each numerical value in detail. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected, and when appropriate, the upper limit, lower limit or end value of the range can be selected.

[0024] The term "about" means plus or minus 20%; in one aspect, ±10%; in another aspect, ±5%; and in a particular aspect, ±2%.

[0025] As used herein and in the appended claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular form of a word includes the plural form, and vice versa. Thus, references to "one," "a," and "the" generally include the plural form of the corresponding term. For example, reference to "a method" or "a food" includes reference to a plurality of such "methods" or a plurality of such "foods." For example, references to "antioxidants" herein include a plurality of such antioxidants, and references to "pieces" include single pieces. Similarly, the words "include," "comprise," and "contain" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Similarly, the terms "include," "comprises," and "or" should all be considered inclusive unless the context clearly prohibits such an interpretation. The term "example" used herein (especially when followed by a list of terms) is used for illustration only and should not be considered exclusive or comprehensive.

[0026] As used herein, embodiments, aspects, and examples using "comprising" language or other open language may be replaced with "consisting essentially of and "consisting of" embodiments.

[0027] The methods, compositions and other advances disclosed herein are not limited to the specific methods, protocols and reagents described herein, as these specific methods, protocols and reagents may vary, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit and will not limit the scope of the disclosure or protection of the claims.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all scientific and technical terms, technical terms and acronyms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs or in which these terms are used. Although any compositions, methods, articles or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of the present invention, certain compositions, methods, articles or other means or materials are described herein.

[0029] All patents, patent applications, publications, technical and / or academic papers and other references cited or mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of these references is intended only to summarize the assertions made therein. We do not admit that any of these patents, patent applications, publications or references or any part thereof is relevant, substantial or prior art. The right to question the accuracy and relevance of any assertion that these patents, patent applications, publications and other references are relevant, substantial or prior art is specifically reserved. Complete citation information for publications that are not fully cited in the specification is listed at the end of the specification.

[0030] The present invention

[0031] In one embodiment, the dehydrated pet food blend may include about 15% to about 50% protein, about 5% to about 40% fat, and about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Additionally, the blend may include semi-moist kibble, dry kibble, and dehydrated vegetables.

[0032] Additionally, in another embodiment, a method for making a dehydrated pet food blend may include extruding semi-moist kibble, extruding dry kibble, grinding the dry kibble to form dry kibble, and mixing the semi-moist kibble and the dry kibble with dehydrated vegetables to form a dehydrated pet food blend.

[0033] In one embodiment, the extruded dry kibble can include drying the extruded dry kibble to remove moisture from the dry kibble. Thus, in one aspect, the dry kibble can be extruded with normal moisture and then dried to form dry kibble. In one aspect, the dry kibble can be first mixed with dehydrated vegetables to form a dry blend, and then the dry blend can be mixed with semi-moist kibble to form a dehydrated pet food blend.

[0034] Additionally, the method of administering the dehydrated pet food blend to an animal may include mixing the dehydrated pet food blend with water to rehydrate the dry and dehydrated components of the blend, and then administering the composition to the companion animal.

[0035] Typically, the dehydrated pet food blend may include semi-moist kibble. The semi-moist kibble may have a moisture content of about 10% to about 30% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be about 10% to about 20% by weight. In one embodiment, the semi-moist kibble may be present in the blend in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight. In one aspect, the semi-moist kibble may be present in the blend in an amount of about 20% to about 30%.

[0036] Typically, the dehydrated pet food blend may include dry meal. The dry meal may have a moisture content of about 5% to about 12% by weight. In one aspect, the ash content may be about 6% to about 8% by weight. In one embodiment, the dry meal may be present in the blend in an amount of about 40% to about 90% by weight. In one aspect, the dry meal may be present in the blend in an amount of about 60% to about 70%.

[0037] Typically, the dehydrated pet food blend may include dehydrated vegetables. The dehydrated vegetables may have a moisture content of about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be about 5% by weight to about 8% by weight. In one embodiment, the dehydrated vegetables may be present in the blend in an amount of about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight. In one aspect, the dehydrated vegetables may be present in the blend in an amount of about 5% to about 10%.

[0038] In one aspect, the method and composition may include one or more B vitamins, one or more antioxidants, or a combination thereof. B vitamins may be any B vitamins suitable for application to animals. B vitamins include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (also known as P or PP) (niacin, including nicotinic acid and / or niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B7 (also known as H) (biotin), B8 (inositol), B9 (also known as M or Bc) (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin), or salts, conjugates, or derivatives of B vitamins recognized as having B vitamin activity. Any combination of the above items may also be used herein, and are sometimes referred to herein as "mixtures" of B vitamins. Due to different vitamin requirements for different species, not all listed compounds are considered vitamins suitable for all species. For example, since it is known that humans can synthesize inositol, it is no longer considered a vitamin because it is not required for sufficient human nutrition. Antioxidants may be any antioxidants suitable for application to animals. Antioxidants are well known in the art, particularly in the fields of food technology and food preparation. Natural antioxidant compounds include vitamins (such as A, C and E and their derivatives, conjugates or analogs), and plant extracts, including extracts of fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds and other types and / or parts of plants. Compounds such as alpha-lipoic acid, chlorophyll and its derivatives, glutathione, ubiquinones (e.g., coenzyme Q10), carotenoids (e.g., lycopene), flavonoids, phenolic acids and polyphenols, and pycnogenol are known to be excellent antioxidants. Some examples of plant antioxidant sources include: plant sources from fruits, such as berries (cherries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, crowberries, blueberries, huckleberries / wild blueberries, black currants), pomegranates, grapes, oranges, plums, pineapples, kiwis, and grapefruits; those from vegetables, including kale, peppers, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemons, ginger, garlic, and red beets; those from dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes, and dates; those from legumes, including broad beans, pinto beans, and soybeans. There are also nuts and seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds; grains, such as barley, millet, oats, and corn. Many natural antioxidants can also be obtained from a variety of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, and oregano. Less well-known sources of antioxidants include Ginkgo biloba, and tropical plants such as uyaku, and papaya. In recent years, the antioxidant properties of various teas and green teas and fermented products such as red wine have attracted great attention, which will also apply to this article. Selenium is an excellent oxygen scavenger and works well, especially when combined with vitamins or related tocopherol compounds. Synthetic dietary antioxidants include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which are commonly used in food products.Any of the above may be suitable for use herein alone or in combination, such as a combination of a natural antioxidant and a synthetic antioxidant.

[0039] In addition, B vitamins and antioxidants can be present in any acceptable amount, including daily recommended amounts. In one embodiment, the composition comprises about 0.1 to 40 times the daily recommended amount (RDA) of B vitamins and about 0.01 to 25 times the RDA of antioxidants. In various embodiments, the B vitamins are included in an amount of about 4 to 20 times the RDA, about 1 to 10 times the RDA in one aspect, and the antioxidants are included in an amount of about 0.01 to 15 times the RDA, about 0.01 to 5 times the RDA in one aspect, or even about 0.01 to 2 times the RDA.

[0040] The composition may also include substances such as minerals, other vitamins, salts, functional additives (including, for example, flavor enhancers, colorants, emulsifiers, antimicrobial agents or other preservatives). Minerals that can be used in such compositions include, for example, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chlorine, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, selenium, etc. Examples of additional vitamins that can be used in the present invention include fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. In various embodiments, it may be useful to include inulin, amino acids, enzymes, coenzymes, etc. The present composition may include about 0.01% to about 2.0% of such components.

[0041] The present compositions include foods intended to provide the necessary dietary requirements for an animal, animal treats (eg, biscuits), or dietary supplements.

[0042] The composition may optionally include one or more supplemental substances that promote or maintain general health. Such substances may be associated with improved mental health or enhanced cognitive function, or may be substances that inhibit, delay or reduce the loss of cognitive function, such as herbs or plants that enhance cognitive function.

[0043] In various embodiments, the pet food or pet treat composition comprises about 15% to about 50% crude protein. The crude protein material may comprise plant proteins such as soy flour, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, cottonseed and peanut meal, or animal proteins such as casein, albumin and meat protein. Examples of meat proteins that can be used in the present invention include pork, lamb, horse, poultry, fish and mixtures thereof.

[0044] The composition may also include about 5% to about 40% fat. The composition may also include a carbohydrate source. The composition may include about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Examples of such carbohydrates include grains or cereals such as rice, corn, millet, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally include other materials such as dry whey and other dairy byproducts.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ash content of the composition ranges from less than 1% to about 15%, and in one aspect, ranges from about 5% to about 10%.

[0046] The moisture content of the dehydrated pet food blend may be from about 5% to about 12% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be from about 5% to about 10%. In one embodiment, the composition may be a complete and nutritionally balanced pet food.

[0047] Compositions may also include one or more fiber sources. The term "fiber" includes all "bulk fibrous materials" sources in food, whether digestible or indigestible, soluble or insoluble, fermentable or non-fermentable. Fiber includes plant sources, such as marine plants, but microbial fiber sources may also be used. A variety of soluble or insoluble fibers may be used, which will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The fiber source may be beet pulp (derived from beets), gum arabic, gum talha, psyllium, rice bran, carob bean gum, citrus pulp, pectin, oligofructose, short-chain oligofructose, manno-oligofructose, soy fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharide, arabinoxylan or a mixture thereof.

[0048] Alternatively, the fiber source may be fermentable fiber. Fermentable fiber has previously been described as beneficial to the immune system of companion animals. Fermentable fiber or other compositions known to those skilled in the art that provide prebiotics to promote the growth of probiotics in the intestine may also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the beneficial effects provided by the present invention to the animal's immune system.

[0049] In other embodiments, the composition also includes prebiotics or probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects in preventing and treating specific medical conditions after ingestion. It is believed that probiotics exert biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics are conducive to the process of limiting the concentration of potentially harmful bacteria (mainly aerobic bacteria) in the digestive tract by native anaerobic flora. Other modes of action, such as supplying enzymes or affecting the activity of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, can also lead to some other functions that have been considered to be caused by probiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect host health by selectively stimulating the growth and / or activity of bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics include oligofructose (FOS), oligoxylose (XOS), oligogalactose (GOS) and oligomannose (commonly used in non-human food, such as pet food). Prebiotic oligofructose (FOS) is naturally present in many foods such as wheat, onions, bananas, honey, garlic and leeks. FOS can also be separated from chicory roots or synthesized enzymatically from sucrose. FOS fermentation in the colon leads to a large number of physiological effects, including increasing the number of bifidobacteria in the colon, increasing calcium absorption, increasing stool weight, shortening the time of passing through the gastrointestinal tract, and possibly reducing blood lipid levels. It has been assumed that the increase of bifidobacteria benefits human health by producing compounds to inhibit potential pathogens, by reducing blood ammonia levels, and by producing vitamins and digestive enzymes. It is believed that probiotics such as lactobacilli or bifidobacteria actively affect immune responses by improving the balance of intestinal microorganisms, thereby leading to increased antibody production and enhanced phagocytic (swallowing or killing) activity of white blood cells. Bifidobacterium lactis may be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing certain aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly. Probiotics enhance systemic cellular immune responses and can be used as dietary supplements to enhance the natural immunity of otherwise healthy adult companion animals. Probiotics include many types of bacteria, but are generally selected from four types of bacteria: Lactobacilllus acidophillus, Bifidobacteria, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus. Beneficial species include Enterococcus and Saccharomyces species. The amount of probiotics and prebiotics administered to animals can be determined by a technician based on the type and properties of prebiotics and probiotics and the type and properties of the animal (e.g., age, weight, general health, sex, degree of microbial consumption, presence of harmful bacteria and diet of the animal). Generally speaking, probiotics can be administered to animals in an amount of about 10 to about 20 billion colony forming units (CFU) per day for maintaining healthy intestinal microflora, in one aspect, about 5 billion to about 10 billion live bacteria per day. Typically, prebiotics can be administered in an amount sufficient to actively stimulate the healthy microflora in the intestinal tract and to breed these "beneficial" bacteria.Typical amounts may range from about 1 gram to about 10 grams per serving, or from about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber for an animal. Probiotics and prebiotics may be part of the composition by any suitable means. Typically, the agent may be mixed with the composition or applied to the surface of the composition, such as by sprinkling or spraying. When the agent is part of a kit, the agent may be mixed with other substances or may be in its own packaging.

[0050] Compositions and dietary supplements can be formulated specifically for the intended recipient or consumer, such as for adult animals or for elderly or young animals. For example, compositions suitable for puppies or kittens or for active, pregnant, lactating or elderly animals can be prepared. Generally, specialized compositions will include energy and nutritional requirements suitable for animals of different developmental stages or ages.

[0051] Certain aspects of the present invention can be used in combination with complete and balanced foods. According to certain embodiments provided herein, the compositions can be used together with high-quality commercial foods. As used herein, "high-quality commercial foods" refer to diets prepared to produce 80% or higher digestibility of key nutrients, as shown in, for example, the National Research Council's recommendations for dogs or in the guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Similar high nutritional standards will be used for other animals.

[0052] In one embodiment, food composition comprises any one of multiple ingredients or its combination, and these ingredients or its combination are selected for its contribution to the overall composition.Therefore, skilled food technicians can select from natural (for example, plant or plant origin, animal or animal origin and microorganism or microorganism origin) and synthetic composition or component.In a specific embodiment, composition can include any one of cereal grain and / or its fraction or component, meat and meat by-product, fish, shellfish or other marine products, other animal products or by-product, egg, vitamin, mineral substance, salt, sweetener, fiber, flavoring agent or other flavor enhancer, coloring agent and functional ingredient (such as emulsifier, stabilizer, softener, functional coating) in any source.In one aspect, coarse grinding food can be coated with animal digestive coating, and this animal digestive coating can optionally include fat.Cereal that can be used for the present invention includes all plants that are recognized as " cereal " crops, no matter it is currently used for commercial agriculture or only be considered as " cereal " in fact or botany. For example, "cereals" include corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum, millet, oats, rye, triticale, buckwheat, fonio and quinoa. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in each food composition, it can be common to use one or more such cereal products. Meat that can be used for the present invention includes products from any animal, including muscle tissue, such as chicken or other poultry meat, lamb, sheep, veal, beef or pork. Other animal products and by-products that can be used for the present invention include dairy products or by-products derived from the milk of any species. Other important components or ingredients include fat, and those skilled in the art will recognize that plants, animals or microbial fats from many sources can be used to prepare food compositions. In one embodiment, the fat source can be a vegetable fat, such as corn, soybean or canola oil, including readily available fat. In another embodiment, animal fats such as tallow can be used to provide calories from fat and to quote the flavor of carnivores. Of course, the combination of any of the aforementioned ingredients (such as fat) is known in the art, and can be used to optimize food compositions based on functional properties and price and availability.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, when preparing food compositions of the present invention, formulations may differ slightly, so that the preparer considers the price and / or availability of certain ingredients in the composition, and the batch-to-batch variation in certain component analysis. Therefore, according to these factors, given food compositions or formulations may differ slightly between different batches, between different plants, or even between different seasons. Although there is such variation in the specific composition of the food compositions selected for making a particular batch, the overall composition (for example, analysis of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber or other components) may (for example, according to label statements, such as statements or assurances of the minimum or maximum percentage of a particular component) remain constant or at least substantially constant.

[0054] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a macronutrient composition suitable for the designed food type. In one embodiment, the food composition can have about 20% to 32% protein, about 30% to 50% carbohydrate, about 5% to 20% fat and about 5% to 12% moisture. In another embodiment, the food composition can be a pet food composition, such as a high-quality or super-high-quality pet food composition. In one embodiment, pet food can be formulated for canines, and its protein content is about 20% to 30%, in one aspect, about 24% to 28%, or even about 25% to 27%. In one embodiment, the protein content of dog food composition can be about 26 weight %. In another embodiment, formulation can be used for felines, and its protein content can be about 35% to 45%, in one aspect, about 37% to 42%, or even about 39% to 41%. In one embodiment, the protein content of cat food composition can be about 40%.

[0055] In addition, in one embodiment, the method of administering a dehydrated pet food blend to an animal may include mixing water with the dehydrated pet food blend to form a rehydrated pet food blend, and feeding the rehydrated pet food blend to the animal. Rehydration can be accomplished by adding a sufficient amount of water to replace the water that has been removed during the dehydration / drying process. In one embodiment, the amount of water added can be about 0.1 ml to about 10 ml per 1 gram of dehydrated pet food blend, although amounts greater than or less than this range can also be used. In one aspect, the amount of water can be about 0.8 ml to about 1 ml per 1 gram of dehydrated pet food blend. Administration according to the method can be performed as needed or according to desired changes or at a fixed frequency. The goal of regular intake is to provide animals with a regular and consistent dose of the composition or a direct or indirect metabolite produced by such intake. This regular and consistent dosing will tend to produce a constant blood level of the composition component or its direct or indirect metabolite. Therefore, regular administration can be once a month, once a week, once a day, or multiple times a day. Similarly, administration can be once every two days, every two weeks or every two months, every three days, every three weeks or every three months, every four days, every four weeks or every four months, etc. Administration can be multiple times a day. When used as a supplement for common dietary needs, the composition can be directly applied to the animal, for example, orally or otherwise. Typically, before feeding the animal, the dehydrated food blend can be mixed with water. Alternatively, the composition can be contacted or mixed with daily feed or food, and the daily feed or food includes fluids (e.g., drinking water), or contacted or mixed with the intravenous connector of an animal receiving intravenous connection treatment. When used as daily feed or food, administration is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] According to the method of the present invention, the administration of the composition (including administration as part of a dietary regimen) can span the time period from childbirth to adulthood of the animal. In various embodiments, the animal can be a human or a companion animal (such as a dog or cat). In certain embodiments, the animal can be a young or growing animal. In more specific embodiments, the animal can be an old animal. In some embodiments, when the animal has reached more than about 30%, 40% or 50% of its expected or expected life span, it is started, for example, regularly or regularly for a long time. In some other embodiments, the animal has reached 40%, 45% or 50% of its expected life span. In other embodiments, the animal can be older, reaching 60%, 66%, 70%, 75% or 80% of its possible life span. The determination of life span can be based on mortality statistics, calculations, estimates, etc., and can take into account known past, present and future influences or factors that can have a positive or negative impact on life span. When determining life span, species, sex, body size, genetic factors, environmental factors and stressors, current and past health status, past and present nutritional status, stressors, etc., can also be affected or taken into account.

[0057] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit suitable for administering a composition to an animal. Depending on the kit, the kit may include one or more semi-moist kibble, one or more dry kibble, and / or one or more dehydrated vegetables in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, and optionally one or more of the following: (1) one or more other ingredients suitable for animal consumption; (2) one or more B vitamins; (3) one or more antioxidants; (4) one or more prebiotics; (5) one or more probiotics; (6) one or more diagnostic devices suitable for determining whether an animal may benefit from the composition and methods for obtaining a health benefit; (7) instructions on how to combine or prepare the semi-moist kibble, dry kibble, and dehydrated vegetables and any other ingredients provided in the kit for administration to an animal; (8) instructions on how to use the combined kit components, prepared kit components, or other kit components for benefiting an animal; and (9) a device for administering the combined or prepared kit components to an animal. The individual components may be provided in separate containers in a single package, or in different packages as a mixture of the individual components. The kit may contain the components in various combinations. For example, the kit may contain a mixture of one or more B vitamins and one or more antioxidants in one container, and one or more other components in one or more other containers. Other such combinations may be prepared by one skilled in the art based on the characteristics of the components and their physical and chemical properties and compatibility.

[0058] In another aspect, the present invention provides a means for conveying information or instructions about one or more of: (1) using the composition of the present invention; (2) mixing the components of the present invention to produce a dehydrated pet food blend; and (3) administering the composition to an animal. The device comprises one or more of a physical or electronic document, a digital storage medium, an optical storage medium, an audio presentation, an audiovisual display, or a visual display containing the information or instructions. In one embodiment, the device can be selected from: a displayed website, a visual display kiosk, a brochure, a product label, a package insert, an advertisement, a flyer, a bulletin, an audio tape, a video tape, a DVD, a CD-ROM, a computer readable chip, a computer readable card, a computer readable disk, a USB device, a FireWire device, a computer memory, and any combination thereof.

[0059] In another aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising the composition of the present invention and a label affixed to the package, the label comprising one or more words, pictures, designs, acronyms, slogans, phrases or other devices or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the package contain a composition suitable for an animal, such as a canine. Any package or packaging material suitable for containing the composition can be used in the present invention, such as bags, boxes, bottles, cans, pouches, etc. made of paper, plastic, foil, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the package appropriately contains a food composition suitable for a specific animal, such as a canine or a feline, according to the label, and in one aspect, contains a companion animal food composition.

[0060] Example

[0061] The present invention can be further illustrated by the following examples, but it should be understood that these examples are included herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0062] Example 1 - Dehydrated Pet Food Blend for Canines

[0063] A dehydrated pet food blend was made by dry blending semi-moist kibble, dry meal, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins and minerals. The resulting blend was administered to canines at a 97% acceptance rate.

[0064] In addition, the blends of the present invention provide advantages over conventional dehydrated foods because the blends of the present invention avoid stratification. Furthermore, conventional dehydrated foods may suffer from the separation of the mineral / vitamin mixture from the main food components and concentration into fine particles. The blends of the present invention do not have such problems.

[0065] Example 2 - Dehydrated pet food for canines

[0066] Dehydrated pet food is prepared by dry blending dehydrated ingredients such as meat, vegetables, fruits, fats, vitamins and minerals. After beef tallow is added and further blended, vegetables and meat are blended, followed by powdered ingredients including a vitamin and mineral mixture and further blended. The resulting composition is less acceptable to canines than the dehydrated pet food blend of Example 1.

[0067] This specification has disclosed typical embodiments of the present invention. Although specific terms are used, these terms are used only in a general and descriptive sense, not for limiting purposes. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in accordance with the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in other forms than those specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dehydrated pet food blend comprising: about 15% to about 50% protein; about 5% to about 40% fat; and about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates; wherein the composition comprises semi-moist kibble, dry kibble and dehydrated vegetables.

2. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the semi-moist kibble has a moisture content of about 10% to about 30% by weight.

3. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the semi-moist kibble is present in the blend in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight.

4. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the dry kibble has a moisture content of about 5% to about 12% by weight.

5. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the dry kibble is present in the blend in an amount of about 40% to about 90% by weight.

6. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the dehydrated vegetables have a moisture content of about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%.

7. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the dehydrated vegetables are present in the blend in an amount of about 5% to about 30% by weight.

8. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 further comprising an antioxidant, a mineral or a vitamin, and further comprising a preservative.

9. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1 wherein the semi-moist kibble is coated with animal digest.

10. The dehydrated pet food blend of claim 1, wherein the blend is formulated as a complete and nutritionally balanced pet food.

11. A method for making a dehydrated pet food blend, the method comprising: Squeeze out semi-moist kibble; squeeze out dry kibble; grinding the dry kibble to form a dry meal; as well as The semi-moist kibble and the dry kibble are mixed with dehydrated vegetables to form the dehydrated pet food blend.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the semi-moist kibble has a moisture content of about 10% to about 30% by weight and is present in the blend in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the dry meal has a moisture content of about 5% to about 12% by weight and is present in the blend in an amount of about 40% to about 90% by weight.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the dehydrated vegetables have a moisture content of about 1 wt% to about 10 wt% and are present in the blend in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the method includes drying the extruded dry kibble to remove moisture from the dry kibble, and wherein the dry kibble is first mixed with the dehydrated vegetables to form a dry blend, and the dry blend is mixed with the semi-moist kibble to form the dehydrated pet food blend.