Packaged pet food products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaged pet food product comprising: a first formulation having a first formulation and a first ratio of total dietary fibers to total fermentable fibers (first TDF: TFF ratio) of between about 1.6: 1 and about 12: 1; and a second formulation having a second formulation and a second TDF: TFF ratio of between about 1.6: 1 and about 12: 1; wherein the first formulation is different from the second formulation wherein the TDF: TFF ratio does not vary by more than 4 times between the formulations; wherein the first formulation and the second formulation each contain from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% of a protein supply component, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate supply component, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fat and oil, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fibers, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fibers; and wherein the first and second formulations each comprise at least 40 wt% unique ingredients when compared to each formulation in the packaged pet food product. The packaged pet food product improves pet faeces quality.

Description

This application is a divisional application of an application with an international application number of PCT / US2016 / 017851, a national application number of 201680017047.6, and an invention name of “Pet Food Feeding System”, filed on February 12, 2016. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and dietary system comprising two or more formulations having diverse ingredients and subsequently different flavor profiles, wherein the formulations may be freely switched to and from any formulation in the system without upsetting the pet's digestive system. Background Art

[0002] To avoid upsetting their pet's digestive system, pet owners tend to stick with a specific type of food, regardless of formulation, brand, or form (wet, dry, raw, etc.). Pet owners are reluctant to try, or are even advised not to try, other formulas, even those made by the same brand, which may contain different types of ingredients, fearing digestive issues that could arise from a change in diet. Single-formulation diets have a limited number of ingredients and flavors or flavor profiles, which can affect a pet's long-term palatability and enjoyment of the food. If the food is unpalatable to the pet, or becomes unpalatable over time due to food or flavor boredom, nutritional deficiencies can occur when the pet consumes less than the amount necessary to provide all nutritional requirements. Rotational pet food formulas currently on the market focus on varying one, two, or three primary protein or carbohydrate-supplying ingredients (typically less than 35% of the formula weight) and do not introduce a significant percentage of ingredient diversity. Limited ingredient diversity in rotational formulations is one approach to reducing the likelihood of digestive upset, compared to formulations that offer high ingredient diversity, which tend to have a higher likelihood of digestive upset. Therefore, those rotating pet food formulas currently on the market with limited ingredient diversity cannot provide pets with a highly diverse ingredient solution that can be varied simultaneously in both ingredient quantity and formula weight percentage while avoiding the digestive stresses caused by frequent dietary changes such as multiple formulas per meal, per day, or every other day. Typical digestive problems in pets associated with dietary changes may include vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, constipation, flatulence, or any combination thereof.

[0003] Diet plays an important role in the overall health of pets and in preventing the development of nutrition-related diseases. Therefore, it is important to develop a better method and a better dietary system that enables pet owners to provide basic nutrition or improve dietary and psychological health and maintain the overall health of their pets by feeding different preparations with diverse ingredients, taste textures and various flavors, and conveniently switch between any number of these different preparations at a selected rate with minimal concern for causing digestive problems to the animal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application overcomes the problems inherent in the prior art and provides pet food feeding systems, packaged pet foods, pet feeding supplements, and methods of feeding pet foods having diverse ingredients and flavors without the digestive problems encountered or assumed in the prior art that accompany switching to diets having diverse ingredients.

[0005] In one aspect of the present application, a pet food feeding system is provided, comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% (wt% of the total weight of the formulation; also hereinafter and throughout the application) to about 50 wt% of a protein-supplying ingredient, from about 45 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying ingredient, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fats and oils, up to about 6 wt% of other additives, and from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fiber, preferably including from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1. In certain forms of the present disclosure, from 40 wt% to 95 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient (excluding additives, such as vitamins and minerals) compared to any other formulation contained in the system. In other forms, at least 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, 90 wt%, 95 wt% or even 94.5 wt% of each agent in the system is a unique ingredient (excluding additives such as vitamins and minerals) compared to any other agent contained in the system.

[0006] Another aspect of the present application provides a pet food feeding system comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 45 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, and from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, preferably including from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1. In certain forms of the present disclosure, from 40 wt% to 95 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient (excluding additives, such as vitamins and minerals) compared to any other formulation contained in the system. In other forms, at least 40wt%, 45wt%, 50wt%, 55wt%, 60wt%, 65wt%, 70wt%, 75wt%, 80wt%, 85wt%, 90wt%, 95wt% or even 94.5wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient (excluding additives, such as vitamins and minerals) compared to any other formulation included in the system. In one embodiment, at least 4 unique ingredients are arranged in each formulation included in the feeding system. In another embodiment, at least 5 unique ingredients are arranged in each formulation included in the feeding system (excluding additives, such as vitamins and minerals). In another embodiment, at least 6 unique ingredients are arranged in each formulation included in the feeding system. In some embodiments, the formulation also comprises additives, preferably at most about 6wt%, more preferably 1wt% to about 6wt%, more preferably 2wt% to about 6wt%, even more preferably about 3wt% to about 6wt%, most preferably about 4wt% to about 6wt%.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation included in the system provided herein also has a roughly consistent level of starch gelatinization. Preferably, the starch gelatinization level varies by no more than 15% between any two formulations in the system, wherein the difference % is calculated based on total starch gelatinization (e.g., a formulation with 83% starch gelatinization and a formulation with 98% starch gelatinization will vary by 15%). Even more preferably, the variation in starch gelatinization between any two formulations in the system is no more than 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less. Preferably, the starch gelatinization is at least 83%. Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization level in each formulation of the system is 83% to 98%, 83% to 97%, 83% to 96%, 83% to 95%, 83% to 94%, 83% to 93%, 84% to 92%, 84% to 93%, 84% to 95%, 84% to 96%, 85% to 91%, 85.5% to 90%, 86% to 89%, 86.5% to 88%, and most preferably about 87%.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation included in the system has a roughly consistent caloric density. Preferably, the variation in caloric density between any two formulations in the system is less than 5%, more preferably less than 4%, still more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 2%, and most preferably less than 1%. In one embodiment, the caloric density of the formulations in the system is expressed as kcal / cup metabolizable energy ("ME"), kcal / kg ME, or kcal / can ME.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation contained in the system additionally provides similar or consistent palatability.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation included in the system also has a unique kibble shape to provide a variety of textures and kibble mouthfeels to the pet.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the level of protein-supplying components of each formulation included in the system is from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %. In other embodiments, the level of protein-supplying components of each formulation included in the system is from about 25 wt % to about 30 wt %, 25 wt % to about 35 wt %, 30 wt % to about 35 wt %, 30 wt % to about 45 wt %, 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 40 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 45 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 45 wt %, or about 40 wt % to about 50 wt %.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the level of the protein supplying composition of every kind of preparation included in the system is about 25wt% to about 70wt%.Protein levels at higher endpoints are particularly suitable for grain-free high-protein diets.In other embodiments of such diet, the level of the protein supplying composition of every kind of preparation included in the system is about 45wt% to about 70wt%, about 50wt% to about 70wt%, about 60wt% to about 70wt%, about 50wt% to about 60wt%, about 50wt% to about 65wt%, about 45wt% to about 65wt%, or about 65wt% to about 70wt%.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the carbohydrate level of each formulation contained in the system is from about 45 wt % to about 70 wt %. In other embodiments, the carbohydrate level of each formulation contained in the system is from about 45 wt % to about 50 wt %, from about 45 wt % to about 55 wt %, from about 45 wt % to about 60 wt %, from about 45 wt % to about 65 wt %, from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt %, from about 55 wt % to about 65 wt %, from about 55 wt % to about 70 wt %, from about 50 wt % to about 55 wt %, from about 55 wt % to about 60 wt %, from about 60 wt % to about 65 wt %, or from about 65 wt % to about 70 wt %, from about 46 wt % to about 54 wt %, or from about 48 wt % to about 53 wt %.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the carbohydrate level of each preparation included in the system is from about 30wt% to about 70wt%.Carbohydrate levels at lower endpoints are particularly suitable for grain-free high-protein diets. In other embodiments, the carbohydrate level of each preparation included in the system is from about 30wt% to about 60wt%, from about 30wt% to about 50wt%, from about 30wt% to about 40wt%, from about 35wt% to about 65wt%, from about 35wt% to about 55wt%, from about 35wt% to about 45wt%, from about 30wt% to about 45wt%, or from about 40wt% to about 45wt%.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation contained in the system has a TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1. Preferably, the ratio of each formulation in the system varies by no more than 4X, even more preferably no more than 3X, and even more preferably no more than 2X. For example, if the formulation with the lowest TDF:TFF ratio in the system has a TDF:TFF ratio of 1.6:1, if the variation is at most 3X, then all formulations in the system should have a TDF:TFF ratio of 1.6:1 to about 4.8:1. Similarly, if the formulation with the lowest TDF:TFF ratio in the system has a TDF:TFF ratio of 5:1, if the variation is at most 2X, then all formulations in the system should have a TDF:TFF ratio of 5:1 to about 10:1. In some preferred forms, the TDF:TFF ratio is about 1.8:1 to about 11:1, about 2:1 to about 10:1, about 2.3:1 to about 9:1, about 2.6:1 to about 8:1, or about 2.8:1 to about 7:1. In other preferred forms, the TDF:TFF ratio is from about 3:1 to about 6:1, more preferably from 3.2:1 to about 5:1, still more preferably from 3.5:1 to about 4.5:1, even more preferably from 3.7:1 to 4.3:1, and most preferably about 4:1. The total dietary fiber of each formulation contained in the system is the sum of the soluble and insoluble fiber contributed by all ingredients in the formulation. The total fermentable fiber of each formulation contained in the system is the sum of the soluble fiber, stachyose, and raffinose contributed by all ingredients in the formulation.

[0016] In some aspects, the additives included in the pet food feeding system are selected from the group consisting of flavorings, colorings, vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, preservatives, processing aids, herbs, spices, and any combination thereof.

[0017] The present application also provides a pet food feeding system or packaged pet food comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% of a protein-supplying component, about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying component, about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% of additives, about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fiber, including about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber, preferably wherein each formulation in the system has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio of each formulation in the feeding system is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. In certain forms of the present disclosure, 40 wt% to 95 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient compared to any other formulation contained in the system. In other forms, at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even 94.5% by weight of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system, and each formulation in the system or product has a substantially consistent level of starch gelatinization. Preferably, the starch gelatinization level does not vary by more than 15% between any two formulations in the system, where the % difference is calculated based on total starch gelatinization (e.g., a formulation with 83% starch gelatinization and a formulation with 98% starch gelatinization will vary by 15%). Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization between any two formulations in the system does not vary by more than 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less. Preferably, the starch gelatinization is at least 83%. Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization level in each formulation of the system is 83% to 98%, 83% to 97%, 83% to 96%, 83% to 95%, 83% to 94%, 83% to 93%, 84% to 92%, 84% to 93%, 84% to 95%, 84% to 96%, 85% to 91%, 85.5% to 90%, 86% to 89%, 86.5% to 88%, and most preferably about 87%.

[0018] The present application also provides a pet food feeding system or packaged product comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% of a protein-supplying ingredient, about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying ingredient, about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% of additives, about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fiber, and about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber, preferably, wherein each formulation in the system has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, wherein at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the system has a generally consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%, and wherein each formulation has a generally consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

[0019] Also provided herein are packaged pet foods or systems comprising two or more formulations, each formulation comprising from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% of a protein-supplying ingredient, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying ingredient, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% of additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the product preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, and wherein at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient when compared to the other formulations contained in the product.

[0020] Also provided herein are packaged pet foods or systems comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% of a protein-supplying ingredient, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying ingredient, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% of fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% of additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% of total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the product preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, wherein at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient when compared to the other formulations contained in the product, and wherein each formulation in the product has a substantially consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%.

[0021] Also provided herein are packaged pet foods comprising two or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the product preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, wherein at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient when compared to other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the product has a generally consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%, and wherein each formulation has a generally consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a pet food feeding system or packaged pet food comprising three or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the product preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, wherein at least 50 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the product has a generally consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%, and wherein each formulation has a generally consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a pet food feeding system or packaged pet food comprising four or more formulations, each formulation containing from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the product preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and still more preferably from about 3:1 to 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X, wherein at least 50 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the product has a generally consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%, and wherein each formulation has a generally consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%.

[0024] In addition, the present application provides a method of feeding a pet using the pet food feeding system disclosed herein. Generally, the method includes feeding each of two or more formulations contained in the pet food feeding system to the pet at least once within a predetermined time period, wherein each of the two or more formulations provides a complete and balanced nutrient profile according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or other regulatory standards, as well as a variety of ingredients and flavors that minimize digestive stress on the pet. In one embodiment, two or more formulations contained in a pet food feeding system comprise from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, optionally up to about 6 wt% additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent total dietary fiber: total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, more preferably from about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. Preferably, at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system. In addition, in some embodiments, each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level, preferably at least 83%. In some embodiments, the pet food feeding system of the present invention is a packaged pet food. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period in the method is a meal, a day, a week, a month, two months, three months, six months or the time period of any length therebetween. In some other embodiments, the two or more preparations included in the pet food feeding system are fed to the pet in any order with any frequency.

[0025] The present disclosure also provides a pet food feeding system comprising three formulations, each formulation containing about 35 wt% to about 45 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, about 45 wt% to about 55 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, about 4 wt% to about 8 wt% fats and oils, about 4 wt% to 6 wt% additives, about 7 wt% to about 8 wt% total dietary fiber, about 1.5 wt% to 2 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system has a substantially consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of about 3.5:1 to about 5:1, wherein at least 50 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the product has a substantially consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 93%, and wherein each formulation has a substantially consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%.

[0026] Also provided herein is a method for providing a pet with a diet having diverse ingredients and flavors by feeding each of two or more formulations contained in a pet food feeding system to the pet at least once within a predetermined time period, wherein each of the two or more formulations provides a comprehensive and balanced nutrient profile according to AAFCO or other regulatory standards, as well as diverse ingredients and flavors. Each of the two or more formulations contained in the pet food feeding system used in this method is as described herein. In some forms, the formulation comprises from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt% to about 12 wt% fats and oils, up to about 6 wt% additives, from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt% total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt% to 2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of from about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably from about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably from about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. Preferably, at least 40 wt% of each formulation in the system is a unique ingredient compared to the other formulations contained in the system. Preferably, each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level of at least 83%. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each formulation in the system has a substantially consistent caloric density with a variance of less than 5%, and wherein the feeding does not cause digestive stress to the pet.

[0027] In one aspect, the pet food feeding system used in the above method is a packaged pet food. In one embodiment, the predetermined time period is one meal, one day, one week, one month, two months, three months, six months, or any length of time period therebetween. In another embodiment, the two or more formulations contained in the pet food feeding system are fed to the pet at any frequency and in any order.

[0028] On the other hand, pet food feeding systems are in the form of supplements.

[0029] All ranges provided herein include each value within the range and all subranges therebetween, as if each such value or subrange were disclosed. In addition, all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may include, consist essentially of, or consist of any aspect or embodiment or combination of aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0030] Other aspects and alternatives of the invention are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 Mean ± 95% CI feces scores for chicken and (&) brown rice per day are depicted.

[0032] Figure 2 Depicted are the mean ± 95% CI fecal scores for each day of the lamb and (&) potato diet.

[0033] Figure 3 Depicted are the mean ± 95% CI fecal scores for each day of salmon and (&) barley formulations.

[0034] Figure 4 Depicted are the mean ± 95% CI fecal scores by serial stool quality tests.

[0035] Figure 5 The fecal score distribution for the diet with 81% starch gelatinization is depicted (mean = 2.65, SD = 0.22).

[0036] Figure 6 The fecal score distribution for the diet with 86% starch gelatinization is depicted (mean = 2.61, SD = 0.20). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present application provides a pet food feeding system comprising a plurality of different formulations, each formulation having various combinations of protein, carbohydrates, fats and oils, so as to conveniently provide comprehensive and balanced nutrients as well as diverse ingredients and a variety of flavors to pets in any order that minimizes digestive problems for the animal over any period of time. The pet food feeding system comprises two or more formulations containing about 25-70 wt% (wt% of the total weight of the formulation, the same below) of a protein supply component, about 30-70 wt% of a carbohydrate supply component, 1.5-12 wt% of fat and oil. Each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% of total dietary fiber and 1-2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber. Preferably, each formulation in the system has a consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber ratio (TDF:TFF ratio) of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. In some embodiments, the present invention provides the method for the present invention to provide the nutrient composition of the present invention.Yet each preparation is unique in its formula, and satisfies AAFCO nutrition requirement or other management standard respectively.In some form of the present disclosure, compared with any other preparation comprising in the system, 40wt% to 95wt% of each preparation in the system is a unique composition.In some other forms, at least 40wt%, 45wt%, 50wt%, 55wt%, 60wt%, 65wt%, 70wt%, 75wt%, 80wt%, 85wt%, 90wt% or even 94.5wt% of each preparation in the system is from the composition of any other preparation comprising that is different from the system, and different compositions can be one or more proteins, one or more carbohydrates, one or more oils or their one or more arbitrary combinations.

[0038] In each specific pet food feeding system, the percentage of total protein supply component is roughly consistent, preferably within 20% of all different formulations in the system, and the protein supply component in each formulation in the system can be about 25wt% to about 70wt%. More preferably, the difference in protein supply component among all formulations in the system is within 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less of all other formulations in the system. In one pet food feeding system, the protein supply component in each formulation included in the feeding system is about 30-35wt%. In one pet food feeding system, the protein supply component in each formulation included in the feeding system is about 35-40wt%. In another pet food feeding system, the protein supply component in each formulation included in the system is about 40-45wt%. In yet another pet food feeding system, the protein supply component of each formulation included in the system is about 45-70 wt%, 50-70 wt%, or even 60-70 wt%.

[0039] In each particular pet food feeding system, the percentage of total carbohydrate contribution is generally consistent across all different formulations in the system, preferably within 20%, and the carbohydrate contribution of each formulation in the system may be between about 30% and about 70% by weight. More preferably, the carbohydrate contribution of all formulations in the system varies by 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of all other formulations in the system. In one pet food feeding system, the carbohydrate contribution of each formulation contained in the feeding system is approximately 45-60% by weight. In another pet food feeding system, the carbohydrate contribution of each formulation contained in the system is approximately 50-55% by weight. In yet another pet food feeding system, the carbohydrate-supplying component of each formulation included in the system is about 48-53 wt%, 30-40 wt%, 30-38 wt%, 35-43 wt%, or 37-44 wt%.

[0040] In each specific pet food feeding system, the percentage ratio of total fat and oil is roughly consistent between all different preparations in the system, preferably within 20% between all different preparations in the system. More preferably, the difference of fat and oil supply composition between all preparations in the system is within 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less of all other preparations in the system. The fat and oil level of every kind of preparation in the system can be about 1.5wt% to about 12wt%. In a kind of pet food feeding system, the fat and oil level of every kind of preparation comprising in the feeding system is about 2-4wt%. In a kind of pet food feeding system, the fat and oil level of every kind of preparation comprising in the feeding system is about 4-6wt%. In another kind of pet food feeding system, the fat and oil level of every kind of preparation comprising in the system is about 6-8wt%. In yet another pet food feeding system, the fat and oil level of each formulation included in the system is about 5-7 wt%, 2-6 wt%, 3-8 wt%, or 5-12 wt%.

[0041] In one aspect of the present disclosure, each formulation contained in the system has a TDF:TFF ratio of about 3:1 to about 6:1, more preferably 3.2:1 to about 5:1, still more preferably 3.5:1 to about 4.5:1, even more preferably 3.7:1 to 4.3:1, and most preferably about 4:1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises additives, preferably up to about 6 wt %, more preferably 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, more preferably 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, even more preferably about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %, and most preferably about 4 wt % to about 6 wt %.

[0043] In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system has two or three formulations with different formulas. In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system has up to five formulations with different formulas. In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system has up to ten formulations with different formulas. In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system has up to twenty formulations with different formulas. In another embodiment, the pet food feeding system has an increasing number of formulations with different formulas as it is developed and acquired; and each formulation added to the system has a unique ingredient or combination of ingredients and meets the required parameters described herein for the feeding system.

[0044] The present application also provides a pet food feeding system comprising two or more formulations comprising about 25-50 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, about 45-70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, 1.5-12 wt% fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% additives; wherein each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% total dietary fiber and 1-2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber; wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. Preferably, each formulation in the system also has a substantially consistent starch gelatinization level. Preferably, the starch gelatinization level does not vary by more than 15% between any two formulations in the system, where the % difference is calculated based on total starch gelatinization (e.g., a formulation with 83% starch gelatinization and a formulation with 98% starch gelatinization will vary by 15%). Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization between any two formulations in the system does not vary by more than 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less. Preferably, the starch gelatinization is at least 83%. Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization level in each formulation of the system is 83% to 98%, 83% to 97%, 83% to 96%, 83% to 95%, 83% to 94%, 83% to 93%, 84% to 92%, 84% to 93%, 84% to 95%, 84% to 96%, 85% to 91%, 85.5% to 90%, 86% to 89%, 86.5% to 88%, and most preferably about 87%.

[0045] The present application also provides a pet food feeding system comprising two or more formulations, the formulations containing about 25-70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, about 30-70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, 1.5-12 wt% fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% additives; wherein each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% total dietary fiber, 1-2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber; wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1, wherein each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 98%, and wherein each formulation in the system has any desired number of approximately consistent caloric densities (kcal / cup ME, kcal / kg ME, etc.). Preferably, the variation in caloric density is less than 5%, more preferably less than 4%, even more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 2%, and most preferably less than 1%. In one embodiment, the caloric density of the formulations in the system is expressed as kcal / cup ME, kcal / kg ME, or kcal / can ME. In some preferred forms, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio of all formulations in the system is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X.

[0046] A pet food feeding system comprising two or more formulations with the aforementioned features provides a variety of ingredients and flavor profiles to animals fed the formulations in the system, with minimal digestive issues for the animals, regardless of the different formulations, frequency, order, and timeframe of feeding. Due to the richness and variety of ingredients and flavors provided by the various formulations in the feeding system, and the ease and peace of mind that pet owners can switch and alternate between formulations within the same feeding system, the feeding system changes the "boring" nature of traditional single-formula diets. The pet food feeding system disclosed herein not only makes food more appealing and palatable to pets, but also increases pet owner satisfaction with the feeding process, ultimately improving the pet's quality of life by maintaining a desire to consume the right amount of food and ensuring comprehensive and balanced nutritional intake.

[0047] The protein source in the formulation contained in the pet food feeding system can come from animal or non-animal ingredients. Animal protein ingredients can be provided by fresh or frozen animal-based meat, poultry, fish or other animal slurries, dairy products or any combination thereof. Meat protein ingredients can include but are not limited to pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, buffalo, kangaroos, crocodiles, etc. Poultry protein sources can include but are not limited to chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea hen, etc. Fish protein ingredients can include but are not limited to herring, cod, haddock, tuna, salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, saury, herring, Alaskan pollock, flounder, anchovies, pilchard, shrimp, clams, crabs, lobsters, snails, etc. Animal protein ingredients can be in the form of dry powder or coarse ground meal (meals) of meat, poultry or fish. Non-animal protein ingredients can be plant proteins such as beans, tubers, leaves, seeds, nuts, grains, etc. Non-animal protein ingredients can also be derived from algae and yeast. Non-animal protein ingredients can be plant-based proteins, such as beans, tubers, leaves, seeds, nuts, grains, etc. Non-animal protein ingredients can also be derived from algae and yeast. In addition, the protein-supplying ingredients can be preserved or not preserved with synthetic or natural preservatives.

[0048] The carbohydrate source in the preparation that is included in the pet food feeding system can be based on cereal or based on non-cereal, or can derive from fruit, vegetables or fiber system.Carbohydrate component based on cereal can be obtained from sources including but not limited to wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, sorghum, millet, corn or products from cereal family.Carbohydrate component based on non-cereal can be obtained from sources including but not limited to pea, potato, sweet potato, yam, cassava and other beans, tuber, seed and products from pseudo-cereal family.The fruit or vegetables that are used to provide carbohydrate in each preparation of feeding system can be whole, dry, fresh, frozen, with pomace form or their arbitrary combination.Carbohydrate component that is rich in fiber in each preparation of feeding system can come from but not limited to fiber system, such as pomace or their part of alfalfa meal, rice bran, beet pulp, chicory pulp, linseed, seed, plant.In addition, carbohydrate source can be preserved or not preserved with synthetic or natural preservative.

[0049] The fats and oils in the preparations contained in the pet food feeding system include local fats, functional oils, and fats or oils added to the inside of the kibble when extruding. Suitable local fats for pet food include, but are not limited to, chicken fat or meat tallow. Functional oils for pet food can be those from other suitable oils of soybean, sunflower, coconut, rapeseed, fish, algae, and plant, animal, or microbial origin. Fats and oils can be unprocessed, refined, powdered, complete, or any combination thereof. In addition, fats and oils can be preserved or not preserved with synthetic or natural preservatives.

[0050] The preparation that is included in the pet food feeding system can also include one or more additives.Suitable additives include but are not limited to flavorings, coloring agents, vitamins, mineral substances, nutritional supplements, preservatives, processing aids and their combination in any.Suitable vitamins for pet food can be provided by various sources, include but are not limited to vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), biotin (vitamin H), menadione (vitamin K), folic acid (vitamin Bc), pyridoxine (B6), vitamin A and their combination in any.Suitable mineral substances that can be provided by various sources include but are not limited to calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium, cobalt and their combination in any.

[0051] The pet food feeding system disclosed herein also requires a consistent ratio of total fermentable fiber to total dietary fiber across all formulations with different ingredients in the same feeding system. Dietary fiber refers to a group of food ingredients that pass through the stomach and small intestine undigested and reach the large intestine almost unchanged. Dietary fiber is generally composed of the indigestible parts of plants, primarily consisting of different types of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and lignin. As disclosed in this application, total dietary fiber is calculated by summing the soluble and insoluble fiber in all ingredients of a single formulation in the feeding system. Soluble fibers, such as beta-glucans, gums, mucilages (e.g., plantain), pectin, and some hemicelluloses, dissolve in water and attract water to form gels, which reduces digestion. Sources of soluble fiber include, but are not limited to, oatmeal, oats, lentils, apples, oranges, pears, oat bran, strawberries, cranberries, nuts, flaxseed, beans, spinach, pumpkin, dried peas, blueberries, plantain, cucumbers, celery, and carrots. Insoluble fibers, typically cellulose and lignin, are believed to have a laxative effect and help prevent constipation. Insoluble fiber is insoluble in water, but relatively intactly passes through the gastrointestinal tract, accelerates the passing through of food and waste. The source of insoluble fiber includes but is not limited to whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, corn bran, seeds, nuts, barley, couscous, brown rice, crushed dry wheat, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, onion, tomato, carrot, cucumber, green beans, dark green leafy vegetables, raisins, grapes, other fruits and root vegetable peels. Fiber that is easily fermented, broken or degraded by bacteria that are usually colonized in the colon is called fermentable fiber. In addition to increasing the bacterial count in the colon, fermentation also forms short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and gas, which can be absorbed and metabolized to produce energy. Due to the increase in microbial biomass, fiber fermentation also affects excreta expansion. Highly fermentable fiber includes oligofructose and oligogalactose (such as raffinose and stachyose). In one embodiment, the fermentable fiber in each individual formulation of the pet food feeding system disclosed herein can be calculated by the sum of the soluble fiber, stachyose, and raffinose contributed by all ingredients of the individual formulations. Foods rich in highly fermentable fiber include cabbage, pectin, guar, oats, barley, beans, and fruits and vegetables. Within each specific pet food feeding system, the percentage of overall dietary fiber can vary from about 4 wt% to about 12 wt%, and the level of total fermentable fiber can vary from about 1 wt% to about 2.5 wt%.

[0052] As disclosed in this application, it was surprisingly found that an appropriate and approximately consistent ratio of total fermentable fiber to total dietary fiber (rather than total dietary fiber itself) in formulations with different formulas / ingredients maintained consistent stool quality and avoided diarrhea, loose stools, and constipation associated with rapid changes in diet. The ratio of total fermentable fiber to total dietary fiber (TDF:TFF ratio) needs to be approximately consistent across all different formulations in a feeding system. The TDF:TFF ratio of a pet food feeding system that is effective for controlling stool consistency and quality and avoiding digestive distress when feeding pets with different formulations in the system can be in the range of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. In one embodiment, the TDF:TFF ratio of the feeding system is about 3.2:1 to about 5:1. In another embodiment, the TDF:TFF ratio of the feeding system is about 3.5:1 to about 4.5:1. In another embodiment, the feeding system has a TDF:TFF ratio of about 3.7: 1 to 4.3: 1. In yet another embodiment, the feeding system has a TDF:TFF ratio of about 4:1.

[0053] In one embodiment, a pet food feeding system is composed of constant ingredients that are the same in type and quantity across all formulations in the system and variable ingredients that may vary in type, quantity, or type and quantity across formulations in the system. In one embodiment, all variable ingredients in a formulation are unique ingredients that distinguish each formulation in the feeding system. In another embodiment, some variable ingredients in a formulation are unique ingredients that are not shared with other formulations in the feeding system. Both variable and constant ingredients can contribute to any macronutrient category, i.e., protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. In order to achieve a consistent TDF:TFF ratio in each different formulation in the feeding system, the percentages of variable ingredients that contribute to soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fiber levels in the total formula can be adjusted while maintaining total dietary fiber and fermentable fiber levels within the desired ranges provided by the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will be able to obtain, test or measure the levels of protein, carbohydrates, fat, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, fermentable fiber in each ingredient included in the recipe of each preparation, for example using official analytical methods according to AOAC standards (Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 19th Edition, 2012), and determine the adjustments required for variable ingredients in order to maintain all parameters at the desired levels or ranges.

[0054] In addition to a consistent TDF:TFF ratio between the different formulations included in the pet food feeding system, the pet food feeding system disclosed herein may also require a roughly consistent level of starch gelatinization. Gelatinization refers to the irreversible loss of crystalline regions in starch granules that occurs after heating in the presence of water or during cooking. Gelatinization significantly increases the availability of starch for digestion by amylolytic enzymes. However, gelatinized starch is not in thermodynamic equilibrium and, upon cooling and aging, it undergoes a progressive recombination of starch molecules. This recrystallization is called retrogradation, which reduces the digestibility of starch by limiting the availability of amylase hydrolysis. Therefore, immature starch is not easily digested, while overmature starch undergoes retrogradation and is converted into indigestible resistant starch. In order to optimize healthy digestion and stool quality in animals consuming the pet food feeding system disclosed herein, the starch gelatinization level is designed to avoid under- or over-ripening of the starch included in the formulation. In one embodiment, the formulations in the pet food feeding system can be manufactured using extrusion cooking technology. Extrusion cooking is a high-temperature, short-time process in which a food mixture is exposed to relatively short periods of time (typically 10-270 seconds) at elevated pressures and temperatures (typically 80-200°C). The heat treatment performed by extrusion achieves the desired physical form, inactivates anti-nutritional factors, increases shelf life, improves the digestibility of nutrients, and enhances palatability. In addition, the extrusion process gelatinizes the starch. The specific degree of gelatinization can be achieved by controlled cooking-making adjustments in the extruder (single screw or twin screw), including changes in humidity / steam input and ratio, starch hydration time (i.e., retention time), extrusion temperature, pressure, screw speed, screw configuration, die design and open area, back pressure valve and / or restriction plate, feed rate, sheer, screw compression ratio, energy input, mechanical and thermal energy ratio, etc. Given the starch content in the food mixture, those skilled in the art of extrusion are able to achieve this level after determining the target level of starch gelatinization. Preferably, the starch gelatinization level does not vary by more than 15% between any two formulations in the system, where the % difference is calculated based on the total starch gelatinization (e.g., a formulation with 83% starch gelatinization and a formulation with 98% starch gelatinization would vary by 15%). Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization does not vary by more than 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less. Preferably, the starch gelatinization is at least 83%. Even more preferably, the starch gelatinization level in each formulation of the system is 83% to 98%, 83% to 97%, 83% to 96%, 83% to 95%, 83% to 94%, 83% to 93%, 84% to 92%, 84% to 93%, 84% to 95%, 84% to 96%, 85% to 91%, 85.5% to 90%, 86% to 89%, 86.5% to 88%, and most preferably about 87%.In one embodiment, the gelatinization level of the formulation contained in the pet food feeding system is at least 83%. In one embodiment, the gelatinization level of the formulation contained in the pet food feeding system is at least 85%. In one embodiment, the gelatinization level of the formulation contained in the pet food feeding system is from about 83% to about 93%. In another embodiment, the gelatinization level of the formulation contained in the pet food feeding system is 87%.

[0055] A pet food feeding system as disclosed herein also requires a roughly consistent caloric density across different formulations in the feeding system. Caloric density is the metabolizable energy (ME) concentration of a food, expressed as kilocalories (kcal) per unit (e.g., volume or weight units such as liters, grams, kilograms (kg), cans, or cups), typically expressed as kcal / cup ME, where kcal / kg ME is calculated according to a methodology defined by AAFCO, and a cup has a defined measurement, such as an 8 ounce (oz) standard US measuring cup. The caloric density of a food can be determined by several methods known to those skilled in the art. The amount of food to be fed daily can be estimated based on the animal's daily energy requirements and the number of calories provided per unit of pet food formulation. For example, an average 10-pound cat requires approximately 250 kcal per day, and an average 30-pound dog requires approximately 750 kcal per day. If a formulation has a caloric density of 50 kcal / cup, a 10-pound cat would require 5 cups of this formulation per day, while a 30-pound dog would require 15 cups of this formulation per day. When the caloric density (expressed as kcal / cup) is consistent across different formulations in a feeding system, the total number of cups of food required for a day can be calculated based on the uniform caloric density, and one formulation can be substituted for another on a cup-for-cup basis without recalculating and converting the number of cups of the different formulations, thereby enabling pet owners to easily switch between formulations. In one embodiment, the caloric density of each formulation in a pet food feeding system, expressed in kcal / cup, preferably does not vary by more than 5%, and more preferably does not vary by more than 3%, 2%, 1%, or less. Typically, different systems may have different caloric densities ranging from about 250 kcal / cup ME to 500 kcal / cup ME. However, it is preferred that all formulations within a single system have a generally consistent caloric density as described above. In one embodiment, the amount of food is determined by the caloric density of the feeding system and can be further adjusted for the pet's breed, age, and activity level. In another embodiment, the caloric density of the formulations in a feeding system can be designed and predetermined for the target animal group based on age, size, weight, life stage, or breed. In one embodiment, each formulation in a pet food feeding system as disclosed herein has a caloric density of about 348 kcal / cup to about 365 kcal / cup. Another embodiment has a caloric density of at least about 345 kcal / cup ME.

[0056] Pet food feeding systems as disclosed herein can also provide similar or consistent palatability between different formulations in the feeding system, so that the daily intake of the total amount of food is the same, regardless of the different formulations of the formulations fed from the feeding system. For animals fed by the disclosed pet food feeding system, consistent palatability and food intake are required to like the full range of ingredients and flavor characteristics provided by the feeding system and to ensure that pet owners believe that their pets are receiving appropriate nutrition. The palatability of the formulations in the feeding system disclosed herein can be statistically determined by measuring the average food intake of a statistically significant number of test animals under standardized conditions. Those skilled in the art know how to formulate different pet food formulas to achieve the same or similar required palatability.

[0057] In some forms, the pet food feeding systems disclosed herein include two or more different formulations, each having a unique kibble shape to provide a variety of textures and kibble sensations. A person skilled in the art can manufacture the different kibble shapes using processes including extrusion and various template or insert shapes, depending on the design. The various ingredients and kibble designs provided in the formulations included in the pet food feeding system provide the animal with a variety of ingredients, flavors, and sensory (including taste, aroma, texture, and kibble mouthfeel) to promote the health and enjoyment of the animal fed by the pet food feeding system.

[0058] In one embodiment, a pet food feeding system comprises three formulations, each formulation comprising about 35 wt% to about 45 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, about 45 wt% to about 55 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, about 4 wt% to about 8 wt% fats and oils, about 4 wt% to 6 wt% additives, about 7 wt% to about 8 wt% total dietary fiber, about 1.5 wt% to 2 wt% total fermentable fiber, wherein each formulation in the system has an approximately consistent total dietary fiber:total fermentable fiber (TDF:TFF) ratio of about 3.5:1 to about 5:1, wherein at least 50 wt% of each formulation in the product is a unique ingredient when compared to the other formulations contained in the system, wherein each formulation in the product has an approximately consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 93%, and wherein each formulation has an approximately consistent caloric density with a deviation of less than 5%.

[0059] The pet food feeding system comprising two or more different formulations disclosed and characterized herein can be expanded by adding new formulations with unique formulas, and the new formulations with unique formulas are designed to share the same parameters required for a specific pet food feeding system. Therefore, when new formulations are available on the market, pet owners can provide their pets with newly developed formulations belonging to the same pet food feeding system used by the animals at any time. In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system is identified by the relative levels of one or more components (such as high protein, high fiber or high protein low carbohydrate). In another embodiment, the pet food feeding system is identified by "not containing" certain ingredient types or nutritional types (such as, but not limited to, a diet of cereals, corn, soybeans, gluten or by-products). In another embodiment, the pet food feeding system is identified by its suitability for animals of certain age, size or breed group. In one embodiment, all existing and future formulations belonging to a pet food feeding system contain the same color coding or other labels that are easy to identify. Those skilled in the art can match the pet food feeding system with ingredients and flavor diversification with appropriate labels or identifiers that effectively convey necessary information to consumers.

[0060] The present application also provides a packaged product comprising two or more formulations having different formulations, wherein each formulation contains about 25-70 wt% protein-supplying ingredients, about 30-70 wt% carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, 1.5-12 wt% fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% additives; wherein each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% total dietary fiber, 1-2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber; wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X. In one embodiment, the two or more formulations with different formulations contained in the package may also be characterized by a consistent starch gelatinization level, preferably not less than 83%. In another embodiment, the consistent starch gelatinization level of the two or more formulations with different formulations contained in the package is about 83% to about 98%.

[0061] In another embodiment, the two or more formulations with different formulations contained in the disclosed packages may also be characterized by a generally consistent caloric density, with the variance between the formulations contained in the package being less than 5%. In one embodiment, the consistent caloric density is expressed as kcal / cup ME. In another embodiment, the consistent caloric density is expressed as kcal / gram ME. In another embodiment, the consistent caloric density is expressed as kcal / can ME. In another embodiment, the consistent caloric density is expressed as kcal / ounce ME. In another embodiment, the consistent caloric density is expressed as kcal / block ME. In one embodiment, the caloric density of the formulations in the packaged product can be designed and predetermined based on the target animal group based on their age, size, weight, life stage, and breed. Typically, different packages can have different caloric densities ranging from approximately 250 kcal / cup ME to 500 kcal / cup ME. However, it is preferred that all formulations within a single package have a generally consistent caloric density as described above. In one embodiment, each formulation in the packaged product disclosed herein has a caloric density of approximately 348 kcal / cup ME to 365 kcal / cup ME. In another embodiment, each formulation has a caloric density of at least approximately 340 kcal / cup ME. The packaged products disclosed herein may also include a nutritional map indicating the unique nutritional content of each different formulation contained in the package. In one embodiment, the nutritional map may include a color index consistent with the color of each different formulation contained in the packaged product.

[0062] Packaged products disclosed herein may additionally include instructions for providing exemplary feeding programs for meal-by-meal dietary conversion, daily conversion, two-day conversion, weekly conversion, or biweekly conversion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the different formulations with the packaged products of feature provided herein are suitable for feeding animals at any meal of the day, any day of the week, any week of January, or any month of the year. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the different formulations with the packaged products of feature provided herein can be fed in any order and at any frequency, as long as the various ingredients or local flavors provided by the formulations in the packaged products are given to animals in a balanced manner in one meal, one day, two days, three days, one week, two weeks, one month, two months, three months, or any other time length. As disclosed in the present application, any feeding operation using the packaged products will not cause digestive stress in animals, while animals like the ingredient / local flavor changes provided by the various packaged products.

[0063] Packaged products disclosed herein can also include feeding guidelines for the suggested length of a balancing cycle so that complete ingredients and flavor profiles are provided in a reasonable time span, and a balancing cycle means a time period in which each, all, or subgroup of the different formulations in the feeding system is recommended to be fed or can be fed to the animal at least once, no matter how the feeding order of the different formulations is. Suitable and non-restrictive balancing cycles can be three days, one week, two weeks, one month, two months, or three months, or any other time length. The length of the balancing cycle can be determined based on each flavor type and / or ingredient diversity in each different formulation in the feeding system. Those skilled in the art can provide the ideal length of the balancing cycle based on the ingredient / flavor profile of the formulation included in the feeding system to keep the interest of the animal and to make full use of the packaged products comprising various formulations. In one embodiment, in each balancing cycle, each formulation in the feeding system is fed to the animal the same number of times or quantity (e.g., meal, cup, or can). In another embodiment, the formulation of a subgroup in the feeding system is fed to the animal with the same number of times or amount in each balancing cycle, and other formulations can be fed to the animal more frequently or less frequently in any selected manner with a time span wider than the balancing cycle of advice. In one embodiment, the disclosed packaged product includes an amount of formulation sufficient for one balancing cycle. In another embodiment, the disclosed packaged product includes an amount of formulation sufficient for more than one balancing cycle.

[0064] Packaged products disclosed herein can optionally include nutritional guidance, which provides the advice of relatively increasing or decreasing the feeding of one or more specific formulations in the product, so as to solve or reduce the morbidity or severity of some diseases of pet, or to conform to the age, size, breed or activity level of the animal being fed. For example, there is a formulation rich in ω 3 and ω 6 fatty acids to solve or reduce the morbidity or severity of hair loss and dull coat. As another example, some breeds such as Siberian Huskies have a genetic predisposition to zinc deficiency due to malabsorption, which causes skin and hair problems. When feeding pets with the various formulations in the packaging, by increasing the portion of ω 3 and ω 6 fatty acids or the formulation rich in zinc, there is provided balanced nutrition, diversified ingredients and local flavor for animals, and tailored enhancement as needed.

[0065] The present application also discloses a method for feeding a pet using a pet food feeding system, wherein the pet food feeding system includes two or more preparations with different formulas, which have minimized digestive stress on the pet, wherein each preparation contains about 25-70 wt% (based on the total weight of the preparation) of protein-supplying ingredients, about 30-70 wt% of carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, 1.5-12 wt% of fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% of additives; wherein each preparation in the system has about 4-12 wt% of total dietary fiber, 1-2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber; wherein each preparation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X; wherein optionally, each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 98%; and wherein, optionally, each formulation in the system has a substantially consistent caloric density with a variance of less than 5%. The method of feeding a pet using the above-characterized feeding system comprises feeding each of two or more formulations contained in the system at least once within a predetermined time period, wherein each of the two or more formulations provides a comprehensive and balanced nutrient profile according to AAFCO or other regulatory agencies, as well as a variety of ingredients and flavors. In one embodiment, the pet food feeding system is a packaged pet food.

[0066] In one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, a system comprising three different formulations is provided. Each formulation has a formula in which at least 40% and preferably at least 50% of the ingredients are different from the ingredients of any other formulation of the system. In addition, each formulation contains about 25-70 wt% (based on the total weight of the formulation) of protein-supplying ingredients, about 30-70 wt% of carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, 1.5-12 wt% of fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% of additives; wherein each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% of total dietary fiber, 1-2.5 wt% of total fermentable fiber; wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X; wherein optionally, each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 98%; and wherein, optionally, each formulation in the system has a substantially consistent caloric density with a variance of less than 5%. In a specific example of such an embodiment, each formulation will have 36 wt% to 45 wt% of a protein-supplying component with a guaranteed minimum crude protein analysis of 25%, 45% to 53% of a carbohydrate-supplying component, 4% to 8% of fats and oils with a guaranteed minimum crude fat analysis of 15%, a guaranteed maximum analysis of crude fiber of 3.5%, 4% to 6% of additives, a guaranteed maximum analysis of moisture of 10%, wherein the total dietary fiber is 5.5% to 8%, the total fermentable fiber is 1.5% to 2.0%, and the TDF:TFF ratio is 2.9:1 to 5.4:1.

[0067] In another embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, a system is provided comprising four different formulations. Each formulation has a formulation wherein at least 40% and preferably at least 50% of the ingredients are different from the ingredients of any other formulation of the system. In addition, each formulation contains about 25-70 wt% (based on the total weight of the formulation) of a protein-supplying component, about 30-70 wt% of a carbohydrate-supplying component, 1.5-12 wt% of fats and oils, and optionally 4-6 wt% of additives; wherein each formulation in the system has about 4-12 wt% total dietary fiber, 1-2.5 wt% total fermentable fiber; wherein each formulation in the system preferably has a consistent TDF:TFF ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 12:1, more preferably about 2.5:1 to about 9:1, and even more preferably about 3:1 to about 6:1. Preferably, the variation in the TDF:TFF ratio is less than 4X, more preferably less than 3X, and even more preferably less than 2X; wherein optionally, each formulation in the system has a consistent starch gelatinization level of about 83% to about 98%; and wherein, optionally, each formulation in the system has a substantially consistent caloric density with a variance of less than 5%. In a specific example of such an embodiment, each formulation will have 38 wt% to 47 wt% of a protein-supplying component with a guaranteed minimum crude protein analysis of 25%, 43% to 50% of a carbohydrate-supplying component, 5% to 8% of fats and oils with a guaranteed minimum crude fat analysis of 15%, a guaranteed maximum analysis of crude fiber of 3.5%, up to 6% additives, a guaranteed maximum analysis of moisture of 10%, wherein the total dietary fiber is 5.5% to 8%, the total fermentable fiber is 1.5% to 2.0%, and the TDF:TFF ratio is 3.3:1 to 5.1:1. Example

[0068] The following examples are only used to further illustrate and explain the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any details in these examples. Example 1 - Pet Food Feeding System Containing Multiple Formulations with Different Formulas

[0069] Each formulation contained in a pet food feeding system or packaged product has a different formula. Each formulation has common ingredients and unique ingredients. All ingredients have a functional role and / or contribute to one or more macronutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, and other types of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins. Each formulation A, B, and C in the feeding system shown in Table 1 contains comprehensive and balanced nutrients that meet the nutritional requirement levels set by AAFCO (available on the World Wide Web at jn.nutrition.org / content / 124 / 12_Suppl / 2535S.full.pdf). Therefore, each formulation of the pet food feeding system can be used in traditional stand-alone single formulation feeding practices. Table 1: Ingredient composition and relative assurance analysis of different formulations included in pet food feeding systems

[0070] While each formulation within a feeding system has one or more unique ingredients that contribute to a distinct flavor, formulations included within the same feeding system or packaged product may share many parameters in addition to the macronutrient levels shown in Table 1. For example, the exemplary pet food feeding system chicken flavor formulation A, lamb flavor formulation B, and salmon flavor formulation C in Table 2 have 7, 9, and 8 unique ingredients, respectively, and also contain total dietary fiber (TDF), total fermentable fiber (TFF), a TDF:TFF ratio, and optionally, starch gelatinization levels within the same weight percentage ranges disclosed herein. These parameters contribute to the characteristics of the feeding system or packaged product, namely, unexpectedly low digestive stress, including no digestive stress, following a diet switch, regardless of the different ingredients within the formulation. A second set of parameters, including roughly consistent caloric density (expressed as kcal / cup) and palatability, contribute to the interchangeability and simplicity of alternating diets between different formulations within the feeding system of the packaged product. A third set of parameters is starch gelatinization level. Finally, the variable kibble shapes of the formulation enhance the feel and texture perception of animals fed using the feeding system or packaged product, making the experience more interesting and engaging for the animal. Table 2: Pet food feeding systems with three formulations having different recipes: Example 2 - Performance Testing of Pet Food Feeding System

[0071] The performance of the pet food feeding system in Table 2 was evaluated using fecal quality. Fecal quality was evaluated when the formulations of Formulas A, B, and C were fed to dogs over a 7-day period, which reflects the time period over which consumers expect to use the products. During the 7-day fecal quality trial, each Formula A, B, and C was fed to 10 healthy dogs without a transition feeding phase at the start of each formulation. Prior to each trial of each formulation, the dogs were fed a standard kennel diet during a predetermined washout period (e.g., a 2-day period). Fecal quality was evaluated on all excreta passed during days 1-7 of feeding Formulas A, B, and C. Excreta were scored according to the following scores (Table 3): Table 3: Scoring system for fecal quality assessment fecal score describe 5.0 watery diarrhea 4.5 Diarrhea with a consistency in certain areas 4.0 Lost most but not all of its shape, has a poor, sticky consistency 3.5 Very moist, but still has some shape 3.0 Wet, starts to lose shape, leaves a clear mark after picking up 2.5 Well formed, slightly moist surface, leaves traces, sticky touch 2.0 Well formed, leaves no marks, "kickable" 1.5 Hard, dry 1.0 Hard, dry, crisp, "like a bullet"

[0072] In addition, vomiting incidence was measured as a secondary measure of digestion or stomach upset, which can occur in response to a rapid change in diet. Throughout the feeding trial, no vomiting occurred in any of the dogs.

[0073] When the dogs were fed a chicken and (&) brown rice formula (Formula A) for a 7-day period, the average fecal scores appeared to be largely consistent on each of the 7 days. With the exception of the first day immediately following the switch to a standard kennel diet, the average fecal scores ranged from 2.5-3.0 over the 7-day trial, approaching 2.5 each day, demonstrating that the digestive system was not substantially stressed when the dogs were given Formula A. Figure 1 ).

[0074] When the dogs were fed the lamb and (&) potato formula (Formula B) over a 7-day period, the average fecal scores for each of the 7 days appeared to be very consistent. Immediately after switching from the standard kennel diet, the average fecal scores for each day during the 7-day trial were close to 2.5, demonstrating that the dogs' digestive systems were not under stress when they were given Formula B ( Figure 2 ).

[0075] When dogs were fed the salmon and (&) barley formula (Formulation C) over a 7-day period, the mean stool scores appeared relatively consistent over each of the 7 days and were within the range of 2.5-3, reflecting good stool quality with no signs of digestive distress ( Figure 3 ).

[0076] In the subsequent continuous no-switch feeding experiment, 10 healthy dogs were fed a standard kennel diet during a predetermined washout period and then switched to each of Formulas A, B, and C. Dogs were fed 7 days of Formula A, 7 days of Formula B, and 7 days of Formula C. Fecal mass was assessed for all excreta passed on Days 1-27 of feeding Formulas A, B, and C and during the washout period of feeding the standard formula.

[0077] To determine the effect of no-switch feeding on fecal quality, data for each formula were further analyzed by ANOVA comparing between days using Tukey's HSD. There was no effect of day within each diet (chicken P = 0.19; lamb P = 0.13; salmon P = 0.15), and within each formula, mean fecal scores did not differ between days (P > 0.05). These data indicate that fecal scores are not affected by abrupt changes in formula and that a transition feeding period is not required when switching between formulas ( Figure 4 ). Example 3 - Gelatinization Level and Stool Quality Assessment

[0078] The effect of starch gelatinization in the formulations on stool quality was assessed using the scoring system in Table 3.

[0079] Ten healthy adult dogs were used in this study. The dogs were fed the test diets for 7 days in a crossover design. Prior to the study, the dogs were fed a typical kennel diet for a predetermined washout period. The test diets had the same formulation but were prepared with starch gelatinization levels of 81% and 86% by varying the extrusion process conditions. Because both diets were prepared from the same batch on the same day, the product density, composition, mass, and caloric density were identical. Fecal scores were recorded throughout the study and analyzed using the fecal score distribution to see if the score distribution was comparable to that for gelatinization levels at or above 83%, the target level consistent with improved fecal mass, reduced fecal volume, and higher digestibility.

[0080] It was observed that the diet with 81% starch gelatinization level resulted in more loose stool mass (see Table 4 and Figure 5 distribution in the stool score range 3-3.5); while the diet with 86% starch gelatinization level met the target stool quality (see Tables 4 and Figure 6 The results showed that starch gelatinization levels below 83% can impair dog feces quality. Therefore, maintaining starch gelatinization levels is a factor that affects feces quality. Table 4: Fecal Score Frequency Comparison - 81% vs. 86% Gelatinization fecal score 81% starch gelatinization 86% starch gelatinization 1 0 0 1.25 0 0 1.5 0 0 1.75 0 0 2 0 2 2.25 2 0 2.5 41 42 2.75 16 20 3 12 8 3.25 0 0 3.5 1 0 3.75 0 0 4 0 0 4.25 0 0 4.5 0 0 4.75 0 0 5 0 0

[0081] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the appended claims. In addition, many other advantages of the applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and the following claims.

Claims

1. A packaged pet food product, comprising: a first formulation having a first formula and a first ratio of total dietary fiber to total fermentable fiber (first TDF:TFF ratio) between about 1.6:1 and about 12:1; and a second formulation having a second formula and a second TDF:TFF ratio between about 1.6:1 and about 12:1; wherein the first formulation is different from the second formulation, wherein the TDF:TFF ratio does not vary by more than 4-fold between the formulations; wherein the first formulation and the second formulation each contain from about 25 wt % to about 70 wt % of protein-supplying ingredients, from about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % of carbohydrate-supplying ingredients, from about 1.5 wt % to about 12 wt % of fats and oils, from about 4 wt % to about 12 wt % of total dietary fiber, and from about 1 wt % to 2.5 wt % of total fermentable fiber; and wherein the first formulation and the second formulation each comprise at least 40 wt % of an ingredient that is unique when compared to each formulation in the packaged pet food product.

2. The packaged pet food of claim 1 , wherein the first formulation and the second formulation further comprise up to about 6% by weight of an additive.

3. The packaged pet food of claim 1 , wherein the first formulation and the second formulation comprise a starch gelatinization level of at least 83%.

4. The packaged pet food of claim 1 , wherein the first formulation comprises a first caloric density and the second formulation comprises a second caloric density, and wherein the first caloric density has a value within 5% of the value of the second caloric density.

5. The packaged pet food of claim 1, wherein: The first formulation consists of a kibble having a first shape, The second formulation consists of kibbles having a second shape, and The first shape is different from the second shape.

6. The packaged pet food of claim 1 , wherein the first TDF:TFF ratio and the second TDF:TFF ratio are each about 4:1.

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