Low moisture pet food composition

Abstract

A low moisture pet food composition is provided. These compositions may have a plurality of components, including an inner component and an outer component. The inner component may comprise a relatively soft mixture (e.g., softer than the outer component), and the outer component may comprise a relatively hard mixture, thereby providing a dual texture to the pet food composition. The outer component has a low total moisture content and partially covers the inner component.

Description

[0001] 1. Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 436,254, filed on December 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 2. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to food compositions, and more particularly to pet food compositions having low moisture and methods of making the same. These compositions can have multiple components and dual textures. 3. Background Technology

[0004] Dry or low-moisture pet foods are convenient and common ways to feed pets. These pet foods can be in the form of snacks that have a dual texture, comprising a harder shell and a softer inner shell filling. In traditional manufacturing processes, after extruding the shell, subsequent drying is required to reduce the moisture content of the shell to an acceptable level, resulting in excessively high equipment costs, manufacturing time, and energy consumption. In addition, the inner filling of these pet food compositions may undesirably have an invisible low filling amount in the shell, so this area needs an improved formulation.

[0005] Therefore, consumers are increasingly demanding visual and textural cues for fillings in pet foods manufactured in the form of snacks. In addition, there is a need to provide manufacturing methods with reduced costs, manufacturing time, and energy consumption. The subject matter of the present disclosure addresses these and other needs. 4. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The presently disclosed subject matter provides multi-component pet food compositions with low moisture. These multi-component pet food compositions can include an inner composition and an outer composition having different textures and providing a dual-texture composition. The outer component partially covers the inner component and has a low moisture content.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a multi-component pet food composition is provided. The multi-component pet food composition can include an inner component and an outer component that partially covers the inner component. The inner component of the multi-component pet food composition can include one or more fat sources from about 0% to about 60% by weight, one or more protein sources from about 0% to about 40% by weight, and one or more carbohydrate sources from about 15% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the inner component. The outer component of the multi-component pet food composition can have a total moisture content of from about 1% to about 15% and a water activity of less than about 0.75.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the outer component of the multi-component pet food has a total moisture content of about 6% to about 10%. In specific embodiments, the inner component is present in a ratio of about 7:3 to about 3:7 to the outer component. In certain embodiments, the inner component is exposed on at least two surfaces of the pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the pet food composition has a water activity of less than about 0.65.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the one or more fat sources of the interior component comprise beef tallow. In specific embodiments, the one or more protein sources of the interior component comprise animal protein, non-animal protein, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the multi-component pet food composition further comprises a coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer component. In specific embodiments, the pet food composition comprises at least two segments. In certain embodiments, the pet food composition has a length of about 5 mm to about 150 mm.

[0011] In particular embodiments, the pet food comprises a multi-component pet food composition.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for making a low-moisture pet food composition, the method comprising extruding a material to form an outer component, introducing an inner component to form a bicomponent extrudate, conveying the bicomponent extrudate to a cooling tunnel, and cutting and coating the extrudate to form the low-moisture pet food composition. In certain embodiments, after the extrusion step and before the introducing step, the outer component comprises a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight of the outer component. In certain embodiments, the method does not include a step of drying the outer component or the bicomponent extrudate.

[0013] The above has broadly summarized the features and technical advantages of the present application to better understand the following detailed description.

[0014] Additional features and advantages of the present application will be described below, which form the subject matter of the claims of the present application. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose as the present application. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present application as described in the appended claims. The following description will better understand the novel features and further purposes and advantages unique to the present application in terms of organization and method of operation. 5. Description of the Figures

[0015] Figure 1A depicts an image of a non-limiting embodiment of a low-moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 1B depicts an image of a non-limiting embodiment of a low-moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 depicts a flow chart of a method of making a low-moisture pet food composition according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0018] Figure 3A depicts a graph illustrating palatability test results showing different average consumption amounts for each sample of pet food compositions according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0019] Figure 3B depicts a graph illustrating palatability test results showing percentages of cats' preference for one or another product according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4A depicts a graph illustrating palatability test results showing different average consumption amounts for each sample of pet food compositions according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0021] Figure 4B depicts a graph illustrating palatability test results showing percentages of cats' preference for one or another product according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0022] Figure 5 depicts a graph illustrating palatability test results showing different average consumption amounts for each sample of pet food compositions according to certain non-limiting embodiments;

[0023] Figure 6 depicts an image of a non-limiting embodiment of a low-moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 depicts an image of a non-limiting embodiment of a low-moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 8A depicts an image of a non-limiting embodiment of a low-moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 8B An image depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a low moisture pet food composition according to the present disclosure. 6. Specific Implementation Methods

[0027] Provided are pet food compositions and methods for making the same. These compositions advantageously have low moisture content and can be multi-component compositions with a dual texture. The outer component of the composition can partially cover the inner component of the composition and can have a low moisture content.

[0028] For clarity, and not by way of limitation, this detailed description is divided into the following subsections:

[0029] 6.1. Definitions;

[0030] 6.2. Low-moisture pet food composition;

[0031] 6.3. Methods for producing low-moisture pet food compositions;

[0032] 6.4. Methods of Using Low-Moisture Pet Food Compositions; and

[0033] 6.5. Characteristics of Low Moisture Pet Food Compositions.

[0034] 6.1. Definitions

[0035] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, in the context of this disclosure, and in the specific context in which each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance when describing the compositions and methods of the present disclosure and how to make and use them.

[0036] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a compound" includes a mixture of compounds.

[0037] The term "about" or "approximately" means within an acceptable error range for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, according to the practice in the art, "about" can mean within 3 standard deviations or more than 3 standard deviations. Alternatively, "about" can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and even more preferably up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly for systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude of a value, preferably within 5 times, more preferably within 2 times. In the context of moisture content (wt%), the term "about" means + / - 1 wt%. In the context of water activity (Aw), the term "about" means + / - 0.05. In the context of final moisture, the term "about" means + / - 3%. In the context of viscosity, the term "about" means + / - 3%.

[0038] The term "animal" or "pet" as used herein refers to domestic animals, including but not limited to domestic dogs, domestic cats, horses, cattle, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, goats, and the like. Domestic dogs and domestic cats are specific, non-limiting examples of pets. The term "animal" or "pet" as used herein may also refer to wild animals, including but not limited to bison, elk, deer, venison, ducks, poultry, fish, and the like.

[0039] The terms "animal feed," "animal feed composition," "pet food," "pet food product," or "pet food composition" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a composition intended for ingestion by an animal or pet. Pet food can include, but is not limited to, nutritionally balanced compositions suitable for daily feeding, such as kibble, as well as supplements and / or treats that can be nutritionally balanced. In alternative embodiments, the supplements and / or treats are nutritionally unbalanced.

[0040] The term "carbohydrate source" includes, but is not limited to, cereals, grains, corn, wheat, rice, oats, corn grits, sorghum, milo, wheat bran, oat bran, amaranth, durum, semolina, or mixtures thereof.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] As used herein, the term "creamer" or "filling" refers to the inner component of a low moisture pet food composition.

[0043] In the detailed description herein, references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "in various embodiments," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be noted that one skilled in the art would know how to effect these features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0044] The term "extruded" when referring to a composition or animal feed refers to a composition or animal feed that has been processed, for example by passing it through one or more extruders. Any type of extruder may be used, non-limiting examples of which include single-screw extruders and twin-screw extruders.

[0045] The term "fat source" includes, for example, but is not limited to, fat from animal sources, including poultry fat, chicken fat, turkey fat, pork fat, lard, milk fat, sheep fat, tallow, beef fat, fish oil, menhadenoil, anchovy oil, or a combination thereof, and fat from non-animal sources, including coconut fat, palm fat, palm stearin, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, olestra, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The term "multi-component composition" refers to a composition comprising more than one component. In certain embodiments, the multi-component composition comprises an inner component and an outer component. In further embodiments, the multi-component composition comprises an inner component, an outer component, and a coating.

[0047] The term "nutritionally balanced" when referring to a composition means that a composition, such as a pet food, has the known nutrients required to sustain life in appropriate amounts and proportions, excluding the need for water, based on the recommendations of recognized bodies in the field of pet nutrition, including governmental agencies such as, but not limited to, the United States Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinarian Medicine and the American Feed Control Officials Incorporated.

[0048] The term "palatability" or "palatable" refers to being desirable in taste or flavor. In addition, as used herein, the term "palatability" or "palatable" refers to the degree to which a pet food appeals to an animal's taste or flavor. This is suitable for measurement by feeding tests, such as difference tests or ranking tests. In certain embodiments, "palatability" can refer to a relative preference for one food over another. For example, when an animal shows a preference for one of two or more foods, the preferred food is more "palatable" and has "enhanced palatability" or "increased palatability." In certain embodiments, the relative palatability of a food compared to one or more other foods can be determined by, for example, a side-by-side, free-choice comparison, such as by relative consumption of the foods, or other suitable preference metrics indicative of palatability.

[0049] The term "pet treat" refers to a composition intended for regular ingestion by an animal or pet. Pet treats can be nutritionally balanced. In alternative embodiments, pet treats are nutritionally unbalanced.

[0050] The term "plant protein" includes, but is not limited to, soy flour, soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, corn protein concentrate, distillers dried grains, distillers dried grains solubles, modified plant proteins, or combinations thereof.

[0051] The term "protein source" refers to animal protein, animal-derived protein, plant protein, or combinations thereof.

[0052] As used herein, the term "shell" refers to the outer component of a low moisture pet food composition.

[0053] As used herein, the term "weight percent" or "wt%" or "by weight" refers to (i) the amount of an ingredient / component in a composition as a percentage of the total weight of the composition; or (ii) the amount of an ingredient / component in a material as a percentage of the weight of the final material or product.

[0054] 6.2. Low Moisture Pet Food Composition

[0055] The pet food compositions of the present disclosure advantageously have low moisture content after extrusion. These compositions can have multiple components, including an inner component and an outer component. The inner component can be relatively soft (e.g., softer than the outer component) and comprise a mixture based on fat. The outer component can be relatively hard and comprise a mixture based on cereals. Therefore, the low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a dual texture. The outer component can partially cover the inner component, and in a specific embodiment, the inner component can be exposed on one or more surfaces of the low-moisture pet food compositions. In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food compositions can also include a coating.

[0056] 6.2.1. Internal components

[0057] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can be a multi-component composition including an inner component. This inner component can be relatively soft (e.g., softer than an outer component). The inner component can be fat-based and can include one or more fat sources, one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, such as flour or starch, one or more emulsifiers, one or more waxes, water, or a combination thereof.

[0058] 6.2.1.1. Fat source

[0059] In certain embodiments, the internal component of low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more fat sources.Any suitable fat source can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure.For example, the one or more fat sources included in the low-moisture pet food composition can include poultry fat, chicken fat, turkey fat, pork fat, lard, tallow, beef fat, coconut fat, palm fat, butterfat, sheep fat, palm stearin, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, linseed oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, fish oil, herring oil, anchovy oil, Olestra oil (olestra) or their combination.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that multiple fat sources are all suitable for use with the composition of the present disclosure.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the inner component can comprise from about 0% to about 60% by weight, from about 20% to about 60% by weight, from about 20% to about 40% by weight, or from about 40% to about 60% by weight of one or more fat sources, based on the total weight of the inner component.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the one or more fat sources in the inner component can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 20%, from about 5% to about 10%, from about 20% to about 30%, from about 15% to about 25%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20% to about 25%, from about 30% to about 40%, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition, relative to the entire pet food composition.

[0062] 6.2.1.2. Protein sources

[0063] In certain embodiments, the internal components of the low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more protein sources. Any suitable protein source can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. For example, the protein source included in the low-moisture pet food composition can include animal and / or non-animal protein, wheat gluten, egg protein, collagen (for example, collagen peptides), gelatin, whey protein, casein, soy flour, soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, soy protein, corn gluten meal, protein hydrolysate, corn protein concentrate, dried distiller's grains, dried distiller's grains solubles, modified vegetable protein or its combination. In certain embodiments, the protein source can include meat and derivatives thereof, fish and derivatives thereof or its combination. In specific embodiments, meat and derivatives thereof can include the dry or fresh meat material of specific species, for example chicken, beef, mutton, duck etc. and its blend. In certain embodiments, fish and derivatives thereof can include the dry or fresh fish material of specific species, for example tuna, salmon, whitefish, shrimp etc. and its blend. In specific embodiments, fish and derivatives thereof can include fish meal, bone meal, blood products or their combination from certain species.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the inner component can comprise from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 1% to about 40%, from about 1% to about 35%, from about 5% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 35%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 15% to about 35% of one or more protein sources. Alternatively, the inner component can comprise from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 15%, from about 5% to about 15%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 15% to about 35%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 40% by weight of one or more protein sources, based on the total weight of the inner component.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the inner component can comprise from about 0% to about 25% by weight, from about 1% to about 25% by weight, from about 5% to about 25% by weight, from about 10% to about 25% by weight, from about 0% to about 10% by weight, from about 1% to about 10% by weight, from about 5% to about 10% by weight, or from about 10% to about 20% by weight of one or more protein sources, relative to the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can include about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % of a protein source, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition. Alternatively, the amount of the protein source can be about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, 20 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 25 wt %, or about 15 wt % to about 20 wt %, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can include less than about 20 wt %, less than about 15 wt %, less than about 10 wt %, or less than about 5 wt % of a protein source, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0067] 6.2.1.3. Carbohydrate sources

[0068] In certain embodiments, the internal components of the low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more carbohydrate sources. Any suitable carbohydrate source can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. These carbohydrate sources can include flour, starch, or a combination thereof. For example, the low-moisture pet food composition can include wheat flour, heat-treated flour, corn flour, wheat starch, corn starch, pea starch, pregelatinized starch (e.g., pregelatinized wheat starch), native starch, maltodextrin, cereals, cereals, corn, wheat, rice, oats, corn grits, sorghum, cereal sorghum (milo), wheat bran, oat bran, amaranth, durum wheat (durum), semolina, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, maltodextrin or other substitutes of animal and / or non-animal protein can be used as thickeners to achieve certain viscosity, thermal stability, and pet feeding performance. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of carbohydrate sources are all suitable for use in the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the inner component may comprise from about 15 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 65 wt% of one or more carbohydrate sources, based on the total weight of the inner component.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the inner component may comprise from about 5% to about 25% by weight, from about 5% to about 10% by weight, from about 5% to about 15% by weight, from about 15% to about 25% by weight, from about 10% to about 20% by weight of one or more carbohydrate sources, relative to the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0071] 6.2.1.4. Emulsifiers

[0072] In certain embodiments, the internal components of the low-moisture pet food composition may also include one or more emulsifiers. Any suitable emulsifier can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. For example, one or more emulsifiers may include monoglycerides, diglycerides, lecithin, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the gross weight based on internal component can comprise one or more emulsifiers less than about 10 % by weight.In certain embodiments, the gross weight based on internal component can comprise one or more emulsifiers of about 1 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or about 1 % by weight to about 5 % by weight.In certain embodiments, relative to whole pet food composition, based on the gross weight of low-moisture pet food composition, one or more emulsifiers can be present in the internal component less than the amount of about 5 % by weight.In certain embodiments, relative to whole pet food composition, based on the gross weight of low-moisture pet food composition, one or more emulsifiers can be present in the internal component with the amount of about 1 % by weight to about 5 % by weight, about 2 % by weight to about 4 % by weight or about 1 % by weight to about 2 % by weight.

[0074] 6.2.1.5. Wax

[0075] In certain embodiments, the internal components of the low-moisture pet food composition may also include one or more waxes. Any suitable wax may be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. For example, one or more waxes may include carnauba wax, beeswax, or a combination thereof.

[0076] In specific embodiments, the inner component can contain from about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight, from about 1% to about 2% by weight, or from about 1.25% to about 1.75% by weight, or about 1.5% by weight of waxes, based on the total weight of the inner component. In certain embodiments, one or more waxes can be present in the inner component in an amount from about 0.75% to about 1.50% by weight, based on the total weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, relative to the entire pet food composition.

[0077] 6.2.1.6. Water

[0078] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low moisture pet food composition may also include water.

[0079] In specific embodiments, the inner component can contain from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, from about 0.15% to about 2% by weight, or from about 0.25% to about 1% by weight, or about 0.5% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the inner component. In certain embodiments, water can be present in the inner component in an amount from about 0.25% to about 1.40% by weight, from about 0.25% to about 1% by weight, from about 1% to about 1.40% by weight, or from about 0.25% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, relative to the entire pet food composition.

[0080] 6.2.1.7. Internal component formulation

[0081] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more fat sources, one or more emulsifiers, one or more waxes, water, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the inner component can include, based on the total weight of the inner component, from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the one or more fat sources, from about 0% to about 40% by weight of the one or more protein sources, from about 15% to about 70% by weight of the one or more carbohydrate sources, less than about 10% by weight of the one or more emulsifiers, from about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the one or more waxes, and from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of water.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more fat sources, one or more emulsifiers, one or more waxes, water, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include, based on the total weight of the inner component, from about 45% to about 55% by weight of the one or more fat sources, from about 0% to about 35% by weight of the one or more protein sources, from about 40% to about 65% by weight of the one or more carbohydrate sources, less than 10% by weight of the one or more emulsifiers, from about 1% to about 2% by weight of the one or more waxes, and from about 0.15% to about 2% by weight of water.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more fat sources, one or more emulsifiers, one or more waxes, water, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include, based on the total weight of the inner component, from about 40% to about 50% by weight of the one or more fat sources, from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the one or more protein sources, from about 40% to about 65% by weight of the one or more carbohydrate sources, less than about 10% by weight of the one or more emulsifiers, from about 1.25% to about 1.75% by weight of the one or more waxes, and from about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of water.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more fat sources, one or more emulsifiers, one or more waxes, water, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may include, based on the total weight of the inner component, about 50% to about 60% by weight of the one or more fat sources, about 5% to about 30% by weight of the one or more protein sources, about 40% to about 65% by weight of the one or more carbohydrate sources, less than about 10% by weight of the one or more emulsifiers, about 1.5% by weight of the one or more waxes, and about 0.5% by weight of water.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more fat sources and one or more carbohydrate sources. In a specific embodiment, based on the total weight of the inner component, the one or more fat sources can be present in an amount of about 55% by weight to about 60% by weight, and the one or more carbohydrate sources can be present in an amount of about 40% by weight to about 45% by weight. In certain embodiments, the one or more fat sources can include beef tallow, and the one or more carbohydrate sources can include wheat flour.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may comprise from about 40% to about 55% by weight of one or more fat sources, from about 40% to about 45% by weight of one or more carbohydrate sources, and from about 5% to about 15% by weight of one or more protein sources, based on the total weight of the inner component. In certain embodiments, the one or more fat sources may include beef tallow, the one or more carbohydrate sources may include wheat flour, and the one or more protein sources may include animal and / or non-animal proteins.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition may comprise from about 40% to about 45% by weight of one or more fat sources, from about 25% to about 35% by weight of one or more carbohydrate sources, and from about 25% to about 30% by weight of one or more protein sources, based on the total weight of the inner component. In certain embodiments, the one or more fat sources may include beef tallow, the one or more carbohydrate sources may include maltodextrin, and the one or more protein sources may include animal and / or non-animal proteins.

[0088] 6.2.2. External components

[0089] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can be a multi-component composition that also includes an outer component. This outer component may be relatively hard. The outer component can be cereal-based and can include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more additional ingredients, one or more processing aids, or a combination thereof.

[0090] 6.2.2.1. Protein sources

[0091] In certain embodiments, the outer components of the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more protein sources. Any suitable protein source can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. The one or more protein sources may include powder or meal. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the powder or meal may include animal meal or animal powder. For example, in specific non-limiting embodiments, the animal meal or animal powder may include animal liver powder, poultry liver powder, beef liver powder, chicken meal, poultry meal (e.g., dried chicken by-product meal), beef liver powder, beef meal, spray-dried mechanically deboned meat (MDM), meat meal (e.g., spray-dried pork meal or sieved poultry meal), or a combination thereof. Various spray-dried animal proteins are suitable for use in the present disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more protein sources may include one or more plant proteins, such as soy flour, soy, vital wheat gluten, wheat gluten, corn gluten, corn protein, pea protein (e.g., pea protein 75%), whey protein, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of animal proteins and plant proteins are suitable for use with the compositions of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the protein source may include meat and its derivatives, fish and its derivatives, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, meat and its derivatives may include dried or fresh meat materials of a specific species, such as chicken, beef, mutton, duck, etc., and blends thereof. In certain embodiments, fish and its derivatives may include dried or fresh fish materials of a specific species, such as tuna, salmon, whitefish, shrimp, etc., and blends thereof. In specific embodiments, fish and its derivatives may include fish meal, bone meal, blood products, or a combination thereof from certain species.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the one or more protein sources may include poultry meal. In alternative embodiments, the one or more protein sources may also include animal liver meal and wheat gluten. In another alternative embodiment, the one or more protein sources may also include pea protein and corn gluten.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the outer component of the low moisture pet food composition can include one or more protein sources of about 0 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 0 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 40 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 60 wt %, or about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %. In certain embodiments, the one or more protein sources can be one or more animal proteins present in the outer component in an amount of about 0 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 40 wt %, or about 19 wt % to about 36 wt % based on the gross weight of the outer component. In certain embodiments, the one or more protein sources can be one or more plant proteins present in the outer component in an amount of about 0 wt % to about 50 wt %, about 0 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %, or about 15 wt % to about 40 wt %.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the one or more protein sources may be present in the outer component in an amount from about 0% to about 60% by weight, from about 0% to about 30% by weight, from about 1% to about 60% by weight, from about 1% to about 30% by weight, from about 30% to about 60% by weight, from about 10% to about 50% by weight, or from about 15% to about 45% by weight, relative to the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can include about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % of a protein source, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition. Alternatively, the amount of the protein source can be about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, 20 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 25 wt %, or about 15 wt % to about 20 wt %, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure can include less than about 20 wt %, less than about 15 wt %, less than about 10 wt %, or less than about 5 wt % of a protein source, based on the gross weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0096] 6.2.2.2. Carbohydrate sources

[0097] In certain embodiments, the external component of low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more carbohydrate sources.Any suitable carbohydrate source can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure.For example, one or more carbohydrate sources can include rice, corn, ground corn, corn flour, wheat flour, rice flour, pea starch, soy flour, potato starch, functional starch (for example, corn, wheat or rice) or its combination.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of starches are all suitable for use in the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the one or more carbohydrate sources may include rice and corn. In another alternative embodiment, the one or more carbohydrate sources may include corn and soy flour.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the one or more carbohydrate sources can be present in the outer component in an amount from about 0 wt % to about 75 wt %, from about 0 wt % to about 30 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 75 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, from about 10 wt % to about 45 wt %, from about 30 wt % to about 45 wt %, or from about 45 wt % to about 75 wt %, based on the total weight of the outer component.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the one or more carbohydrate sources may be present in the outer component in an amount from about 1% to about 60% by weight, from about 5% to about 60% by weight, from about 10% to about 50% by weight, from about 15% to about 40% by weight, from about 15% to about 35% by weight, or from about 20% to about 35% by weight, relative to the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0101] 6.2.2.3. Additional ingredients

[0102] In certain embodiments, the outer component may include one or more additional ingredients. In specific embodiments, the outer component may include one or more yeast sources (e.g., yeast, brewers, brewer's yeast, 43% pure brewer's yeast bag, or grain distillers dried yeast). In certain embodiments, the one or more yeasts may be present in the outer component in an amount of about 0% to about 25% by weight, about 0% to about 5% by weight, about 5% to about 20% by weight, or about 5% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the outer component.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the outer component can include one or more salts (e.g., calcium chloride). In specific embodiments, the one or more salts can be present in the outer component in an amount from about 0% to about 3% by weight, from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, from about 1% to about 3% by weight, or from about 1.5% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the outer component.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the outer component can include additional ingredients, such as active ingredients, such as probiotics, minerals, such as calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, or any other vitamins, minerals, or other substances required for nutrition. In specific embodiments, the outer component can include about 0% to about 5% by weight, about 1% to about 5% by weight, about 1.5% to about 5% by weight, about 1% to about 3% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight of one or more additional ingredients based on the total weight of the outer component.

[0105] 6.2.2.4. External component formulation

[0106] In certain embodiments, the outer component of the low-moisture pet food composition can include one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more additional ingredients, or a combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the outer component, the one or more protein sources can be present in an amount of from about 0 wt % to about 80 wt %, and the one or more carbohydrate sources can be present in an amount of from about 0 wt % to about 75 wt %. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the outer component, the one or more protein sources can be present in an amount of from about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %, and the one or more carbohydrate sources can be present in an amount of from about 45 wt % to about 75 wt %.

[0107] In a specific embodiment, based on the total weight of the outer component, one or more protein sources can be present in an amount of about 20% to about 70% by weight, one or more carbohydrate sources can be present in an amount of about 30% to about 65% by weight, and one or more additional ingredients can be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10%. In certain embodiments, the one or more protein sources can include poultry meal (e.g., sifted poultry meal). In certain embodiments, the one or more carbohydrate sources can include rice flour and corn. In certain embodiments, the one or more additional ingredients can include sodium chloride and yeast.

[0108] In specific embodiments, the outer component of the low moisture pet food composition can include from about 50% to about 60% by weight of one or more carbohydrate sources, one or more animal proteins as a protein source present in an amount from about 15% to about 25% by weight, one or more plant proteins as a protein source present in an amount from about 10% to about 15% by weight, yeast present in an amount from about 0% to about 5% by weight, and minerals present in an amount from about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the outer component.

[0109] 6.2.2.5. External component characteristics

[0110] The outer component of the pet food composition of the present disclosure may have a moisture content of less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, about 1% to about 15%, or about 6% to about 10%.

[0111] The water activity (Aw) of the outer component of the pet food composition of the present disclosure can be from about 0.4 to about 0.75, from about 0.4 to about 0.65, from about 0.4 to about 0.63, from about 0.4 to about 0.55, from about 0.45 to about 0.5, or from about 0.5 to about 0.55. In specific embodiments, the water activity (Aw) of the outer component of the pet food composition of the present disclosure is less than about 0.75, less than about 0.65, less than about 0.63, less than about 0.55, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.45, or less than about 0.4.

[0112] Because the outer component exiting the extruder contains a moisture content substantially equal to the moisture content of the final product, the low moisture content of the outer component after extrusion can reduce or eliminate the subsequent drying load required for the extrudate. In contrast, existing outer components can typically be extruded at about 24% to about 30% moisture and require subsequent drying to achieve the target moisture content of the final product. Therefore, the outer component of the present disclosure advantageously has a low moisture content. Furthermore, by limiting and / or eliminating the post-extrusion drying step, the method of the present disclosure advantageously provides a low-moisture pet food composition having a dual texture of an outer component and a visible inner component that melts during the high-temperature drying step after extrusion.

[0113] 6.2.3. Coating

[0114] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition may further comprise a coating. The coating may comprise various ingredients known in the art. In specific embodiments, the coating may comprise one or more fat sources, such as beef tallow, and other additives, such as digestible palatable materials.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the coating can comprise from about 20% to about 60% by weight, from about 20% to about 40% by weight, from about 30% to about 50% by weight, or from about 40% to about 50% by weight of one or more fat sources, based on the total weight of the coating. In specific embodiments, the coating can comprise from about 1% to about 3% by weight, from about 1% to about 2% by weight, or from about 2% to about 3% by weight of one or more fat sources, based on the total weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, relative to the entire pet food composition.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the coating can comprise from about 45% to about 75% by weight, from about 55% to about 75% by weight, from about 50% to about 65% by weight, or from about 55% to about 60% by weight of one or more additives, based on the total weight of the coating. In specific embodiments, the one or more additives can be present in the coating in an amount from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, from about 0.75% to about 4.5% by weight, or from about 1% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, relative to the entire pet food composition.

[0117] In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of coating, coating can comprise one or more fat sources of about 20 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, and one or more additives of about 45 % by weight to about 75 % by weight. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of coating, coating can comprise one or more fat sources of about 30 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, and one or more additives of about 50 % by weight to about 65 % by weight. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of coating, coating can comprise one or more fat sources of about 40 % by weight to about 50 % by weight, and one or more additives of about 55 % by weight to about 65 % by weight.

[0118] In a specific embodiment, relative to the whole pet food composition, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the coating can exist and be applied in an amount of about 1 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, about 7 % by weight to about 8 % by weight, about 1 % by weight to about 5 % by weight, or about 3 % by weight to about 5 % by weight. In a further embodiment, relative to the whole pet food composition, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the coating can exist and be applied in an amount of less than about 10 % by weight, less than about 5 % by weight, less than about 4.5 % by weight, or less than about 3 % by weight. The coating can be arranged on at least a portion of the outer component of the low-moisture pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the coating can be a homogeneous coating. In certain embodiments, the coating can be a palatability enhancing coating.

[0119] 6.2.4. Additional additives

[0120] The low moisture pet food compositions of the presently disclosed subject matter may also contain other additives. For example, dried proteins, such as meat proteins, may be included in the outer component and rehydrated during the extrusion process.

[0121] 6.2.4.1. Colorants and flavorings

[0122] Additionally, the inner and outer components of the low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure may include coloring and flavoring agents.

[0123] Any suitable flavoring agent can be used in the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure, such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, cheese, catnip, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can comprise from about 0% to about 8% by weight, from about 0% to about 5% by weight, from about 1% to about 5% by weight, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of one or more flavoring agents, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0124] Any suitable colorant can be used in the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure, for example, including dark malt, carmine, sunset yellow, natural brown, banana yellow, beta-carotene, or a combination thereof as a dry powder. In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can include less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, from about 1% to about 3% by weight, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight of one or more colorants, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0125] Other additives can include liquids in water-dispersible or oil-dispersible form, such as annatto, caramel, natural brown, banana yellow, beta-carotene, or combinations thereof. These liquids can be present in an amount of less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, from about 1% to about 3% by weight, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0126] 6.2.4.2. Anti-pilling agents

[0127] In a specific embodiment, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may include one or more anti-hairball agents. For example, these ingredients may include psyllium husk, elm powder, lignin, cellulose, beet pulp, or a combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, or from about 3% by weight to about 8% by weight of one or more anti-hairball agents. In certain embodiments, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include less than about 10% by weight, less than about 8% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, from about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of one or more anti-hairball agents. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include less than about 5% by weight of psyllium husk. In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition may include less than about 10% by weight slippery elm powder, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0128] 6.2.4.3. Active ingredients

[0129] The pet food composition of the present disclosure can also include one or more active ingredients. In non-limiting embodiments, it can include a fiber component source, a mineral component source, a vitamin component source, a polyphenol component source, an amino acid component source, a carotenoid component source, an antioxidant component source, a fatty acid component source, a glucose mimetic component source, a probiotic component source, a prebiotic component source, or a combination thereof. Suitable active ingredients can include biological agents, such as enzymes, antibodies, immunoglobulins, cytokines, epigenetic agents, and mixtures and combinations of these. In non-limiting examples, the mineral component source can include sodium selenite, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese monoxide, potassium iodide and / or cobalt carbonate. In non-limiting examples, the vitamin component source may include choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, pantothenic acid, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1 source), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2 source), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6 source), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, vitamin C and / or ascorbic acid. In non-limiting examples, the polyphenol component source may include tea extract, rosemary extract, rosmarinic acid, coffee extract, caffeic acid, turmeric extract, blueberry extract, grape extract, grape seed extract and / or soy extract. The amino acid component source can include 1-tryptophan, taurine, histidine, carnosine, alanine, cysteine, arginine, methionine, tryptophan, lysine, asparagine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, valine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, glycine, glutamine, taurine, tyrosine, homocysteine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamic acid, proline, peptide and / or serine. In non-limiting examples, the antioxidant component source can include tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin C, vitamin A, plant-derived material, carotenoids (as described above), selenium and / or CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10). The fatty acid component source can include arachidonic acid, α-linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and / or fish oil as EPA and / or DHA source.

[0130] Based on the total weight of the pet food composition, these active ingredients can be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5%, about 0.5% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 5%, by weight. In specific embodiments, one or more active ingredients can be present in an amount of less than about 5%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, or less than about 0.1%, by weight, based on the total weight of the pet food composition.

[0131] 6.2.4.4. Antioxidants

[0132] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may include one or more antioxidants. Any suitable antioxidant can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. For example, one or more antioxidants may include butylated hydroxyanisole (butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT), citric acid, vitamin E, other artificial or natural antioxidants, such as tocopherol, rosemary extract, or a combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include about 0 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 3 wt % or about 2 wt % to about 3 wt % of one or more antioxidants.

[0133] 6.2.4.5. Dairy products

[0134] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may include one or more dairy products, such as dry cheese or milk products, or a combination thereof. Any suitable dairy product can be used in the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. For example, the low-moisture pet food composition may include cheese powder. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more dairy products of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %. In a specific embodiment, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include less than about 5 wt %, less than about 2 wt %, less than about 1 wt %, less than about 0.5 wt %, or less than about 0.1 wt % of one or more dairy products.

[0135] 6.2.4.6. Oil

[0136] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may include one or more oils. For example, the low-moisture pet food composition may include sunflower oil, fish oil, omega-3, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 2% by weight, or from about 1% by weight to about 2% by weight of one or more oils. In specific embodiments, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition, the low-moisture pet food composition may include less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, or less than about 0.1% by weight, from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 1% by weight, from about 0.5% by weight to about 1.5% by weight of one or more oils.

[0137] The ingredients and proportions of the inner and outer components of the low moisture pet food composition can be varied to provide different properties or aesthetic characteristics. In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition may include additional excipients not disclosed or described herein.

[0138] 6.2.5. Food composition

[0139] The pet food composition of the present disclosure may be a multi-component composition including an inner component and an outer component. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Images of non-limiting embodiments of low-moisture pet food compositions according to the present disclosure are provided. In certain embodiments, the inner component may comprise one or more fat sources, one or more protein sources, and one or more carbohydrate sources as provided herein. In certain embodiments, the outer component may comprise one or more protein sources, one or more carbohydrate sources, and one or more additional ingredients as provided herein. In specific embodiments, the inner component may comprise beef tallow, animal and / or non-animal protein, poultry liver meal, and wheat flour. In specific embodiments, the outer component may comprise potato starch, poultry liver meal, soy flour, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, wheat gluten, and corn gluten. The low-moisture pet food composition may also be at least partially covered with a coating. In specific embodiments, the coating may comprise beef tallow and a digestive palatable material.

[0140] The ratio of the inner component to the outer component in the low moisture pet food composition can be about 3:7, about 7:3, about 3:2, about 2:3, or about 1: 1. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the inner component to the outer component in the low moisture pet food composition can be about 3:2 to about 1:1 or about 3:7 to about 7:3.

[0141] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can include from about 30% to about 70% by weight, from about 40% to about 60% by weight, from about 40% to about 55% by weight, or from about 45% to about 55% by weight of the internal components, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can include at least about 40% by weight, at least about 45% by weight, at least about 50% by weight, at least about 55% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight of the internal components, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0142] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can include from about 30% to about 70% by weight, from about 35% to about 60% by weight, from about 40% to about 60% by weight, or from about 40% to about 50% by weight of external components, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can include at least about 40% by weight, at least about 45% by weight, at least about 50% by weight, at least about 55% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight of external components, based on the total weight of the low moisture pet food composition.

[0143] In addition, in certain embodiments, the inner component can have a textured surface. In alternative embodiments, the inner component can have a smooth surface. For example, but not limited to, the content of the inner component can provide it with a desired texture.

[0144] In a specific embodiment, the low-moisture pet food composition can include about 65% by weight of an inner component and about 35% by weight of an outer component, about 60% by weight of an inner component and about 40% by weight of an outer component, about 40% by weight of an inner component and about 60% by weight of an outer component, or about 50% by weight of an inner component and about 50% by weight of an outer component, based on the gross weight of the low-moisture pet food composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of the inner component of the low-moisture pet food composition can be greater than the amount of the outer component. In these embodiments, an increased amount of the inner component can provide a more open outer component.

[0145] 6.3. Preparation Method of Low-Moisture Pet Food Composition

[0146] In certain embodiments, a method of making a low-moisture pet food composition is provided.A variety of methods can be used to provide the low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Exemplary methods of making these low-moisture pet food compositions are provided.

[0147] The material in powder form of the outer component for forming the low-moisture pet food composition can be provided to the extruder. Additionally or alternatively, before the material is provided to the extruder, a pre-processor can be used to preheat the material by utilizing heat, humidity and time. In some embodiments, additional moisture can be added to the process by, for example, water and / or steam. If used, water and / or steam can be added to the extruder or an optional pre-processor. The material can then be extruded on a twin-screw or single-screw extruder, and the inner components of the low-moisture pet food composition can be provided from a holding container. The bicomponent extrudate can then optionally be rolled after extrusion. In some embodiments, the extrudate is conveyed to a cooling channel. The bicomponent extrudate can then optionally be conveyed to a crimper or cutter. In certain embodiments, the bicomponent extrudate can be crimped with a crimper. In specific embodiments, the bicomponent extrudate can be cut with a cutter (e.g., a guillotine cutter or other cutting mechanism). The bicomponent extrudate can be conveyed to a cooling channel after crimping or cutting. In some embodiments, it is cooled only before crimping or cutting. In some embodiments, cooling is performed only after crimping or cutting. In some embodiments, cooling is performed before and after crimping or cutting. In certain embodiments, the bicomponent extrudate may be further coated. In specific embodiments, the bicomponent extrudate may be coated with a palatability-enhancing coating.

[0148] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition may include an indication of divisibility, such as, but not limited to, a crimped indentation. In certain embodiments, a custom crimping wheel with cutting and crimping fins may be used. For example, if the crimping fin is longer than a specific length, has a specific sharpness, and the low-moisture pet food composition has been conditioned for a specific amount of time to retain the crimped indentation from the crimping fin, the crimping fin may form the indentation. To avoid or reduce the potential loss of internal components when overheated and the potential damage of external components when too cold, the low-moisture pet food composition should be cut within a certain temperature range.

[0149] In certain embodiments, if cutting or crimping is to be performed, the low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may first be rolled, for example using inline rollers, to form an oval shape, etc. This rolling may be done for a period of time to ensure that the outer component achieves a firmer texture before cutting or crimping.

[0150] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure may be imparted with different end profiles, for example, by a cutting process of the composition. Figure 7 As shown, a crimp cut (left) can impart a different end profile to a low moisture pet food composition compared to a guillotine cut (right).

[0151] 6.4. Methods of Using Low-Moisture Pet Food Compositions

[0152] The low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure can be used alone as pet food. These final products can include, for example, but not limited to, snack final products. Through certain active ingredients, these low-moisture pet food compositions can be used for a variety of applications, such as oral care or as a supplement. Alternatively, the low-moisture pet food compositions can be used in combination with other pet food compositions (e.g., kibble) to form a mixed pet food final product.

[0153] 6.5. Characteristics of Low-Moisture Pet Food Compositions

[0154] The present disclosure provides low-moisture pet food compositions. These compositions can be multi-component compositions having an inner component and an outer component, wherein the outer component partially covers the inner component. The inner component can be relatively soft (e.g., softer than the outer component), and the outer component can be relatively hard. Therefore, the low-moisture pet food composition can have a dual texture.

[0155] The low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure can be formed in various shapes. For example, in certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition can be in the shape of a stick. In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition can have a height-to-width ratio of about 20:1 to about 1:1. In some embodiments, the shape includes a longitudinal length and width, and in certain embodiments, the length and width are different from each other. In certain embodiments, the outer component of the low-moisture pet food composition can partially cover the inner component. For example, but not limited to, the inner component can be exposed on at least one surface of the low-moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the inner component can be exposed on at least two surfaces. In further embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition can be exposed on surfaces located at opposite ends of the composition so that both sides of the inner component are exposed. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the softer inner component of the dual-texture food composition of the present disclosure is visible.

[0156] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may include an indication of divisibility. In certain embodiments, the overall shape of the low-moisture pet food composition may be oval or cylindrical, such as in the form of a stick. In certain embodiments, the ends of the low-moisture pet food composition may be closed or at least partially open with visible internal components or fillings. For example, Figure 6 As shown, in certain embodiments, when the low moisture pet food composition is at least partially broken or torn at the indicator of divisibility, the interior components of the composition are visible.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can have a length of about 5 mm to 150 mm, 8 mm to about 150 mm, about 25 mm to about 125 mm, or about 50 mm to about 100 mm. In certain embodiments, the low moisture pet food composition can have a length of at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 100 mm, or at least about 150 mm. Figures 8A to 8B As shown, non-limiting embodiments of the length of the low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure are provided.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition may include one or more segments. In some embodiments, the segment includes the length between the indentations provided along the longitudinal length of the low-moisture pet food composition. In specific embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition may include at least one segment, at least two segments, at least three segments, at least four segments, or at least five segments. In certain embodiments, the one or more segments may each have a length of about 5 mm to 150 mm, 8 mm to about 130 mm, about 10 mm to about 100 mm, or about 15 mm to about 50 mm. In certain embodiments, the one or more segments of the low-moisture pet food composition may have the same length. In certain embodiments, the one or more segments of the low-moisture pet food composition may have different lengths. In certain embodiments, the low-moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure may have a shape and size that is safe and palatable for animals, such as cats.

[0159] The low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure can advantageously have low final moisture. For example, the uncoated pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a final moisture of less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, about 3.5% to about 15%, about 5% to about 12%, about 8% to about 12%, about 5% to about 15%, about 3.5% to about 7.5%, about 4% to about 6%, or about 5% to about 7.5%. The uncoated pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.63, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.4, or less than about 0.3. In specific embodiments, the low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure having an inner component and an outer component can have a water activity (Aw) of about 0.3 to about 0.45, about 0.3, about 0.35, about 0.4, or about 0.45. The coated pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a final moisture content of about 5.5% to about 15%, about 5.5% to about 9.5%, about 6% to about 8%, or about 5.5% to about 7%. In specific embodiments, the coated pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a final moisture content of less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9.5%, about 10%, or about 12%. The coated pet food compositions of the present disclosure can have a water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.65, less than about 0.63, less than about 0.6, less than about 0.55, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.4, or less than about 0.3.

[0160] The low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure can advantageously provide compositions that can be produced from a complete supply chain and maintain a texture that is edible by animals, such as cats. Factors such as relative component formulations, processes, and product design (e.g., the ratio of internal ingredients to external ingredients; the presence, number, spacing, and depth of indentations) can affect the overall texture of these low-moisture pet food compositions. In certain embodiments, the texture of the low-moisture pet food composition can be proportioned in a manner that minimizes mess and / or fines, and provides a safe and edible product for animal consumption.

[0161] 7. Examples

[0162] The following examples are merely illustrative of the presently disclosed subject matter, and they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter in any way.

[0163] Example 1: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition—Outer Component (Shell)

[0164] This example provides outer components, such as cereal-based shells, prepared according to the present disclosure as compositions 1 to 5. These outer components advantageously can have a low final moisture content and can be used with inner components, such as provided in Examples 2 and 7, to form the dual-texture pet food compositions of the present disclosure.

[0165] Table 2 provides the ingredients and proportions of compositions 1-3.

[0166] Table 2: Compositions 1-3

[0167]

[0168] Table 3 provides the ingredients of Composition 4 and their proportions.

[0169] Table 3: Composition 4 formula

[0170] Element weight% Poultry raw materials 45 corn 33 rice 14 yeast 5 Vitamins / Minerals / Antioxidants / Colorants 3 flavoring ～0.1 total 100.00

[0171] Table 4 provides the ingredients of Composition 5 and their proportions.

[0172] Table 4: Composition 5 formula

[0173] Element weight% Poultry raw materials 20 pea protein 8 corn gluten 6 corn flour 32 soybean flour 28 Vitamins / Minerals / Antioxidants / Colorants 6 total 100.00

[0174] Example 2: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition—Inner Component (Filling)

[0175] This example provides inner components, such as cream-based fillings, prepared according to the present disclosure as compositions 6 to 20. These inner components advantageously can have high viscosities and can be used with outer components, such as those provided in Example 1, to form the dual-texture pet food compositions of the present disclosure.

[0176] Table 5 provides the ingredients and proportions of compositions 6-13.

[0177] Table 5: Formulations of Compositions 6-13

[0178]

[0179] Table 5: (Continued) Compositions 6-13 Formulations

[0180]

[0181] Table 6 provides the ingredients and proportions of compositions 14-20.

[0182] Table 6: Compositions 14-20

[0183]

[0184] Table 6: (Continued) Compositions 14-20

[0185]

[0186] Example 3: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition

[0187] This example provides a low moisture pet food composition of the present disclosure. Table 7 provides the ingredients and their proportions of Sample A.

[0188] Table 7: Sample A Formulation

[0189]

[0190] Table 8 provides the ingredients of Sample B and their proportions.

[0191] Table 8: Sample B Formulation

[0192]

[0193] Example 4: Palatability Test (Samples A and C)

[0194] This example provides a palatability test of the low moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure. The palatability of Sample A was tested compared to a control composition (hereinafter referred to as "Control A"). Sample A included two ends with an exposed inner cream component. The outer component, Composition 1 (hereinafter referred to as "Sample C") was also tested for palatability compared to Control A. A palatability test was performed. Cats (n=30) were exposed to the two samples. Both samples were provided to each cat for approximately 20 minutes. In order to be able to assess differences in feeding performance, the samples were provided in excess. The cats were exposed to the two samples a total of four (4) times, and the position of the samples was rotated between exposures to ensure that there was no deviation due to product order or day effects.

[0195] The ingredients and their proportions of Control A are provided in Table 9.

[0196] Table 9: Control A Formulation

[0197] Element weight% Poultry meal 29 corn 21 tallow 15 Animal and / or non-animal proteins 10 rice 9 wheat flour 7 yeast 3 Vitamins / Minerals / Antioxidants / Colorants 2 Digestive palatants ～4 antioxidants ～0.01

[0198] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Provides the palatability test results of Sample A. Figure 3A As shown, Sample A performed at least as well as Control A in providing a palatable pet food composition. Figure 3B As shown, 28.3% of the cats ate only sample A, and 11.7% of the cats ate twice as much sample A as the control group A.

[0199] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The palatability test results of Sample C are provided. Different forms of the product (i.e., an outer component (Sample C) and an outer component with an inner component and a coating (Control A)) were tested and evaluated for palatability. Figure 4B As shown in Figure 2, 11.7% of cats ate only sample C, and 20% of cats ate twice as much sample C as control A. In addition, as Figure 4A As shown, a directional preference was observed for Sample C (p=0.066). These results indicate that the external component provided in Sample C can be used in products to provide a high level of palatability.

[0200] Example 5: Palatability Test (Sample B)

[0201] This example provides palatability testing of low-moisture pet food compositions of the present disclosure. Sample B was tested for palatability compared to a control composition (hereinafter referred to as "Control B"). Sample B included two ends with exposed internal cream components. Palatability testing was performed according to Example 4. Cats (n=29) were exposed to both samples.

[0202] The ingredients and their proportions of Control B are provided in Table 10.

[0203] Table 10: Control B Formulation

[0204] Element weight% Poultry raw materials 29 corn 22 rice 10 yeast 3 Salt ～0.2 tallow 12 Animal and / or non-animal proteins 10 wheat flour 7 tallow 3 Digestive palatants ～4

[0205] Table 11-12 and Figure 5 The palatability test results of Sample B are provided.

[0206] Table 11: Intake difference test results (sample B)

[0207]

[0208] Table 12: Product average results (Sample B)

[0209]

[0210] As shown in Table 11, the intake of sample B was 3.54g less than that of control B. As shown in Table 12, the average intake of sample B was 11.95g, which was higher than the average intake of control B. Figure 5 As shown, there is a significant difference between the two products at the 5% level. Sample B was found to be significantly more palatable than the Control B formulation.

[0211] Example 6: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition—Outer Component (Shell)

[0212] This example provides outer components, such as cereal-based shells, prepared according to the present disclosure as composition 21. These outer components advantageously can have a low final moisture content and can be used with inner components, for example, as provided in Examples 2 and 7, to form the dual-texture pet food compositions of the present disclosure.

[0213] Table 13 provides the ingredients of composition 21 and their proportions.

[0214] Table 13:

[0215] Element Composition 21 (wt%) corn 40 Poultry raw materials 36 Sodium chloride 2.00 yeast 5.00 rice flour 17

[0216] Example 7: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition—Inner Component (Filling)

[0217] This example provides an interior component, such as a cream-based filling, prepared according to the present disclosure as compositions 22-23.

[0218] Table 14 provides the ingredients of composition 22 and their proportions.

[0219] Table 14:

[0220] Element Composition 22 (wt%) Animal and / or non-animal proteins ～36.54 wheat flour ～17.0 butter ～43.5

[0221] Table 15 provides the ingredients of composition 23 and their proportions.

[0222] Table 15:

[0223]

[0224] Example 8: Low Moisture Pet Food Composition—Coating

[0225] This example provides a coating according to the present disclosure as composition 24 .

[0226] Table 16 provides the ingredients of composition 24 and their proportions.

[0227] Table 16:

[0228]

[0229] ***

[0230] In addition to the various embodiments described and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having other combinations of features disclosed and claimed herein. Thus, the specific features set forth herein can be combined with one another in other ways within the scope of the disclosed subject matter so that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of features disclosed herein. For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those disclosed embodiments.

[0231] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter is intended to include modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0232] Various patents and patent applications are cited herein, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Claims

1. A multi-component pet food composition, comprising: An internal component, based on the total weight of the internal component, comprising: from about 0% to about 60% by weight of one or more fat sources; from about 0% to about 40% by weight of one or more protein sources; and from about 15% to about 70% by weight of one or more carbohydrate sources; and An outer component partially covering the inner component, the outer component having a total moisture content of about 1% to about 15% and a water activity of less than about 0.

75.

2. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 , wherein the outer component has a total moisture content of about 6% to about 10%.

3. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 , wherein the inner component and the outer component are present in a ratio of about 7:3 to about 3:

7.

4. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the interior component is exposed on at least two surfaces of the pet food composition.

5. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 , wherein the pet food composition has a water activity of less than about 0.

65.

6. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 wherein the one or more fat sources comprises beef tallow.

7. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more protein sources comprise animal protein, non-animal protein, or a combination thereof.

8. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 further comprising a coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer component.

9. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least two segments.

10. The multi-component pet food composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has a length of about 5 mm to about 150 mm.

11. A pet food comprising the multi-component pet food composition according to claim 1.

12. A method of making a low-moisture pet food composition, the method comprising: extruding the material to form an outer component; introducing an inner component to form a bicomponent extrudate; conveying the bicomponent extrudate to a cooling channel; and cutting and coating the extrudate to form a low moisture pet food composition.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein after the extruding step and before the introducing step, the outer component comprises a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight of the outer component.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the method does not include the step of drying the outer component or the bicomponent extrudate.

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