Normal-temperature preservation type soft particle pet complete food and three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of pet food, and discloses a normal-temperature preservation type soft particle pet complete food and a three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method. According to the normal-temperature preservation type soft particle pet complete food and the preparation method thereof, the industrial problem that in the prior art, soft pet food depends on refrigeration, chemical preservative adding or excessive sterilization, so that nutrition and flavor loss is caused is effectively solved. The product can be kept stable at normal temperature for a long time, and the storage and transportation and sales cost is reduced; meanwhile, high moisture content and soft texture are maintained, the palatability and digestibility are improved, and the pet feed is beneficial to improving the problems of tear stains, ozostomia, non-seasonal hair slip and urinary health of pets. Through the comprehensive and balanced nutrition proportion and the mild processing technology, the dog and cat food is suitable for all stages of the whole life cycle of dogs and cats, including special physiological periods such as weaning period, old period and postoperative recovery period, and safer, healthier and more convenient food choices are provided for pets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet food technology, specifically to room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food and a three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, commercially available high-end soft dog food (such as the Freshpet series from the United States) generally relies on cold chain transportation and refrigeration at 0–4℃; otherwise, it is extremely easy to spoil due to the growth of microorganisms. Although traditional extruded dog food can be stored at room temperature, high-temperature extrusion causes severe protein denaturation and excessively low moisture content (≤10%), which can easily lead to problems such as tear stains, bad breath, urinary stones, and skin sensitivity in dogs and cats.

[0003] Existing room-temperature soft wet food technologies either use excessive chemical preservatives or employ over-sterilization at 121℃ for more than 30 minutes, resulting in flavor degradation, hardening of texture, and darkening of color, while failing to balance palatability and safety. Therefore, developing a complete pet food that can be stored at room temperature for extended periods while retaining the juiciness of fresh meat, the original aroma of fruits and vegetables, and the soft kibble texture is a pressing problem for the industry. To address this, a room-temperature-storage soft kibble complete pet food and a three-stage, gentle, high-pressure preparation method have been proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a room-temperature-storable soft-particle complete pet food and a three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method to solve the problems in the background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, room-temperature stored soft-kiln complete pet food is composed of the following ingredients by weight percentage:

[0007] Animal meat as the main ingredient ≥50%;

[0008] Fresh fruits and vegetables: 8%–20%;

[0009] Functional oils 1%–10%;

[0010] Complete nutritional supplements: 0.5%–3%;

[0011] The rest is water;

[0012] Furthermore, the final moisture content of the complete pet food is 50%–68%.

[0013] Preferably, the main animal meat ingredient is selected from frozen or fresh meat, including one or more of chicken, duck, fish, beef, quail, pigeon, rabbit, chicken heart, and chicken liver.

[0014] Preferably, the fresh fruits and vegetables are selected from one or more of carrots, pumpkins, apples, pears, and cabbages, and their diced particle size is 2–8 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the functional oil is selected from flaxseed oil and / or deep-sea fish oil.

[0016] Preferably, the complete nutritional supplement is selected from one or more of taurine, mannan oligosaccharides, protein chelated trace elements, compound vitamins, and yucca saponins.

[0017] Secondly, a three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method for room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food is provided. Based on the raw materials, proportions, and particle size of the room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food described in the first aspect, the method includes the following steps:

[0018] Step S1, Raw material pretreatment: Mince the main animal meat into meat paste, and control the discharge temperature to ≤4°C; dice the fresh fruits and vegetables and then use ice water to preserve their color.

[0019] Step S2, Vacuum homogenization: The meat paste, fruit and vegetable cubes obtained in step S1 are mixed evenly with functional oils and complete nutritional supplements under vacuum conditions to obtain a mixture.

[0020] Step S3, granulation: The mixture is extruded into soft granules of 5-15 mm;

[0021] Step S4, short-time low-temperature setting: boil the soft granules in 90℃ hot water for 2-3 minutes;

[0022] Step S5, low-temperature baking: Bake the shaped soft granules at 60-90℃ for 3-5 minutes to reduce the moisture content to 50%-68%.

[0023] Step S6, Oxygen Barrier Packaging: Pack the baked soft granules into high-barrier bags, with a net content of 30-100g per bag, and seal them.

[0024] Step S7, Three-stage mild high-pressure sterilization: The packaged products are subjected to heating, heat preservation sterilization and cooling treatment;

[0025] Step S8, constant temperature conditioning: Store the sterilized product at 36-40℃ for 14 days.

[0026] Preferably, the three-stage mild autoclaving in step S7 specifically includes:

[0027] Heating phase: The sterilization environment temperature is raised from room temperature to 90°C at a uniform rate within 5 minutes;

[0028] Sterilization section: The temperature is raised from 90℃ to 121℃ within 20-35 minutes, and a micro-high pressure environment of 0.12-0.15MPa is maintained inside the packaging bag during this process for sterilization;

[0029] Cooling section: It adopts a combination of air cooling and water cooling to cool the core temperature of the product to below 30°C within 10 minutes.

[0030] Preferably, the high-barrier bag in step S6 is a four-layer co-extruded composite film of PET / AL / PA / RCPP or PET / AL / NY / RCPP, and the residual oxygen content in the sealed packaging bag is ≤1%.

[0031] Thirdly, a pet food for dogs and cats during weaning, old age, postoperative recovery, or all stages, wherein the pet food is the room-temperature-storable soft-particle complete pet food described in the first aspect.

[0032] The application of the room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food described in the first aspect in the preparation of food for reducing pet tear stains, bad breath, hair loss and / or protecting the urinary system.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] The room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food and its preparation method provided by this invention effectively overcome the industry problems of existing soft pet food, such as reliance on refrigeration, the addition of chemical preservatives, or excessive sterilization leading to loss of nutrients and flavor. This product remains stable at room temperature for extended periods, reducing storage, transportation, and sales costs; simultaneously, it maintains high moisture content and a soft texture, improving palatability and digestibility, and helping to improve pets' tear stains, bad breath, non-seasonal shedding, and urinary health issues. Its comprehensive and balanced nutritional formula and gentle processing technology also make it suitable for all stages of a dog or cat's life cycle, including weaning, senior years, and post-operative recovery, providing pets with a safer, healthier, and more convenient food option.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the overall process flow of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the high-barrier bag of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The room-temperature-preservable soft-particle complete pet food and its three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method of this invention specifically include:

[0040] Example 1: Complete Chicken and Quail Formula Cat Food (High Palatability)

[0041] This embodiment provides a highly palatable pet throughout its lifespan, enhancing the pet's appetite.

[0042] Raw material composition:

[0043] 55% chicken breast (provides high-quality animal protein, with a tender and easily digestible texture);

[0044] Quail 15% (enhances natural meat flavor and improves palatability);

[0045] Chicken liver 10% (rich in vitamin A and trace elements, naturally appealing);

[0046] Eggs contain 6% (providing lecithin, which is beneficial for skin and hair);

[0047] Pumpkin 5% (rich in dietary fiber, aids digestion);

[0048] Apples 4% (providing vitamins and a mild sweetness);

[0049] Carrots (3%) (provide beta-carotene);

[0050] Flaxseed oil 1% (provides Omega-3, nourishes hair);

[0051] Deep-sea fish oil 0.5% (supplements DHA / EPA, promotes brain development);

[0052] 0.5% complete nutritional supplement (containing taurine, multivitamins, protein chelated trace elements, etc., to ensure comprehensive nutrition).

[0053] Total: 100%. The moisture content of the final product is controlled at 62% through the process.

[0054] Preparation process and effects:

[0055] Raw material pretreatment: Frozen chicken breast, quail, chicken liver, and eggs, or sliced ​​fresh meat, are ground into a paste at ≤4℃ to retain flavor and nutrients to the maximum extent. Pumpkin, carrots, and apples are diced to 5mm in diameter and immediately immersed in 3℃ ice water for 30 seconds to prevent oxidation and discoloration.

[0056] Vacuum homogenization: Place the minced meat, diced fruits and vegetables, and all other ingredients in a vacuum mixer (vacuum degree -0.085MPa) and mix for 12 minutes. The vacuum environment effectively prevents fat oxidation and vitamin loss, ensuring thorough mixing.

[0057] Granulation: The mixture is extruded through a mold into 8mm oval soft granules, a shape that cats prefer.

[0058] Short-time low-temperature setting: Place the granules in 92℃ hot water and cook for 2.5 minutes. This allows the surface proteins of the granules to quickly coagulate and set, locking in the internal juices, while the center remains semi-cooked to facilitate subsequent baking.

[0059] Low-temperature baking: Baking for 4 minutes on an electrically heated conveyor belt at 75℃. This step evaporates some moisture, precisely controlling the final moisture content of the product at 62%, while simultaneously causing the Maillard reaction to produce a roasted meaty aroma.

[0060] Oxygen-barrier packaging: The baked granules are packed into four-layer high-barrier bags (PET / AL / NY / RCPP) while still hot. After sealing, the residual oxygen content inside the bag is ≤1%. Each bag contains 50g net weight and is sealed after nitrogen filling. This packaging completely isolates oxygen and light, which is key to achieving room temperature preservation. The small packages can be used up immediately after opening, reducing the risk of contamination after opening.

[0061] The packaged granules are then sterilized using a three-stage gentle autoclaving process.

[0062] Heating phase: The temperature rises uniformly from room temperature to 90℃ within 5 minutes.

[0063] Sterilization section: The temperature is raised from 90℃ to 121℃ within 28 minutes. During this process, the packaging itself creates a micro-high pressure environment of 0.13MPa, which can completely kill microorganisms (including spores). At the same time, the pressure balance protects the texture of the particles from being damaged, avoiding the softening problem caused by conventional high-temperature sterilization.

[0064] Cooling section: It adopts a combination of air cooling and water cooling, which can reduce the core temperature of the product to 28°C within 8 minutes.

[0065] Constant temperature conditioning: The cooled and packaged grain products are placed in a 38℃ constant temperature warehouse and left to stand for 14 days. This process allows moisture to migrate and balance evenly inside and outside the grains and between the grains, and allows flavor substances to fully blend and penetrate, ultimately resulting in a product with a consistent taste and rich flavor.

[0066] Product performance: Shelf life exceeds 12 months at room temperature (25℃). Upon opening, it has a rich meaty aroma, soft and elastic pellets, and excellent palatability. Testing shows a vitamin retention rate of up to 87%, and feeding it can effectively reduce tear stains and hair loss.

[0067] Example 2: Complete Beef and Vegetable Formula Dog Food (Fortified)

[0068] This embodiment provides a nutritionally fortified dog food for medium to large breed dogs, which increases protein content and is rich in dietary fiber.

[0069] Composition and function of raw materials:

[0070] 35% beef (rich in creatine, for strong muscle);

[0071] 20% chicken breast (balances costs and provides high-quality protein);

[0072] 10% chicken hearts (rich in B vitamins, providing nutrition);

[0073] 10% duck meat (clears heat and reduces internal fire, improves dietary structure);

[0074] Peas provide 8% (plant protein and dietary fiber);

[0075] Carrots (6%) (clean teeth, provide vitamins);

[0076] 5% pear (clears heat and moistens the lungs, reduces internal heat);

[0077] Purple cabbage contains 4% (rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants);

[0078] Flaxseed oil 1.5% (improves skin health);

[0079] Complete nutritional supplement (containing yucca saponins, mannan oligosaccharides, etc.) 0.5% (promotes absorption and reduces fecal odor)

[0080] Total: 100%. The moisture content of the final product is controlled at 58% through the process.

[0081] Differences in preparation process and effects:

[0082] The preparation process in this embodiment is the same as in Example 1, the main difference being:

[0083] Ingredients: A combination of meats such as beef and duck, with an increased amount of peas, designed to provide a richer source of protein and dietary fiber.

[0084] Granulation: Extruded into 10mm round pellets, which are more suitable for medium-sized dogs to chew.

[0085] Low-temperature baking: Bake at 85℃ for 5 minutes to control the moisture content to 58%, making slightly firmer kibble to meet the chewing needs of large dogs.

[0086] Packaging: High-barrier bags made of PET / AL / PA / RCPP material, net content 100g per bag.

[0087] Product Performance: This product is nutritionally balanced and high in dietary fiber, which helps with intestinal motility and stool formation in dogs. The addition of yucca saponins effectively reduces fecal odor.

[0088] Example 3: Complete Fish and Meat Formula Prescription Diet (Urinary Health)

[0089] This embodiment simulates a low-fat, easily digestible formula suitable for pets in postoperative recovery or those requiring urinary health maintenance.

[0090] Composition and function of raw materials:

[0091] Salmon 40% (low-fat, high-protein, rich in Omega-3, anti-inflammatory);

[0092] Cod 20% (tender flesh, very easy to digest);

[0093] Potatoes 15% (providing easily digestible carbohydrates);

[0094] Pumpkin 10% (soothes the stomach);

[0095] Zucchini contains 8% water (high in moisture, low in calories);

[0096] Apple 5% (to adjust flavor);

[0097] Deep-sea fish oil 1.2% (fortified with Omega-3);

[0098] Complete nutritional supplement (with added methionine) 0.8% (to support urinary health).

[0099] Total: 100%. The moisture content of the final product is controlled at 65% through the process.

[0100] Differences in preparation process and effects:

[0101] The preparation process in this embodiment is the same as in Example 1, the main difference being:

[0102] Ingredients: All ingredients are fish and white meat, low in fat, and easily digestible and absorbable by pets during post-operative recovery. The ingredients themselves have a higher water content.

[0103] Short-time low-temperature setting: Cook in 88℃ hot water for 2 minutes, using gentler conditions to maintain the delicate texture of the fish.

[0104] Low-temperature baking: Baking at 65℃ for 3.5 minutes removes only a small amount of moisture, resulting in a final product with a moisture content of up to 65%, a soft texture, and is suitable for older dogs and cats with poor teeth or pets recovering from surgery to lick.

[0105] Sterilization: The sterilization section uses a gentler 25-minute heating program to preserve the fish flavor to the maximum extent.

[0106] Product Features: The product has a soft and chewy texture, a mild aroma, and is very easy for pets to eat and digest. Its high moisture content helps encourage water intake and maintains the health of the urinary system.

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] Examples 1 to 3 above provide three specific implementation schemes: highly palatable cat food, nutritionally fortified dog food, and urinary health prescription food. All of these are preferred examples of the room-temperature-storage soft pellet complete pet food and its preparation method described in this invention.

[0110] All embodiments use fresh / frozen meat as the main ingredient (≥50%), combined with different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, and are prepared through the complete process of "raw material pretreatment - vacuum mixing - granulation - shaping - low-temperature baking - oxygen-barrier packaging - three-stage sterilization - constant temperature conditioning". The main differences lie in the selection and ratio of raw materials, the control of the final moisture content (58%-65%), and the fine-tuning of baking time and temperature to adapt to the physiological needs and taste preferences of different pets.

[0111] The results showed that all products in the examples successfully achieved the core objective of a shelf life of no less than 12 months at 25°C, and perfectly preserved the natural flavor and nutrients of the raw materials, with soft and palatable granules.

[0112] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only a few specific implementations of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any simple modifications or substitutions based on the concept of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A room-temperature-storage soft-kelp complete pet food, characterized in that, It consists of the following raw materials by weight percentage: Animal meat as the main ingredient ≥50%; Fresh fruits and vegetables: 8%–20%; Functional oils 1%–10%; Complete nutritional supplements: 0.5%–3%; The rest is water; Furthermore, the final moisture content of the complete pet food is 50%–68%.

2. The room-temperature storage type soft pellet complete pet food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main animal meat ingredient is selected from frozen or fresh meat, including one or more of chicken, duck, fish, beef, quail, pigeon, rabbit, chicken heart, and chicken liver.

3. The room-temperature storage type soft pellet complete pet food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh fruits and vegetables are selected from one or more of carrots, pumpkins, apples, pears, and cabbages, and their diced particle size is 2–8 mm.

4. The room-temperature storage type soft pellet complete pet food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional oils are selected from flaxseed oil and / or deep-sea fish oil.

5. The room-temperature storage type soft pellet complete pet food according to claim 1, characterized in that, The complete nutritional supplement is selected from one or more of taurine, mannan oligosaccharides, protein chelated trace elements, compound vitamins, and yucca saponins.

6. A three-stage, mild, high-pressure preparation method for room-temperature stored soft-particle complete pet food, characterized in that... The complete pet food is prepared based on the raw materials, proportions, and particle size of the room-temperature storage soft pellet pet food according to any one of claims 1-5, including the following steps: Step S1, Raw material pretreatment: Mince the main animal meat into meat paste, and control the discharge temperature to ≤4°C; dice the fresh fruits and vegetables and then use ice water to preserve their color. Step S2, Vacuum homogenization: The meat paste, fruit and vegetable cubes obtained in step S1 are mixed evenly with functional oils and complete nutritional supplements under vacuum conditions to obtain a mixture. Step S3, granulation: The mixture is extruded into soft granules of 5-15 mm; Step S4, short-time low-temperature setting: boil the soft granules in 90℃ hot water for 2-3 minutes; Step S5, low-temperature baking: Bake the shaped soft granules at 60-90℃ for 3-5 minutes to reduce the moisture content to 50%-68%. Step S6, Oxygen Barrier Packaging: Pack the baked soft granules into high-barrier bags, with a net content of 30-100g per bag, and seal them. Step S7, Three-stage mild high-pressure sterilization: The packaged products are subjected to heating, heat preservation sterilization and cooling treatment; Step S8, constant temperature conditioning: Store the sterilized product at 36-40℃ for 14 days.

7. The three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method for room-temperature stored soft pellet pet food according to claim 6, characterized in that, The three-stage mild autoclaving process in step S7 specifically includes: Heating phase: The sterilization environment temperature is raised from room temperature to 90°C at a uniform rate within 5 minutes; Sterilization section: The temperature is raised from 90℃ to 121℃ within 20-35 minutes, and a micro-high pressure environment of 0.12-0.15MPa is maintained inside the packaging bag during this process for sterilization; Cooling section: It adopts a combination of air cooling and water cooling to cool the core temperature of the product to below 30°C within 10 minutes.

8. The three-stage mild high-pressure preparation method for room-temperature stored soft pellet pet food according to claim 6, characterized in that, The high-barrier bag in step S6 is a four-layer co-extruded composite film of PET / AL / PA / RCPP or PET / AL / NY / RCPP, and the residual oxygen content in the sealed packaging bag is ≤1%.

9. A pet food for dogs and cats during weaning, senior years, post-operative recovery, or all stages of life, characterized in that... The pet food is a room-temperature-storage soft-particle complete pet food as described in any one of claims 1-5.

10. The use of any one of the room-temperature storage soft pellet complete pet food according to claims 1-5 in the preparation of food for reducing pet tear stains, bad breath, hair loss and / or protecting the urinary system.

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