Methods for evaluating pet food compositions

Abstract

Described herein is a method of determining oral care performance of a pet food gross, the method comprising: a) receiving a sample pet food gross; b) analyzing the sample pet food grounds to determine one or more of the sample grounds characteristics; and c) inputting the one or more sample roughing properties into a model that compares the one or more sample roughing properties to one or more of the reference roughing properties; d) creating an output value based on a comparison performed by the model on the one or more sample roughing properties with the one or more reference roughing properties, the output value is thereby a predictive determination of whether the sample pet food gross will satisfy a minimum threshold for treating an oral problem of the pet's oral cavity during consumption of the sample pet food gross.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 592,654, filed October 24, 2023, entitled “System and Methods for Evaluating Pet Food Compositions,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] Animals, especially companion animals such as dogs and cats, suffer from a wide variety of oral problems, such as plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Therefore, a system is needed to better design food compositions that can help address these oral health issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This overview is intended only to provide a simplified overview of some aspects of one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Other applicable areas of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. This overview is not a broad overview, nor is it intended to identify key or essential elements of this teaching, nor is it intended to describe the scope of this disclosure. Rather, its purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0005] The present invention includes a method for determining the oral care performance of a pet food kibble, the method comprising: a) receiving a sample of pet food kibble; b) analyzing the sample of pet food kibble to determine one or more of the sample kibble characteristics; and c) inputting one or more sample kibble characteristics into a model that compares one or more sample kibble characteristics with one or more of the reference kibble characteristics; and d) creating an output value based on the comparison of one or more sample kibble characteristics performed by the model with one or more reference kibble characteristics, whereby the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample of pet food kibble will meet a minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample of pet food kibble.

[0006] Other embodiments of the present invention include a method for manufacturing a coarse abrasive for a pet food composition, comprising: i) performing steps a)-d) above; ii) determining that a sample pet food coarse abrasive does not meet a minimum threshold; iii) modifying at least one of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics of the sample pet food coarse abrasive; iv) repeating steps a)-d) according to claims 1 to 21 using the sample pet food coarse abrasive of step iii) and repeating step iv) until it is determined that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold.

[0007] In other embodiments, the present invention includes a method for determining the oral care performance of a coarse-grind pet food, the method comprising: a) analyzing a sample of coarse-grind pet food to determine sample coarse-grind size, sample coarse-grind peak force, and sample coarse-grind contact time; b) inputting the sample coarse-grind size, sample coarse-grind peak force, and sample coarse-grind contact time into a model, the model being compared with the reference coarse-grind size, reference reference coarse-grind peak force, and reference reference coarse-grind contact time; and c) creating an output value based on the model comparison, whereby the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample of coarse-grind pet food will bring about improved oral health in pets during the consumption of the sample of coarse-grind pet food.

[0008] Other embodiments of the present invention include a method for manufacturing a coarse abrasive for a pet food composition, comprising: i) performing steps a)-c) above; ii) determining that a sample pet food coarse abrasive does not meet a minimum threshold; iii) modifying at least one of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics of the sample pet food coarse abrasive; iv) repeating steps a)-d) according to claims 21 to 38 using the sample pet food coarse abrasive of step iii), and repeating step iv) until it is determined that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold.

[0009] The following is a list of non-limiting example methods according to various aspects of the present invention:

[0010] According to Example 1, a method for determining the oral care performance of coarse abrasive pet food is provided, the method comprising: a) receiving a sample of coarse abrasive pet food; b) analyzing the sample of coarse abrasive pet food to determine one or more of the characteristics of the sample coarse abrasive; and c) inputting one or more of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics into a model that compares one or more of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics with one or more of the reference coarse abrasive characteristics; and d) creating an output value based on the comparison performed by the model on one or more of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics with one or more reference coarse abrasive characteristics, whereby the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample of coarse abrasive pet food will meet a minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample of coarse abrasive pet food.

[0011] According to Example 2, the method according to Example 1 is provided, wherein treating oral problems in a pet's mouth includes reducing at least one of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and odor.

[0012] According to Example 3, a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2 is provided, wherein one or more sample abrasive characteristics include at least one of sample abrasive size, sample abrasive peak force, and sample abrasive contact time.

[0013] According to Example 4, a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3 is provided, wherein one or more reference coarse abrasive characteristics include at least one of reference coarse abrasive size, reference coarse abrasive peak force, and reference coarse abrasive contact time.

[0014] According to Embodiment 5, the method according to Embodiment 4 is provided, wherein the range of the reference coarse grinding object size is from the minimum reference size to the maximum reference size, whereby the minimum reference size and the maximum reference size are not equal.

[0015] According to Example 6, the method described in Example 5 is provided, wherein the minimum reference size is approximately 1,000 mm. 3 And the maximum size is approximately 8,000 mm. 3 .

[0016] According to Example 7, a method according to any one of Examples 5 to 6 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive size is greater than a minimum reference size when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets a minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive.

[0017] According to Example 8, a method according to any one of Examples 4 to 7 is provided, wherein the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is the force required to penetrate or crush the sample pet food coarse abrasive, and wherein the reference peak force is the force required to penetrate or crush the reference pet food coarse abrasive.

[0018] According to Example 9, the method according to Example 8 is provided, wherein the range of the reference peak force magnitude is from the minimum reference peak force to the maximum reference peak force, such that the minimum reference peak force and the maximum reference peak force are not equal.

[0019] According to Example 10, the method according to Example 9 is provided, wherein the minimum reference peak force is about 4,000 (g) and the maximum peak force is about 20,000 (g).

[0020] According to Example 11, a method according to any one of Examples 9 to 10 is provided, wherein when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive, the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is greater than the minimum reference peak force.

[0021] According to Example 12, a method according to any one of Examples 4 to 11 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive contact time is the time span during the measurement of peak force.

[0022] According to Example 13, the method according to Example 12 is provided, wherein the range of the reference coarse abrasive contact time is from the minimum reference contact time to the maximum reference contact time, such that the minimum reference contact time and the maximum reference contact time are not equal.

[0023] According to Example 14, the method according to Example 12 is provided, wherein the minimum reference contact time is about 0.1 seconds and the maximum reference contact time is about 4.0 seconds.

[0024] According to Example 15, a method according to any one of Examples 12 to 14 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive contact time is greater than a minimum reference contact time when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets a minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive.

[0025] According to Example 16, a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 15 is provided, wherein the model is a machine learning model and the output value is determined by the rules of the machine learning model.

[0026] According to Example 17, the method according to Example 16 is provided, wherein the machine learning model includes a supervised learning method.

[0027] According to Example 18, a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 17 is provided, wherein one or more reference coarse abrasive characteristics are stored in a database.

[0028] According to Example 19, a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 18 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive comprises oriented fibers.

[0029] According to Example 20, a method according to any one of Examples 3 to 19 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive characteristics include each of the sample coarse abrasive size, the sample coarse abrasive peak force, and the sample coarse abrasive contact time; and wherein the reference coarse abrasive characteristics include each of the reference coarse abrasive size, the reference coarse abrasive peak force, and the reference coarse abrasive contact time.

[0030] According to Example 21, a method for determining the oral care performance of coarse abrasives in pet food is provided, the method comprising: a) analyzing a sample of coarse abrasives in pet food to determine sample coarse abrasive size, sample coarse abrasive peak force, and sample coarse abrasive contact time; b) inputting the sample coarse abrasive size, sample coarse abrasive peak force, and sample coarse abrasive contact time into a model, the model being compared with a reference coarse abrasive size, a reference coarse abrasive peak force, and a reference coarse abrasive contact time; and c) creating an output value based on the comparison of the model, wherein the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample of coarse abrasives in pet food will bring about improved oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample of coarse abrasives in pet food.

[0031] According to Example 22, the method described in Example 21 is provided, thereby improving oral health in pets by reducing at least one of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and odor.

[0032] According to Example 23, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 22 is provided, wherein the range of the reference coarse grinding object size is from the minimum reference size to the maximum reference size, such that the minimum reference size and the maximum reference value are not equal.

[0033] According to Example 24, a method according to Example 23 is provided, wherein the minimum reference size is approximately 1,000 mm. 3 And the maximum size is approximately 8,000 mm. 3 .

[0034] According to Example 25, a method according to any one of Examples 23 to 24 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive size is greater than a minimum reference size when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets a minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive.

[0035] According to Example 26, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 25 is provided, wherein the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is the force required to penetrate or crush the sample pet food coarse abrasive, and wherein the reference peak force is the force required to penetrate or crush the reference pet food coarse abrasive.

[0036] According to Example 27, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 26 is provided, wherein the magnitude of the reference peak force ranges from the minimum reference peak force to the maximum reference peak force, such that the minimum reference peak force and the maximum reference peak force are not equal.

[0037] According to Example 28, the method according to Example 27 is provided, wherein the minimum reference peak force is about 4,000 (g) and the maximum peak force is about 20,000 (g).

[0038] According to Example 29, a method according to any one of Examples 27 to 28 is provided, wherein the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is greater than the minimum reference peak force when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive.

[0039] According to Example 30, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 29 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive contact time is the time span during the measurement of peak force.

[0040] According to Example 31, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 30 is provided, wherein the range of the reference coarse abrasive contact time is from the minimum reference contact time to the maximum reference contact time, such that the minimum reference contact time and the maximum reference contact time are not equal.

[0041] According to Example 32, the method according to Example 31 is provided, wherein the minimum reference contact time is about 0.1 seconds and the maximum reference contact time is about 4.0 seconds.

[0042] According to Example 33, a method according to any one of Examples 31 to 32 is provided, wherein when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in the pet's mouth during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive, the sample coarse abrasive contact time is greater than the minimum reference contact time.

[0043] According to Example 34, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 33 is provided, wherein the model is a machine learning model and the output value is determined by the rules of the machine learning model.

[0044] According to Example 35, the method according to Example 34 is provided, wherein the machine learning model includes a supervised learning method.

[0045] According to Example 36, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 35 is provided, wherein a reference coarse abrasive size, a reference coarse abrasive peak force, and a reference coarse abrasive contact time are stored in a database.

[0046] According to Example 37, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 36 is provided, wherein the sample coarse abrasive comprises oriented fibers.

[0047] According to Example 38, a method according to any one of Examples 21 to 37 is provided, wherein, during step b), the sample coarse abrasive size is compared with the reference coarse abrasive size, the sample coarse abrasive peak force is compared with the reference coarse abrasive peak force, and the sample coarse abrasive contact time is compared with the reference coarse abrasive contact time.

[0048] According to Example 39, a method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0049] Dental plaque effectiveness (%) = 30.33 × contact time - 46.88.

[0050] According to Example 40, a method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the odor effect using the following equation:

[0051] Odor effect (%) = 0.002194 × size - 1.817.

[0052] According to Example 41, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the gingivitis effect using the following equation:

[0053] Gingivitis efficacy (%) = 0.002503 × size - 2.339.

[0054] According to Example 42, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0055] Tartar removal rate (%) = 0.006660 × size + 3.492.

[0056] According to Example 43, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0057] Dental plaque effectiveness (%) = 0.007063 × size - 13.39.

[0058] According to Example 44, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the gingivitis effect using the following equation:

[0059] Gingivitis efficacy (%) = 0.000913 × peak force - 3.618.

[0060] According to Example 45, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0061] Tartar removal rate (%) = 0.002729 × peak force - 4.028.

[0062] According to Example 46, a method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0063] Plaque effectiveness (%) = 0.003104 × peak force - 24.24.

[0064] According to Example 47, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the odor effect using the following equation:

[0065] Odor effect (%) = 0.001056 × peak power - 5.896.

[0066] According to Example 48, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the gingivitis effect using the following equation:

[0067] Gingivitis efficacy (%) = 11.7 × contact time - 16.07.

[0068] According to Example 49, the method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the plaque effect using the following equation:

[0069] Tartar removal rate (%) = 27.28 × contact time - 24.83.

[0070] According to Example 50, a method according to any of the foregoing methods is provided, further comprising determining the odor effect using the following equation:

[0071] Odor effect (%) = 9.138 × contact time - 11.25.

[0072] According to Example 51, a method for manufacturing a coarse abrasive for a pet food composition is provided, comprising: i) performing steps a)-d) according to Examples 1 to 21; ii) determining that a sample pet food coarse abrasive does not meet a minimum threshold; iii) modifying at least one of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics of the sample pet food coarse abrasive; iv) repeating steps a)-d) according to Examples 1 to 21 using the sample pet food coarse abrasive of step iii) and repeating step iv) until it is determined that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold.

[0073] According to Example 52, a method for manufacturing a coarse abrasive for a pet food composition is provided, comprising: i) performing steps a)-c) of Examples 21 to 39; ii) determining that a sample pet food coarse abrasive does not meet a minimum threshold; iii) modifying at least one of the sample coarse abrasive characteristics of the sample pet food coarse abrasive; iv) repeating steps a)-d) of Examples 21 to 39 using the sample pet food coarse abrasive of step iii) and repeating step iv) until it is determined that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold.

[0074] Other applicable areas of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0075] The invention will be more fully understood through detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0076] Figure 1 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the size of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of the effectiveness in reducing odors;

[0077] Figure 2 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the coarse abrasive size as an indicator of the effectiveness in reducing gingivitis;

[0078] Figure 3 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the size of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of its effectiveness in reducing plaque.

[0079] Figure 4 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the coarse abrasive size as an indicator of the effectiveness of plaque reduction;

[0080] Figure 5 This is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the peak force of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of its effectiveness in reducing gingivitis.

[0081] Figure 6 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the peak force of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of its effectiveness in reducing plaque.

[0082] Figure 7 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the peak force of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of its effectiveness in reducing dental plaque;

[0083] Figure 8 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing the peak force of the coarse abrasive as an indicator of the odor reduction effect;

[0084] Figure 9 This is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing contact time as an indicator of its effectiveness in reducing gingivitis.

[0085] Figure 10 It is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing contact time as an indicator of the effectiveness of plaque reduction;

[0086] Figure 11 This is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing contact time as an indicator of plaque reduction effectiveness; and

[0087] Figure 12 This is a graphical representation of the predictive model, showing contact time as an indicator of odor reduction effectiveness.

[0088] Figure 13A and Figure 13B It is a graphical representation of the force, peak force, and contact time during the analysis of coarse abrasive materials. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is by no means intended to limit the invention, its application, or its use.

[0090] Throughout this process, "range" is used as a shorthand to describe individual or every value within the range. Any value within the range may be chosen as the endpoint of the range. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and the definitions in the cited references, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0091] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and quantities expressed herein and elsewhere in this specification shall be understood as weight percentages. The quantities given are based on the effective weight of the material.

[0092] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and quantities expressed herein and elsewhere in this specification shall be understood as weight percentages. The quantities given are based on the effective weight of the material. According to this application, the term "about" means + / - 5% of a reference value. According to this application, the term "substantially free of" is based on the sum of reference values ​​being less than about 0.1 wt.%.

[0093] It is anticipated that the invention described herein is not limited to the specific methods, schemes, and reagents described, as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0094] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0095] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0096] The terms “food,” “food product,” or “food composition” refer to products or compositions intended for ingestion by animals, including humans, and for providing nutrition to animals.

[0097] The term "regularly" means administration at least monthly, and in one aspect, at least weekly. In some embodiments, more frequent administration or consumption may be performed, such as twice or three times a week. In one aspect, the administration regimen may include consumption at least once daily.

[0098] The term "single package" refers to a kit component that is physically associated with or in one or more containers and is considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cartons, bottles, packaging such as shrink wrap, stapled or otherwise secured components, or combinations thereof. A single package can be a container for a food composition or its components that is physically associated with each other such that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

[0099] This invention relates to any animal, preferably a mammal, and more preferably a companion animal. The term "companion animal" refers to any animal that lives in close relation to humans, and includes, but is not limited to, any breed of canines and felines. For example, this term is also contemplated to include any animal whose diet can be controlled by humans and which can benefit from feeding the preparations disclosed herein. These animals may include, for example, domesticated farm animals (e.g., cattle, horses, pigs, etc.) and undomesticated animals kept in captivity (in zoos). Preferably, companion animals are cats and dogs.

[0100] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages expressed herein are based on dry matter weight.

[0101] This invention relates to a method and system for determining the oral care performance of coarse abrasives in pet food (also referred to as "coarse abrasives only"). The method includes predicting the dental therapeutic and cleaning effects of the coarse abrasives on a pet's oral cavity during chewing.

[0102] Predictive determination involves analyzing the sample coarse abrasive and comparing it with a reference coarse abrasive whose properties were previously established to predict how the sample coarse abrasive will perform processing and / or cleaning effects during chewing.

[0103] The analysis includes the evaluation of numerous sample coarse abrasive properties. These properties may include, but are not limited to, coarse abrasive size, peak force, and contact time. For the reference sample coarse abrasive, these properties may be referred to as sample coarse abrasive size, sample coarse abrasive peak force, and sample coarse abrasive contact time. Once the sample coarse abrasive properties are collected, one or more of these properties can be input into the model for further analysis.

[0104] The model can be one that compares one or more of the following: sample coarse abrasive size, sample coarse abrasive peak force, and sample coarse abrasive contact time, to one or more reference coarse abrasive characteristics. Reference coarse abrasive characteristics may include, but are not limited to, coarse abrasive size, peak force, and contact time. In relation to the reference coarse abrasive, the reference coarse abrasive characteristics may be referred to as reference coarse abrasive size, reference coarse abrasive peak force, and reference coarse abrasive contact time. As used herein, contact time is typically determined using a texture analyzer, and a screwdriver blade is used to simulate teeth, whereby the texture analyzer pushes the screwdriver blade across the coarse abrasive and quantifies the force as a function of time. The contact time is then determined as the width of the force versus time curve at one-quarter of the height (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 13A and Figure 13B In at least one embodiment, the contact time is defined as the peak width of the force-time curve at one-quarter of the height (see [reference]). Figure 13A and Figure 13B ).

[0105] According to the present invention, the model can compare the size of the sample coarse abrasive with the size of a reference coarse abrasive. According to the present invention, the model can compare the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive with the peak force of the reference coarse abrasive. According to the present invention, the model can compare the contact time of the sample coarse abrasive with the contact time of the reference coarse abrasive.

[0106] In some embodiments, the model can compare the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference coarse abrasive, and the size of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference coarse abrasive. In some embodiments, the model can compare the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference coarse abrasive, and the contact time of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference contact time. In some embodiments, the model can compare the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference coarse abrasive; the size of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference coarse abrasive; and the contact time of the sample coarse abrasive with that of a reference contact time.

[0107] The reference roughing material size can range from the minimum reference size to the maximum reference size. The minimum and maximum reference sizes are not equal. The minimum reference size is smaller than the maximum reference size.

[0108] The reference coarse abrasive can be any size suitable as a coarse abrasive for pet food. In other words, the predictive determination of the present invention based on comparing the characteristics of a reference coarse abrasive with those of a sample coarse abrasive can be unrestricted by the specific coarse abrasive sizes (including coarse abrasive volume, shape, etc.) of the sample and reference coarse abrasives.

[0109] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum reference size of the reference coarse abrasive can be approximately 500 mm.3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the reference coarse abrasive can be approximately 10,000 mm. 3 In some embodiments, the reference coarse abrasive may be greater than 10,000 mm. 3 In some embodiments, the reference coarse abrasive may be less than 500 mm. 3 In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum size of the reference coarse abrasive can be approximately 800 mm. 3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the reference coarse abrasive can be approximately 8,000 mm. 3 .

[0110] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum size of the sample coarse abrasive can be approximately 500 mm. 3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the coarsely ground sample can be approximately 10,000 mm. 3 In some embodiments, the sample roughness can be greater than 10,000 mm. 3 In some embodiments, the sample roughness can be less than 500 mm. 3 In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum reference size of the sample coarse-ground material can be approximately 800 mm. 3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the coarsely ground sample can be approximately 8,000 mm. 3 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the range of the reference coarse grinding size may be 800 mm. 3 Up to 8,000 mm 3 Any dimension between these dimensions—including any dimensions and sub-ranges thereof. In some embodiments, the minimum dimension of the reference coarse abrasive may be approximately 1,000 mm. 3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the reference coarse abrasive can be approximately 8,000 mm. 3 —and include any coarse abrasive dimensions and sub-ranges therein.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sample coarse grinding size can range from 800 mm. 3 Up to 8,000 mm 3 Any size between – including any size and subrange thereof. In some embodiments, the minimum size of the sample coarse abrasive can be about 1,000 mm. 3 Furthermore, the maximum size of the coarsely ground sample can be approximately 8,000 mm. 3 —and include any coarse abrasive dimensions and sub-ranges therein.

[0113] The range of the reference peak force for coarse abrasive surfaces can be from the minimum reference peak force to the maximum reference peak force. The minimum reference peak force and the maximum reference peak force are not equal. The minimum reference peak force is less than the maximum reference peak force.

[0114] The reference coarse abrasive can be any coarse abrasive suitable as a pet food for peak force. In other words, the predictive determination of the present invention, based on comparing the characteristics of a reference coarse abrasive with those of a sample coarse abrasive, is not limited to the specific peak forces of the sample and reference coarse abrasives.

[0115] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum peak force of the reference coarse abrasive may be about 2,000 (g), and the maximum peak force of the reference coarse abrasive may be about 24,000 (g). In some embodiments, the reference coarse abrasive may have a peak force greater than 24,000 (g). In some embodiments, the reference coarse abrasive has a peak force less than 2,000 (g).

[0116] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum peak force of the reference coarse abrasive may be about 4,000 (g), and the maximum peak force of the reference coarse abrasive may be about 20,000 (g). The range of peak forces of the reference coarse abrasive may be between about 4,000 (g) and about 20,000 (g)—inclusive of any forces and subranges therein.

[0117] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum peak force of the sample coarse abrasive can be about 2,000 (g), and the maximum peak force of the sample coarse abrasive can be about 24,000 (g). In some embodiments, the sample coarse abrasive can have a peak force greater than 24,000 (g). In some embodiments, the sample coarse abrasive has a peak force less than 2,000 (g).

[0118] In a non-limiting embodiment, the minimum peak force of the sample coarse abrasive can be about 4,000 (g), and the maximum peak force of the sample coarse abrasive can be about 20,000 (g). The range of peak forces of the sample coarse abrasive can be between about 4,000 (g) and about 20,000 (g)—inclusive of any forces and subranges therein.

[0119] The coarse abrasive texture analysis of this invention refers to how a sample coarse abrasive will remain together during in vitro puncture. In a non-limiting example, a handheld tool (such as a screwdriver blade) can be used to simulate teeth, while the texture analyzer pushes it across the sample coarse abrasive and quantifies the force as a function of time—as shown graphically in Figure 13, the contact time is defined here as the width of the force curve generated by the instrument at a quarter-height position. Thus, the contact time can be the time span during which the applied force is measured.

[0120] These values ​​can then be compared with known reference coarse abrasives that have undergone the same analysis, revealing how effective these reference coarse abrasives are at cleaning / treating the pet's mouth during chewing. This process provides a meaningful mechanism for testing and analyzing coarse abrasives in vitro without the need for in vivo studies.

[0121] Peak force is defined as the maximum force applied to the coarse abrasive by a texture analyzer. Peak force can be measured in vitro using a texture analyzer. Peak force of a reference coarse abrasive can be measured in vitro using a texture analyzer. Peak force of a sample coarse abrasive can be measured in vitro using a texture analyzer. While peak force relates to how the pet's mouth can penetrate or crush the coarse abrasive during chewing, measuring these properties in vitro allows for accurate collection of coarse abrasive characteristics that might otherwise be difficult to measure in in vivo methods (e.g., measuring force in some way while the pet is chewing the coarse abrasive).

[0122] For the analysis, contact time, peak force, and coarse abrasive size were estimated, and data from a reference coarse abrasive study were combined to attempt to correlate mechanically derived dental effects with coarse abrasive texture. Dental effect data from the Logan / Boyce test method were used in conjunction with coarse texture indices to estimate coarse abrasive texture and its relationship with the ability of food to reduce dental plaque, tartar (dental stains), stains, gingivitis, and halitosis in small breed dogs. Dental endpoints were the Logan / Boyce scores for plaque, tartar, stains, gingivitis, and halitosis, and the percentage reduction in these parameters compared to a control (non-dental) food (defined as dental effect).

[0123] Plaque effect, tartar effect, gingivitis effect, and odor effect are defined as the percentage reduction in the measured endpoint score for the assessed characteristic: (Control) / Control x 100%. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a mathematical formula representing the correlation between plaque effect, tartar effect, gingivitis effect, or odor effect and contact time. For example, the method may include using regression analysis to determine a mathematical formula representing the correlation between plaque effect, tartar effect, gingivitis effect, or odor effect and contact time.

[0124] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining plaque effectiveness using the following equation: Plaque effectiveness (%) = 30.33 × one or more contact times - 46.88.

[0125] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the odor effect using the following equation: Odor effect (%) = 0.002194 × size - 1.817.

[0126] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the gingivitis effect using the following equation: Gingivitis effect (%) = 0.002503 × size - 2.339.

[0127] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the tartar effect using the following equation: Tartar effect (%) = 0.006660 × size + 3.492.

[0128] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the plaque effect using the following equation: Plaque effect (%) = 0.007063 × size - 13.39.

[0129] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating the gingivitis effect using the following equation: Gingivitis effect (%) = 0.000913 × peak force - 3.618.

[0130] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the tartar effect using the following equation: Tartar effect (%) = 0.002729 × peak force - 4.028.

[0131] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining plaque effectiveness using the following equation: Plaque effectiveness (%) = 0.003104 × peak force - 24.24.

[0132] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating the odor effect using the following equation: Odor effect (%) = 0.001056 × peak power - 5.896.

[0133] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the gingivitis effect using the following equation: Gingivitis effect (%) = 11.7 × contact time - 16.07.

[0134] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the tartar effect using the following equation: Tartar effect (%) = 27.28 × contact time - 24.83.

[0135] In some preferred embodiments, the method includes estimating and / or determining the odor effect using the following equation: Odor effect (%) = 9.138 × contact time - 11.25.

[0136] This method may include using any of the aforementioned correlations and / or mathematical formulas to estimate and / or ultimately determine the odor effect, tartar effect, gingivitis effect, and / or plaque effect. The method of the present invention may also include a step of creating output values ​​based on comparisons performed by a model. The output values ​​may be a predictive determination of whether a sample coarse abrasive will meet a minimum threshold for oral care performance (i.e., improve the pet's oral health).

[0137] In some embodiments, the sample coarse abrasive size is greater than a minimum reference size when the output value can predict that the sample coarse abrasive meets a minimum threshold for treating oral conditions in pets during consumption of the sample coarse abrasive.

[0138] In some embodiments, when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral conditions in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive, the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is greater than the minimum reference peak force.

[0139] Non-limiting examples of improving such pet oral health could be reducing and / or eliminating plaque, tartar, gingivitis, odor, stains, etc.

[0140] Reference coarse abrasive properties can be collected from known coarse abrasive materials. These properties can be stored in a database. The reference coarse abrasive properties can be accessed from the database and combined with newly collected sample coarse abrasive properties before being incorporated into the model.

[0141] The sample coarse abrasive can be a coarse abrasive with a new formulation, size, shape, texture, etc. Using the model of this invention, in vitro methods can be used to predict the therapeutic effects on pet oral health during chewing of the new coarse abrasive (i.e., the sample coarse abrasive). This finding is valuable because it provides a new approach to coarse abrasive design when the goal is to achieve a coarse abrasive that can improve pet oral health during chewing without the need for in vivo studies.

[0142] Pet food compositions (also known as "pet food") are typically in coarsely ground form. Pet food compositions according to the present invention may include a variety of ingredients, including but not limited to fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

[0143] Pet food compositions may include a variety of ingredients, including but not limited to fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Protein can be provided from any of a variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including plant-based, animal-based, or both. Animal-based sources of protein include, for example, meat, meat by-products, seafood, dairy products, eggs, etc. Meat includes, for example, the meat of poultry, fish, and mammals (e.g., beef, pork, sheep, goat, etc.). Meat by-products include, for example, lungs, kidneys, brain, liver, stomach, and intestines (containing no or substantially all of the contents). Protein can be whole, almost completely hydrolyzed, or partially hydrolyzed.

[0144] Proteins can be crude protein materials and can include plant proteins (such as those obtained from soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten meal, cottonseed, and peanut meal) or animal proteins (such as casein, albumin, and meat proteins). Examples of meat proteins that can be used in this article include beef, pork, lamb, horse, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof.

[0145] In a non-limiting embodiment, the protein content in the food composition may range from about 20 wt.% to about 40 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition. In a preferred embodiment, the protein content in the food composition may range from about 25 wt.% to about 35 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition.

[0146] In a non-limiting embodiment, the protein content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 20 wt.% to about 40 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material. In a preferred embodiment, the protein content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 25 wt.% to about 35 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material.

[0147] Fats can be provided from any of a variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including meat, meat by-products, fish oil, and plants. Plant fat sources include wheat, flaxseed, rye, barley, rice, sorghum, corn, oats, millet, wheat germ, corn germ, soybeans, peanuts, and cottonseed, as well as oils derived from these and other plant fat sources. Meat fat sources include beef, pork, and poultry fat. Fats can be crude fat.

[0148] Non-limiting examples of fats include animal fats and plant-based fats. In one respect, fat sources can be animal fat sources, such as beef tallow or poultry fat. Plant-based oils, such as corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and other oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, can also be used.

[0149] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fat content in the food composition may range from about 10 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition. In a preferred embodiment, the fat content in the food composition may range from about 15 wt.% to about 25 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition.

[0150] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fat content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 10 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material. In a preferred embodiment, the fat content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 15 wt.% to about 25 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material.

[0151] Carbohydrates can be provided from any of a variety of sources known to those skilled in the art, including oat fiber, cellulose, peanut shells, beet pulp, semi-cooked rice (white and / or brown), corn starch, corn gluten meal, and any combination of these sources. Cereals that provide carbohydrates include, but are not limited to, wheat, corn, barley, and rice. The carbohydrate content of a food can be determined by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0152] Non-limiting examples of carbohydrate sources include cereals or grains such as rice, corn, millet, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, rapeseed, oats, wheat, rye, triticale, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally include other materials such as dried whey and other dairy byproducts.

[0153] In a non-limiting embodiment, the carbohydrate content in the food composition may range from about 25 wt.% to about 55 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition. In a preferred embodiment, the carbohydrate content in the food composition may range from about 35 wt.% to about 45 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition.

[0154] In a non-limiting embodiment, the carbohydrate content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 25 wt.% to about 55 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material. In a preferred embodiment, the carbohydrate content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 35 wt.% to about 45 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material.

[0155] The food composition may also include one or more fiber sources. The fibers of the present invention may be one or more fibers selected from oriented fibers, dietary fibers, fermentable fibers, non-fermentable fibers, coarse fibers, and neutral detergent fibers. Whether digestible or indigestible, soluble or insoluble, the fiber can provide volume in the food composition. According to the present invention, the food composition may include total fiber contents—this may refer to all fiber components (i.e., a combination of oriented and non-oriented fibers).

[0156] Based on the total weight of the food composition, the total fiber content in the food composition can range from about 3 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein.

[0157] In a non-limiting embodiment, the total fiber content in the coarse mill can range from about 3 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarse mill.

[0158] In a non-limiting embodiment, based on the total weight of the food composition, the food composition may include oriented fibers in a content ranging from about 3 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—including all percentages and subranges therein.

[0159] In a non-limiting embodiment, the content of oriented fibers in the coarse abrasive can range from about 3 wt.% to about 30 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarse abrasive.

[0160] The term "oriented fiber" can refer to a coarsely ground material formed such that the fibrous component has the same orientation (i.e., coarsely ground material) within a reference composition. Fibers can be oriented using the method disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,500,239, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The amount of oriented fiber can be determined using X-ray microscopy. In a non-limiting example, this orientation can be achieved using a heated extruder having one or more transfer screws within a closed, heated barrel and a restricted extrusion discharge channel, such as a die, nozzle, or pipe, at the front end of the barrel. A mixture formed from the fibrous component with one or more combinations of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can be pretreated and moistened with steam and water, and then plasticized in the extruder barrel under a combination of temperature, shear, and pressure, thereby transforming the feed mixture into a flowable substance. The advancing substance generates sufficient shear force to push the plasticized mixture through the discharge channel at the desired temperature and pressure.

[0161] For example, when in coarsely ground form, the water content of the pet food composition can range from about 4 wt.% to about 16 wt.% based on the total weight of the pet food composition. In some embodiments, the water content of the pet food composition, based on the total weight of the composition, can range from about 4 wt.% to about 16 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 13 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 11 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 9 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 7 wt.%; about 6 wt.% to about 16 wt.%, about 6 wt.% to about 13 wt.%, about 6 wt.% to about 11 wt.%, about 6 wt.% to about 9 wt.%; about 8 wt.% to about 16 wt.%, about 8 wt.% to about 13 wt.%, about 8 wt.% to about 11 wt.%, about 10 wt.% to about 16 wt.%, about 10 wt.% to about 13 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0162] Subsequently, the plasticized mixture can enter the discharge channel from the transfer screw, where it is compressed and heated to a sufficiently high temperature so that the mixture is cooked as it flows through the discharge channel. During the passage of the plasticized mixture through the discharge channel, the flow conditions in the extruder are considered to be close to laminar flow due to the low coefficient of friction of the inner wall.

[0163] Laminar flow differs from turbulent flow, which is the normal flow condition for extruding plasticized animal food products. In turbulent flow, fluid elements are in chaotic motion, and even if the average velocity can remain constant along its axis, there will be small random fluctuations in velocity at a single point. Laminar flow is a flow with constant streamlines, which allows constant velocity surfaces to maintain constant separation, and thin layers or sheets of fluid can slide against each other without friction. By creating laminar-like conditions during product extrusion, the fibrous components in the mixture can be oriented in transverse striations within the product matrix. In contrast, fibrous food products extruded under turbulent conditions contain fibrous materials randomly distributed throughout the food product. When chewed by an animal, this food product crumbles rather than breaks, and exerts a limited mechanical cleaning effect on the animal's teeth.

[0164] During extrusion, the moisture in the extrudate is in a superheated state, and when the extrudate leaving the discharge channel is suddenly depressurized, the moisture will flash into steam. The escaping steam will cause the extrudate to expand and grow. The extrudate leaves the discharge channel in the form of coarse strands, ready to be cut into small balls, etc.

[0165] The extrusion can then be formed into a coarse abrasive. This coarse abrasive can be a solid, homogeneous, expanded composition with fibrous striations extending laterally through the matrix microstructure. Unlike baked or other extruded products, this food product does not crumble when chewed by an animal; instead, it breaks along the matrix striations, thus providing the animal with the intended dental cleaning benefits derived from mechanical cleaning and other abrasive contact with the matrix layer separated from the chewed striations—thereby treating oral problems in pets. Furthermore, because the striationed fibrous product does not crumble when chewed by the animal, it adheres and bonds to the teeth for an extended period, thus prolonging the mechanical dental cleaning effect.

[0166] Dietary fiber refers to the components of plants that resist digestion by animal digestive enzymes. Non-limiting examples of fiber include fiber from plant sources (such as marine plants), but fiber from microbial sources can also be used. As is known to those skilled in the art, a variety of soluble or insoluble fibers can be utilized. Fiber sources can include beet pulp (from beets), gum arabic, tarharzianum, psyllium husk, rice bran, carob gum, citrus pulp, pectin, fructooligosaccharides, short-chain fructooligosaccharides, mannan-fructooligosaccharides, soybean fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharides, arabinoxylan, or mixtures thereof.

[0167] In non-limiting embodiments, the dietary fiber content in the food composition can range from about 2 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the food composition—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein.

[0168] In a non-limiting embodiment, the dietary fiber content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 2 wt.% to about 10 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material.

[0169] Soluble fiber is not easily digested and absorbed in the small intestine and will be completely or partially fermented in the large intestine. Examples include beet pulp, guar gum, chicory root, psyllium, pectin, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, apples, oats, beans, citrus fruits, barley, or peas.

[0170] In non-limiting embodiments, the content of soluble fiber in the food composition can range from about 0.1 wt.% to about 3.0 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition.

[0171] In a non-limiting embodiment, the content of soluble fibers in the coarse abrasive can range from about 0.1 wt.% to about 3.0 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarse abrasive.

[0172] Insoluble fiber can be provided from any of a variety of sources, including cellulose, whole wheat products, oats, corn bran, flaxseed, grapes, celery, green beans, cauliflower, potato peels, fruit peels, vegetable peels, peanut shells, and soybean fiber.

[0173] In non-limiting embodiments, the content of insoluble fiber in the food composition can range from about 2.0 wt.% to about 8.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the food composition—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein.

[0174] In a non-limiting embodiment, the content of insoluble fibers in the coarse abrasive can range from about 2.0 wt.% to about 8.0 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and subranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarse abrasive.

[0175] Crude fiber includes indigestible components contained in plant cell walls and cell contents, such as the outer shell of grains like rice, corn, and beans.

[0176] Based on the total weight of the food composition, the content of crude fiber in the food composition can range from about 0.5 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein. In a non-limiting embodiment, based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material, the content of crude fiber in the coarsely ground material can range from about 0.5 wt.% to about 3.0 wt.%—inclusive of all percentages and sub-ranges therein.

[0177] Alternatively, the fiber source may be fermentable fiber. The benefits of fermentable fiber to the immune system of companion animals have been previously described. Fermentable fiber or other compositions known to those skilled in the art that provide probiotics to enhance the growth of probiotics in the gut may also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the benefits of this invention to the animal's immune system.

[0178] Food compositions may also include ash. As described herein, ash consists of non-organic or non-aqueous compounds and is typically produced by the combustion of biological materials.

[0179] In non-limiting embodiments, the ash content in the food composition can range from about 1.0 wt.% to about 10.0 wt.%—inclusive of all contents and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the food composition. In non-limiting embodiments, the ash content in the coarsely ground material can range from about 1.0 wt.% to about 10.0 wt.%—inclusive of all contents and sub-ranges therein—based on the total weight of the coarsely ground material.

[0180] The food compositions of the present invention may also include one or more amino acids. Essential amino acids vary by species and depend on the organism's metabolism. For example, the essential amino acids generally considered to be phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, alanine, histidine, and arginine for dogs and cats (and humans) are phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, methionine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, alanine, histidine, and arginine. Furthermore, taurine, although technically not an amino acid but a derivative of cysteine, is an essential nutrient for cats. A balanced diet can provide all essential amino acids; however, there are certain more critical essential amino acids, as a diet lacking one of them limits the usefulness of the other essential amino acids, even if the other essential amino acids are present in sufficient quantities. Generally, these limiting amino acids are methionine, cysteine, tryptophan, and lysine.

[0181] The food compositions of the present invention may also include one or more minerals and / or trace elements, such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, choline, or iron salts. A preferred trace element is manganese. Manganese is essential as a cofactor for many enzymes that regulate the metabolism of food, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Such enzymes may include oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, ligases, lectins, and integrins. Manganese also affects bone development and nerve function. Manganese may be naturally present in the composition or may be added to the composition.

[0182] In some embodiments, the food composition may also include the amounts of vitamins and minerals required to avoid deficiency and maintain health. These amounts and methods of measurement are known to those skilled in the art. For example, AAFCO provides recommended amounts of these ingredients for dogs and cats. As contemplated herein, beneficial vitamins may include, but are not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B6. 12 Vitamins C, D, E, H (Biotin), K, folic acid, inositol, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

[0183] The food compositions of the present invention may further include additives, stabilizers, fillers, thickeners, flavoring agents, palatability enhancers and coloring agents, in amounts and combinations familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0184] The coarsely ground material of the present invention may further include additives, stabilizers, fillers, thickeners, flavoring agents, palatability enhancers and coloring agents, in amounts and combinations familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0185] In various embodiments, the food composition comprises at least one of the following: (1) one or more probiotics; (2) one or more inactivated probiotics; (3) one or more components of inactivated probiotics that promote similar or identical health benefits to the probiotics, such as proteins, lipids, glycoproteins, etc.; (4) one or more prebiotics; and (5) combinations thereof. Probiotics or components thereof may be incorporated into the food composition (e.g., uniformly or non-uniformly distributed within the composition) or applied to the food composition (e.g., locally applied with or without a carrier). Such methods are known to those skilled in the art, for example, by U.S. Patent No. 5,968,569 and related patents.

[0186] Typical probiotics include, but are not limited to, probiotic strains selected from lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, or enterococci, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus rumeni, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum and Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus spp. In some embodiments, the probiotic strain may be selected from the group consisting of: Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2581; CNCM 1-2448), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2592; CNCM 1-2450), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCC2583; CNCM 1-2449), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2603; CNCM 1-2451), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2613; CNCM 1-2452), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCC2628; CNCM 1-2453), Bifidobacterium adolescentis (e.g., NCC2627), Bifidobacterium spp. NCC2657, or Enterococcus faecalis SF68 (NCIMB10415). Many such probiotics and their benefits are known to those skilled in the art, such as EP1213970B1, EP1143806B1, U.S. Patent No. 7,189,390, EP1482811B1, EP1296565B1 and U.S. Patent No. 6,929,793.

[0187] As described above, the food composition may contain one or more prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, glucose oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, lactulose oligosaccharides, lactulose, and isomaltulose. In one embodiment, the probiotic may be chicory root, chicory root extract, inulin, or a combination thereof. Generally, the amount of prebiotics applied is sufficient to actively stimulate the healthy microbial community in the gut and allow these “good” bacteria to multiply. Typical amounts range from about 1 to about 10 grams per serving, or about 5% to about 40% of the daily recommended dietary fiber for animals. Probiotics and prebiotics can be incorporated into the composition by any suitable method. Typically, these agents can be mixed with the composition or applied to the surface of the composition, for example, by sprinkling or spraying. When the agent is part of a kit, it can be mixed with other materials or packaged in its own packaging.

[0188] The coarse abrasive can have a coarse abrasive size range of approximately 800 mm. 3 To approximately 10,000 mm 3 —Including all volumes and sub-ranges therein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the abrasive may have a abrasive size range of approximately 1000 mm. 3 To approximately 8,000 mm 3 —Including all volumes and subranges within it.

[0189] It has been found that at this coarse abrasive size, when combined with oriented fibers, the resulting coarse abrasive slightly improves the resolution of pet oral problems by increasing the contact time between the coarse abrasive and the oral cavity during consumption.

[0190] In some embodiments, the food composition of the present invention may be in the form of pet food. In another embodiment, the food composition may be a snack. Snacks are known to those skilled in the art and may include, for example, compositions given to animals during non-meal times, such as dog biscuits.

[0191] Dosing can be performed on a need-based, expectation-based, periodic, or intermittent basis. In one aspect, the food composition can be administered to animals periodically. In another aspect, dosing can be performed at least once a week. In some embodiments, more frequent dosing or consumption can be performed, such as twice or three times a week, or four times, or five times, or six or seven times a week. In one aspect, the dosing regimen can include consumption at least once a day. In one aspect, the dosing regimen can include periodic dosing, including every week, every two weeks, or every three weeks, or every month, or every two months, or every three months, every quarter, every quarter, every two quarters, every three quarters, etc.

[0192] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit suitable for administering food compositions to animals. The kit includes, in different containers in a single package or in different containers in a virtual package, suitable kit ingredients, one or more of the following: (1) one or more raw materials suitable for animal consumption; (2) instructions on how to combine the raw materials and other kit ingredients to produce a composition suitable for promoting oral health; (3) an apparatus for preparing or combining the kit ingredients to produce a composition suitable for animal consumption; and (4) an apparatus for administering the combined or prepared kit ingredients to an animal. In one embodiment, the kit includes one or more raw materials suitable for animal consumption. In another embodiment, the kit includes instructions on how to combine the raw materials to produce a composition suitable for promoting lean body mass and managing weight.

[0193] When the kit includes a virtual package, the kit is limited to a combination of instructions in a virtual environment and one or more physical kit ingredients. The kit contains sufficient amounts of ingredients to promote lean body mass, reduce body fat gain, and / or manage weight. Typically, the kit ingredients may be mixed only before the animal consumes them. The kit may contain any of a variety of combinations and / or mixtures of kit ingredients. In one embodiment, the kit includes a food container for animal consumption. The kit may include other items, such as equipment for mixing ingredients or equipment for containing mixtures, such as a food bowl. In another embodiment, the food composition may be mixed with additional nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, to promote good animal health. Each ingredient may be provided in a separate container in a single package or in a mixture of various ingredients in different packages. In some embodiments, the kit includes one or more other ingredients suitable for animal consumption. In one aspect, such a kit may include instructions describing how to combine ingredients to form a food composition for animal consumption, typically by mixing ingredients or by applying optional additives to other ingredients, such as by spraying nutritional supplements onto the food composition.

[0194] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a food composition comprising one or more other raw materials suitable for animal consumption, such as one or more of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, etc. The method includes mixing one or more raw materials suitable for animal consumption. The composition can be prepared according to any method suitable in the art.

[0195] The coarsely ground material of the present invention can be post-treated by applying one or more palatant coatings.

[0196] In another aspect, the present invention provides packaging for containing a composition of the present invention. The packaging includes at least one material suitable for containing a food composition and a label affixed to the packaging, the label containing one or more words, images, designs, abbreviations, slogans, phrases, or other devices, or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the packaging contain a food composition. In some embodiments, the label affixed to the packaging contains one or more words, images, designs, abbreviations, slogans, phrases, or other devices, or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the packaging contain a food composition with beneficial properties associated with enhancing age-related gastrointestinal health. Typically, such devices include the words “promotes gastrointestinal health” or equivalent expressions printed on the packaging.

[0197] Any packaging configuration and packaging material suitable for containing the composition can be used in this invention, such as bags, boxes, bottles, cans, mailbags, etc., made of paper, plastic, foil, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the packaging contains a food composition suitable for a specific animal, such as humans, canines, or felines, suitable for labeling; in one aspect, the packaging contains a companion animal food composition for dogs or cats. In one embodiment, the packaging may be a can or mailbag comprising the food composition of this invention. In various embodiments, the packaging also includes at least one window that allows viewing of the contents of the packaging without opening it. In some embodiments, the window may be a transparent portion of the packaging material. In other cases, the window may be a missing portion of the packaging material.

[0198] Example

[0199] An experiment was prepared to measure the effects of certain properties of pet food compositions in coarse abrasive form, including coarse abrasive size and peak coarse abrasive force, on improving oral health in pets (i.e., reducing plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and odor) through contact time during consumption, coarse abrasive size, and peak force.

[0200] Each coarse abrasive was estimated to determine its dietary ability to alleviate dental plaque, tartar (dental plaque), gingivitis, and halitosis in dogs. Test and control values ​​for contact time, abrasive size, and peak force were collected for each coarse abrasive, along with corresponding efficacy values ​​for plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and halitosis removal. The control coarse abrasive size ranged from approximately 10¹⁴ mm. 3 Approximately 1030 mm 3The contact time was approximately 0.15 seconds, and the peak force was approximately 9285 g. The contact time was determined using a texture analyzer (Texture Technology TA.XTplus) to generate a force profile by pushing an alternative tooth (screwdriver blade) across a single coarse abrasive, while recording the force required for its entire journey. The generated force profile shows a function of force (Y-axis) versus time (X-axis), recording the magnitude of the force required to push the coarse abrasive, the degree to which the coarse abrasive remained together, and the duration of this process.

[0201] Calculate the overall effect for each coarse abrasive using the following formula:

[0202]

[0203] The results for each record are shown in the table below, starting with Table 1—for coarse abrasive sizes. Plaque effect, tartar effect, gingivitis effect, and odor effect were determined as the percentage reduction in the measured endpoint score of the assessed characteristic (control) / control x 100%.

[0204] Table 1

[0205]

[0206] Then plot the values ​​from Table 1 onto... Figure 1-4 The figures demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between the size and effectiveness of treatments for various oral problems. It should be noted that the term "NM" refers to the unmeasured value.

[0207] The recorded values ​​for peak force (g) are shown in Table 2 below.

[0208] Table 2

[0209]

[0210] Then plot the values ​​from Table 2 onto... Figure 5-8 The figure shows a statistically significant relationship between the size and effectiveness of treatments for various oral problems.

[0211] Table 3 lists the recorded values ​​for contact time (seconds).

[0212] Table 3

[0213]

[0214] Then plot the values ​​in Table 3 onto... Figure 9-12The graphs demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between the size and effectiveness of treatments for various oral problems. Statistical significance for effectiveness was determined using an unpaired, two-tailed Student's t-test in Microsoft Excel, where a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Regression analysis was performed in GraphPad Prism using the effectiveness values ​​and values ​​for CT, PF, and KS, and the slope was tested to determine if it was distinct from zero. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

[0215] Based on the values ​​in Tables 1, 2, and 3, a model can be created to compare the characteristics of the sample coarse abrasive with the above reference values ​​to determine whether the sample coarse abrasive can effectively treat / remove plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and / or odor.

Claims

1. A method for determining the oral care properties of coarsely ground pet food, the method comprising: a) Receive sample pet food coarse-ground material; b) Analyze the coarse abrasive of the pet food sample to determine one or more of the characteristics of the coarse abrasive; and c) Input the one or more sample coarse abrasive properties into the model, and the model compares the one or more sample coarse abrasive properties with one or more reference coarse abrasive properties; d) Create output values ​​based on the comparisons performed by the model on the characteristics of the one or more sample coarse abrasive materials and the characteristics of the one or more reference coarse abrasive materials. Therefore, the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample pet food coarse-ground material will meet the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in pets during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse-ground material.

2. The pet food according to claim 1, wherein, The treatment of oral problems in pets includes reducing at least one of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, or odor.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The one or more sample abrasive characteristics include at least one of sample abrasive size, sample abrasive peak force, and sample abrasive contact time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more reference coarse abrasive characteristics include at least one of reference coarse abrasive size, reference coarse abrasive peak force, and reference coarse abrasive contact time.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The reference coarse grinding head size ranges from the minimum reference size to the maximum reference size, wherein the minimum reference size is approximately 1,000 mm. 3 And the maximum size is approximately 8,000 mm. 3 .

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The sample pet food coarse abrasive is larger than the minimum reference size when the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in the pet's mouth during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is the force required to crush the sample pet food coarse abrasive, and the reference peak force is the force required to crush the reference pet food coarse abrasive.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The range of the reference peak force is from the minimum reference peak force to the maximum reference peak force, wherein the minimum reference peak force is about 4,000 (g) and the maximum peak force is about 20,000 (g).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, When the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in the pet's mouth during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive, the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is greater than the minimum reference peak force.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sample coarse abrasive contact time is the time span during the measurement of peak force.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The range of the reference coarse abrasive contact time is from the minimum reference contact time to the maximum reference contact time, wherein the minimum reference contact time is about 0.1 seconds and the maximum reference contact time is about 4.0 seconds.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, When the output value predicts that the sample pet food coarse abrasive meets the minimum threshold for treating oral problems in the pet's mouth during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse abrasive, the sample coarse abrasive contact time is greater than the minimum reference contact time.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The model is a machine learning model, and the output value is determined by the rules of the machine learning model.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The machine learning model includes supervised learning methods.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The sample coarse abrasive includes oriented fibers.

16. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein, The sample abrasive characteristics include each of the sample abrasive size, the sample abrasive peak force, and the sample abrasive contact time; and the reference abrasive characteristics include each of the reference abrasive size, the reference abrasive peak force, and the reference abrasive contact time.

17. A method for determining the oral care properties of coarsely ground pet food, the method comprising: a) Analyze the coarse abrasive particles in the pet food samples to determine the sample coarse abrasive particle size, peak force of the sample coarse abrasive particle, and contact time of the sample coarse abrasive particle; b) Input the sample coarse abrasive size, the sample coarse abrasive peak force, and the sample coarse abrasive contact time into the model, and compare the model with the reference coarse abrasive size, the reference coarse abrasive peak force, and the reference coarse abrasive contact time; and c) Based on the comparison of the model, an output value is created, wherein the output value is a predictive determination of whether the sample pet food coarse grinder will bring about improved oral problems in the pet during the consumption of the sample pet food coarse grinder, the improved pet oral problems including reduction of at least one of plaque, tartar, gingivitis or odor.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, During step b), the sample coarse abrasive size is compared with the reference coarse abrasive size, the peak force of the sample coarse abrasive is compared with the peak force of the reference coarse abrasive, and the contact time of the sample coarse abrasive is compared with the contact time of the reference coarse abrasive.

19. A method for manufacturing a coarsely ground material for a pet food composition, comprising: i) Perform steps a)-d) as described in claims 1 to 18. ii) Determine that the coarse abrasive particles in the sample pet food do not meet the minimum threshold; iii) Modify at least one of the sample coarse-grind characteristics of the sample pet food coarse-grind; iv) Use the sample pet food coarse mill from step iii) to repeat steps a)-d) according to claims 1 to 18. Repeat step iv) until the sample pet food coarse grinding meets the minimum threshold.

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