Pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs

Abstract

A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg, having at least 10 pet food particles of the same composition and the same shape, wherein the average of the long diameter of the 10 pet food particles, the average of the short diameter, and the average of the thickness are each 8.5 mm or more, and the average of the hardness of the 10 pet food particles is 60 N or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-193263, filed in Japan on November 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Pet food is categorized into staple food and treats based on the intended use and timing of its consumption. Pet food intended as staple food is called "comprehensive nutrition food," and it is prepared in a way that allows the pet to obtain the necessary nutrients simply by providing the food and water.

[0004] On the other hand, "treats" are limited quantities of pet food intended for training, exercise, or as a reward for pets.

[0005] According to their purpose, they are classified into "comprehensive nutritional foods", "snacks", "therapeutic foods", and "other purpose foods" that do not belong to any of the above categories.

[0006] In addition, based on moisture content, pet food can be broadly categorized into dry food with a moisture content of around 10%, soft food with a moisture content of around 15-35%, and wet food with a moisture content of around 80%. Among these, dry pet food has seen increasing demand in recent years due to its ease of handling and good shelf life.

[0007] In recent years, especially in pet food for dogs or cats, pet food with small outer diameter and thickness has become mainstream from the perspective of improving palatability.

[0008] Pet food with a small outer diameter and thickness is easy to eat and can be considered highly palatable. However, when pet food has a small outer diameter and thickness, pets may swallow it whole without chewing, which may lead to health concerns such as overeating or choking.

[0009] As a method to prevent pets from swallowing quickly, Patent Document 1 discloses a pet tableware having a lid that takes into account preventing pets from swallowing quickly and preventing obesity.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-130158 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] Although there are tableware designed to prevent pets from swallowing quickly, such as the pet tableware disclosed in Patent Document 1, pet food that can prevent pets from swallowing quickly has not yet been developed.

[0015] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs that can guide pets to chew and eat pet food and prevent rapid swallowing.

[0016] Methods for solving problems

[0017] Generally, pet food is designed to be larger than the size of the pet. It is known that small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3-18 kg have a particularly strong tendency to swallow quickly in pet food products. Through in-depth research, the inventors discovered that by making the long axis, short axis, and thickness of pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3-18 kg relatively large and by making the food softer, pets can be guided to chew and consume the food. More specifically, the present invention employs the following approach.

[0018] The present invention has the following solution.

[0019] [1] A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs, which is a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg, having at least 10 pet food pellets with the same composition and shape, wherein the average value of the major diameter, the average value of the minor diameter and the average value of the thickness of the 10 pet food pellets are all above 8.5 mm, and the average value of the hardness of the 10 pet food pellets is below 60 N.

[0020] [2] According to the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs as described in [1], wherein, in the pet food pellets, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along the first direction is less than 14 μm, and the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of the second surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along directions other than the first direction is 14 μm or more.

[0021] [3] According to the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs described in [2], the ratio of the major diameter of the first side to the major diameter of the second side (major diameter of the first side: major diameter of the second side) is 1:1 to 2:1.

[0022] [4] According to the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs described in [2], the average hardness of the first surface is smaller than the average hardness of the second surface.

[0023] [5] Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs are comprehensive nutritional pet food products with a calorie density of 290kcal / 100g or more.

[0024] [6] Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the average volumetric density of 10 of the pet food pellets is 300 to 400 g / L.

[0025] [7] Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs are in the shape of an elliptical cylinder.

[0026] [8] Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs contain dried vegetables, dried meat or soy protein, wherein the long diameter of the dried vegetables, dried meat or soy protein is 4 mm or more.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the present invention, a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs can be provided that can guide pets to chew and eat the pet food product and prevent rapid swallowing. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating pet food pellets in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the first aspect of the present invention from various directions. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In this instruction manual, "palliativeness" refers to an indicator of whether a pet likes to eat the food, which is attributed to factors such as texture, taste, and smell.

[0032] In this specification, the moisture content values ​​are obtained by atmospheric pressure heating drying.

[0033] The atmospheric pressure heating drying method involves pulverizing the analyte using a pulverizer and passing it through a 1mm sieve. This pulverized analyte is then used as the analytical sample. 2-5g of the analytical sample is accurately weighed and placed in an aluminum weighing pan. The analytical sample is dried at 135℃ for two hours. After natural cooling in the desiccator, the weight of the analytical sample is accurately weighed, and the moisture content is determined based on the weight difference before and after drying.

[0034] More specifically, the analyte is pulverized using a pulverizer and passed through a 1 mm sieve to serve as the analytical sample. The mass (W1 g) of an aluminum weighing vessel is pre-measured as a constant value. The analytical sample is placed in the aluminum weighing vessel and its mass (W2 g) is weighed. Next, the analytical sample is dried at 135°C for two hours using a forced-circulation hot air dryer. After the analytical sample has cooled naturally in a dry atmosphere (in a silica gel desiccator), its mass (W3 g) is weighed. Based on the obtained masses, the moisture content of the analytical sample is calculated using the following formula.

[0035] The moisture content of the sample (unit: mass%) is calculated as follows: (W2-W3) ÷ (W2-W1) × 100. The moisture content is the value measured immediately after the final product is opened within 30 days from the date of manufacture, or under equivalent conditions.

[0036] In this instruction manual, the hardness of pet food pellets is a value obtained by the following method.

[0037] Place a pet food pellet of the object to be measured on a flat plate (26.5 mm inner diameter × 4 mm depth). While pressing the center of the pellet vertically from directly above at a constant speed with a plunger, measure the stress. Record the peak value (maximum value) of the stress as the value of the fracture stress. The numerical unit of the fracture hardness can be converted to Newtons (N) by multiplying the value of the fracture stress (unit: kgw) measured by the compression testing machine by 9.8.

[0038] <Experimental Conditions>

[0039] • Compression testing machine (texture analyzer, model: EZ-SX, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation)

[0040] • Plunger: A 10mm diameter canine-tooth shaped plunger

[0041] Platform: Flat plate (inner diameter 26.5mm × depth 4mm)

[0042] • Compression speed: 60mm / minute

[0043] • Lowest point of the plunger: 4.0mm (compression distance)

[0044] • Temperature measurement: 25℃

[0045] • Fracture detection start point: 0.035% (0.14N)

[0046] • Test force: 500N (full scale)

[0047] • Peak sensitivity: 0.5% (2.5N)

[0048] In this specification, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa was measured using a VR-3200 non-contact 3D shape measuring machine (manufactured by Keyence, using an L-filter with a nesting index of 0.25 mm) to observe the surface of pet food pellets (magnification 40x, field of view: 19~20 mm²). 2 The arithmetic mean roughness Sa is calculated for the surface of pet food pellets.

[0049] (Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs)

[0050] The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment have at least 10 pet food pellets with the same composition and shape.

[0051] The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment are preferably comprehensive nutritional foods.

[0052] "Comprehensive nutrition food" refers to pet food products designed to be provided to dogs or cats as their main daily meal and to maintain a balanced intake of available nutrients that can sustain their health during the specified growth stages, provided only by the pet food and water. Standards for comprehensive nutrition foods can be cited, for example, as those set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

[0053] Furthermore, in this instruction manual, "comprehensive nutritional food" can refer to a comprehensive nutritional food that meets the standards of any one of the following stages, namely "puppy or kitten stage / growth stage or development stage", "adult dog stage or adult cat stage / maintenance stage or maintenance stage", or "pregnancy or lactation stage", regardless of the growth stage. It can also refer to a comprehensive nutritional food that meets the standards of all three stages, namely "all growth stages" or "for all stages".

[0054] The parameters (long diameter, short diameter, thickness, hardness, etc.) of the pet food for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment do not refer to the value of a single pet food kibbles, but rather to the average value of 10 pet food kibbles of the same composition and form manufactured under the same conditions.

[0055] For example, it refers to the average value of 10 kibble randomly selected from a packaged dry small or medium-sized dog food product. Therefore, if this average value satisfies all the parameters, it will become the small or medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment.

[0056] In the small and medium-sized dog pet food products of this embodiment, the average length, average short diameter, and average thickness of 10 of the pet food pellets are all 8.5 mm or more.

[0057] In this specification, "minor diameter" refers to the minor diameter or diameter of the smallest surface area in the small and medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment. "Major diameter" refers to the major diameter or diameter of the smallest surface area in the small and medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment. When the smallest surface area in the small and medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment is circular, the "minor diameter" and "major diameter" are the same.

[0058] The minor and major axes of the smallest surface can be measured using vernier calipers.

[0059] The minimum area of ​​the surface can be calculated based on the values ​​of the minor and major diameters measured using vernier calipers.

[0060] In the case where the smallest area of ​​the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment is a curved surface, the "smallest area" refers to the minor and major axes of the projected surface obtained by projecting the curved surface using a microscope.

[0061] Specifically, the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs of this embodiment is placed on a measuring table in such a way that the surface with the smallest area when viewed from above is the top surface (the shooting surface). An image of the top surface of the pet food is taken using a digital microscope (trade name "VHX-7000", manufactured by Keyence Corporation). The image can be used to perform measurements using the measurement zoom tool of the digital microscope.

[0062] In this specification, "thickness" refers to the maximum height when the smallest area of ​​the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment is set as the bottom surface.

[0063] The maximum height of pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs can be measured using calipers.

[0064] More specifically, in the case where the pet food pellets in the small and medium-sized dog pet food products of this embodiment are elliptical cylindrical in shape, the major axis (major diameter) of the ellipse at the base is the "major diameter" of the pet food pellet, and the minor axis (minor diameter) of the ellipse at the base is the "minor diameter" of the pet food pellet. Furthermore, the maximum height of the elliptical cylindrical shape is the "thickness" of the pet food pellet.

[0065] The average length of the 10 pet food pellets is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 9 mm or more and 15 mm or less, even more preferably 9.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and particularly preferably 9.5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0066] The average short diameter of the 10 pet food pellets is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 8.5 mm or more and 14 mm or less, more preferably 8.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and even more preferably 8.5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0067] The average thickness of the 10 pet food pellets is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 9 mm or more and 15 mm or less, even more preferably 9.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less.

[0068] If the average length, average short diameter, and average thickness of the pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs of this embodiment are above the aforementioned preferred lower limit, then the dog will find it difficult to pick them up with its tongue and will chew one pellet at a time. Since the pellets are fed into the molars during chewing, the eating time is longer, further preventing rapid swallowing. Additionally, the increased facial lifting motions while the pet is chewing the pellets provide a sense of security for the owner.

[0069] If the average length, average short diameter, and average thickness of the pet food pellets in the small and medium-sized dog food products of this embodiment are below the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferred values, the pet food is easy to chew and its palatability is further improved.

[0070] The ratio of the average length diameter of 10 of the pet food kibble to the thickness of the 10 pet food kibble (average length diameter: average thickness) is preferably 1:1 to 2:1. By making the thickness of the pet food kibble larger than its length diameter, pets can easily chew the kibble in the thickness direction. For example, when the hardness in the thickness direction is less than the hardness in the length direction, the pet food kibble is easier to chew.

[0071] Preferably, in the pet food pellets of the small and medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along the first direction is less than 14 μm, and the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of the second surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along directions other than the first direction is 14 μm or more. That is, the pet food pellets of the small and medium-sized dog food product of this embodiment preferably have surfaces with different surface roughnesses.

[0072] By giving pet food pellets different surface roughness, pets can enjoy multiple textures, thus further improving palatability.

[0073] The arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface of the pet food pellets in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment is preferably less than 14 μm, more preferably less than 13 μm, and even more preferably less than 12 μm.

[0074] For pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of the second surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets in a direction other than the first direction is preferably 14 μm or more, more preferably 16 μm or more, and even more preferably 18 μm or more.

[0075] When measuring the hardness of the pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, the average hardness is preferably 60N or less, more preferably 40N or less, and even more preferably 30N or less.

[0076] Generally speaking, if the kibble size is increased, it becomes harder, especially for small and medium-sized dogs, making it difficult to chew and resulting in food residue (lower palatability). On the other hand, as with the pet food kibble in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment, even if the kibble size is larger, if the hardness of the pet food kibble is made to be 60N or less, the hardness is the same as that of a regular-sized pet food kibble, making it easier to chew.

[0077] Furthermore, the hardness of pet food pellets can be controlled by the type and proportion of raw materials, as well as by extending the puffing time in the manufacturing process described later.

[0078] In the pet food pellets of the small and medium-sized dog pet food products of this embodiment, it is preferable that the average hardness of the first surface is smaller than the average hardness of the second surface.

[0079] In this embodiment, the shape of the pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs is not particularly limited, as long as they are suitable for pets to eat.

[0080] For example, it can be applied in all shapes such as spheres, ellipsoids (Go stone-like), granules, cylinders, polygonal prisms, hexahedrons (plates), clover shapes, hearts, stars, and crosses. Among these, from the viewpoint of more easily obtaining the effects of the present invention, cylindrical or elliptical cylinders are preferred.

[0081] The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment are preferably comprehensive nutritional foods, with a calorie density of preferably 290kcal / 100g or more, and more preferably 300kcal / 100g or more.

[0082] The volumetric density of the pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment is preferably 300-400 g / L, more preferably 310-340 g / L.

[0083] In this instruction manual, the volumetric specific gravity of pet food pellets refers to the average volumetric specific gravity calculated by dropping 10 randomly selected pet food pellets from a height of 20 cm into a 1L cup with a diameter of 11 cm from a height of 20 cm and using the weight of the pellets when the cup is filled to the brim.

[0084] "raw material"

[0085] As raw materials for pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, known powder and liquid raw materials can be used in the manufacture of pet food.

[0086] As raw materials for powders, specific examples include grains (corn, wheat, wheat flour, wheat bran, rice, breadcrumbs, barley, oats, rye, etc.), tubers (sweet potatoes, potatoes, etc.), legumes (whole soybeans, etc.), starches (wheat starch, corn starch, rice starch, potato starch, cassava starch, sweet potato starch, sago starch, processed starch, etc.), plant-based proteins (corn gluten meal, wheat protein, legume protein, rice protein, tuber protein, etc.), and meats (beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, and other livestock and poultry meat; chicken, turkey, etc.). Bird meat such as quail and poultry; meat meal (chicken meal, pork meal, beef meal, and their mixtures); fish and shellfish (tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.; crustaceans such as shrimp and crab; mollusks such as octopus and cuttlefish; shellfish such as scallops and whelks; fish extracts; dried bonito, meat meal (fish meal), etc.); vegetables; nuts; fungi; eggs; sugars; dairy products; additives (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, flavoring ingredients, powdered palatability improvers, fiber, colorings, phosphates, pH adjusters, seasonings, antioxidants, trehalose, etc.).

[0087] Meat powder refers to powder obtained by compressing and finely grinding meat or fish and shellfish.

[0088] More specifically, powdered palatability improvers include animal extracts, plant extracts, yeast extracts, and dried yeast products.

[0089] As liquid raw materials (including semi-solid raw materials), specific examples include water, oils (animal fats such as chicken fat, lard, beef tallow, milk fat, and fish oil; vegetable oils such as olive oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and camellia oil), liquid palatability improvers, syrups, humectants, preservatives, emulsifiers, flavorings, and colorings.

[0090] The following shows a formulation example of the dry pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment.

[0091] Grains 40-70%, meat 5-30%, fish and shellfish 1-15%, beans 1-15%, fiber 1-10%, vitamins / minerals / amino acids 1-5%, animal fats 1-10% (the total is 100%).

[0092] As raw materials for pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in this embodiment, dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein are preferably included, and the long diameter of the dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein is preferably 4 mm or more.

[0093] (Pet food pellets in the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in the first scheme)

[0094] The following is a detailed description of the pet food pellets in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the present embodiment, using the accompanying drawings.

[0095] In the following explanation, an orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used as needed. In this case, the Z direction represents the height direction (the direction of gravity). The two directions orthogonal to the Z direction are the X and Y directions. In the diagram, the side with the arrow is designated as the positive (+) side, and the side opposite to the arrow is designated as the negative (-) side. For example, the +Z side corresponds to the top of the height direction, and the -Z side corresponds to the bottom of the height direction.

[0096] exist Figure 1 In the pet food pellet D10 shown, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the +X side of the first direction is the first surface D1. Additionally, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the -X side of the first direction is the fourth surface D4.

[0097] In pet food pellet D10, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the +Z side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the fifth surface D5. Additionally, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the B-Z side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the sixth surface D6.

[0098] In pet food pellet D10, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the +Y side of a third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the second surface D2. Additionally, the surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellet D10 onto the -Y side of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the third surface D3.

[0099] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the surfaces obtained by projecting pet food pellets D10 along various directions, namely the first surface D1 to the sixth surface D6.

[0100] For pet food pellets D10, the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 are surfaces with an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of less than 14 μm, and the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 are surfaces with an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of more than 14 μm.

[0101] The preferred parameters and raw materials for pet food pellets D10 are as described above.

[0102] Specifically, the thickness of the first side D1 to the fourth side D4 (the thickness of the pet food pellets) is 8.5mm or more, and the major and minor diameters of the fifth side D5 and the sixth side D6 are both 8.5mm or more.

[0103] (Manufacturing method for pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs)

[0104] [Granulation process]

[0105] Granulation is the process of granulating a mixture of raw materials to obtain granules.

[0106] As a granulation process, methods such as mixing raw materials to form a raw material mixture and shaping (granulating) the raw material mixture into granules can be listed.

[0107] Specifically, as a granulation process, methods for manufacturing granules (expanded granules) using an extruder can be listed.

[0108] The method of using an extruder to manufacture pellets can be applied, for example, to the method described in "Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, Fifth Edition" (edited by Michael S. Hand, Craig D. Thatcher, Rebecca L. Remillard, Philip Roudebusg, and Bruce J. Novotny, published by Mark Morris Associates; 2014; pp. 209–215).

[0109] An example of a method for manufacturing granules using an extruder will be explained. First, the raw materials for granulation are pulverized and then mixed as needed. Alternatively, a grinder or similar device can be used to mix the materials while pulverizing. Then, water (which will evaporate during the manufacturing process and will not ultimately be included in the raw material composition) is added as needed to obtain a raw material mixture.

[0110] The resulting raw material mixture is fed into an extruder and, after heating and pressurization, extruded from the outlet. A plate with orifices of a predetermined shape and a cutter are provided at the outlet to cut the raw material mixture extruded from the plate to a predetermined length (thickness). By extruding the raw material mixture through the orifices of the plate and cutting it with the cutter, it is shaped into a predetermined shape. Simultaneously, by opening from a pressurized state to atmospheric pressure, the water vapor in the raw material mixture expands, thereby causing the raw material mixture to expand and obtain porous particles.

[0111] [Drying process]

[0112] The drying process is the process of drying the particles obtained through the above granulation process.

[0113] Commonly known methods for drying particles include natural drying, drying by blowing hot air, drying by depressurization, and drying by freeze drying.

[0114] The temperature of the particles during drying and the temperature of the hot air blown onto the particles are not particularly limited. For example, the temperature of the hot air is preferably 150°C or lower. Furthermore, the lower limit of the hot air temperature is not particularly limited; it is generally a temperature above room temperature, preferably 30°C or higher. When drying is performed within this temperature range, the heat treatment time is preferably 1 minute to 120 minutes.

[0115] If the temperature is above the lower limit of the above temperature and time ranges, the particles can be dried in a relatively short time. If the temperature is below the upper limit of the above temperature range, overheating of the particles can be prevented.

[0116] For example, in the granulation process described above, the raw material mixture is not immediately cut using a cutting machine when extruding it from the plate. Instead, it is cut after the set expansion time. This allows for the production of highly expanded small and medium-sized dog food products according to this embodiment. Because highly expanded pet food has more internal pores, it remains relatively soft even when it is large in size. Furthermore, since the cut surface is porous, it has a rougher surface.

[0117] Example

[0118] The present invention will be further described in detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0119] (Manufacturing of pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs)

[0120] (Example 1)

[0121] The raw materials for the pet food pellets in the small and medium-sized dog food product of Example 1 were mixed according to the formula shown in Table 1. The resulting raw material mixture was fed into an extruder, and the starch components were gelatinized by heating while stirring. The mixture was then extruded into pellets at the outlet of the extruder. After puffing for 0.04 seconds, the pellets were cut to obtain granules (puffing time: 0.04 seconds). The obtained granules were dried using a dryer to produce the small and medium-sized dog food product of Example 1, which has at least 10 pet food pellets of the same composition and shape.

[0122] Furthermore, the morphology of the pet food pellets in the small and medium-sized dog pet food products of Example 1 is similar to... Figure 1 The pet food pellets shown are the same as D10.

[0123] The major diameter, minor diameter, and thickness of 10 randomly selected pet food pellets from the small and medium-sized dog food products of Example 1 were measured using vernier calipers, and the average value was calculated. The results showed that the major diameter was 9.5 mm, the minor diameter was 8.5 mm, and the thickness was 11 mm.

[0124] The following shows an example of the major diameter, minor diameter, and thickness of a pet food pellet. The values ​​below refer to major diameter × minor diameter × thickness.

[0125] ·9.8×8.8×13.3

[0126] ·10.9×9.6×8.5

[0127] ·10.9×9.3×11.7

[0128] ·9.4×8.4×10.8

[0129] ·10.2×8.6×12.4

[0130] ·10.1×9.5×11.7

[0131] The average hardness of 10 randomly selected pet food pellets from the pet food product of Example 1 was 27 N, and the volumetric density was 320 g / L.

[0132] In addition, the arithmetic mean surface roughness of 10 randomly selected pet food pellets from the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in Example 1 was observed using a non-contact 3D shape measuring machine VR-3200 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, using an L-filter with a nesting index of 0.25 mm) (magnification 40x, field of view: 19~20 mm²). 2For the surface of the pet food pellets, the average arithmetic mean roughness Sa was calculated. The result is that the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 of the pet food pellets is 13.1 μm. In addition, the average arithmetic mean surface roughness of the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 is 19.6 μm.

[0133] The calorie density of the pet food product in Example 1 is 365 kcal / 100g.

[0134] (Comparative Example 1)

[0135] As a comparative example 1, a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs was prepared with a long diameter of 9.5 mm, a short diameter of 8.8 mm, and a thickness of 6.4 mm.

[0136] The average hardness of 10 randomly selected pet food kibble samples from the small and medium-sized dog food products in Comparative Example 1 was 82 N.

[0137] Table 1

[0138]

[0139] [Evaluation of the effectiveness in preventing rapid swallowing]

[0140] The small and medium-sized dog food products of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were respectively given to 30 dogs for 5 days, and the time from the start of feeding to the completion of the food was measured. In addition, the dogs' eating behavior was recorded using a video camera, and the number of times they raised their faces and chewed was measured. The average values ​​of the results are shown in Table 2.

[0141] Table 2

[0142]

[0143] As shown in Table 2, it can be confirmed that compared with the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in the comparative examples, the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs in the embodiments can increase the number of times the dog lifts its face and chews, and can slow down the eating speed.

[0144] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the structure can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

[0145] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0146] D10···Pet food pellets.

Claims

1. A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs, specifically for dogs weighing 3-18 kg, comprising at least 10 pet food pellets of the same composition and shape, wherein... The average length, average short diameter, and average thickness of the 10 described pet food pellets are all greater than 8.5 mm. The average hardness of the 10 pet food pellets was less than 60 N.

2. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, In the pet food pellets, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along a first direction is less than 14 μm, and the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of the second surface obtained by projecting the pet food pellets along directions other than the first direction is 14 μm or more.

3. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the average length diameter of 10 of the pet food pellets to the average thickness of the 10 pet food pellets, i.e., the ratio of the average length diameter to the average thickness, is 1:1 to 1:

2.

4. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 2, wherein, The average hardness of the first surface is smaller than the average hardness of the second surface.

5. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs are comprehensive nutritional pet food products with a calorie density of 290kcal / 100g or higher.

6. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, The average volumetric density of the 10 pet food pellets was 300-400 g / L.

7. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs are in the shape of an oval cylinder.

8. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein, The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs contain dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein, wherein the long diameter of the dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein is 4 mm or more.

Images