DOG SACHET

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to an edible sachet for the mobile supply of liquid, in particular to dogs, according to the introductory part of independent claim 1.

[0002] Often, the fluid supply of dogs on the move or in the mobile interfaces of a dog owner's everyday life, i.e. especially during walks and trips (holiday trips or day trips, including car journeys) as well as other interfaces for the need for fluid intake (restaurant visits, city tours, sporting activities with the dog owner such as jogging, cycling tours or hikes, and much more), cannot be guaranteed to a sufficient extent, because no appropriate water sources or drinking troughs are available and / or the dog owner is not aware of the problem of a possible undersupply.

[0003] During walks, dogs are exposed to significant physical, dehydrating stress due to the increased activity and strain on their musculoskeletal system, combined with other environmental conditions such as changing climatic conditions. Added to this are other associated stresses, such as the range of car journeys that may accompany the walk, which also have dehydrating effects on the dog's body.

[0004] Against this background, a mobile hydration supply is essential to integrate into the dog's daily routine, in addition to the stationary (main) supply (i.e., especially the home water or drinking bowl). Traveling with a dog without a source of hydration can lead to significant dehydration and thus to impaired well-being (physical and mental lethargy, fatigue), reduced vitality (physiological and energetic), and circulatory symptoms.

[0005] In the everyday lives of dogs and their owners (the role of identifying and fulfilling needs), food intake is often unconsciously more of a focus than the equally important regular, consistent, and sufficient mobile and stationary hydration and intake. This finding is due, on the one hand, to a lack of awareness regarding the importance of mobile, as well as general, regular, and controlled hydration, and, on the other hand, to the lack of a holistically developed mobile product solution with a correlating composition of dog, dog owner, and environmental and mobile surrounding conditions. There is a close, synergistic relationship between mobile and stationary hydration for dogs.This is the reciprocal cycle of stationary fluid supply (main supply source), which supports the mobile fluid supply with prior, basic hydration, and mobile fluid supply (situational supplementary source), which serves both to quench an acute thirst with mobile hydration and to supplement the stationary fluid supply in order to achieve the daily requirement.

[0006] Furthermore, the issue of inadequate hydration is exacerbated by the sharply increasing number of people who are acquiring a dog for the first time and are assuming the role of dog owner, or by their inexperience. Mobile hydration for dogs using currently available methods to meet their needs primarily takes the form of conventional solutions, i.e., filled drinking bottles and / or portable dog (travel) bowls, and in isolated cases, commercially available mobile transport containers, such as travel drinking bottles and other combination systems. State of the art

[0007] For example, DE 20 2004 012 452 U1 describes a drinking bowl for collecting and securing water, which allows animals to drink without spillage during turbulent water flow. Two drinking bowls are placed one above the other, with the upper drinking bowl having a shortened water base combined with sloped sides. This opening allows the animal to reach the water in the bottom of the lower drinking bowl with its tongue.

[0008] Furthermore, US 10,028,484 B2 discloses a portable combination travel mug and water bowl that is used to store and dispense water for a dog to drink, and which subsequently allows any unused water to be returned to the travel mug. The water bottle includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and an internal recessed portion that allows the bottle to be squeezed to force water from the bottle through a straw into the dog's bowl, while providing sufficient rigidity so that the bottle is not permanently deformed by the squeeze. The water bottle is further designed to fit and be stored in a standard car drink container.

[0009] Such mobile transport containers, which are developed and offered as a combination system consisting of a transport bottle, drinking bowl, and additional liquid to be filled, are not, however, able to solve the criterion of an easy-to-use, rewarding, and holistically developed depth of need for a mobile hydration of dogs. While these are fundamentally more functional and mobile designs, the core problem still remains. The dog has to get used to a new drinking container, and with this solution, it can happen that a significant amount of water is splashed, or that the dog chokes, as with a stationary drinking bowl at home, and thus loses it. Furthermore, the leftover water / liquid has to be emptied unused after the walk, leaving the dog once again unfed in the mobile interface.Thus, the currently accessible mobile fluid intake is perceived by the dog with a limited reward association due to a small differentiation distance and no need-oriented novelty imprinting.

[0010] In addition, especially when a dog is very thirsty, it can splash more water / liquid than it can effectively absorb through the spoon-shaped tongue muscle. This often leads to swallowing when consuming liquid from such mobile transport containers, partly due to the imperfect control of the fluid state (fluid or too fluid / viscous (soft-viscous to viscous)) and the lack of pre-portioning of a specific proportion. Finally, the effort required by the dog owner during preparation, transport, and on-site use, as well as the hygienic treatment of the container after use, is very high, user-unfriendly, and complex (time-consuming). It can therefore be concluded that today's mobile solutions are not as mobile and solution-oriented as they appear at first glance.

[0011] This aspect is not balanced with the ever-increasing, emancipated, dynamic daily lives of many dog ​​owners, as well as increasing urbanization (urbanization), in which the concept of "mobility" is indispensable when walking dogs. To date, the current state of innovation has not seen any existing product solutions for mobile hydration for dogs integrate into the everyday lives of owners and dogs in such a way that they could be described as a solution covering all the needs of both dog and owner, in the sense of positioning themselves as a basic need product.

[0012] There is therefore a need for a mobile liquid supply solution that particularly meets the sensory preferences of dogs and, like reward snacks, can be given whole in a pre-portioned form and consumed by the dog.

[0013] XP055825015 describes a gel product for providing fluids to pets or dogs that does not have an edible coating. It is a very solid gel, each serving weighing 8 ounces (approx. 230 g) packaged as a single gel piece in a plastic tubular bag. For mobile use, the dog owner must first manually break the gel piece into smaller, mouth-sized portions. Without a directly attached edible coating, it is also not possible to use a low-gelled fluid, which can be crucial for rapid and complete gastrointestinal fluid release from the three-dimensional gel network. The low fracture mechanical limit of such a gel would cause it to disintegrate under even slight stress and possibly rupture, releasing some fluid.

[0014] A natural coating is mentioned in US 2020 / 0024044 A1 and XP055824539. More specifically, they describe a biodegradable, disposable packaging (container) made of plant-based bioplastic for sustainable consumption of, in particular, viscous or flowable energy gels used in endurance sports (e.g., running or cycling). Generally, the packaging is intended to contain 1-2 ounces (approx. 30-60 g) of a gel-like or other viscous liquid for immediate nutritional supplementation. Due to the corresponding viscosity, the filled product obviously always has a dominant flow property. Such gel-like liquids, such as most energy gels, are technically not gels, but liquids with a viscous consistency.

[0015] The subject of US 2020 / 0024044 A1 and XP055824539 is to make the material of otherwise environmentally unfriendly disposable packaging for sports nutrition more sustainable without specifically modifying the filling product. The application of the end product is ultimately comparable to the conventional single-use packaging method currently available on the market – tearing open the side flap, squeezing out the liquid, and then discarding it. However, the bag can be disposed of via the ground, where it will biodegrade over several days due to natural factors (e.g., rain). US 2020 / 0024044 A1 and XP055824539 do not specifically address the overall consumption of the packaging and contents. The reason for using an edible material is the preferred application, where an athlete tears off the tab over their teeth and can therefore safely consume the torn-off tab.The asymmetrical shape of the container would be less suitable for dogs. Likewise, the flexible, flexible texture of the filled packaging, which follows the conventional approach, would be less suitable for mobile ingestion and consumption by dogs.

[0016] The consequence today is that dogs are left with an inadequately rewarding, refreshing, thirst-quenching, hydrating, tasty, nutrient- and mineral-rich mobile fluid supply in the mobile interfaces of their everyday lives, in the sense of meeting a basic need.

[0017] The key factors for a dog's necessary fluid intake are primarily during the day before bedtime and after waking up due to the risk of nighttime dehydration, and before (preventively), during, and after morning, midday, and evening walks. Other factors to consider include activity and strain on the musculoskeletal system in conjunction with the climatic conditions, round-trip journeys or long car journeys, as well as vacation trips or day trips, which sometimes involve longer journeys and thus increased physical, dehydrating strain on the dog's organism. A key factor also arises during and after feeding (depending on the type and composition of any main food and the frequency of feeding) to compensate for the amount of fluid lost and used in the body during digestion.

[0018] The seasonal volatility of fluid intake cycles must also be considered; especially on days with hot weather conditions, regular, sufficient fluid intake, regardless of location and time, is essential. Dogs exposed to continuous physical exertion and a continuously mobile daily routine, such as those used for work or service, should also be considered. Fluid deprivation caused by illness, such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, kidney disease, or diabetes mellitus, must also be considered. Regular drinking throughout the day is necessary, both in inpatient and, especially, mobile situations, in order to achieve the minimum daily fluid intake requirement, in full consultation with the dog owner.Holistic hydration of the dog has a positive effect on both its physiological and energetic state.

[0019] In the context of need identification, analysis, and resolution, it became clear that people automatically take the time- and place-independent fulfillment of the basic needs of the so-called "Maslow Pyramid" for granted. The resulting dog owners, albeit unconsciously or unknowingly, deny their dogs this fulfillment due to a lack of sustained education or comprehensive solutions. In particular, dog owners lack knowledge of the actual daily amount of fluid their dog consumes, both mobile and stationary.

[0020] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a solution for the mobile supply of fluids to dogs which is more flexible in use, easier to handle, better transportable, more rewarding, holistically tailored to the needs of the dog and dog owner, more informative, more integrable and more needs-based portioning and controllable than is the case with the known solutions. Description of the invention

[0021] The object is achieved according to the invention by an ingestible sachet for a mobile liquid supply, especially for dogs, as defined in independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0022] The essence of the invention is as follows: A sachet for a mobile fluid supply, especially for dogs. The sachet comprises a casing and a core medium enclosed by the casing. The casing is formed from an edible membrane, and the core medium is formed from a gelled liquid substance.

[0023] The term "gelled liquid substance" encompasses the textural behavior of non-flowable (i.e., without temperature-related intervention, no rheological properties in the sense of fluidity or viscosity), (firmly) cohesive, sometimes cuttable or solid, and (soft) gel solids (hydrocolloids) with an individual molecular network depending on the gelling agent used. The molecular chains that build up during the gelling process possess a high water- or liquid-binding activity and, during the so-called phase transition from "sol (two-phase system between liquid and added gelling agent)" to the gel phase "solid (single-phase, colloidal system starting at the individual gel solidification point)", create a water- or liquid-containing yet solid, slightly to immobile, chewable and edible aggregate state.The gelled liquid substance also has, in particular, gastrointestinal fluid-releasing properties, as well as any supplements contained in the liquid substance for additional functional resorption and absorption.

[0024] The term "sachet" refers explicitly to the entire product, i.e. the wrapping and the core medium.

[0025] The term "edible" in this case refers to the fact that dogs, in particular, can eat the sachet completely or digest it (non-)enzymatically, i.e., without any health impairments. The sachet can also be used for other pets, especially cats. However, its primary use is for dogs.

[0026] The edible membrane advantageously has the functional characteristic of being water-insoluble. The term "water-insoluble" in this case refers in particular to the fact that the membrane does not dissolve or leak upon contact with water, liquid, or (moist) gels (e.g., due to exposure to rain while walking), so that the moist core contents can be enclosed without impairment and thus, for example, a homogeneous adaptation of the gelled contents to the inside of the membrane shell can be generated in the thermal (post-treatment) process of so-called post-gelation, i.e., a renewed liquefaction (thermoreversibility) through a heating step individually adapted to the gelling agent and subsequent repeated reaching of the gel solidification point.

[0027] At the same time, the membrane should preferably also be sufficiently heat- and temperature-resistant, such as resistant to boiling, baking, refrigeration, and freezing, so that it remains intact both in midsummer temperatures and in winter temperatures (application stress in mobile interfaces), as well as in terms of process stress. Furthermore, it is also desirable for the membrane to be biodegradable (e.g., as with a biopolymer based on polysaccharides or proteins).

[0028] Furthermore, the term "membrane" in this context encompasses thin material or fabric layers (such as foil, skin, film, or gel) that have a large surface area relative to their thickness and that separate two spaces from each other (in this case, the interior of the sachet containing the core medium from the external atmospheric environment). The membrane tightly encloses the core medium, preventing any significant loss of contents. This can be further ensured by the aggregation state of an enclosed (soft) gel solid.

[0029] The gelled liquid substance, even in low concentration spheres associated with a low water binding and water retention power or gel strength, is advantageously enclosed by the membrane in a plastically tight and stable manner and is brought into a homogeneous, consistent and bite-resistant form for the dog and in a fracture-mechanically suitable form for the corresponding chewing load.

[0030] The edible membrane preferably comprises a polymer, particularly preferably an alginate. In principle, however, all other edible membrane materials are also suitable, which are based on plant (e.g., biopolymers (polysaccharides or proteins) in the sense of, for example, plant-based artificial casings), animal (e.g., animal proteins or polysaccharides or natural casings), synthetic, or other food-related, edible and approved sources of origin and raw materials, sometimes based on gelling agents, individually used or synergistically combined substances of stabilizers (e.g., gelling agent-gelling agent, gelling agent-binder / thickener / starch, optionally also in combination with stabilizing additives). The membrane can also be formed using appropriate foils, films, gels, or skins.

[0031] The consistently firm, robust, and stable texture of the polymer or alginate membrane, which is originally elastic in nature, provides the dog with a bite-resistant medium that is optimally adapted for the purpose of mobile fluid supply in terms of absorption, control, chewing, and ingestibility. Furthermore, the membrane provides a temporary protective function, depending on the degree of impairment of the permeability, against possible drying out of the filled contents or the liquid bound in the gel network. This aspect is particularly effectively fulfilled by the inclusion of a hydrocolloid, with a particular focus on a heat-stable stabilizer such as the biopolymer agar-agar in the form of a high temperature ramp of the gel melting point from / above approximately 85°C.

[0032] Alginate-based membranes, for example, possess the property of being permeable to diffusion, meaning that if oxygen and other influencing environmental factors were to act on the membrane, this would also have a direct impact on the enclosed content as well as the general textural behavior. This could potentially result in membrane flaccidity and a reduction in the content substance. This aspect is particularly present when the content is in a liquid or flowable state and thus in an aggregate state that can diffuse outwards through the (alginate) shell. As a result of the fact that a coating or encapsulation of a gelled liquid was chosen as the core medium in this case, the membrane remains, despite its permeability, due to the physical stability of the core medium when actively exposed to oxygen and temperature (e.g.The gelled state is relatively taut (i.e., outside the outer packaging), and only a slight reduction in the contents occurs than if it were liquid or viscous, due to limited water or liquid retention in the molecular network (i.e., due to the physical stability of the core medium). Furthermore, the "gelled" state of aggregation is a key process parameter for thermal post-treatment associated with the manufacturing process to generate microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory product stability, given the (high) temperature barrier required to achieve thermoreversibility in the sense of continuous liquefaction, as is particularly the case with agar-agar. Unlike with fluid to viscous liquids, this is a differentiating factor, without significant loss of volume and without a pH reduction that would limit shelf life.Furthermore, if fluid to viscous liquid substances were included, the elasticity predominant in the basic texture of most membrane forms could not be converted into a bite-resistant body filling of the "sachet" and would therefore be perceived by the dog as too flabby, elastic and mobile.

[0033] Due to the gelled core medium and the resulting robustness and resistance, the sachet according to the invention is process-stable due to its physical stability with regard to the machine-related, manufacturing-related, preservation-related, logistical and application-related process steps.

[0034] The membrane holds the filled, preferably soft-brittle, gelled liquid substance together with a high proportion of bound liquid (hydrocolloid), thus significantly contributing to the texture of the sachets. This allows the dog owner to administer the sachets smoothly and hygienically, thanks to the hydrocolloid's preferred moist, gelled surface coating, without the core medium disintegrating into individual gel fragments. The membrane also allows the dog optimal pre-oral ingestion of the sachets without any loss of contents due to the sharp, pointed structure of the teeth (i.e., particularly the incisors).

[0035] Finally, the membrane allows for a pre-dosed (precise volumetric dosing) and controllable volume of gelled liquid substance to be administered by the dog. The membrane shell's texture, given its surface characteristics, is preferably designed to allow for low-friction consumption and swallowing by the dog.

[0036] In the case of an alginate membrane, a substance agonist in the form of calcium chloride or calcium lactate (alginate gels with calcium ions to form membrane networks (encapsulation)) is added to the alginate as a cross-linking solution during membrane construction. This allows for a particularly effective form of cross-linking.

[0037] Preferably, the alginate membrane is based on an alginate paste that is dependent on the mechanical application process and contains a specific proportion of sodium alginate in the product composition. Sodium alginate refers to the sodium salt of alginic acid and is obtained from the resource of brown algae (a form of marine algae). Such an alginate paste also combines a predominantly high proportion of bound water, which, in relation to the percentage of the shell product in any sachet volume, can be released to a certain extent by the dog's gastrointestinal tract, i.e., in addition to the gelled liquid core, and then reabsorbed and absorbed.

[0038] Sodium alginate is generally classified as a fermentable plant fiber (roughage) and, in particular, has no adverse health effects on dogs. The alginate, as a starting material, can also be in a form other than paste. The use of alternative membrane materials with comparable properties is conceivable.

[0039] Preferably, the edible membrane has a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, more preferably about 0.15 mm to about 1.5 mm, and even more preferably about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm. Thicknesses less than 0.05 mm may potentially lead to accidental bursting or tearing of the membrane, and thicknesses greater than 5 mm are less readily accepted by dogs. The membrane can be a single-, double-, or multi-layered coating.

[0040] The gelled liquid substance preferably comprises soups, broths or smoothies as well as other content variants of functional foods (functional foods) based on animal, plant, vegetarian or vegan origin, which in their original state are liquid to viscous, or drinking water, or supplements added to the liquid substance. In this case, supplements refer to such additional products or raw materials, regardless of their physical form, which, in interaction with water or liquid, have the object of fluid intake, especially by dogs. This also includes supplements which have a naturopathic or homeopathic, vitalising or nutrient-rich, drink-increasing, health-promoting, hygiene-promoting or care-promoting effect for dogs and which, in conjunction with the liquid contained in the gel, are released into the gastrointestinal tract and have a nutritional or physiological effect.intended use (dissolution). Hydrogels, in the sense of a water-carbohydrate polymer composite as energy suppliers, as well as oils, yogurt drinks, shakes, juices, teas, or alternative liquid forms with comparable properties, are equally suitable. Accordingly, both two-phase components, in the sense of liquid and gelling agent, and three-phase components, in the sense of liquid plus functional substance (e.g., of a homeopathic nature) and gelling agent, are centralized.

[0041] The gelled liquid substance is preferably gelled using gelling agents such as agar-agar, gelatin, alginate(s), alginic acid, carrageenan, pectin or tragacanth. In principle, all other gelling agents approved for use in dogs (or gelling agents approved for use in feed and feed supplements) can also be used. With regard to the use of synergistic substance ratios in particular (i.e. gelling agent (base) in combination with binders and / or thickeners, starch, emulsifiers, as well as gelling agents which can also be used as binders and thickeners (additives)), the use of starch, binders and / or thickeners such as locust bean gum, guar gum, arrowroot flour, psyllium husks, corn starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, gum arabic, tara gum, gellan, cellulose or caseins, as well as all other gelling agents approved for use in dogs (or gelling agents approved for use in feed and feed supplements) is also conceivable.starches, binding and thickening agents and emulsifiers (not permitted in feed and feed supplements).

[0042] These can be individual substances from the gelling agent groups as well as synergistic substances in the form of a compound consisting of gelling agent-gelling agent or gelling agent-thickener / binder / starch, which are based on plant, animal, synthetic, or other food-related, edible and approved sources of origin and raw materials. With regard to the design of the sachet according to the invention for the mobile fluid supply of dogs, the plant fiber (fiber) agar-agar is particularly preferred as the gelling agent that stabilizes the hydrocolloid or the (soft) gel solid.

[0043] Agar-agar is extracted from the outer cell walls of red algae and is a fermentable, plant-based fiber from the colloid group of biodegradable polysaccharides (biopolymers) that cannot be (largely) enzymatically digested and metabolized by the dog's body. Due to its fiber properties, the fiber does not directly penetrate the dog's metabolic and digestive system, thus allowing (mobile) fluid absorption and supply to remain the central function of the product. Unlike other plant-based hydrocolloid-forming gelling agents, agar-agar does not exhibit any enzymatic or chemical (gastric juice; digestive enzymes) digestive effects that would promote gastrointestinal release of the fluid bound in the gel solids. This is primarily due to the pH insensitivity and acid resistance of agar gels.Against this background, the release effectiveness is based on a low-concentration agar weight (wt.%, i.e., based on "gelled liquid substance (core medium)" independent of the membrane) of the agar gel held and formed in the membrane, combined with the oral processing or oral masticatory mechanics of the dog (gel breakdown), and in particular the counteracting mechanical digestive or shear forces in the gastrointestinal tract in the form of peristalsis, in order to be able to release the (lightly) bound liquid in the network under further continuous gel breakdown, without recurring water-binding swelling during intestinal passage. Agarose gels have the functional property of being able to release water or liquid under mechanical stress, such as the peristalsis of the digestive system. Furthermore, different digestive and liquid release mechanisms can also be developed based on differently behaving gelling agents, such as e.g.Gelatin (melting of gelatin fragments in the mouth; enzymatic digestion and degradation of gelatin chains) or pectin (chemical but not enzymatic digestion in the sense of pH-sensitive network degradation in the stomach, with subsequent renewed swelling capacity and water-binding activity in the intestinal tract) could be conceivable.

[0044] The fiber material possesses the functional property of a high temperature ramp regarding the thermoreversibility of the gelled core medium, i.e., melting and liquefaction, only at a temperature range above approximately 85 °C. In contrast, the gel solidification point occurs below approximately 40 °C. This ensures an optimal starting point for the criterion of maintaining physical (long-term) stability.

[0045] In addition, core media generated from agar-agar can be used in all everyday temperature zones, which above all ensures agile and flexible use with consistent textural behavior of the sachets in the aforementioned mobile interfaces, taking into account the (climatic) environmental conditions.

[0046] The gel strength and thickness, in the sense of the degree to which the helices twist together to form aggregates (networks), when using agar-agar, depends in particular on the concentration, heating temperature and time, and pH of the added liquid substance to be transformed into a gel solid. Therefore, the concentration of agar-agar must be adapted to the particular liquid substance present, depending on its pH properties, since decreasing pH can increase the risk of long-term physical degradation of the hydrocolloid. Preferred concentration ranges (agar weight; wt.%) for agar-agar, for example, are between 0.4 wt.% and 1.5 wt.% for the specified liquid substances, preferably between 0.6 wt.% and 1.2 wt.%, and particularly preferably between approximately 0.7 wt.% and 1.1 wt.%.The gel concentration must be adjusted individually for each other gelling agent used, with reference to the index number associated with the gelling agent.

[0047] Agar-agar, like the alginate shell, is derived from the basic resource of seaweed (outer cell walls of red algae) and is a blend of two soluble fibers, namely the polysaccharides agarose (70%; crucial for the gelling process) and agaropectin (30%). Due to the prebiotic effect attributed to agar-agar as a fermentable fiber, negative intestinal bacteria are effectively reduced, thereby promoting the dog's intestinal health.

[0048] At the same time, the liquid bound in the core medium by agar-agar, e.g., a nutrient- and mineral-rich bone broth, after consumption and transfer to the digestive system (gastrointestinal tract), is predominantly physically correlated with the dog's oral processing or oral masticatory mechanics (initial gel breakdown), as well as, in particular, the counteracting mechanical digestive or shear forces in the gastrointestinal tract in the form of peristalsis, in order to release the (lightly) bound liquid in the gel network through further, continuous gel breakdown, without recurring water-binding swelling during intestinal passage. Furthermore, any nutrients, minerals, and trace elements contained therein (in the bone broth) or supplements included in the liquid can be reabsorbed and absorbed.Agar-agar has been approved for food and feed by both the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) without an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value and is considered safe for animal feed. Likewise, the occurrence of a laxative digestive reaction due to a potentially excessive dosage of agar-agar can be attributed to the sachet's low agar content.

[0049] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the use of already (commercially) ready-gelled products / substances is also conceivable, as well as of products / substances which sometimes have the secondary property of a liquid-dispensing characteristic.

[0050] In order to ensure that the central requirement criteria and intended functional, texture and composition-related properties of the sachet according to the invention can be qualitatively achieved and sustainably ensured in connection with the focused area of ​​application for dogs and dog owners, the inclusion of a gelled liquid substance, or a gelled liquid-like product, was chosen as the most effectively adapted design form for the user and consumer group.

[0051] One requirement criterion is the tightness of the sachet, ensuring a leak-free closure of the membrane shell, so that the gelled liquid product or core medium cannot escape, especially when force is exerted during the dog's ingestion process and during product handling by the dog owner. This is ensured by the encapsulation of the gelled liquid substance against the background of its homogeneous, non-flowing gel or hydrocolloid texture and stability, as well as the plastically cohesive and cut- and bite-resistant texture properties of the overall composition of the sachet.

[0052] The use of completely liquid or viscous-bound (liquid) substances would not result in the generation of a filled, stable, membrane-tight, and bite-resistant sachet. This would, among other things, lead to a decrease or even resistance in a dog's acceptance and preference for ingesting the product. Furthermore, due to the sharp teeth of dogs, which they use for ingesting and consuming the product, the risk of leakage and loss of the liquid, for example in the event of a membrane rupture, would be very high. Filling a (soft) gel-solid body in the sense of a gelled liquid substance aims to create a spatially dense and tightly filled sachet and thus enables a uniformly closed and shaped sachet design.By providing physical stability to the sachet, a potential effect of membrane elasticity and permeability can be positively counteracted, thus reducing the risk of membrane flaccidity and drying out of the contents. This would directly impair the preoral and oral absorption, control, chewing, and consumption processes.

[0053] A robust, plastic sachet, created by filling it with a gelled liquid substance, offers durability and stability for the specific application process during product handling (transport) and during product administration by the dog owner. Gelled liquid substances also have a cooling effect and the additional advantage of feeling extremely refreshing in the mouth, especially on hot summer days (a refreshing effect that also contributes to the psychological perception of thirst quenching) and can be perceived with a strong association of fluids. The dog guides the sachet over its incisors and canines into its oral cavity and opens or activates the refreshing, moist gel discharge with a controlled bite over the premolars.

[0054] The gelled liquid substance creates a plastic filling inside the sachet, resulting in an effective ingestion, control, chewing, and consumption process tailored to the dog. The intended bite resistance, with regard to the rupture of the membrane shell in the mouth caused by oral processing, is generated by the composition of the membrane or alginate shell and a brittle, soft, chewable, yet preferably slightly cut-resistant substance that emerges after the bite. This creates, for the first time, a edible liquid intake for dogs. The texture-related, highly diverse sensory properties of the sachet evoke a completely new ingestion and consumption sensation for the dog, consisting of bite resistance yet still present softness and gel-like moisture with a pleasant bursting effect.

[0055] Furthermore, the use of a gelled liquid substance creates the intended robustness of the sachet, so that even if the sachet should accidentally fall to the floor during administration by the dog owner during the transition to the dog's ingestion, it will not immediately burst, tear, or deform. Even if the membrane shell does crack, the contents (hydrocolloid) will be held in its gelled state, as described above, and, unlike with fluid to viscous liquids, there will be no loss of the core medium.

[0056] Since the dog's natural behavioral pattern often leads to the ingestion of food components or edible reward instruments over the floor, this can easily be covered by the sachet according to the invention. Even if the dog bites open the sachet and ingests it in multiple cycles, this is prevented by the gelled core. The core's fracture behavior is designed based on the concentration of the gelling agent in such a way that it does not immediately disintegrate into individual, too small and / or too numerous gel fragments during the first mechanical contact, such as oral chewing.

[0057] Furthermore, swallowing, which regularly occurs during stationary fluid intake and with today's mobile fluid supply solutions for dogs, is eliminated by the design of the gelled fluid substance encased in a low-friction membrane or alginate shell. The reason for swallowing during stationary fluid intake is incorrect channeling of the fluid, which the dog consumes very quickly (in times of acute thirst), into the trachea.

[0058] Due to the intended composition of the sachet's texture and the resulting stability and bite resistance, dogs generally associate it with a familiar sensation of ingestion, similar to a conventional "treat or reward snack," and therefore primarily perceive the sachet as a rewarding instrument (stimulus effectiveness) regarding the edible liquid. This revolutionizes mobile fluid intake, even for a "lazy" dog, as it combines the chewing or consumption process with a fluid supply (hydration) that is still intended through gastrointestinal release (resorption) and exertion (absorption).Ultimately, the differentiation factor from the conventional and often high-fat and high-calorie reward snacks currently available on the market lies primarily in the fulfillment of the basic need for dogs to provide a mobile supply of fluids, which is promoted by the rewarding consumption.

[0059] The inclusion of a core medium in the sense of a non-flowable, cohesive, sometimes cuttable or solid, as well as a (soft) gel solid (hydrocolloid) provided with an individual molecular network depending on the gelling agent used, in the membrane (preferably an alginate membrane) describes the design form which can optimally cover and serve the depth of need of a medium for a mobile liquid supply for primarily the dog but also the dog owner.

[0060] Preferably, the volume of the sachet ranges from about 2 cm 3 to about 35 cm 3 , preferably from about 2.5 cm 3 to about 30 cm 3 , more preferably from about 2.8 cm 3 to about 25 cm 3 , more preferably from about 3 cm 3 to about 20 cm 3 , and even more preferably from about 5 cm 3 to about 15 cm 3

[0061] The sachet is preferably sausage-like, bag-like, oval, or elliptical in shape, making it particularly easy for a dog to ingest. However, spherical, cube-like, or triangular shapes, and similar shapes, are also conceivable.

[0062] The shape-related design depends primarily on the ingestion, control, chewing and consumption process in conjunction with the anatomical dentition and tooth structure of a dog, which will be briefly explained below.

[0063] A dog's canine teeth are long and pointed. They are located behind the incisors at the front of the mouth. With these teeth, dogs grasp and hold the food they are eating, locking it firmly in their mouths. Between the canines, or canines, are the incisors, which are significantly smaller. With these incisors, dogs pick up smaller, more manageable pieces of food.

[0064] The dog uses its molars, known as premolars, to chew and break up very hard food. The premolars are also very sharp and covered with hard enamel. They are located at the back of the jaw.

[0065] Due to the plastic, firmly gelled, stably filled and cohesive, particularly sausage-like, bag-like, oval-like or elliptical shape of the sachet, the dog is provided with a - in relation - large gripping surface for the incisors and canines to take in the food compared to other geometric shapes such as the spherical shape. This surface can sometimes be optimally passed on to the premolars in the mouth and portioned out for consumption, if necessary thanks to a long, flat surface on the underside of the sachet that was incorporated into the manufacturing process.

[0066] This shape, combined with the consistently stable and bite-resistant design, allows the dog to pick up the sachet in a controlled manner (securely locked by the fangs), chew, and consume it even during a dynamic walk. Furthermore, this shape is adapted to the generally elongated, flat shape of a dog's mouth, thus better supporting the control and consumption mechanism.

[0067] But also for the dog owner as the giver, a sausage-like, pouch-like, oval-like, or elliptical shape of the sachet is more effective in terms of handling and administering it to the dog. By ensuring the dog undergoes the familiar ingestion, control, chewing, and consumption process phases, it also promotes the aspect that the sachet is actually pre-portioned for consumption, thus eliminating the risk of swallowing the sachet whole. This fact might not necessarily be guaranteed to the same extent with a spherical shape, for example, due to the difficulty of ingesting and controlling the sachet in the mouth, as well as a significantly smaller grip and chewing surface. The intended shape also allows for a strong association between dog owner and dog with a reward instrument.

[0068] Further texture-relevant parameters of the sachet according to the invention are discussed below.

[0069] Preferably, a maximum force for cutting through the sachet, which is formed from the aforementioned substances, is in a range from about 5 N to about 25 N, preferably from about 6 N to about 15 N and more preferably in a range from about 7 to about 10 N and / or in a range from about 1 N to about 24 N, preferably from about 2 N to about 20 N, more preferably from about 3 N to about 15 N and even more preferably in a range from about 4 N to about 9 N. This strength parameter was measured by transverse shearing of several samples with Werner Brazler scissors, whereby the maximum force required to cut through the samples was measured. This shows that the sachets have a deliberately lower bite strength than, for example, a Vienna sausage, for which the corresponding maximum force is about 38 N.The Vienna sausage is included here solely for comparison purposes with regard to the mechanical texture analysis, in order to illustrate the properties of the sachet according to the invention. The sample temperature was +11 °C in each case.

[0070] Furthermore, the total force required to cut through the sachet, which is formed, for example, from the aforementioned substances, is preferably in a range from approximately 0.05 J to approximately 0.25 J, preferably from approximately 0.1 J to approximately 0.2 J, and more preferably in a range from approximately 0.125 J to approximately 0.15 J and / or in a range from 0.01 J to 0.22 J. This strength was measured by transverse shearing of several samples, again using Werner Brazler scissors, with the total force required for shearing being measured. This shows that such sachets have a significantly, intentionally, lower overall strength and a significantly reduced chewing effort than a Vienna sausage, for which the corresponding total force is approximately 0.3 J.

[0071] Furthermore, the peak force for a first compression of the sachet, which is formed, for example, from the aforementioned substances, by 50% of its height is preferably in a range from about 3 N to about 25 N, preferably from about 5 N to about 15 N, more preferably from about 9 N to about 12 N, even more preferably from about 10 N to about 11 N; and preferably the peak force for a second compression of the sachet by 50% of its height is in a range from about 0.05 N to about 6 N, preferably from about 1 N to about 5 N, more preferably from about 2 N to about 4 N, and even more preferably from about 3.0 N to about 3.3 N. In this texture profile analysis (TPA) using an Instron 3365 texture measuring device (Instron Corp. Ltd, USA), several samples were cut into 1 cm high cylinders and these were placed on a plate.A stamp with a pressure plate larger than the sample cylinder then moves onto the sample from above and presses the sample in by 50% of its height (5 mm). The stamp then moves back 5 mm and presses the sample in a second time by 5 mm before returning to its original position. This is a particularly effective way of determining the elasticity of such samples. This shows that the force required to crush the sachet sample a second time is significantly lower than in the first measurement. Again just for comparison, the force required to crush a Vienna sausage a second time is still over 80% of the force required in the first measurement; for the sachets, on average, it is around 33%.

[0072] Preferably, the cohesiveness of the sachet, which is formed, for example, from the aforementioned substances, is from about 0.01 to about 0.4, preferably from about 0.03 to about 0.3, preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.2, and more preferably from about 0.06 to about 0.10. The cohesiveness indicates how well the product withstands a second deformation in relation to its resistance under the first deformation. The area under a curve (J) during the second compression is divided by the area under a curve (J) during the first compression. The cohesiveness also shows the very plastic texture of the gelled liquid substance, which is held in its shape by the surrounding membrane shell of the sachet. The combination of membrane shell and gelled liquid substance as the core medium generates the intended texture property of a plastic, taut, and robustly stable (among other things).bite-resistant) yet (gel-like) soft and chewable.

[0073] A cohesiveness value of 1 would mean that the sample behaves 100% elastically, meaning the energy required remains the same upon subsequent loading. For comparison, a Vienna sausage has a cohesiveness value of approximately 0.5.

[0074] It should be noted that the slight elastic behavior of the sachet refers to the overall composition of membrane and gelled liquid substance. This property is intended and sought after in the sachet according to the invention, as it achieves a consistently stable and consistently plastically shaped sachet, both for the functional properties of optimal product handling by the dog owner and a firmly centered, controllable sachet during the dog's ingestion process until the chewing and consumption process.

[0075] Elastic behavior, on the other hand, would result in excessive mobility of the sachet, which could lead to a risk of insufficient gel fracture behavior due to an excessively high elongation rate at break for the enclosed gel solid, and a risk of excessive expansion in conjunction with the enclosing membrane, with the texture-related effect of membrane flaccidity. For example, both an alginate shell and a hydrocolloid made from agar-agar, considered individually, exhibit elastic (in the case of agar gel, this depends on the amount of agar added; for sachets, a less elastic, i.e., predominantly brittle, agar gel texture is preferred, regardless of the membrane shell) and fracture-mechanical structural behavior. However, when these two elements are combined, they transform into the physical properties already explained in the points above.The low elongation at break or elasticity (based on a low agar weight such as 0.7 to 1.1 wt.%) of the soft-brittle gel solid enclosed therein, which is aimed for in the sachet according to the invention, therefore also facilitates easier mechanical deformation of the gel, while still maintaining gel cohesion during chewing shear and the subsequent swallowing shear.

[0076] The gumminess of the sachet, which is formed, for example, from one of the aforementioned substances, is preferably from about 0.03 N to about 11.0 N, preferably from about 0.3 N to about 10.0 N, more preferably from about 0.5 N to about 3.0 N, and even more preferably from about 0.7 N to about 1.0 N. Gumminess is usually only measured for semi-solid products and can be used as a parameter that describes the energy required to crush a sample during chewing. Gumminess is calculated as the product of hardness times cohesiveness. The values ​​for such a sachet, in turn, show brittle and less elastic behavior, since only a very small amount of force is necessary to compress the sample by 50% of its height.The pronounced brittleness is sometimes an important mechanical texture parameter in view of the dynamic gel breakage behavior, which is highly dependent on the gastrointestinal physical digestive effects for a (faster) peristaltic liquid release.

[0077] The above values ​​for maximum force, total force, peak force, cohesiveness, and gumminess derived from the texture analysis demonstrate that the corresponding sachets preferably have a cut-resistant, yet gel-like, soft structure that is particularly easy for dogs to chew. If the sachet were compared to a Vienna sausage, the bite strength would be approximately 20%. Elasticity is preferably very low, possibly even close to zero, whereas a fully elastic sample would have a value of 1.

[0078] This means that the gelled liquid substance, even in low concentration spheres associated with a low water-binding and water-retaining power, preferably has a very plastic and brittle, yet stable, internal texture, which is held in place by the surrounding membrane, so that the (soft) gel solid cannot escape. After biting and orally breaking open the membrane shell, the escaping core medium can be easily chewed and pre-broken into smaller gel pieces in a specific ratio for the upcoming digestive process. The gelled, reshaped or...The subsequent membrane gives the product application- and process-related as well as (fracture) mechanical and motor stability and strength in relation to the field of application of edible, mobile liquid supply and intake, especially for dogs, which makes it easy to handle and process-stable in other stress situations (packaging, thermal pressure, transport, touching, pressing).

[0079] It should be emphasized again at this point that the (conventional) Vienna sausage was used here purely as a measurement scale for orientation purposes regarding the interpretation of the textural properties presented for the sachet, since the sachet according to the invention embodies a completely new product structure. The Vienna sausage otherwise serves a completely different area of ​​application and exhibits a significantly different result regarding the physical parameter properties compared to the sachet according to the invention.

[0080] The sachet preferably further comprises a length of about 2 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from 2.5 cm to 9 cm, more preferably from 2.8 cm to 8 cm, more preferably from 3 cm to 7 cm and even more preferably from 4 cm to 6 cm, and preferably a diameter of about 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm, preferably from about 1.2 cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 2.3 cm, more preferably from about 1.6 cm to about 2.2 cm and even more preferably from about 1.7 cm to about 1.9 cm. The size of the sachet depends primarily on the size of the dog. The measurements for the length are minus any twist-off points that may be connected to both sides of a sachet (e.g. in the case of a co-extrusion system with a twist-off function).

[0081] An example of a particularly preferred embodiment in the form of a first standardized variant of the sachet has a volume of approximately 10 cm3. In the case of a likewise particularly preferred sausage-like, bag-like, oval-like, or elliptical shape of the sachet, a diameter of approximately 18 mm and a length of approximately 50 mm (or 55 mm from twist-off point to twist-off point) is particularly preferably selected. The portion weight of the sachet, i.e. the alginate membrane (e.g., 0.2 mm shell thickness) and a liquid substance gelled with agar-agar (e.g., 0.9 wt.% agar weight) (e.g., a minimum volume fraction of 10 ml of liquid), is approximately 10.7 g (arithmetic mean). In this embodiment example, the weight of the alginate membrane is approximately 0.6 g (taking into account the moisture content bound in the alginate shell). Thus, the gelled liquid enclosed within has a content weight of approximately 10.1 g, less the 0.9 wt.% agar concentration, of approximately 10 g of purely fluid liquid available to the dog's organism. Accordingly, the weight fraction of the liquid in this example is at least approximately 90% (i.e., of the total weight of the sachet). Smaller weight fractions of the liquid of at least approximately 70% or larger weight fractions of the liquid of at least approximately 95% are also conceivable for a sachet according to the invention.

[0082] The sachets according to the invention can be produced, for example, using a coextrusion system with a leak-free twist-off function. Another possibility is complete encapsulation using a suitable encapsulator, which eliminates twist-off points or seams. However, all types of machine, mechanical-technological, or even manual processes that can realize the encapsulation and closure (edible membrane) of a core medium (gelled liquid substance) are fundamentally possible.

[0083] For illustrative purposes, the following table shows the approximate daily food and fluid requirements for dogs weighing 5, 10 and 20 kilograms: 5 KG 10 KG 20 KG Normal Active Normal Active Normal Active Activity / Temp. [°C] < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C dry food 200-250 ml up to 500 ml 400-500 ml up to 1000 ml 800-1000 ml up to 2000 ml 250-500 ml up to 750 ml 500-1000 ml up to 1500 ml 1000-2000 ml up to 3000 ml wet food 25-50 ml up to 250 ml 50-100 ml up to 500 ml 100-200 ml up to 1000 ml 100-250 ml up to 500 ml 200-500 ml up to 1000 ml 400-1000 ml up to 2000 ml

[0084] The following table shows the approximate daily food and fluid requirements for dogs weighing 30 and 40 kilograms: 30 kg 40 kg Normal Active Normal Active Activity / Temp. [°C] < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C < 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C > 20°C dry food 1200-1500 ml up to 3000 ml 1600-2000 ml up to 4000 ml 1500-3000 ml up to 4500 ml 2000-4000 ml up to 6000 ml wet food 150-300 ml up to 1500 ml 200-400 ml up to 2000 ml 600-1500 ml up to 3000 ml 800-2000 ml up to 4000 ml

[0085] The pre-dosed sachets according to the present invention are preferably designed with respect to the amount of gastrointestinally resorbable and absorbable liquid from the gelled core or hydrocolloid (core medium) so that the dog is provided with neither too little nor too much liquid per administered portion, and so that the number and frequency of sachets administered by the dog owner can be individually and independently adjusted to the needs of the respective dog and any external influencing factors (ambient temperature, activity level, etc.). Compared to a conventional reward snack, the sachet for mobile fluid supply to dogs has a high content volume and thus a high benefit curve.

[0086] The following section summarizes the causes and consequences of insufficient fluid intake in dogs. The basis for this discussion is the behavioral abnormalities of general fluid intake in dogs.

[0087] One reason for insufficient fluid intake is, first and foremost, dogs' general reluctance to drink. Another reason is a lack of awareness among dogs and owners regarding regular, sufficient fluid intake, or fluid supply and control, especially in the mobile interfaces of a dog's everyday life. This is also linked to insufficient information regarding potential (long-term) health and behavioral consequences for the dog, which become apparent due to insufficient fluid intake or dehydration.

[0088] Furthermore, high activity-related stress demands and the associated high level of exercise lead to a reduction in the body's hydration (fluid balance), causing a decrease in vitality and sluggish behavior in the dog. The lack of taste and odor in tap water, and the resulting lack of incentive to drink, are also factors to consider, as is the lime content in tap water, which often results in intolerance and a reluctance to drink in the dog.

[0089] Furthermore, dogs with behavioral disorders and older dogs are very difficult to retrain, especially with regard to a previously lacking conscious, rewarding, enjoyable, and motivating fluid intake. This results in the dog drinking from contaminated puddles or pools during the mobile interface "walk," or not drinking at all. External (behavioral) disturbances to drinking behavior, such as a mirrored reflection or noise from stationary, e.g., aluminum-coated water bowls, or a repellent plastic odor from mobile transport containers, are also reasons for drinking abstinence.Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the lack of a reward and mobility association, given that, according to the current status quo of available product solutions, mobile fluid intake and supply does not represent a reward from both the dog's and the dog owner's perspective, and therefore does not represent a mobile instrument with which the dog owner can encourage and remind the dog to regularly drink fluids.

[0090] With regard to the mobile solutions available to date for providing hydration to dogs, the dog will exhibit similar behavioral abnormalities as with stationary hydration, in the sense that it will not perceive it as a rewarding, differentiated tool. The invention described here creates, for the first time, the product category of an "edible (mobile) hydration supply" for dogs.

[0091] The objective of the "sachet" according to the invention is not to cover or replace the dog's inpatient fluid intake, but rather to provide an effective supplementary product to cover the necessary daily fluid intake of a dog and, primarily, to make it possible for dogs and dog owners to integrate it into their daily routine as a (mobile) hydration source for the first time. Furthermore, the focus is on potentially encouraging the dog to intensify inpatient fluid intake through the composition of the sachet (e.g., a saline calcium chloride component in a cross-linked alginate membrane and, for example, a salt content adapted to the dog's organism, taking into account the frequency and number of sachets consumed by the dog per day).

[0092] Finally, the complexity of parameters regarding individual differences in daily fluid requirements, as well as situational changes in a dog's fluid intake, must also be considered (e.g., if the activity level and / or ambient temperature increases, the fluid requirement also increases simultaneously). These include, above all, parameters such as size, body weight, temperature (season), age, exercise requirements (activity in the mobile interface), fluid loss due to laxative disorders or illnesses (diarrhea, kidney disease, fever, diabetes mellitus, and many more), the fluid or moisture content of the respective food type (wet food, dry food, or BARF), the amount of fluid added manually, such as with dry food, the dehydrating components contained in the food type, and the daily feeding frequency.Furthermore, there is the fact that dogs cannot (or do not) meet the minimum fluid requirement throughout their daily life and the hydration needs that arise in the mobile everyday interfaces.

[0093] A regular, sufficient, and manageable fluid supply, consisting of a direct correlation between mobile and stationary hydration, is of paramount importance for dogs. The basic need for sufficient, regular fluid intake is essential for the vitality (well-being) and health of dogs, as water, or fluid, combines multiple functional properties. It is relevant for the majority of all processes in the body, as dogs' bodies consist of 70 to 80% water. Fluid supply is also essential for the breakdown of food components in the digestive tract, for the transport of important nutrients from the intestines via the bloodstream to the tissues, and is responsible for cellular metabolism and the excretion of urinary substances via the kidneys.

[0094] In addition, fluid intake regulates body temperature and thus serves to alleviate panting behavior that occurs during strenuous physical exertion or exposure to high temperatures, with the goal of quenching thirst and stabilizing circulation. Especially on hot days, dogs should drink fluids approximately every 30 minutes. This need is especially important during mobile interactions, such as long walks. In these cases, an acute feeling of thirst prevails, which can be effectively quenched or prevented with the sachet according to the invention.

[0095] The positive effects of providing dogs with sufficient fluids include constant hydration, agility, vitality, improved physiological and energetic health, digestive support, strengthening of the circulatory system, and a general improvement in the processes taking place in the dog's organism.

[0096] The sachet according to the invention is also suitable as a transport medium (active ingredient encapsulation and active ingredient dissolution) for, in particular, liquid or powdered veterinary medicinal products. Furthermore, tablets can also be pressed into the gelled core medium to facilitate administration for the dog owner.

[0097] With the invention of "sachets," mobile fluid intake for dogs in mobile interfaces becomes a hydrating, thirst-quenching, (pre-)orally controllable, rewarding, and always accessible experience. The sachet enables the dog owner to provide fluids to their dogs through a simple, handy (mobile), and flexibly usable, controllable, single-medium supply device. Short description of the drawings

[0098] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the sachet according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1: a cross-sectional view through the sachet according to the invention; and Fig. 2: a side view of the sachet according to the invention. Way(s) of carrying out the invention

[0099] Certain terms may be used in the following description for convenience and are not to be construed as limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," and "top" indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," or similar terms are used to describe the relative arrangement of designated parts, the relative movement of designated parts, and the directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and designated parts thereof as illustrated in the figures. These spatial relative terms also include positions and orientations other than those illustrated in the figures. For example, if a part illustrated in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as "below" are then "above."The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives of the same and words of similar meaning.

[0100] To avoid repetitions in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and embodiments, certain features should be understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the associated embodiment. Rather, such omission can serve to increase clarity and avoid repetitions. In this context, the following stipulation applies to the entire further description: If reference symbols are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic unambiguity but are not mentioned in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in preceding figure descriptions.If the descriptive text directly associated with a figure contains reference symbols that are not included in the corresponding figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference symbols in two or more figures represent similar or identical elements.

[0101] In Fig. 1 A sachet 1 according to the invention with a membrane 2 (or envelope) surrounding the gelled liquid substance 3 (or the core medium) is illustrated in cross-section. The membrane 2 has a thickness DM. The membrane 2 can be single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer.

[0102] In Fig. 2 the inventive sachet 1 is prepared according to Fig.1 in the side view. Sachet 1 has a length L along the longitudinal axis X and, perpendicular and central to this, a diameter Ds. The section for the view according to Fig.1runs approximately along the double arrow for the diameter Ds. In this exemplary embodiment, the sachet 1 has a sausage-like, bag-like, oval-like, or elliptical shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the sachet is completely encapsulated and therefore has no twist-off points at its longitudinal ends.

[0103] The present disclosure also encompasses embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below for various embodiments. It also encompasses individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Furthermore, the alternatives of embodiments described in the figures and the description and individual alternatives of their features may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure encompasses embodiments that exclusively comprise the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that comprise additional other features.

[0104] Furthermore, the term "comprising" and derivatives thereof does not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof does not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims may be performed by a single unit or step. The terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and the like, in connection with a property or value, specifically define the property or value. The terms "about" and "approximately" in connection with a given numerical value or range may refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. List of reference symbols:

[0105] 1Sachet 2Membrane (envelope) 3Gelled liquid substance (core medium) LLength of sachet DM Thickness of membrane DS Diameter of sachet XLongitudinal axis of sachet

Claims

1. Sachet (1) for a mobile liquid supply for dogs in particular, comprising a casing (2) and a core medium (3) enclosed by said casing, wherein the casing (2) is formed from an edible membrane, and wherein the core medium (3) is formed from a gelled liquid substance, wherein a maximum force for cutting the sachet (1) is in a range of approximately 1 N to approximately 24 N, and wherein a total force for cutting the sachet (1) is in a range of approximately 0.01 J to approximately 0.22 J.

2. Sachet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the edible membrane comprises a polymer, preferably alginate.

3. Sachet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the alginate is crosslinked with a calcium chloride solution.

4. Sachet (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the alginate is formed from an alginate paste containing sodium alginate.

5. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edible membrane has a thickness (DM) of from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, more preferably from 0.15 mm to 1.5 mm, and even more preferably from approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 1 mm.

6. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gelled liquid substance comprises in particular soups, broths or smoothies on an animal, organic plant, vegetarian or vegan basis, or drinking water, hydrogels, yogurt drinks, shakes, juices, teas or liquid supplements.

7. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gelled liquid substance is gelled by means of gelling agents such as in particular agar-agar, gelatin, alginate, carrageenan, pectin or tragacanth and / or by means of binding and thickening agents such as in particular locust bean gum, guar gum, arrowroot gum, psyllium husks, corn starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, gum arabic, tara gum or gellan.

8. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the sachet (1) is in a range from approximately 2 cm3 to approximately 35 cm3, preferably from approximately 2.5 cm3 to approximately 30 cm3, more preferably from approximately 2.8 cm3 to approximately 25 cm3, more preferably from approximately 3 cm3 to approximately 20 cm3, and even more preferably from approximately 5 cm3 to approximately 15 cm3.

9. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum force for cutting the sachet (1) is in a range from approximately 2 N to approximately 20 N, preferably from approximately 3 N to approximately 15 N, and more preferably in a range from approximately 4 to approximately 9 N.

10. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a total force for cutting the sachet (1) is in a range from approximately 0.05 J to approximately 0.25 J, preferably in a range from approximately 0.1 J to approximately 0.2 J, and more preferably in a range from approximately 0.125 J to approximately 0.15 J.

11. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peak force for a first compression of the sachet (1) by 50% of its height is from approximately 3 N to approximately 25 N, preferably from approximately 5 N to approximately 15 N, more preferably from approximately 9 N to approximately 12 N, and even more preferably from approximately 10 N to approximately 11 N, and that preferably the peak force for a second compression of the sachet (1) by 50% of its height is from approximately 0.05 N to approximately 6 N, preferably from approximately 1 N to approximately 5 N, more preferably from approximately 2 N to approximately 4 N, and even more preferably from approximately 3.0 N to approximately 3.3 N.

12. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cohesiveness of the sachet (1) is from approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.4, preferably from approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.3, more preferably from approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.2, and even more preferably from approximately 0.06 to approximately 0.10.

13. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that rubberiness of the sachet (1) is from approximately 0.03 N to approximately 11 N, preferably from approximately 0.3 N to approximately 10.0 N, more preferably from approximately 0.5 N to approximately 3.0 N, and even more preferably from approximately 0.7 N to approximately 1.0 N.

14. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a length (L) of from approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm, preferably from approximately 2.5 cm to approximately 9 cm, more preferably from approximately 2.8 cm to approximately 8 cm, more preferably from 3 cm to 7 cm, and still more preferably from 4 to 6 cm, and preferably has a diameter (Ds) of approximately 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm, preferably from approximately 1.2 cm to approximately 2.5 cm, more preferably from approximately 1.5 cm to approximately 2.3 cm, more preferably from approximately 1.6 cm to approximately 2.2 cm, and even more preferably from approximately 1.7 cm to approximately 1.9 cm.

15. Sachet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion by weight of the liquid to the total weight of the sachet is at least approximately 70%, preferably at least approximately 90%, and more preferably at least approximately 95%.