Compositions and Methods for Pet Food Blends with Reduced Moisture Content

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition and method related to a pet food blend with reduced moisture content. The pet food blend with reduced moisture content can include from about 15% to about 50% protein, from about 5% to about 40% fat, and from about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Further, the blend can include semi-moist kibble, dry meal, and vegetables with reduced moisture content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Background Art] Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of French Utility Model Publication No. 205076 filed on May 25, 2022, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Description of related technologies

[0002] Dry pet foods containing kibble coated with a natural gravy dry coating that reconstitutes when mixed with water are well - known. Canned dog foods containing meat chunks and vegetables are also well - known. Furthermore, dry pet foods containing freeze - dried vegetables have been introduced. The advantages of using dehydrated food ingredients include increased stability, the perception of being on a healthier diet, the ability to minimize preservatives, and reduced transportation costs. However, manufacturing time and manufacturing costs increase, and acceptability may decrease.

[0003]

[0003] Therefore, in order to develop more effective compositions, research and development efforts continue in the fields of dry food compositions and food compositions with reduced moisture content.

[0004] [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide compositions and methods for a pet food blend with reduced moisture content.

[0005]

[0005] In one embodiment, the pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include about 15% to about 50% protein, about 5% to about 40% fat, and about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Further, the blend may include semi - moist kibble, dry meal, and dehydrated vegetables.

[0006]

[0006] Further, in another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include extruding a semi-moist kibble, extruding a dry kibble, grinding the dry kibble to form a dry meal, and mixing the semi-moist kibble and the dry meal with vegetables having a reduced moisture content to form a pet food blend with a reduced moisture content.

[0007]

[0007] Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] Definitions

[0008] The term "companion animal" means any animal kept in captivity, including but not limited to cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, rats, horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and pigs. In a particular aspect, the animal or companion animal can be a dog or a cat.

[0009]

[0009] The term "food" or "food product" or "food composition" means a product or composition intended for ingestion by an animal and providing nutrition to the animal.

[0010]

[0010] The term "pet food" or "pet food composition" means a composition intended for ingestion by a companion animal.

[0011] As used herein, the terms "complete and balanced" or "nutritionally balanced," when referring to a food composition, means that the food composition contains all known essential nutrients in appropriate amounts and proportions, based on the recommendations of recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, and thus can serve as the sole source of dietary intake to maintain life or promote production without the addition of nutritional supplements. Nutritionally balanced pet foods and animal food compositions are well known and widely used in the art, and include, for example, complete and balanced food compositions formulated according to the standards defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This term includes any food, diet, snack, nutritional supplement, treat, meal replacement, or dietary substitute for humans or other animals. Animal foods include foods or diets for any domestic or wild species. In some embodiments, the animal food represents a complete and balanced food composition, such as a pelleted food, an extruded food, or a dry food. Examples of such animal foods include extruded pet foods such as dog and cat foods.

[0012] As used herein, the term "long-term administration" means a period of repeated administration or repeated intake that exceeds one month. For certain embodiments, a period of more than two, three, or four months may be employed. Also, longer periods, including more than five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten months, may be employed. Periods of more than eleven months or one year may also be employed. Long-term use over one, two, three, or more years may also be employed. For certain elderly animals, the animal can continue regular intake throughout the remainder of its life. Such intake may sometimes be referred to as "long-term" intake.

[0013] The term "regularly" means administering the composition or ingesting the composition at least once a month, and in one aspect means administering once a week. In certain embodiments, more frequent administration or ingestion can be performed, such as twice or three times a week. Further, in other aspects, a regimen can be used that includes ingestion at least once a day. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the blood concentration of the compound or a particular metabolite of the compound, or the blood concentration that occurs after ingestion of the compound, can be a useful tool for evaluating or determining the dosing frequency. For example, in determining the dosage or dosing frequency of a composition comprising MCT, the blood concentration of ketone bodies, or a particular ketone body, can provide useful information. Whether or not explicitly exemplified herein, the frequency that allows the desired blood concentration of the measured compound to be maintained within an acceptable range is useful herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the dosing frequency is dependent on the composition being ingested or administered, and that some compositions may require more frequent or less frequent administration to maintain the desired blood concentration for the measured compound (e.g., ketone bodies).

[0014] The term "oral administration" or "orally administering" means that one or more of the compositions described herein are ingested by an animal, or that a human is instructed to feed or is feeding an animal. When a human is instructed to feed a composition, such instruction may instruct and / or notify the human that use of the composition may and / or will provide one or more of the benefits mentioned heretofore, such as increased mobility or activity, or prevention, reduction, or delay of the aforementioned functional or quality degradation. Such instruction may be by word of mouth (e.g., via word of mouth from a physician, veterinarian, or other healthcare provider, or from radio or television media (i.e., an advertisement)), or by written instruction (e.g., from a physician, veterinarian, or other healthcare provider (e.g., a prescription), a sales professional or sales organization (e.g., via a marketing catalog, pamphlet, or other useful tool), a record medium (e.g., the Internet, e-mail, a website, or other computer-related media), and / or a document from the packaging associated with the composition (e.g., a label present on the container that houses the composition)), or a combination thereof (e.g., a label or package insert having an instruction to access a website for more information).

[0015]

[0015] When referring to an animal, the term "individual" means any individual animal of any species or type.

[0016]

[0016] The term "microorganism" includes at least bacteria, mold and other fungi, and yeast. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that survive, grow, and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. Probiotics can generally contribute to the overall health of an animal, particularly the gastrointestinal health of the animal.

[0017] The term "single package" means that the components of a kit in or with one or more containers are physically related and are considered as one unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. The containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes or cardboard boxes, bottles, packages of any type or design or material, overlaps, shrink wraps, attached components (e.g., stapled or glued ones, etc.), or any combination of the foregoing. For example, as a single package kit, it is possible to provide containers for individual compositions and / or food compositions that are considered as one unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use as a result of being physically associated.

[0018] As used herein, the term "virtual package" means that the components of a kit are associated by an instruction regarding one or more physical or virtual kit components that instructs the user on how to obtain other components (for example, within a bag or other container, one component and instructions for the user to view a website, contact a recorded message or FAX reply service, view a visual message, or contact a caregiver or instructor, such as instructions on how to use the kit, or safety information or technical information regarding one or more components of the kit). Examples of information that can be provided as part of a virtual kit include: instructions for use; safety information such as a material safety data sheet; information on managing poisoning incidents; information on possible adverse reactions; results of clinical studies; information on diet such as food compositions or calorie compositions; comprehensive information on behavioral or motor functions; diseases affecting behavioral or motor functions; treatment of behavioral or motor functions; or comprehensive information on the treatment or prevention of behavioral or motor functions; independence regarding behavioral or motor functions; caregiver-oriented information for those caring for animals with behavioral or motor function challenges; and information on the use, benefits, possible side effects or counter-indications of a composition or drug.

[0019]

[0019] All percentages represented herein are on a dry weight basis of the composition, unless otherwise stated. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the term "dry weight basis" means that the concentration or percentage of raw materials in the composition is measured or specified after all free moisture in the composition has been removed.

[0020]

[0020] Throughout this specification, ranges are used in a shorthand manner to avoid having to describe in detail all the values within the range. Any appropriate value within such a range can be selected, as appropriate, as the upper limit, lower limit, or boundary value of the range.

[0021] The term "about" means ±20%, in one embodiment ±10%, in another embodiment ±5%, and in yet another specific embodiment ±2%.

[0022]

[0022] When used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, singular words include the plural and vice versa. Thus, references to "a", "an", and "the" generally include the plural forms of those terms. For example, a reference to "a method" or "a food" includes a plurality of such "methods" or "foods". In this specification, for example, a reference to "an antioxidant" includes a plurality of such antioxidants, whereas a reference to "a plurality of pieces" includes one piece. Similarly, the terms "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" should be construed as non-exclusive terms that may include other elements. Similarly, the terms "include", "including", and "or" should all be construed as including other elements unless such construction is clearly precluded by the context. As used herein, the term "example" is merely illustrative and for the purpose of explanation and should not be regarded as exclusive or inclusive, particularly when followed by a list of terms.

[0023]

[0023] When used herein, embodiments, aspects, and examples using the word "comprising" or other non-limiting words can be replaced with embodiments of "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of".

[0024]

[0024] The methods, compositions, and other developments disclosed herein are not limited to the specific methodologies, procedures, and reagents described herein, because, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, they are modifiable. Further, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to, nor do they, limit the disclosure or claims.

[0025]

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical, scientific, and specialized terms and acronyms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one or more fields of the invention, or one or more fields in which the terms are used, by those skilled in the art. Any compositions, methods, products, or other procedures or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the invention, but specific compositions, methods, products, or other procedures or materials are described herein.

[0026]

[0026] All patents, patent applications, publications, techniques, and / or academic papers, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent permitted by law. The discussion of these references is intended only to summarize the claims made in those references. None of such patents, patent applications, publications, or references, or any portion thereof, is admitted to be relevant art, essential art, or prior art. The right to challenge the accuracy and validity of any assertion that such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references are relevant art, essential art, or prior art is expressly reserved. Complete citations of publications not fully cited herein are set forth at the end of this specification.

[0027] The present invention

[0027] In one embodiment, a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include from about 15% to about 50% protein, from about 5% to about 40% fat, and from about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Further, the blend may include semi-moist kibble, dry meal, and dehydrated vegetables.

[0028]

[0028] Furthermore, in another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include extruding semi-moist kibble, extruding dry kibble, grinding the dry kibble to form dry meal, and mixing the semi-moist kibble and the dry meal with dehydrated vegetables to form a pet food blend with reduced moisture content.

[0029]

[0029] In one embodiment, extruding the dry kibble may include drying the extruded dry kibble to remove moisture from the dry kibble. Thus, in one aspect, the dry kibble can be extruded with normal moisture and then dried to form the dry kibble. In one aspect, the dry meal can be first mixed with dehydrated vegetables to form a dry blend, and then the dry blend can be mixed with semi-moist kibble to form a pet food blend with reduced moisture content.

[0030]

[0030] Furthermore, a method for administering a pet food blend with reduced moisture content to an animal may include mixing the pet food blend with reduced moisture content with water to rehydrate the dry and dehydrated components of the blend, and then administering the composition to a companion animal.

[0031]

[0031] Generally, a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include semi-moist kibble. The semi-moist kibble may have a moisture content of about 10% to about 30% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be about 10% to about 20% by weight. In one embodiment, the semi-moist kibble may be present in the blend in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight. In one aspect, the semi-moist kibble may be present in the blend in an amount of about 20% to about 30% by weight.

[0032]

[0032] Generally, a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include dry meal. The dry meal may have a moisture content of about 5% to about 12% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be about 6% to about 8% by weight. In one embodiment, the dry meal may be present in the blend in an amount of about 40% to about 90% by weight. In one aspect, the dry meal may be present in the blend in an amount of about 60% to about 70% by weight.

[0033]

[0033] Generally, a pet food blend with reduced moisture content may include moisture-reduced vegetables. The moisture-reduced vegetables may have a moisture content of about 1% to about 10% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture content may be about 5% to about 8% by weight. In one embodiment, the moisture-reduced vegetables may be present in the blend in an amount of about 5% to about 30% by weight. In one aspect, the moisture-reduced vegetables may be present in the blend in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight.

[0034]

[0034] In one aspect, the method and composition may include one or more B vitamins, one or more antioxidants, or a combination thereof. The B vitamins can be any B vitamin suitable for administration to an animal. The B vitamins include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (also known as P or PP) (niacin including nicotinic acid and / or nicotinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (also known as H) (biotin), vitamin B8 (myo-inositol), vitamin B9 (also known as M or B-c) (folic acid), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), or salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof that have been found to have B vitamin activity and are recognized as such. Any combination of the foregoing may be useful herein and may be referred to herein as a "mixture" of B vitamins. Since vitamin requirements vary by species, not all of the compounds listed are considered vitamins for all species. For example, myo-inositol is known to be synthesized by humans and is not required for proper human nutrition and is thus no longer considered a vitamin. The antioxidants can be any antioxidant suitable for administration to an animal. Antioxidants are well known in the art, particularly in the fields of food technology and food formulation technology. Natural antioxidant compounds include vitamins (e.g., vitamins A, C, and E, and derivatives, complexes, or analogs thereof) and plant extracts including extracts from fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, and other types and / or parts of plants. Compounds such as alpha-lipoic acid, chlorophyll and its derivatives, glutathione, ubiquinol (e.g., coenzyme Q10), carotenoids (e.g., lycopene), flavonoids, phenolic acids and polyphenols, and picnogenol are known to be excellent antioxidants.Some examples of plant sources of antioxidant substances include those derived from fruits such as berries (cherries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, goji berries, blueberries, bilberries / wild blueberries, blackcurrants), pomegranates, grapes, oranges, plums, pineapples, kiwifruits, and grapefruits; vegetables such as kale, chili peppers, red cabbages, ginger, parsley, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemons, ginger, garlic, and red beets; dried fruits such as apricots, prunes, and dates; legumes such as kidney beans, green beans, and soybeans. Similarly, nuts and seeds such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds; cereal grasses such as barley, millet, oats, and corn are also included. Many natural antioxidant substances are also available from a variety of spices including cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, and oregano. Less well-known sources of antioxidant substances include ginkgo, as well as tropical plants such as turmeric and papaya. The antioxidant properties of various teas and green teas, as well as fermented products such as red wine, have received significant attention in recent years and are suitable for use in this specification. Selenium is an excellent deoxidizer and functions well particularly when used with vitamins or related tocopherol compounds. Synthetic antioxidant substances for food use include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) which are commonly used in food products. Any of the foregoing may be suitable for use in this specification either alone or in combination, as well as combinations of natural and synthetic antioxidant substances.

[0035] Furthermore, vitamins B and antioxidants can be present in any acceptable amount, such as the recommended daily amount. In one embodiment, the composition comprises vitamins B in an amount about 0.1 to 40 times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and antioxidants in an amount about 0.01 to 25 times the RDA. In various embodiments, the vitamins B are included in an amount about 4 to 20 times the RDA, in one aspect about 1 to 10 times the RDA, and the antioxidants are included in an amount about 0.01 to 15 times the RDA, in one aspect about 0.01 to 5 times the RDA, or even about 0.01 to 2 times the RDA.

[0036]

[0036] The composition may further contain substances such as, for example, minerals, other vitamins, salts, functional additives such as palatants, colorants, emulsifiers, antibacterial agents or other preservatives. Minerals that may be useful in such compositions include, for example, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chloride, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, and selenium. Examples of further vitamins useful herein include fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Inulin, amino acids, enzymes, and coenzymes may also be useful for inclusion in various embodiments. The composition of the present invention may contain from about 0.01% to about 2.0% of such components.

[0037]

[0037] Examples of the composition of the present invention include foods for supplying the dietary requirements necessary for animals, animal treats (e.g., biscuits), or dietary supplements.

[0038]

[0038] The composition may optionally contain one or more replenishing substances that promote or sustain general health. Such substances may be related to improving mental health or enhancing cognitive function, or may be substances that inhibit, delay, or reduce a decline in cognitive function, such as herbs or plants that enhance cognitive function.

[0039]

[0039] In various embodiments, the pet food or pet treat composition comprises from about 15% to about 50% crude protein. The crude protein material may include vegetable proteins such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, cottonseed, and peanut meal, or animal proteins such as casein, albumin, and meat protein. Examples of meat proteins useful herein include pork, lamb, horse, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof.

[0040]

[0040] The composition may further comprise from about 5% to about 40% fat. The composition may further comprise a carbohydrate source. The composition may comprise from about 5% to about 50% carbohydrates. Examples of such carbohydrates include grains or forages such as rice, corn, milo, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally include other materials such as dried whey and other dairy by-products.

[0041]

[0041] In some embodiments, the ash content of the composition ranges from less than 1% to about 15%, and in one aspect from about 5% to about 10%.

[0042]

[0042] The moisture content of the moisture-reduced pet food blend can be from about 5 wt% to about 12 wt%. In one aspect, the moisture content can be from about 5% to about 10%. In one embodiment, the composition can be a complete and nutritionally balanced pet food.

[0043]

[0043] The composition may also include one or more fiber sources. The term "fiber" includes all sources of "bulk" in food, whether digestible or indigestible, soluble or insoluble, fermentable or non-fermentable. Examples of fibers include plant materials such as marine plants, but fiber sources derived from microorganisms can also be used. As is known to those skilled in the art, various soluble or insoluble fibers can be used. The fiber source may be beet pulp (derived from sugar beets), gum arabic, gum talha, psyllium, rice bran, locust bean gum, citrus pulp, pectin, fructooligosaccharides, short-chain oligofructose, mannanoligofructose, soybean fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharides, arabinoxylan, or a mixture thereof.

[0044]

[0044] Alternatively, the fiber source may be a fermentable fiber. Fermentable fibers have previously been reported to be beneficial to the immune system of companion animals. Fermentable fibers or other compositions known to those skilled in the art that provide prebiotics to enhance the growth of probiotics in the gut can also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the effects provided to the animal's immune system by the present invention.

[0045]

[0045] In other embodiments, the composition further comprises prebiotics or probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of certain medical conditions when ingested. Probiotics are thought to exert their biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Probiotics facilitate the process by which the indigenous anaerobic flora limits the concentration of bacteria (mainly aerobic) that may be harmful within the gastrointestinal tract. Other mechanisms of action, such as the supply of enzymes or the influence on enzyme activity in the gastrointestinal tract, may also constitute part of other functions in which probiotics are involved. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host's health by selectively stimulating the growth and / or activity of bacteria in the colon. Examples of prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and manno-oligosaccharides (typically for non-human foods such as pet food). The prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) is naturally found in many foods such as wheat, onions, bananas, honey, garlic, and leeks. FOS can also be isolated from chicory roots and synthesized enzymatically from sucrose. Fermentation of FOS in the colon results in numerous physiological effects, including an increase in the number of bifidobacteria in the colon, an increase in calcium absorption, an increase in fecal weight, a shortening of gastrointestinal transit time, and in some cases a decrease in blood lipid concentration. The increase in bifidobacteria is presumed to be beneficial to human health by producing compounds to inhibit potential pathogens, reducing blood ammonia concentration, and producing vitamins and digestive enzymes. Probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria are thought to have a beneficial effect on the immune response by improving the balance of the gut microbiota, leading to enhanced antibody production and phagocytic (engulfing or killing) activity of white blood cells. Bifidobacterium lactis may be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing some aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly.Probiotics can be useful as dietary supplements to enhance the systemic cellular immune response and otherwise strengthen the innate immunity in healthy adult companion animals. Examples of probiotics include many types of bacteria, but generally, they are selected from four genera of bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus. Examples of beneficial species include species of Enterococcus and Saccharomyces. The amounts of probiotics and prebiotics administered to an animal can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the type and nature of the prebiotics and probiotics, as well as the type and nature of the animal, such as age, weight, health status, sex, degree of microbial depletion, presence of harmful bacteria, and the animal's diet. Generally, probiotics can be administered to an animal in an amount of about 1 to about 20 billion colony forming units (CFU) per day, and in one aspect, in an amount of about 5 billion to about 10 billion per day, for the healthy maintenance of the intestinal microbiota. Generally, prebiotics can be administered in an amount sufficient to actively stimulate the healthy intestinal flora and grow these "good" bacteria. Typical amounts can be about 1 g to about 10 g per serving, or about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber amount for the animal. Probiotics and prebiotics can be made part of a composition by any suitable means. Generally, these agents can be mixed with the composition or applied to the surface of the composition, for example, by spraying or atomizing. When the agent is part of a kit, the agent may be mixed with other materials or may be within a package for the agent.

[0046]

[0046] Compositions and dietary supplements may be specially formulated for an intended recipient or consumer, such as for adult animals or for older or younger animals. For example, compositions can be prepared that are tailored to puppies or kittens, or to animals that are active, pregnant, lactating, or elderly. Generally, special compositions will include energy and nutrient requirements appropriate for animals at different stages of development or age.

[0047]

[0047] Certain embodiments of the present invention can be used in combination with a complete and balanced food. According to certain embodiments provided herein, the compositions can be used in conjunction with high-quality commercially available foods. As used herein, "high-quality commercially available foods" refers to diets that are manufactured such that the digestibility of important nutrients is 80% or greater, for example, as described in the recommendations of the above-mentioned National Research Council for dogs or in the guidelines described by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Similar high nutritional standards will be used for other animals.

[0048]

[0048] In one embodiment, the food composition includes any of a variety of raw materials or combinations thereof selected for their contribution to the overall composition. Thus, a skilled food technologist can also select from natural (e.g., plant or plant-derived, animal or animal-derived, and microbial or microbial-derived) and synthetic raw materials or ingredients. In certain embodiments, raw materials include cereal grains and / or their fractions or components, meat and meat by-products, fish, crustaceans, or other seafood, other animal products or by-products, eggs from any source, vitamins, minerals, salts, sweeteners, fiber, flavorings or other taste enhancers, colorants, and functional raw materials such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, softeners, and functional coatings. In one aspect, the kibble can be coated with an animal digest coating, which can optionally contain fat. Cereal grains useful in the present invention include all plants recognized as "cereal grains" that are currently used in commercial agriculture or are known, either actually or botanically, as "cereal grains." For example, "cereal grains" include corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum, millet, oats, rye, triticale, buckwheat, fonio, and quinoa. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the use of one or more such cereal products may be common in each food composition. Meat useful in the present invention includes products derived from any animal, such as muscle tissue such as chicken or other poultry, lamb, sheep, veal, beef, or pork. Other animal products and by-products useful in the present invention include dairy products or by-products derived from the milk of any animal species. Another important component or raw material is fat, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various fat sources from vegetables, animals, or microorganisms are available for formulating food compositions. In one embodiment, the fat source can be a vegetable fat such as corn oil, soybean oil, or canola oil, including those that are readily available. In another embodiment, animal fats, such as lard, for example, may be useful for providing calories from fat and for providing an attractive flavor for carnivorous animals.Of course, any combination of the foregoing raw materials, such as fats for example, is known in the art and is useful for optimizing food compositions based on functional properties as well as price and availability.

[0049]

[0049] One skilled in the art will also understand that in formulating the food compositions of the present invention, the formulation may vary slightly, and the formulator can take into account the price and / or availability of specific raw materials in the composition, as well as the batch-to-batch variability in the analysis of specific raw materials. Therefore, a given food composition or formulation may vary slightly from batch to batch, from plant to plant, or even from season to season depending on such factors. Even if there is such variability in the specific raw materials selected for manufacturing a particular batch of the food composition, the overall composition (e.g., analysis of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, or other components) can be kept constant or at least substantially constant according to label requirements such as claims or guarantees regarding the minimum or maximum percentage of a particular component.

[0050]

[0050] In one embodiment, the food composition includes a major nutrient composition suitable for the type of food being designed. In one embodiment, the food composition can have about 20 - 32% protein, about 30 - 50% carbohydrate, about 5% - 20% fat, and about 5% - 12% moisture. In another embodiment, the food composition can be a pet food composition such as a premium pet food composition or a super-premium pet food composition. In one embodiment, the pet food can be formulated for dogs and can have a protein content of about 20 - 30%, in one aspect about 24 - 28%, or even about 25 - 27%. In one embodiment, the protein content of the dog food composition can be about 26% by weight. In another embodiment, the formulation can be for cats and can have a protein content of about 35 - 45%, in one aspect 37 - 42%, or even about 39 - 41%. In one embodiment, the protein content of the cat food composition can be about 40%.

[0051]

[0051] Further, in one embodiment, a method of administering a pet food blend with reduced moisture content to an animal may include the steps of mixing the pet food blend with reduced moisture content and water to form a rehydrated pet food blend, and feeding the rehydrated pet food blend to the animal. Rehydration can be achieved by adding an amount of water sufficient to replenish the water removed during the process of reducing the moisture content / drying process. In one embodiment, the amount of water added can be from about 0.1 mL to about 10 mL per gram of the pet food blend with reduced moisture content, although amounts more or less than this range can also be used. In one aspect, the amount of water can be from about 0.8 mL to about 1 mL per gram of the pet food blend with reduced moisture content. Administration according to this method can be carried out at irregular or regular frequencies as needed or desired. The purpose of regular intake is to provide the animal with a regular and constant intake of the composition or the direct or indirect metabolites resulting from such intake. Such regular and constant intake will help to keep the blood concentration of the components of the composition or their direct or indirect metabolites constant. Therefore, regular administration can be once a month, once a week, once a day, or more than once a day. Similarly, administration can be every other day, every other week, or every other month, every three days, every three weeks, or every three months, every four days, every four weeks, or every four months, etc. Administration can also be multiple times a day. When used as a supplement to normal dietary requirements, the composition may be administered directly to the animal, for example, orally or by other means. Generally, a pet food blend with reduced moisture content can be mixed with water before feeding to the animal. Alternatively, the composition may be contacted or mixed with daily diet or food, including fluids such as drinking water, or may be an intravenous connection for the animal undergoing such treatment. When used as daily diet or food, the administration will be well known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] According to the method of the present invention, administration of a composition including administration as part of a diet therapy can occur over a period from the animal's birth to adulthood. In various embodiments, the animal can be a human or a companion animal, such as a dog or a cat, for example. In certain embodiments, the animal can be a juvenile or growing animal. In more specific embodiments, the animal can be an aged animal. In some embodiments, the administration is initiated periodically or with extended intervals, for example, when the animal has reached more than about 30%, 40%, or 50% of its estimated or predicted lifespan. In some other embodiments, the animal has reached 40%, 45%, or 50% of its expected lifespan. In still other embodiments, the animal can be older and has reached 60%, 66%, 70%, 75%, or 80% of its projected lifespan. The calculation of lifespan can be based on actuarial tables, calculations, or estimates, for example, and may take into account known positive or negative influencing effects or factors on lifespan, past, present, and future. Considerations such as species, gender, body size, genetic factors, environmental factors and stressors, current and past health status, past and current nutritional status, and stressors can also affect and may be considered when calculating lifespan.

[0053]

[0053] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit suitable for administering a composition to an animal. The kit comprises, depending on the kit, one or more semi-moist kibbles, one or more dry meals, and / or one or more reduced-moisture vegetables, in separate containers within a single package or within separate containers within a virtual package, and optionally, (1) one or more other raw materials suitable for ingestion by the animal; (2) one or more B vitamins; (3) one or more antioxidants; (4) one or more prebiotics; (5) one or more probiotics; (6) one or more diagnostic devices suitable for evaluating whether an animal can benefit from the composition and method for receiving a health benefit; (7) instructions on how to combine or prepare the semi-moist kibbles, dry meals, and reduced-moisture vegetables with any other raw materials provided in the kit for administration to the animal; (8) instructions on the use of the combined, prepared, or other kit components for the benefit of the animal; and (9) a device for administering the combined or prepared kit components to the animal, one or more of which. The components can be provided separately in separate containers included in a single package or as a mixture of various components included in different packages. The kit can include various combinations of raw materials. For example, the kit can include a mixture of one or more B vitamins and one or more antioxidants in one container and one or more other raw materials in one or more other containers. Other such combinations can be made by those skilled in the art based on the characteristics of the raw materials and their physical, chemical, and compatibility properties.

[0054] In another aspect, the present invention provides a means for communicating information or instructions regarding one or more of: (1) the step of using the composition of the present invention; (2) the step of mixing the components of the present invention to produce a pet food blend with reduced moisture content; and (3) the step of administering the composition to an animal. Such means include one or more of a physical or electronic document, digital storage medium, optical storage medium, audio presentation, audio-visual display, or visual display, containing such information or instructions. In one embodiment, such means can be selected from the group consisting of a displayed website, visual display kiosk, pamphlet, product label, package insert, advertisement, distribution material, public notice, audio tape, video tape, DVD, CD-ROM, computer-readable chip, computer-readable card, computer-readable disk, USB device, FireWire device, computer memory, and any combination thereof.

[0055] In another aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising the composition of the present invention and a label attached to the package containing words, images, designs, logos, slogans, phrases, or other devices, or combinations thereof, indicating that the contents of the package are a composition suitable for an animal (e.g., a dog). Any package or package material suitable for containing the composition, such as bags, boxes, bottles, cans, and pouches made from paper, plastic, foil, metal, etc., can be useful in the present invention. In one embodiment, the package includes a food composition tailored to a specific animal, such as a dog or a cat, depending on the label, and in one aspect, includes a food composition for companion animals.

[0056] [Examples] The present invention can be further illustrated by the following examples, which are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in the absence of separate description.

[0057] Example 1: Pet Food Blend for Dogs with Reduced Moisture Content

[0057] The pet food blend with reduced moisture content was manufactured by dry-mixing semi-moist kibble, dry meal, vegetables with reduced moisture content, vitamins, and minerals. When the obtained blend was given to dogs, its acceptance rate was 97%.

[0058]

[0058] Furthermore, since this blend avoids layering, it brings advantages compared to general foods with reduced moisture content. Also, general foods with reduced moisture content may be troubled by the separation of the mineral-vitamin mix from the main food components and its concentration as fine powder. Such problems did not exist in this blend.

[0059] Example 2: Pet Food for Dogs with Reduced Moisture Content

[0059] A pet food with reduced moisture content was prepared by dry-mixing components with reduced moisture content, such as meat, vegetables, fruits, fats, vitamins, and minerals. After adding and further blending tallow, the vegetables and meat were blended, and then a powder raw material containing a vitamin-mineral mix was added and further blended. The obtained composition was not as well accepted by dogs as the pet food blend with reduced moisture content in Example 1.

[0060]

[0060] In this specification, typical embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed. Specific terms are used, but these are generally and only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined in the "claims". Obviously, in light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible for the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims even if it is other than what is specifically described.

Claims

1. A pet food blend with reduced moisture content, 15% to 50% protein, 5% to 40% fat, 5% to 50% carbohydrates, Includes, The aforementioned pet food blend is a reduced-moisture pet food blend that includes semi-moist kibble, dry meal, and reduced-moisture vegetables.

2. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the semi-moist kibble has a moisture content of 10% to 30% by weight.

3. The reduced moisture content pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the semi-moist kibble is present in the pet food blend in an amount of 10% to 50% by weight.

4. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the dry meal has a moisture content of 5% to 12% by weight.

5. The pet food blend with reduced moisture content according to claim 1, wherein the dry meal is present in the pet food blend in an amount of 40% to 90% by weight.

6. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the vegetables with reduced moisture content have a moisture content of 1% to 10% by weight.

7. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the reduced-moisture vegetables are present in the pet food blend in an amount of 5% to 30% by weight.

8. A reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, further containing antioxidants, minerals, or vitamins, and further containing preservatives.

9. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the semi-moist kibble is coated with animal digestive material.

10. The reduced-moisture pet food blend according to claim 1, wherein the pet food blend is formulated as a complete and nutritionally balanced pet food.

11. A method for producing a pet food blend with reduced moisture content, Steps to push out semi-moist kibble, Steps to push out the dry kibble, The steps include crushing the dry kibble to form a dry meal, The steps include mixing the semi-moist kibble and the dry meal with vegetables with reduced moisture content to form a pet food blend with reduced moisture content, Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the semi-moist kibble has a moisture content of 10% to 30% by weight and is present in the pet food blend in an amount of 10% to 50% by weight.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the dry meal has a moisture content of 5% to 12% by weight and is present in the pet food blend in an amount of 40% to 90% by weight.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the vegetables with reduced moisture content have a moisture content of 1% to 10% by weight and are present in the pet food blend in an amount of 5% to 30% by weight.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises drying the extruded dry kibble to remove moisture from the dry kibble, first mixing the dry meal with the moisture-reduced vegetables to form a dry blend, and mixing the dry blend with the semi-moist kibble to form a moisture-reduced pet food blend.