Pet food products and pet food spoons

Abstract

To provide a pet food product and a spoon for pets, which enable a feeder to feed a pet easily with one hand in a posture suitable for the pet. [Solution] A pet food product (1) comprising a container (2) having a bottom (21), a peripheral wall (22) extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom (21) and surrounding the periphery of the bottom (21), defining a storage section (23) that opens upward together with the bottom (21), and a holding section (24) protruding outward from the peripheral wall (22), and wet food (3) stored in the storage section (23).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet food product and a pet food spoon. [Background technology]

[0002] Pet food can be divided into staple foods and snacks depending on the occasion for which it is given. Pet food that is used as a staple food is called a "complete nutritional food" and is made so that the necessary nutrients can be obtained by simply giving the pet food and water. On the other hand, "snacks" are pet foods that are intended to be given in limited quantities to pets for training, exercise, or as a reward. Pet food can be classified according to its purpose into "complete nutritional food," "snacks," "therapeutic food," and "food for other purposes" that do not fall into any of the above categories.

[0003] Pet food can be broadly classified based on its moisture content into dry food, which has a moisture content of about 10% (12% or less), soft food, which has a moisture content of about 25-35% and has been foamed, semi-moist food, which has a moisture content of about 25-35%, and has not been foamed, and wet food, which has a moisture content of about 75%.

[0004] Demand for wet food has been increasing in recent years due to its high palatability for pets. Wet food has a high moisture content, so it is usually given to pets in a container such as a dish.

[0005] On the other hand, for products that are consumed within a short period of time after opening, stick-shaped multilayer film containers (so-called stick type) are also widely used. The stick type has the advantage that it can be easily fed directly to pets. However, when using a stick-shaped film container, if the contents are viscous, it is often necessary to pinch the container with the fingertips and squeeze out the contents to the end. However, when squeezing out the last part of the contents, if the contents are not left near the break opening, the contents may stick to the fingertips and stain the fingers and hands. In response to this, a simple squeezer that can squeeze out the contents without staining the hands has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3218518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When feeding wet food to pets in a container such as a dish, the container is often placed on the floor. However, feeding with a container placed on the floor may put the pet in a posture that is stressful to the pet, which may put a strain on the digestive system. In addition, when feeding with a container placed on the floor, problems may arise for the feeder, such as pet food scattering when the pet licks the wet food, or the floor becoming dirty due to bed sores caused by the dish sliding and moving on the floor.

[0008] When feeding wet food directly to pets using sticks, it is often done from above the pet to prevent the contents from spilling onto the floor. However, feeding wet food from above the pet can put strain on the pet's neck and back if the pet is forced into an awkward position. In addition, with stick-type food, the wet food is located above the pet's face or body, so if the timing of pushing out the food is off, the contents may spill or the pet's face or fur may get dirty. If the wet food remains on the pet's fur for a certain amount of time, it hardens and becomes difficult to wash off with water, which can necessitate measures such as cutting the fur. In addition, the stick type has problems such as the feeder's hands getting dirty when squeezing out the remaining contents, or the pet accidentally biting the feeder. On the other hand, when using a simple squeezer like the one in Patent Document 1, not only is it time-consuming to set up the stick-shaped film container, but the feeder's hands are also occupied when feeding the pet. This makes it difficult for the feeder to stroke the pet or take a picture of the pet while feeding.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a pet food product and a pet food spoon that enable a feeder to feed a pet easily with one hand, in a posture appropriate for the pet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes the following aspects. (1) A pet food product comprising: a container having a bottom, a peripheral wall extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom and surrounding the periphery of the bottom, defining a storage section that opens upward together with the bottom, and a retaining section protruding outward from the peripheral wall; and wet food contained in the storage section. (2) The pet food product described in (1) above, wherein the length of the retaining portion is 20 mm or more. (3) The pet food product according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the length of the retaining portion is 40 mm or less. (4) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the storage section has a depth of 20 mm or less. (5) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the storage section has a depth of 10 mm or more. (6) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the opening diameter of the storage section is φ20 mm or more. (7) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the opening diameter of the storage section is φ50 mm or less. (8) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the bottom has a polygonal shape having six or more sides in a plan view. (9) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the bottom is circular in plan view. (10) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the angle between the holding portion and an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the bottom portion exists is 45 to 90°. (11) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the viscosity of the wet food measured with a Bostwick viscometer is 5 mm / min or more. (12) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the viscosity of the wet food measured with a Bostwick viscometer is 60 mm / min or less. (13) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (12) above, further comprising a lid body removably joined to the edge portion of the opening. (14) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the lid has a peelable portion, the peelable portion being provided on the holding portion side. (15) A pet food spoon comprising: a bottom; a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom and surrounding the bottom, and defining a storage portion that opens upward together with the bottom; and a holding portion protruding outward from the peripheral wall portion. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The present invention can provide a pet food product and a pet food spoon that enable a feeder to feed a pet simply and easily with one hand, in a posture appropriate for the pet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II' in FIG. 1 of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are plan views showing examples of shapes of holding portions in pet food products according to embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In this specification, the term "pet" refers to an animal kept by a human. In a narrower sense, a pet is an animal kept as a pet by its owner. Furthermore, "pet food" refers to food for pets. The pet food of the present invention can be sold as "animal food" or "animal feed".

[0014] In this specification, "palatability" is an index of whether a food is enjoyed by pets and is determined by the texture, taste, smell, etc.

[0015] In this specification, the moisture content (wt%) of the pet food is determined by a normal pressure heat drying method, and the moisture content determined by this method includes the moisture in the ingredients. (Normal pressure heat drying method) The weight of the aluminum weighing can (W1 gram) is measured in advance as a constant value. Put the sample in and measure its weight (W2 grams). Then use a forced circulation hot air dryer to dry it. Dry the sample at 135℃ for 2 hours in a dry atmosphere (silica gel desiccator). After cooling in a freezer, the weight (W3 grams) is measured. Calculate the moisture content. Moisture content (unit: weight%) = (W2-W3) ÷ (W2-W1) × 100

[0016] <Pet food products> Hereinafter, embodiments of the pet food product of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, the same reference numerals may be used to designate corresponding configurations, and the description thereof may be omitted. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II' in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the pet food product 1 includes a container 2 and wet food 3 contained within the container 2 .

[0018] (container) The container 2 comprises a bottom 21, a peripheral wall portion 22 extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom 21 and surrounding the periphery of the bottom 21, and defining a storage portion 23 that opens upward together with the bottom 21, and a holding portion 24 protruding outward from the peripheral wall portion 22.

[0019] The material of container 2 is not particularly limited, but from the standpoint of moldability and storage stability of wet food, thermoplastic resins, metals such as aluminum and steel, paper materials used for food containers, edible materials such as biscuits, etc. are preferred, and thermoplastic resins are more preferred.

[0020] According to the pet food product of this embodiment, the feeder can feed the pet from the hand, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face without the container or contents moving, so the pet can be fed in a suitable posture. In addition, unlike stick-type wet food, the feeder does not need to push the pet food out, so the pet can be easily handled and fed with one hand. Therefore, the feeder can stroke the pet while feeding and feel happy, and can create memories such as taking pictures of the pet while feeding, which increases the intimacy between the feeder and the pet and contributes to the health of both.

[0021] 1, the bottom 21 is circular. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the bottom 21 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle, an ellipse, a combination of two or more circles, a doughnut shape, a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon, a star shape, a heart shape, a cat face motif, or other irregular shape. In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing pet food from being left over and making it easy to feed pets in an appropriate posture, it is preferable that the bottom 21 be polygonal or circular in plan view having six or more sides, and a circular shape is more preferable.

[0022] The peripheral wall portion 22 extends upward from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 21 and surrounds the periphery of the bottom portion 21, and together with the bottom portion 21 defines a storage portion 23 that opens upward. The peripheral wall portion 22 may be formed to have the same height over the entire periphery, or may be formed to have a height that differs partially.

[0023] The peripheral wall 22 may have an opening edge 22a that extends horizontally from the upper end of the peripheral wall 22. A detachable cover 25 may be attached to the opening edge 22a (see FIG. 5). The width of the opening edge 22a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 10 mm, more preferably 2 to 8 mm, and even more preferably 3 to 6 mm. Further, the thickness of the opening edge portion 22a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 to 1 mm, more preferably 0.4 to 0.9 mm, and further preferably 0.5 to 0.8 mm.

[0024] The depth of the storage section 23 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 12 mm or more. The depth of the storage section 23 is preferably 20 mm or less, and more preferably 18 mm or less. When the depth of the storage section 23 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet food does not spill out and the pet can be fed in a suitable position. On the other hand, when the depth of the storage section 23 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet's face does not get dirty and the pet can be fed in a suitable position.

[0025] In this embodiment, the depth of the storage section 23 is the distance D from the lowest point of the bottom 21 to the highest point of the opening of the storage section 23 when the pet food product 1 is viewed in side cross section.

[0026] The opening diameter of the storage section 23 is not particularly limited, but is preferably φ20 mm or more, more preferably φ25 mm or more, and even more preferably φ30 mm or more. The opening diameter of the storage section 23 is preferably φ50 mm or less, more preferably φ45 mm or less, and even more preferably φ40 mm or less. When the opening diameter of the storage section 23 is equal to or larger than the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet food does not spill and the pet can be fed in a suitable position. On the other hand, when the opening diameter of the storage section 23 is equal to or smaller than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet can be fed in a suitable position without soiling the pet's face.

[0027] In this embodiment, the opening diameter φ of the storage section 23 is the maximum diameter at the uppermost point of the opening of the storage section 23 when the pet food product 1 is viewed in side cross section.

[0028] The holding portion 24 protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion 22. From the viewpoint of ease of handling by the feeder, it is preferable that the holding portion 24 extends from an upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 22 in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0029] The length of the holding portion 24 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 22 mm or more, and even more preferably 25 mm or more. The length of the holding portion 24 is preferably 40 mm or less, more preferably 39 mm or less, and even more preferably 38 mm or less. When the length of the holding portion 24 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet's face and the feeder's hands are not soiled, and the pet can be fed in a suitable position. In addition, the pet food is less likely to spill, and the occurrence of stains is easily prevented. On the other hand, when the length of the holding portion 24 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the container is less likely to shake, and the pet can be fed in a suitable position. In addition, the pet food is less likely to spill, and the occurrence of stains is easily prevented.

[0030] In this embodiment, the length of the retaining portion 24 refers to the distance L from the point P where the end of the peripheral wall portion 22 and the end of the retaining portion 24 are connected to the other end T of the retaining portion 24 when viewed in cross-sectional side view of the pet food product 1.

[0031] The width of holding portion 24 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 15 to 35 mm, more preferably 16 to 30 mm, and even more preferably 17 to 25 mm. Note that in this embodiment, the width of holding portion 24 refers to the average value of the maximum and minimum widths of holding portion 24 when pet food product 1 is viewed in plan. The thickness of the retaining portion 24 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 0.9 mm, and even more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Note that in this embodiment, the thickness of the retaining portion 24 refers to the average value of the maximum and minimum thicknesses of the retaining portion 24 when the pet food product 1 is viewed in side cross section.

[0032] The shape of the holding part 24 is not particularly limited as long as the feeder can hold it with one hand. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the shape of the holding part in the pet food product according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the shape of the holding part 24 may be, for example, a shape with a motif of a pet such as a paw, tail, cat (front or side), dog (front or side), rabbit (front or side), mouse, chicken, deer, etc., in a plan view; a shape with a motif of food such as fish, meat (lamb chops, meat on the bone, etc.), chicken, carrot, broccoli, fruit (banana, etc.), ice cream, shellfish (oyster, etc.); a polygonal shape such as a circle, triangle, square, trapezoid, pentagon, etc.; a combination of an irregular shape such as a star, heart, clover, ribbon, crown, etc., and an elongated shape; a shape with a motif of a plant such as a flower; a combination of a shape with a motif of tableware such as a fork and a shape with a motif of food such as a boiled egg, etc. The holding part and the storage part may have, but are not limited to, various animal, plant, and geometric patterns.

[0033] The angle θ between the axis V perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the bottom portion 21 exists and the holding portion 24 is preferably 45 to 90°, more preferably 60 to 90°, and further preferably 70 to 90°. When the angle θ is within the above-mentioned preferable range, it becomes easier to feed a pet in a suitable posture.

[0034] (Modification of container) Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a lid body 25 is provided which is removably joined to the opening edge portion 22a. The provision of the lid 25 can prevent the wet food 3 in the storage section 23 from drying out until feeding. By keeping the wet food 3 in good condition, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a posture that is more suitable for the pet.

[0035] 5, lid body 25 may have peel-off portion 25a on the holding part 24 side. When lid body 25 has peel-off portion 25a on the holding part 24 side, it becomes easier to prevent wet food 3 from spilling out of storage part 23 when lid body 25 is removed immediately before feeding.

[0036] In this embodiment, the position of the peripheral wall 22 farthest from the holding portion 24 side is defined as the "front peripheral wall 22b" and the position of the peripheral wall 22 closest to the holding portion 24 side is defined as the "rear peripheral wall 22c", and if the difference in height between the front peripheral wall 22b and the rear peripheral wall 22c is 0 to 10 mm, the bottom 21 is angled, making it easier to feed the pet and easier for the pet to eat the wet food. In this embodiment, the height of the front peripheral wall 22b may be 0.5 to 5 mm lower than the height of the rear peripheral wall 22c.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6, the height of the front peripheral wall portion 22b is formed to be lower than the height of the rear peripheral wall portion 22c. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the pet food is less likely to spill out of the storage portion 23 during feeding, and the pet can easily lick the wet food 3. Therefore, it is easy to feed the pet in a posture appropriate for the pet without soiling the pet's face.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 7, the height of the front peripheral wall portion 22b is formed to be higher than the height of the rear peripheral wall portion 22c. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the feeding angle of the pet food product can be changed to allow the pet to lick up any wet food 3 that has not been licked completely at the front of the storage portion 23. As a result, the pet spends a little longer licking the wet food than during normal feeding, allowing the pet to see a variety of expressions during feeding and increasing the time for communication with the pet. In addition, in the embodiment of Figure 7, even if the pet food product is placed on the floor or a stand, for example when feeding is temporarily interrupted, the bottom 21 and holding portion 24 allow the pet food product 1 to be stably placed on the floor or a stand.

[0039] (Wet Food) In this embodiment, wet food refers to pet food that contains more water than dry food that has been subjected to a drying process as a final marketed form. The water content of the pet food is usually 50% by mass or more, preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more, and particularly preferably 70% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the pet food.

[0040] Wet food typically includes a base meat portion, and may further include a chunk portion and / or flakes. Here, "chunk" refers to a portion in which raw materials are solidified into small pieces, and the chunk portion refers to a collection of chunks. "Flakes" refers to finely chopped fish or meat. The "base meat" portion refers to the wet portion of the pet food other than the chunk and flake portions.

[0041] The proportion of chunks and / or flakes contained in the wet food is not particularly limited, and is preferably 0 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0 to 25% by mass, based on the total mass of the pet food.

[0042] The shape of the chunks is not particularly limited, and examples of the shape include pellets (grains) that are spherical, polygonal, columnar, doughnut-shaped, plate-shaped, or go stone-shaped. The size of such pellets is not particularly limited, and for example, when a pellet placed on a horizontal table is viewed from above, the short diameter and long diameter are preferably 1 to 25 mm, and the thickness from the lower surface (lower end) to the upper surface (upper end) of the pellet on the horizontal table is preferably 1 to 20 mm, the short diameter and long diameter are more preferably 3 to 11 mm, the thickness is more preferably 3 to 9 mm, and the short diameter and long diameter are even more preferably 5 to 9 mm, and the thickness is still more preferably 5 to 8 mm. The state of the base meat portion is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include liquid, gel, solid, and the like, or a combination thereof. In addition, when a solid is contained in the base meat portion, the shape is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the same shapes as the chunks described above.

[0043] The proportions of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contained in the wet food are not particularly limited. For example, the proportion of the protein contained in the pet food can be 26 to 60% by mass, more preferably 35 to 55% by mass, based on the dry matter equivalent mass of the entire pet food. The proportion of the carbohydrate contained in the pet food can be 5 to 30% by mass, more preferably 10 to 20% by mass, based on the dry matter equivalent mass of the entire pet food. In addition, the proportion of the lipid contained in the pet food can be 9 to 30% by mass, more preferably 20 to 30% by mass, based on the dry matter equivalent mass of the entire pet food.

[0044] In this embodiment, the viscosity of the wet food measured by a Bostwick viscometer is preferably 5 mm / min or more, more preferably 7 mm / min or more, and even more preferably 10 mm / min or more. Also, the viscosity of the wet food measured by a Bostwick viscometer is preferably 60 mm / min or less, more preferably 59 mm / min or less, and even more preferably 58 mm / min or less. When the viscosity of the wet food is within the above preferred range, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable position without soiling the pet's face or scattering the pet food.

[0045] The pet food product according to this embodiment is particularly preferably for cats, small dogs, or extra small dogs.

[0046] <Ingredients> The raw materials constituting the wet food are not particularly limited, and raw materials used in conventional pet foods can be applied. For example, in addition to protein components, carbohydrate components, vitamins, minerals, salts, fats, oils, extracts of animal food materials, etc. may be added.

[0047] When preparing wet food, thickeners may be added as ingredients. Examples of the thickener include polysaccharides such as guar gum, starch, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum.

[0048] When fish such as tuna, sardines, and bonito, or livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens are used as the protein components contained in the raw materials of wet food, these raw materials may be heated or cooked in advance by a known method.

[0049] Wet food can be produced, for example, by mixing protein components and water and adding a thickener as necessary. There are no particular limitations on the mixing method, and known methods using a mixer or mincer can be applied, and it is preferable to adopt a method that allows uniform mixing. The protein components can be mixed (processed) into a minced form beforehand and then mixed with other raw materials to mix each raw material more uniformly. After mixing, the pet food may be in a paste form. Also, chunky (solid) ingredients may be dispersed in the paste-like pet food. By uniformly mixing the raw materials in the pet food or by the pet food being in a paste form, it is possible to prevent the pet from eating only a part of the pet food or only some of the raw materials, and to improve the rate of complete eating.

[0050] The time and temperature for mixing the raw materials can be set appropriately. The viscosity of the pet food can be adjusted by adjusting the mixing time. In addition, the viscosity and moisture content of the pet food can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of water to be mixed. The viscosity of the pet food can also be adjusted by the blending amount of the thickener. In addition, the FW can be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the material containing the solid component relative to the weight of all the materials constituting the pet food.

[0051] Wet food is usually not in a form in which solid ingredients and liquid soup are separated, but has only a paste-like component having the above-mentioned specific viscosity and water content, or a form in which the paste-like component and solid ingredients are intertwined. It is preferable that wet food is not in a form in which soup components and solid ingredients are separated, but has at least a paste-like form (component) having the above-mentioned viscosity and water content. In addition to the paste-like component, it may contain solid ingredients. In this case, the solid ingredients are intertwined with the paste-like component, so that the solid ingredients are delivered to the pet's mouth together with the paste-like component. The rate at which wet food is completely eaten can be improved.

[0052] When the wet food contains a chunk portion, the chunk portion and the base meat portion can be produced using the raw materials shown below.

[0053] (Base meat ingredients) The raw materials contained in the base meat portion of the wet food are not particularly limited, but the base meat portion can use a protein raw material as the main raw material. Examples of the protein raw material of the base meat portion include plant-derived proteins, animal-derived proteins, and mixtures thereof. Specifically, the plant-derived proteins include gluten, wheat protein, soybean protein, rice protein, corn protein, and the like. Examples of the animal-derived proteins include muscle and organ proteins of cows, pigs, chickens, and seafood, milk proteins, and mixtures thereof. As ingredients other than those mentioned above for the base meat part, fats and oils, chicken extract, fish extract, seasonings, thickeners, water, etc. may be added.

[0054] (Chunk raw materials) The chunk portion of the pet food may contain a protein raw material. The protein raw material for the chunk portion may be the same as that used for the base meat portion.

[0055] Furthermore, grains may be added to the chunk portion of the pet food. Preferred examples of grains include corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, and soybeans. These grains can contain protein, ash, minerals, vitamins, and the like in addition to carbohydrates, and can be used as a nutritional source. In addition, the addition of grains makes it easier to adjust (mainly reduce) the blending ratio of amino acids to the entire pet food. As ingredients of the chunk portion other than those mentioned above, seasonings, binders, water, etc. may be added.

[0056] <Pet food spoon> The pet food spoon according to this embodiment is similar to the pet food product container according to this embodiment.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the feeder can feed the pet from his / her hands, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face without the container or contents moving, so the pet can be fed in a suitable position. In addition, unlike stick-type wet food, the feeder does not need to push the pet food out, so the pet can be easily handled and fed with one hand. Therefore, the feeder can stroke the pet while feeding and feel happy, and can take a photo of the pet while feeding, creating memories, which increases the intimacy between the feeder and the pet and contributes to the health of both.

[0058] The pet food spoon according to this embodiment is particularly preferably for cats, small dogs, or extra small dogs. Moreover, the pet food spoon according to this embodiment is preferably used for feeding wet food. EXAMPLES

[0059] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0060] [Wet food manufacturing] The wet food was produced by mixing 30% tuna, 2.8% thickener, and 67.2% water and extract, grinding them in a mixer, and mixing them uniformly.

[0061] [Test Example 1: Evaluation of the Length of the Holding Part] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the length of the holding part shown in Table 1. In each example, the shape of the container was the same except for the length of the holding part. In each example, wet food of the same composition was used. Each pet food product was fed to a cat, and the pet food was evaluated for leftovers, spillage, and ease of feeding according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: All eaten (less than 5% of pet food remained in the storage area). △: A small amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the storage section). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage section). <Spill evaluation> When feeding the cats, we checked to see if there was any spillage. <Ease of giving evaluation> ○: No soiling occurred to either the cat or the feeder. △: Some stains were observed on the cat's face or the feeder's hands. ×: Stains occurred on the cat's face or the feeder's hands.

[0062] [Table 1]

[0063] In Test Example 1-1, it was found that because the distance between the feeder's hands and the container was short, the pet food would come into contact with the feeder's hands or the cat would lick the feeder's hands, causing the feeder's hands to become dirty. In Test Example 1-4, because the distance between the feeder's hand and the container was long, the container shook when feeding, causing the container to hit the cat's face and soil the area around the cat's mouth. Therefore, from the results shown in Table 1, it was confirmed that the length of the holding portion is preferably 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0064] [Test Example 2: Evaluation of the Depth of the Storage Section] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the storage depths shown in Table 2. In each example, the shape of the container was the same except for the storage depth. In each example, wet food of the same composition was used. Each pet food product was fed to a cat and the pet food was evaluated for leftover food, spillage, and stains around the mouth according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: All eaten (less than 5% of pet food remained in the storage area). △: A small amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the storage section). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage section). <Spill evaluation> We checked to see if any pet food spilled when feeding the cat. <Dirt around the mouth> When the cats were fed, the presence or absence of dirt around their mouths was checked.

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] From the results shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that the depth of the storage portion is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0067] [Test Example 3: Evaluation of the opening diameter of the storage section] The opening diameter of the container shown in Table 3 was used to manufacture the pet food product shown in Figure 1. In each example, the shape of the container was the same except for the opening diameter of the container. In each example, wet food of the same composition was used. Each pet food product was fed to a cat, and the amount of leftover pet food and stains around the mouth were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: All eaten (less than 5% of pet food remained in the storage area). △: A small amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the storage section). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage section). <Dirt around the mouth> When the cats were fed, the presence or absence of dirt around their mouths was checked.

[0068] [Table 3]

[0069] From the results shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that the opening diameter of the storage part is preferably φ20 mm or more and φ50 mm or less.

[0070] [Test Example 4: Evaluation of bottom shape] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the bottom shapes shown in Table 4. In each example, the container shape was the same except for the bottom shape. In each example, wet food with the same composition was used. Each pet food product was fed to a cat, and the amount of leftover pet food was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: All eaten (less than 5% of pet food remained in the storage area). △: A small amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the storage section). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage section).

[0071] [Table 4]

[0072] From the results shown in Table 4, it was confirmed that the shape of the bottom is preferably a polygon having six or more sides in a plan view.

[0073] [Test Example 5: Evaluation of viscosity of wet food] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using wet foods having the viscosities shown in Table 5. The container shapes were the same in each example. The viscosities of the wet foods were measured using a Bostwick viscometer. The pet food products of each example were fed to cats, and the amount of leftover food and spillage of the pet food was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 5. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: All eaten (less than 5% of pet food remained in the storage area). △: A small amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the storage section). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage section). <Spill evaluation> We checked to see if any pet food spilled when feeding the cat.

[0074] [Table 5]

[0075] From the results shown in Table 5, it was confirmed that the viscosity of the wet food measured using a Bostwick viscometer is preferably 5 mm / min or more and 60 mm / min or less. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Pet food products 2 containers 21 Bottom 22 peripheral wall section 23 Storage unit 24 holding part 3. Wet food

Claims

1. The bottom and A peripheral wall portion extends upward from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion, surrounds the periphery of the bottom portion, and defines a storage portion that opens upward together with the bottom portion; A container having a holding portion protruding outward from the peripheral wall portion; A wet food snack contained in the storage section; and A pet food product comprising: The length of the holding portion is 20 mm or more, A pet food product in which the viscosity of the wet food measured using a Bostwick viscosity meter is 5 mm / min or more and 60 mm / min or less (excluding pet food products in which the holding portion has a reinforcing recess formed therein whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the holding portion).

2. 2. The pet food product of claim 1, wherein the length of the retaining portion is 40 mm or less.

3. 3. The pet food product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the depth of the container is 20 mm or less.

4. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage section has a depth of 10 mm or more.

5. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom has a polygonal shape having six or more sides in a plan view.

6. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom is circular in plan view.

7. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an angle between the holding portion and an axis perpendicular to a horizontal plane on which the bottom portion exists is 45 to 90°.

8. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a lid removably joined to the edge of the opening.

9. The pet food product according to claim 8 , wherein the lid has a peel-off portion, the peel-off portion being provided on the holding portion side.

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