Pet food products and pet food spoons

Abstract

To provide pet food products and pet spoons that allow feeders to easily feed pets with one hand, in a posture appropriate 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 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 having a shape that can be held with one hand by a feeder, and wet food (3) for snacks stored in the storage section (23), wherein the viscosity of the wet food measured by a Bostwick viscometer is 5 mm / min or more and 60 mm / min or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to pet food products and spoons for pet food.

Background Art

[0002] Pet food can be divided into staple food and snacks according to the purpose of feeding. Pet food as staple food is called "complete diet", and it is made so that the necessary nutrients can be ingested if the pet food and water are provided. On the other hand, "snacks" are pet foods intended to be given in limited amounts, such as for pet training, exercise, or as a treat. Classification of pet food according to purpose is divided into "complete diet", "snacks", "therapeutic diet", and "other purpose foods" that do not fall into any of them.

[0003] Classification of pet food by moisture content includes dry food with a moisture content of about 10% (12% or less), soft food with a moisture content of about 25 - 35% and subjected to foaming treatment, semi-moist food with a moisture content of about 25 - 35% and not subjected to foaming treatment, and wet food with a moisture content of about 75%.

[0004] Since wet food has high palatability for pets, its demand has been increasing in recent years. Since wet food has a high moisture content, it is usually given to pets in a container such as a plate during feeding.

[0005] On the other hand, for products consumed in a short period after opening, stick-shaped multi-layer film containers (so-called stick type) are also widely used. Stick-type food containers have the advantage of allowing for easy and direct feeding of pets. However, with stick-shaped film containers, when the contents are viscous, it is common practice to squeeze out the contents with one's fingertips. However, when squeezing out the last bit, in order to avoid leaving any contents near the break point, the contents can stick to the fingertips and contaminate the fingers and hands. In response to this, a simple squeezing device has been proposed that allows the contents to be squeezed out without contaminating the hands (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3218518 Gazette [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When feeding wet food to pets in a bowl or other container, the container is often placed on the floor. However, feeding pets with the container on the floor can put them in an uncomfortable position, potentially straining their digestive system. Additionally, feeding pets with the container on the floor can lead to problems for the feeder, such as food splashing when the pet licks it, and the floor getting dirty due to the bowl sliding around and causing scratches.

[0008] When feeding wet food directly to pets using a stick-type dispenser, it's common to feed from above to prevent spills. However, feeding wet food from above can force pets into awkward positions, potentially straining their necks and backs. Furthermore, with the stick type, the wet food is located above the pet's face and body, so if the timing of dispensing the food is off, the contents may spill or stain the pet's face or fur. If the wet food remains attached to the pet's fur for a period of time, it will harden, making it difficult to wash off with water, which may necessitate measures such as trimming the fur. Furthermore, stick-type containers presented problems such as the feeder's hands becoming dirty when squeezing out the remaining contents, or the pet accidentally biting them. On the other hand, using a simple squeezing device like the one in Patent Document 1 not only required the effort of setting up the stick-shaped film container, but also occupied both of the feeder's hands during feeding. As a result, it was difficult for the feeder to pet the pet or take pictures of the pet while it was being fed.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a pet food product and a pet food spoon that can be easily fed by a feeder with one hand in a posture appropriate for the pet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention encompasses the following embodiments. (1) A pet food product comprising a container having a bottom, a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom and surrounding the bottom, defining a storage portion that opens upward together with the bottom, and a holding portion projecting outward from the peripheral wall portion, and wet food stored in the storage portion. (2) The pet food product described in (1) above, wherein the length of the holding portion is 20 mm or more. (3) The pet food product according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the length of the holding portion is 40 mm or less. (4) A pet food product according to any of (1) to (3) above, wherein the depth of the storage compartment is 20 mm or less. (5) A pet food product according to any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the depth of the storage compartment is 10 mm or more. (6) The pet food product according to any of (1) to (5) above, wherein the opening diameter of the housing portion is φ20 mm or more. (7) A pet food product according to any of (1) to (6) above, wherein the opening diameter of the housing portion is φ50 mm or less. (8) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bottom is 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) above, wherein the bottom is circular in shape when viewed from above. (10) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the angle between the axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the bottom is located and the holding portion 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 by a Bostwick viscometer is 5 mm / min or more. (12) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the viscosity of the wet food measured by a Bostwick viscometer is 60 mm / min or less. (13) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a lid that is removably attached to the opening edge. (14) The pet food product according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the lid has a peeling portion, and the peeling portion is provided on the retaining portion side. (15) A pet food spoon comprising a bottom, a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom and surrounding the bottom, defining a receiving portion that opens upward together with the bottom, and a holding portion protruding outward from the peripheral wall portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pet food product and a pet food spoon that can be easily fed by a feeder with one hand, in a posture appropriate for the pet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view corresponding to the line I-I' of FIG. 1 in a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Plan view of a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Plan view showing an example of the shape of a holding part in a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] In this specification, "pet" refers to an animal kept by a person. In a more narrow sense, a pet is an animal that is loved and played with by its owner. Also, "pet food" refers to feed for pets. It is possible to sell the pet food according to the present invention as "animal feed" or "animal food".

[0014] In this specification, "palatability" is an index indicating whether or not it is preferred and eaten by a pet, and is caused by texture, taste, smell, etc.

[0015] In this specification, the moisture content (%) of pet food is determined by the normal pressure heating drying method. The moisture content determined by this method includes the moisture in the ingredients. (Normal pressure heating drying method) Measure in advance the weight (W1 grams) of an aluminum weighing can as a constant value. Put a sample into this aluminum weighing can and weigh the weight (W2 grams). Next, use a forced circulation hot air dryer to The sample is dried at 135°C for 2 hours in a dry atmosphere (silica gel desiccator). After cooling in the medium temperature, weigh the sample (W3 grams). From the obtained weights, use the following formula 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, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the line I-I' in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

[0020] According to the pet food product of this embodiment, since the feeder can feed the pet by hand, the container and contents do not move, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face, allowing the pet to be fed in a proper posture. In addition, unlike stick-type wet food, there is no need to squeeze it out, so the feeder can easily handle and feed the pet with one hand. As a result, the feeder can pet the pet during feeding, feel a sense of happiness, or take pictures of the pet during feeding, creating memories and increasing the bond between the feeder and the pet, which can contribute to the health of both.

[0021] In Figure 1, the base 21 is circular. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the base 21 is not particularly limited and can be circular, elliptical, a combination of two or more circles, a donut shape, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or other polygonal shapes, a star shape, a heart shape, a cat's face motif, or other irregular shapes. In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing leftover pet food and facilitating feeding in a suitable posture for the pet, the bottom portion 21 is preferably a polygonal or circular shape having six or more sides in a plan view, and more preferably a circular shape.

[0022] The peripheral wall portion 22 extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 21 and surrounds the bottom portion 21, defining a housing portion 23 that opens upward together with the bottom portion 21. The peripheral wall portion 22 may be formed at the same height all around, or it may be formed with different heights in parts.

[0023] The peripheral wall portion 22 may have an opening edge portion 22a that protrudes horizontally from its upper end. A removable cover 25 may be installed on the opening edge portion 22a (see Figure 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. Furthermore, the thickness of the opening edge portion 22a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 to 1 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.9 mm, and even more preferably 0.5 mm 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. Furthermore, the depth of the storage section 23 is preferably 20 mm or less, and even more preferably 18 mm or less. If the depth of the storage compartment 23 is greater than or equal to the lower limit of the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture without spilling pet food. On the other hand, if the depth of the storage compartment 23 is less than or equal to the upper limit of the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture without soiling the pet's face.

[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 in a side cross-sectional view of the pet food product 1.

[0026] The opening diameter of the housing 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. Furthermore, the opening diameter of the housing section 23 is preferably φ50 mm or less, more preferably φ45 mm or less, and even more preferably φ40 mm or less. If the opening diameter of the storage section 23 is greater than or equal to the lower limit of the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture without spilling pet food. On the other hand, if the opening diameter of the storage section 23 is less than or equal to the upper limit of the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture 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 in a side cross-sectional view of the pet food product 1.

[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 substantially horizontally from the upper part of the peripheral wall portion 22.

[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. Furthermore, 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. If the length of the holding part 24 is greater than or equal to the lower limit of the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture without soiling the pet's face or the feeder's hands. Also, pet food is less likely to spill, making it easier to prevent messes. On the other hand, if the length of the holding part 24 is less than or equal to the upper limit of the preferred range described above, the container becomes less likely to shake, making it easier to feed the pet in a suitable posture. Also, pet food is less likely to spill, making it easier to prevent messes.

[0030] In this embodiment, the length of the holding 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 holding portion 24 connect, to the other end T of the holding portion 24, in a side cross-sectional view of the pet food product 1.

[0031] The width of the 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. In this embodiment, the width of the holding portion 24 refers to the average value of the maximum and minimum widths of the holding portion 24 in a plan view of the pet food product 1. The thickness of the holding 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. In this embodiment, the thickness of the holding portion 24 refers to the average value of the maximum and minimum thicknesses of the holding portion 24 in a side cross-sectional view of the pet food product 1.

[0032] The shape of the holding part 24 is not particularly limited as long as the feeder can hold it with one hand. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the shape of the holding part in a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, examples of the shape of the holding part 24 include, in plan view, shapes that are based on pets such as paw prints, tails, cats (front or side view), dogs (front or side view), rabbits (front or side view), mice, chickens, and deer; shapes that are based on foods such as fish, meat (lamb chops, bone-in meat, etc.), chicken, carrots, broccoli, fruits (bananas, etc.), ice cream, and shellfish (oysters, etc.); polygonal shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, trapezoids, and pentagons; combinations of irregular shapes such as stars, hearts, clovers, ribbons, and crowns with elongated shapes; shapes that are based on plants such as flowers; and combinations of shapes that are based on tableware such as forks and shapes that are based on foods such as boiled eggs. The holding part and the storage part can be various animals, plants, and geometric patterns, but are not limited to these.

[0033] The angle θ between the axis V perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the bottom portion 21 is located and the holding portion 24 is preferably 45 to 90°, more preferably 60 to 90°, and even more preferably 70 to 90°. When the angle θ is within the preferred range described above, it becomes easier to feed your pet in a more appropriate posture.

[0034] (Variations of the container) Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a lid 25 is provided which is detachably joined to the opening edge 22a. By providing the lid 25, it is possible to prevent the wet food 3 inside the storage compartment 23 from drying out until feeding time. Maintaining the condition of the wet food 3 in good condition makes it easier to feed the pet in a more appropriate posture.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the lid 25 may have a release portion 25a on the side of the holding portion 24. If the lid 25 has a release portion 25a on the side of the holding portion 24, it becomes easier to prevent the wet food 3 from spilling out of the storage portion 23 when removing the lid 25 just before feeding.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the peripheral wall portion 22 furthest from the holding portion 24 side is called the "front peripheral wall portion 22b," and the position of the peripheral wall portion 22 closest to the holding portion 24 side is called the "rear peripheral wall portion 22c." If the height difference between the front peripheral wall portion 22b and the rear peripheral wall portion 22c is 0 to 10 mm, the bottom portion 21 is angled, making it easier to feed and allowing pets to eat wet food more easily. In this embodiment, the height of the front peripheral wall portion 22b may be 0.5 to 5 mm lower than the height of the rear peripheral wall portion 22c.

[0037] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 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 Figure 6, pet food is less likely to spill from the storage portion 23 when feeding, and pets can more easily lick the wet food 3. Therefore, it is easier to feed pets in a suitable posture without soiling their faces.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 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 Figure 7, the feeding angle of the pet food product can be changed to allow the pet to thoroughly lick up any wet food 3 that has not been licked up from the front of the storage portion 23. As a result, the time the pet spends licking the wet food is slightly longer than during normal feeding, allowing you to see a variety of expressions on your pet's face during feeding and increasing the time you spend communicating with your pet. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, even when the pet food product is placed on the floor or a table, for example, when feeding is temporarily interrupted, the pet food product 1 can be stably placed on the floor or table, etc., by the bottom portion 21 and the holding portion 24.

[0039] (Wet food) In this embodiment, wet food refers to pet food that contains more moisture than dry food, which has undergone a drying process, as the final form of market provision. The moisture 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 chunks and / or flakes. Here, "chunk" refers to a portion of raw materials that has been solidified into small pieces, and the "chunk portion" refers to a collection of chunks. "Flake" refers to finely chopped fish or meat. The "base meat" portion refers to the wet portion of the pet food other than the chunk portion and flake portion.

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

[0042] The shape of the chunks is not particularly limited, and examples include spherical, polygonal, columnar, donut-shaped, plate-shaped, or pebble-shaped pellets. The size of such pellets is not particularly limited, but for example, when the pellet is placed on a horizontal stand and viewed from above, the short diameter and long diameter are preferably 1 to 25 mm, and the thickness from the bottom surface (bottom end) to the top surface (top end) of the pellet on the horizontal stand is preferably 1 to 20 mm, more preferably the short diameter and long diameter are 3 to 11 mm and the thickness is 3 to 9 mm, and even more preferably the short diameter and long diameter are 5 to 9 mm and the thickness is 5 to 8 mm. The state of the base meat portion is not particularly limited and may be liquid, gel-like, solid, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, if the base meat portion contains a solid, its shape is not particularly limited, but may be similar to that of the chunks described above.

[0043] The proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids contained in wet food are not particularly limited. For example, the proportion of protein in pet food can be 26 to 60% by mass, more preferably 35 to 55% by mass, relative to the total dry matter mass of pet food. The proportion of carbohydrates in pet food can be 5 to 30% by mass, more preferably 10 to 20% by mass, relative to the total dry matter mass of pet food. Furthermore, the proportion of lipids in pet food can be 9 to 30% by mass, more preferably 20 to 30% by mass, relative to the total dry matter mass of pet food.

[0044] In this embodiment, the viscosity of the wet hood 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. Furthermore, the viscosity of the wet hood 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 preferred range mentioned above, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a proper posture without getting food on the pet's face or causing food to splatter.

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

[0046] <Ingredients> The ingredients that make up wet food are not particularly restricted, and ingredients used in conventional pet food can be used. For example, in addition to protein components, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, salts, fats, oils, animal ingredient extracts, etc. may be added.

[0047] When preparing wet food, a thickening agent may be added as an ingredient. Examples of the thickening agents include polysaccharides such as guar gum, starch, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum.

[0048] When using fish such as tuna, sardines, or bonito, or livestock such as cattle, pigs, or chickens, as protein components in wet food ingredients, these ingredients may have been heated or cooked beforehand using publicly known methods.

[0049] Wet food can be manufactured, for example, by mixing protein components and water, and adding a thickener as needed. The mixing method is not particularly limited, and known methods using a mixer or mincer can be applied, but it is preferable to use a method that allows for uniform mixing. By pre-mincing (processing) the protein components before mixing them with other ingredients, each ingredient can be mixed more uniformly. After mixing, the pet food may be in a paste-like state. Also, chunky (solid) ingredients may be dispersed in the paste-like pet food. By ensuring that the ingredients in the pet food are uniformly mixed or that the pet food is in a paste-like state, it is possible to prevent pets from eating only a part of the pet food or only some of the ingredients, thereby improving the rate of complete consumption.

[0050] The mixing time and temperature of the raw materials can be set as appropriate. By adjusting the mixing time, the viscosity of the pet food can be adjusted. Also, by adjusting the amount of water mixed in, the viscosity and moisture content of the pet food can be adjusted. The viscosity of the pet food can also be adjusted by the amount of thickener added. Furthermore, the FW (Fitness Factor) can be adjusted by adjusting the weight of solid components relative to the total weight of the materials constituting the pet food.

[0051] Wet food typically does not consist of solid ingredients and liquid soup in a separated form, but rather has a paste-like component with the aforementioned specific viscosity and moisture content, or a form in which the paste-like component and solid ingredients are intertwined. It is preferable that wet food does not consist of soup components and solid ingredients in a separated form, but rather has at least a portion of a paste-like form (component) with the aforementioned viscosity and moisture content. In addition to the paste-like component, solid ingredients may also be included. In this case, the solid ingredients become intertwined with the paste-like component, so that the solid ingredients are delivered to the pet's mouth together with the paste-like component. This can improve the rate at which wet food is consumed.

[0052] If the wet food contains chunks, the chunks and base meat can be manufactured using the following raw materials.

[0053] (Base meat ingredients) The raw materials included in the base meat portion of the wet food are not particularly limited, but protein raw materials can be used as the main raw materials for the base meat portion. Examples of protein raw materials for the base meat portion include plant-derived proteins, animal-derived proteins, or mixtures thereof. Specifically, examples of plant-derived proteins include gluten, wheat protein, soy protein, rice protein, corn protein, etc. Examples of animal-derived proteins include proteins from the muscles and organs of cattle, pigs, chickens, and fish and shellfish, milk protein, or mixtures thereof. In addition to the above-mentioned ingredients for the base meat portion, oils and fats, chicken extract, fish extract, seasonings, thickeners, and water may be added.

[0054] (Chunk portion raw materials) Protein raw materials can be used in the chunk portion of the pet food. The protein raw materials used in the chunk portion can be the same as those used in the base meat portion described above.

[0055] Furthermore, grains may be added to the chunk portion of the pet food. Preferred grains include corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, and soybeans. These grains may contain not only carbohydrates but also proteins, ash, minerals, and vitamins, and can therefore be used as a source of nutrients. Adding grains also makes it easier to adjust (mainly reduce) the amino acid content of the pet food as a whole. In addition to the aforementioned ingredients for the chunk portion, seasonings, binding agents, water, etc., may be added.

[0056] <Spoon for pet food> The pet food spoon according to this embodiment is the same as the container for the pet food product according to this embodiment.

[0057] According to this embodiment, since the feeder can feed the pet by hand, the container and contents do not move, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face, allowing the pet to be fed in a proper posture. Also, unlike stick-type wet food, there is no need to squeeze it out, so the feeder can easily handle and feed the pet with one hand. As a result, the feeder can pet the pet during feeding, feel a sense of happiness, or take pictures of the pet during feeding, creating memories and increasing the bond between the feeder and the pet, which can contribute to the health of both.

[0058] The pet food spoon according to this embodiment is preferably for cats, small dogs, or very small dogs. Furthermore, 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] Wet food was manufactured by mixing 30% tuna, 2.8% thickener, and 67.2% water and extract, then grinding and uniformly mixing them in a mixer.

[0061] [Test Example 1: Evaluation of the length of the retaining part] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the holding section lengths shown in Table 1. In each example, the container shape was the same except for the holding section length. Furthermore, wet food of the same composition was used in each example. Each pet food product was fed to cats, and the amount of leftover food, spillage, and ease of feeding were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Finished eating (less than 5% of pet food remained in the enclosure). △: Some remains (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remains in the storage area). ×: A considerable amount remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage area). <Evaluation of spills> I checked to see if any food had spilled when I fed the cat. <Ease of administration evaluation> ○: Neither the cats nor the person feeding them got dirty. △: The cat's face or the feeder's hands became slightly soiled. ×: The cat's face or the feeder's hands became soiled.

[0062] [Table 1]

[0063] In Test Example 1-1, it was found that because the distance between the feeder's hand and the container was short, the feeder's hand became soiled due to pet food touching the feeder's hand, the cat licking the feeder's hand, etc. In test example 1-4, it was found that because the distance between the feeder's hand and the food container was long, the container shook during feeding, causing the food container to hit the cat's face and soil the area around the cat's mouth. Therefore, the results shown in Table 1 confirm that a holding portion length of 20 mm to 40 mm is preferable.

[0064] [Test Example 2: Evaluation of the Depth of the Storage Compartment] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the depth of the storage compartment shown in Table 2. In each example, the container shape was the same except for the depth of the storage compartment. Furthermore, wet food of the same composition was used in each example. Each example of pet food product was fed to cats, and the amount of leftover food, spills, and food around the mouth was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Finished eating (less than 5% of pet food remained in the enclosure). △: Some remains (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remains in the storage area). ×: A considerable amount remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage area). <Evaluation of spills> I checked to see if any pet food had spilled when I fed the cat. <Dirt around the mouth> I checked for any dirt around the cat's mouth after feeding it.

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] The results shown in Table 2 confirm that a storage depth of 10 mm to 20 mm is preferable.

[0067] [Test Example 3: Evaluation of the opening diameter of the housing] The pet food products shown in Figure 1 were manufactured using the opening diameters of the storage compartments shown in Table 3. In each example, the container shape was the same except for the opening diameter of the storage compartment. Furthermore, wet food of the same composition was used in each example. Each example of pet food product was fed to cats, and the amount of uneaten food and the amount of food around the mouth were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Finished eating (less than 5% of pet food remained in the enclosure). △: Some remains (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remains in the storage area). ×: A considerable amount remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage area). <Dirt around the mouth> I checked for any dirt around the cat's mouth after feeding it.

[0068] [Table 3]

[0069] The results shown in Table 3 confirm that a suitable opening diameter for the housing is φ20 mm or more and φ50 mm or less.

[0070] [Test Example 4: Evaluation of the bottom shape] The bottom shape shown in Table 4 was adopted, and the pet food product shown in Figure 1 was manufactured. Note that in each example, the container shape was the same except for the bottom shape. Furthermore, the same wet food composition was used in each example. Each example of pet food product was fed to cats, and the amount of uneaten pet food was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Finished eating (less than 5% of pet food remained in the enclosure). △: Some remains (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remains in the storage area). ×: A considerable amount remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage area).

[0071] [Table 4]

[0072] The results shown in Table 4 confirm that the shape of the base is preferably a polygonal shape with six or more sides in a plan view.

[0073] [Test Example 5: Evaluation of Wet Food Viscosity] We used wet food with the viscosities shown in Table 5 to manufacture the pet food product shown in Figure 1. The container shape was the same in each example. The viscosity of the wet food was measured using a Bostwick viscometer. Each example of pet food product was fed to cats, and the amount of leftover or spilled food was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 5. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Finished eating (less than 5% of pet food remained in the enclosure). △: Some remains (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remains in the storage area). ×: A considerable amount remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the storage area). <Evaluation of spills> I checked to see if any pet food had spilled when I fed the cat.

[0074] [Table 5]

[0075] The results shown in Table 5 confirm that the viscosity of the wet hood, as measured by the 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 units 24 holding part 3. Wet food

Claims

1. The bottom and, A peripheral wall portion extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion, surrounds the bottom portion, and defines a housing portion that opens upward together with the bottom portion, A container comprising a retaining portion that protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion, The wet food snacks stored in the aforementioned storage compartment, Pet food products that include, The holding part has a shape that allows the feeder to hold it with one hand. A pet food product in which the viscosity of the wet food, as measured by a Bostwick viscometer, is 5 mm / min or more and 60 mm / min or less.

2. The pet food product according to Claim 1, wherein the opening diameter of the housing is φ30 mm or more and φ50 mm or less.

3. The pet food product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the viscosity of the wet food measured by a Bostwick viscometer is 10 mm / min or more and 58 mm / min or less.

4. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moisture content of the wet food is 70% by mass or more of the total mass of the wet food.

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

6. The pet food according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wet food contains fish as a protein component.

7. The pet food according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wet food contains chicken as a protein component.

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