Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs.

Abstract

Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs weighing from 3 to 18 kg, containing at least 10 pet food pellets of similar composition and shape, where the average value of the main diameters, the average value of the sub-diameters, and the average value of the thicknesses of the 10 pet food pellets are all 8.5 mm or greater, and the average value of the hardness of the 10 pet food pellets is 60 N or less.

Description

Pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-193263, filed on November 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] In terms of moisture content, pet food is broadly divided into dry food, which has a moisture content of about 10%, soft food, which has a moisture content of about 15 to 35%, and wet food, which has a moisture content of about 80%. Of these, demand for dry pet food has been increasing in recent years due to its ease of handling and good storage properties.

[0004] In recent years, pet foods with small outer diameters and thicknesses have become mainstream, particularly for dogs and cats, in order to improve palatability. Pet foods with small outer diameters and thicknesses are thought to be highly palatable because they are easy to eat, but if the pet food has a small outer diameter and thickness, pets may swallow it whole without chewing, which can lead to health concerns such as overeating and choking.

[0005] As a method for preventing pets from eating too quickly, Patent Document 1 discloses a pet dish with a lid that is designed to prevent pets from eating too quickly and to prevent obesity.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-130158

[0007] Although there are pet food dishes that can prevent pets from eating too quickly, such as the pet food dish disclosed in Patent Document 1, no pet food has been developed that can prevent pets from eating too quickly.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs that can induce pets to chew and eat the pet food and prevent them from eating too quickly.

[0009] Pet foods are generally designed so that the size of the pet food increases according to the size of the pet. It has been found that pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg are particularly prone to being eaten quickly. After extensive research, the inventors have discovered that by making the major axis, minor axis, and thickness of pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg relatively large and by making the pet food relatively soft, pets can be induced to chew and eat the pet food. More specifically, the present invention employs the following:

[0010] The present invention has the following aspects. [1] A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg, which comprises at least 10 or more pet food granules that have the same composition and the same shape, wherein the average major axis length, average minor axis length, and average thickness of the 10 pet food granules are all 8.5 mm or more, and the average hardness of the 10 pet food granules is 60 N or less. [2] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to [1], wherein a first surface of the pet food granules obtained by projecting the pet food granules in a first direction has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of less than 14 μm, and a second surface of the pet food granules obtained by projecting the pet food granules in a direction other than the first direction has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of 14 μm or more. [3] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to [2], wherein the ratio of the major axis of the first surface to the major axis of the second surface (major axis of the first surface:major axis of the second surface) is 1:1 to 2:1. [4] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to [2], wherein the average hardness of the first surface is smaller than the average hardness of the second surface. [5] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [4], which is a complete nutritional pet food product and has a caloric density of 290 kcal / 100g or more. [6] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the average bulk specific gravity of 10 pet food granules is 300 to 400g / L. [7] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the pet food product has an elliptical cylindrical shape. [8] A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs described in any one of [1] to [7], which contains dried vegetables or dried meat, and soy protein, and the major axis of the dried vegetables or dried meat, or soy protein is 4 mm or more.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs that can induce pets to chew the pet food product and prevent them from eating too quickly.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing pet food granules in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to a first aspect of the present invention Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing surfaces projected from various sides of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the first aspect of the present invention

[0013] In this specification, "palatability" is an index of whether a food is enjoyed by pets and is determined by texture, taste, smell, and the like.

[0014] In this specification, the moisture content value is the value obtained by the atmospheric pressure heat drying method. In the atmospheric pressure heat drying method, the test object is crushed in a crusher to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and this is used as the analytical sample. 2 to 5 g of the analytical sample is accurately weighed and placed in an aluminum weighing dish. The analytical sample is dried at 135°C for 2 hours, allowed to cool in a desiccator, and then accurately weighed. The moisture content is determined from the difference in weight between the analytical sample before and after drying. More specifically, the test object is crushed in a crusher to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and this is used as the analytical sample. The mass (W1 gram) of the aluminum weighing can is measured in advance as a constant value. The analytical sample is placed in this aluminum weighing can and weighed (W2 grams). Next, the analytical sample is dried at 135°C for 2 hours using a forced-circulation hot air dryer. After allowing the analytical sample to cool in a dry atmosphere (in a silica gel desiccator), the mass (W3 grams) is weighed. The moisture content of the analytical sample is calculated from the obtained masses using the following formula: Moisture content of analytical sample (unit: mass %) = (W2 - W3) ÷ (W2 - W1) × 100 The moisture content shall be the value measured immediately after opening the final product within 30 days from the date of manufacture, or the value measured under equivalent conditions.

[0015] In this specification, the hardness of a pet food granule is a value obtained by the following method. One pet food granule to be measured is placed on a flat plate (inner diameter 26.5 mm x depth 4 mm), and a plunger is pressed vertically from directly above into the center of the pet food granule at a constant speed to measure stress. The peak value (maximum value) of the stress is read as the breaking stress value. The numerical unit of breaking hardness can be converted to Newtons (N) by multiplying the breaking stress (unit: kgw) measured with the compression tester by 9.8. <Test conditions> Compression tester (texture analyzer, model number: EZ-SX, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) Plunger: canine-shaped plunger with a diameter of 10 mm Platform: flat dish (inner diameter 26.5 mm x depth 4 mm) Compression speed: 60 mm / min Lowest point of plunger: 4.0 mm (compression distance) Measurement temperature: 25°C Break detection start point: 0.035% (0.14 N) Test force: full scale 500 N Peak sensitivity: 0.5% (2.5 N)

[0016] In this specification, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa is measured by observing the surface of pet food granules (magnification: 40 times, observation field area: 19 to 20 mm) using a non-contact three-dimensional shape measuring machine VR-3200 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, using an L filter with a nesting index of 0.25 mm). ２ ) is carried out, and the arithmetic mean roughness Sa of the surface of the pet food granules is calculated.

[0017] (Pet Food Product for Small and Medium-Sized Dogs) The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment has the same composition and contains at least 10 or more pet food granules of the same shape.

[0018] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is preferably a complete nutritional food. A "complete nutritional food" is a nutritionally balanced pet food intended to be fed to dogs or cats as their main daily meal, and is designed to maintain health at a specified growth stage using only the pet food and water. Standards for a complete nutritional food include, for example, those established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In this specification, a "complete nutritional food" refers to a food that satisfies the criteria for any of the following stages, regardless of growth stage: "puppy / kitten / growth stage or growth," "adult dog / adult cat / maintenance stage or maintenance," and "gestation / lactation stage." It may also be a "complete nutritional food" that satisfies all three of these stages, i.e., a "food for all growth stages" or "for all stages."

[0019] Each parameter (major axis, minor axis, thickness, hardness, etc.) of the pet food for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment does not mean the value of a single pet food granule, but rather the average value of the values ​​of 10 pet food granules of the same composition and form produced under the same conditions. For example, it means the average value of the values ​​of 10 granules arbitrarily selected from the multiple pet food granules contained in a packaged dry-type pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs. Therefore, if the average value satisfies each parameter, it becomes a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment.

[0020] In the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, the average major axis, average minor axis and average thickness of the 10 pet food granules are all 8.5 mm or greater.

[0021] As used herein, "minor diameter" refers to the minor diameter or diameter of the face with the smallest area in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment. "Major diameter" refers to the major diameter or diameter of the face with the smallest area in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment. When the face with the smallest area in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is circular, the "minor diameter" and the "major diameter" are the same. The minor diameter and major diameter of the face with the smallest area can be measured with a vernier caliper. The minimum area of ​​the face can be calculated from the values ​​of the minor diameter and major diameter measured with a vernier caliper.

[0022] When the surface with the smallest area in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is a curved surface, the "surface with the smallest area" refers to the minor axis and major axis of the projection surface of the curved surface projected using a microscope. Specifically, the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is placed on a measuring table so that the surface with the smallest area in a plan view is the top surface (photographed surface), and an image of the top surface of the pet food is taken using a digital microscope (product name "VHX-7000", manufactured by Keyence Corporation), and the image can be used to measure with the measurement and scale tool of the digital microscope.

[0023] In this specification, "thickness" refers to the maximum height of the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment when the surface with the smallest area is considered to be the bottom. The maximum height of the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs can be measured with a vernier caliper.

[0024] More specifically, when the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment have an elliptical cylindrical shape, the major diameter (long axis) of the ellipse at the base becomes the "major diameter" of the pet food granule, and the minor diameter (minor axis) of the ellipse at the base becomes the "minor diameter" of the pet food granule. Furthermore, the maximum height of the elliptical cylindrical shape becomes the "thickness" of the pet food granule.

[0025] The average value of the major axis of the 10 pet food granules is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 9 mm or more and 15 mm or less, even more preferably 9.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and particularly preferably 9.5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0026] The average minor axis of the 10 pet food granules is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 8.5 mm or more and 14 mm or less, more preferably 8.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and even more preferably 8.5 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0027] The average thickness of the 10 pet food granules is 8.5 mm or more, preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 9 mm or more and 15 mm or less, even more preferably 9.5 mm or more and 13 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less.

[0028] When the average major axis, average minor axis, and average thickness of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment are equal to or greater than the above-mentioned preferred lower limit values, dogs find it difficult to scoop up the granules with their tongues when eating, and end up chewing each granule at a time. Because the granules are sent to the molars when chewing, the eating time is extended, making it possible to further prevent quick eating. In addition, pets tend to lift their heads more often when chewing the pet food granules, which can provide a sense of security to the owner. When the average major axis, average minor axis, and average thickness of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment are equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferred upper limit values, the pet food becomes easier to chew, and palatability is further improved.

[0029] The ratio of the average major axis value of the 10 pet food granules to the thickness of the 10 pet food granules (average major axis value:average thickness value) is preferably 1:1 to 2:1. When the thickness of the pet food granules is greater than the major axis value, it becomes easier for pets to chew the granules from the thickness direction. For example, when the hardness in the thickness direction is less than the hardness in the major axis direction, the pet food granules are easier to chew.

[0030] The pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment preferably have an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of less than 14 μm for a first surface when the pet food granules are projected in a first direction, and an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of 14 μm or more for a second surface when the pet food granules are projected in a direction other than the first direction. In other words, the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment preferably have surfaces with different surface roughnesses. By having the pet food granules have surfaces with different surface roughnesses, pets can enjoy multiple textures, further improving palatability.

[0031] The arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is preferably less than 14 μm, more preferably 13 μm or less, and even more preferably 12 μm or less. The arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of the second surface, obtained by projecting the pet food granules in a direction other than the first direction of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, is preferably 14 μm or more, more preferably 16 μm or more, and even more preferably 18 μm or more.

[0032] When the hardness of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is measured, the average hardness is preferably 60 N or less, more preferably 40 N or less, and even more preferably 30 N or less. Generally, as the granule size increases, the granules become harder, making them difficult to chew, especially for small and medium-sized dogs, leading to food being left uneaten (low palatability). On the other hand, even if the granule size is large, as in the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, if the pet food granules have a hardness of 60 N or less, the hardness is equivalent to that of pet food granules of a normal size and is easy to chew. The hardness of the pet food granules can be controlled by the type and composition ratio of the ingredients, and by extending the swelling time in the manufacturing method described below.

[0033] In the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, the average hardness of the first surface is preferably smaller than the average hardness of the second surface.

[0034] The shape of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape suitable for pets to eat. For example, any shape can be applied, such as a sphere, an ellipsoid (go stone shape), a pellet, a cylinder, a polygonal prism, a hexahedron (plate shape), a clover shape, a heart shape, a star shape, or a cross shape. Among these, a cylinder or an elliptical cylinder shape is preferred from the viewpoint of more easily achieving the effects of the present invention.

[0035] The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is preferably a complete nutritional food, and preferably has a calorie density of 290 kcal / 100 g or more, more preferably 300 kcal / 100 g or more.

[0036] The bulk specific gravity of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is preferably 300 to 400 g / L, and more preferably 310 to 340 g / L.

[0037] In this specification, the bulk density of pet food granules refers to the average bulk density calculated by allowing 10 randomly selected pet food granules in a pet food product to freely fall from a height of 20 cm into a 1 L cup with a diameter of 11 cm, and using the weight that enters the cup when it is level.

[0038] <Ingredients> As ingredients for the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, powdered ingredients and liquid ingredients known in the manufacture of pet food can be used. Specific examples of powdered ingredients include grains (corn, wheat, wheat flour, wheat bran, rice, breadcrumbs, barley, oats, rye, etc.), potatoes (sweet potato, potato, etc.), beans (whole soybeans, etc.), starches (wheat starch, corn starch, rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, sweet potato starch, sago starch, modified starch, etc.), vegetable proteins (corn gluten meal, wheat protein, bean protein, rice protein, potato protein, etc.), meats (livestock meats such as beef, pork, lamb, deer, rabbit, chicken, turkey, Examples of suitable raw materials include poultry meat such as quail and poultry; meals (chicken meal, pork meal, beef meal, mixed meals of these), seafood (fish such as tuna, bonito, and horse mackerel; crustaceans such as shrimp and crab; mollusks such as octopus and squid; shellfish such as scallops and turban shells; fish extracts; dried bonito flakes, meal (fish meal), etc.), vegetables, nuts and seeds, mushrooms, eggs, sugars, milk products, additives (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, flavoring ingredients, powdered palatability enhancers, fiber, colorants, phosphates, pH adjusters, seasonings, antioxidants, trehalose, etc.), and the like.

[0039] Meal refers to a powder obtained by compressing and finely crushing meat or seafood. More specific examples of powdered palatability enhancers include animal raw material extracts, plant raw material extracts, yeast extracts, and dried yeast. Specific examples of liquid ingredients (including semi-solid ingredients) include water, oils and fats (animal oils and fats such as chicken oil, lard, beef tallow, dairy fat, and fish oil; vegetable oils and fats such as olive oil, cacao oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, coconut oil, and camellia oil), liquid palatability enhancers, liquid sugar, humectants, preservatives, emulsifiers, flavorings, and colorants.

[0040] An example of the composition of a pet food product (dry type) for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment is shown below: grains 40-70%, meat 5-30%, seafood 1-15%, beans 1-15%, fiber 1-10%, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids 1-5%, animal fats and oils 1-10% (total of these: 100%).

[0041] The ingredients of the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment preferably include dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein, and the major axis of the dried vegetables, dried meat, or soy protein is preferably 4 mm or more.

[0042] (Pet food granules in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the first aspect) As a specific aspect of the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment, the pet food granules in a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to the first aspect will be described in detail below using drawings.

[0043] In the following explanation, an X, Y, Z Cartesian coordinate system will be used as necessary. In this case, the Z direction indicates the height direction (direction of gravity). The two directions perpendicular to the Z direction are the X and Y directions. In the drawings, the arrow side is the plus (+) side, and the opposite side to the arrow is the minus (-) side. For example, the +Z side corresponds to the upper side in the height direction, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side in the height direction.

[0044] In the pet food grain D10 shown in FIG. 1 , the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the +X side of the first direction is the first surface D1. Furthermore, the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the -X side of the first direction is the fourth surface D4. In the pet food grain D10, the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the +Z side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the fifth surface D5. Furthermore, the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the B-side -Z side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the sixth surface D6. In the pet food grain D10, the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the +Y side of the third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the second surface D2. Furthermore, the surface where the pet food grain D10 is projected onto the -Y side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the third surface D3.

[0045] 2 is a diagram showing the surfaces of pet food particle D10 projected in each direction, i.e., the first surface D1 to the sixth surface D6. Pet food particle D10 has first surface D1 to fourth surface D4 with an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of less than 14 μm, and fifth surface D5 and sixth surface D6 with an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of 14 μm or more.

[0046] The preferred parameters and ingredients of the pet food granules D10 are as described above.

[0047] Specifically, the thickness of the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 (thickness of the pet food granule) is 8.5 mm or more, and the major axis and minor axis of the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 are both 8.5 mm or more.

[0048] (Method for manufacturing pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs) [Granulation process] The granulation process is a process in which a raw material mixture is granulated to obtain granules. Examples of the granulation process include a method in which raw materials are mixed to form a raw material mixture and the raw material mixture is formed into granules (granulation). A specific example of the granulation process is a method in which granules (expanded granules) are produced using an extruder. As a method for producing granules using an extruder, for example, the method described in "Clinical Nutrition for Small Animals, 5th Edition" (edited by Michael S. Hand, Craig D. Thatcher, Rebecca L. Remillard, Philip Roudebusg, and Bruce J. Novotny, published by Mark Morris Associates; 2014; pp. 209-215) can be applied.

[0049] An example of a method for producing granules using an extruder will be described. First, the raw materials for the granules are crushed, if necessary, and then mixed. Mixing can also be performed while crushing using a grinder or the like. If necessary, water (which evaporates during the manufacturing process and is not included in the final raw material composition) is added to obtain a raw material mixture. The resulting raw material mixture is placed in an extruder, heated and pressurized, and then extruded from the outlet. The outlet is equipped with a plate with holes of a predetermined shape and a cutter that cuts the raw material mixture extruded from the plate to a predetermined length (thickness). The raw material mixture is extruded through the holes in the plate and cut by the cutter to form the desired shape. At the same time, the pressurized state is released to normal pressure, causing the water vapor in the raw material mixture to expand, which puffs the raw material mixture and produces porous granules.

[0050] [Drying Step] The drying step is a step of drying the granules obtained by the granulation step. Methods for drying the granules include known methods such as natural drying, drying by blowing hot air, drying under reduced pressure, and freeze-drying.

[0051] The temperature of the grains during drying and the temperature of the hot air blown onto the grains are not particularly limited. For example, the temperature of the hot air is preferably 150°C or lower. The lower limit of the hot air temperature is not particularly limited, and it is usually a temperature above room temperature, preferably 30°C or higher. When drying within this temperature range, the time for the heat treatment is preferably 1 minute to 120 minutes. If the temperature and time are above the lower limit of the above temperature range and time range, the grains can be dried in a relatively short time. If the temperature is below the upper limit of the above temperature range, the grains can be prevented from being overheated.

[0052] For example, when the raw material mixture is extruded from the plate in the granulation process described above, it is not immediately cut with a cutter, but is allowed time for expansion before cutting, thereby producing a highly expanded pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to this embodiment. Because highly expanded pet food has many voids inside, it can be made relatively soft even when it is large. Furthermore, because the cut surface is porous, the surface becomes rougher.

[0053] The present invention will be explained in more detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0054] (Production of a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs) (Example 1) The ingredients of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs of Example 1 were mixed according to the formulation shown in Table 1. The resulting raw material mixture was fed into an extruder and heat-treated while kneading to gelatinize the starch component, and extruded into granules at the outlet of the extruder. After swelling for 0.04 seconds, the granules were cut to obtain granules (swelling time: 0.04 seconds). The resulting granules were dried using a dryer to produce the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs of Example 1, which had at least 10 pet food granules of the same composition and shape. The shape of the pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs of Example 1 was the same as pet food granule D10 shown in Figure 1.

[0055] The major axis, minor axis, and thickness of 10 randomly selected pet food granules from the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in Example 1 were measured with vernier calipers, and the average values ​​were calculated to find a major axis of 9.5 mm, a minor axis of 8.5 mm, and a thickness of 11 mm. Examples of the major axis, minor axis, and thickness of pet food granules are shown below. The following numerical values ​​represent major axis x minor axis x thickness: 9.8 x 8.8 x 13.3 10.9 x 9.6 x 8.5 10.9 x 9.3 x 11.7 9.4 x 8.4 x 10.8 10.2 x 8.6 x 12.4 10.1 x 9.5 x 11.7

[0056] The average hardness of 10 randomly selected pet food granules in the pet food product of Example 1 was 27 N, and the bulk specific gravity was 320 g / L.

[0057] In addition, the arithmetic mean surface roughness of 10 randomly selected pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in Example 1 was measured by observing the surfaces of the pet food granules (magnification 40x, observation field area: 19-20 mm) using a non-contact three-dimensional shape measuring instrument VR-3200 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, using an L filter with a nesting index of 0.25 mm). ２) was performed, and the average value of the arithmetic mean roughness Sa was determined for the surfaces of the pet food granules. As a result, the arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 of the pet food granules was 13.1 μm. Furthermore, the average of the arithmetic mean surface roughness of the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 was 19.6 μm.

[0058] The caloric density of the pet food product of Example 1 was 365 Kcal / 100 g.

[0059] Comparative Example 1 A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs having a major axis of 9.5 mm, a minor axis of 8.8 mm, and a thickness of 6.4 mm was prepared as a pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs in Comparative Example 1.

[0060] The average hardness of 10 randomly selected pet food granules in the pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs of Comparative Example 1 was 82 N.

[0061]

[0062] [Evaluation of the effect of preventing rapid eating] The pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs of Example 1 and the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs of Comparative Example 1 were each given to 30 dogs for 5 days, and the time from when the dogs started to eat the food until they finished eating was measured. In addition, the dogs' eating behavior was filmed on video, and the number of times they lifted their heads and chewed was measured. The average values ​​of the results are shown in Table 2.

[0063]

[0064] As shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs of the examples allowed the dogs to raise their heads and chew more frequently, slowing down the pace of eating, compared to the pet food products for small and medium-sized dogs of the comparative examples.

[0065] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] D10: Pet food granules

Claims

1. A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 3 to 18 kg, which has at least 10 pet food granules of the same composition and the same shape, wherein the average major axis, average minor axis and average thickness of the 10 pet food granules are all 8.5 mm or more, and the average hardness of the 10 pet food granules is 60 N or less.

2. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs as described in claim 1, wherein the pet food granules have a first surface, where the pet food granules are projected in a first direction, that has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa1 of less than 14 μm, and a second surface, where the pet food granules are projected in a direction other than the first direction, that has an arithmetic mean surface roughness Sa2 of 14 μm or more.

3. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the average long diameter of the ten pet food granules to the thickness of the ten pet food granules (average long diameter:average thickness) is 1:1 to 1:

2.

4. A pet food product for small and medium sized dogs as described in claim 2, wherein the average hardness of the first side is less than the average hardness of the second side.

5. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, which is a complete nutritional pet food product and has a caloric density of 290 kcal / 100 g or more.

6. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, wherein the average bulk density of ten of the pet food granules is 300 to 400 g / L.

7. The pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, which is in the shape of an elliptical cylinder.

8. A pet food product for small and medium-sized dogs according to claim 1, comprising dried vegetables, dried meat or soy protein, the major axis of which is 4 mm or more.

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