PET FEED PRODUCTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a pet food product (1) comprising: a container (2) and wet food (3), wherein the container (2) has: a bottom (21); a peripheral wall (22) extending upwards from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom (21) while simultaneously enclosing the bottom (21), a defined peripheral wall (22) together with the bottom (21), a shell (23) which opens upwards; and a holder (24) protruding outward from the peripheral wall (22), and wet food (3) placed in the shell (23).

Description

Pet food products and pet food spoons

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet food product and a pet food spoon. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-086136, filed on May 21, 2021, 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 pet 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. Pet food can be classified by purpose into "complete nutritional foods," "snacks," "therapeutic foods," and "foods for other purposes" that do not fall into any of the above categories.

[0003] Pet foods are broadly classified based on their moisture content into dry foods with a moisture content of about 10% (12% or less), soft foods with a moisture content of about 25-35% and which have been foamed, semi-moist foods with a moisture content of about 25-35% and which have not been foamed, and wet foods with a moisture content of about 75%.

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

[0005] On the other hand, stick-shaped multilayer film containers (so-called stick types) are also widely used for products that are consumed shortly after opening. Stick types have the advantage of allowing for convenient feeding directly to pets. However, when using stick-shaped film containers with viscous contents, the container is often squeezed out to the last drop. However, if the contents are not left near the break opening during the final squeeze, the contents may stick to the fingertips, staining 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).

[0006] Utility Model Registration No. 3218518

[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 can put the pet in a straining position, which may put strain on the digestive system. Furthermore, when feeding with a container placed on the floor, problems can arise for the feeder, such as pet food spilling when the pet licks the wet food, or the dish sliding across the floor, causing bed sores and soiling the floor.

[0008] When feeding wet food directly to a pet using a stick-type container, the contents are often fed from above the pet to prevent spillage onto the floor. However, feeding wet food from above can force the pet into an awkward position, potentially straining the pet's neck and back. Furthermore, with a stick-type container, the wet food is positioned above the pet's face or body, so if the timing of pushing the food out is off, the contents may spill or stain the pet's face or fur. If the wet food remains on the pet's fur for a long time, it hardens, making it difficult to wash off with water or other methods, potentially necessitating measures such as hair trimming. Furthermore, stick-type containers also present the problem of soiling the feeder's hands when squeezing out the remaining contents or of the pet accidentally biting them. On the other hand, using a simple squeezer like the one described in Patent Document 1 not only requires the time and effort of setting up the stick-shaped film container, but also requires the feeder's hands to be occupied when feeding. This makes it difficult for the feeder to pet the pet or take pictures of the pet while feeding.

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

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

[0011] According to the present invention, a pet food product and a pet food spoon can be provided that allow a feeder to feed a pet easily with one hand in a posture appropriate for the pet.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to line II' in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the shape of a holding portion in a pet food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pet food product according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[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, the term "pet food" refers to feed for pets. The pet food of the present invention can be sold as "animal feed" or "animal food."

[0014] 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.

[0015] In this specification, the moisture content (wt%) of pet food is determined by the atmospheric pressure heat drying method. The moisture content determined by this method includes the moisture in the ingredients. (Atmospheric Pressure Heat Drying Method) The weight of an aluminum weighing can (W1 gram) is measured in advance as a constant value. A sample is placed in this aluminum weighing can and weighed (W2 grams). Next, the sample is dried using a forced circulation hot air dryer at 135°C for 2 hours. After cooling in a dry atmosphere (in a silica gel desiccator), the weight (W3 grams) is weighed. The moisture content is calculated from the obtained weights using the following formula: Moisture content (unit: wt%) = (W2 - W3) ÷ (W2 - W1) × 100

[0016] <Pet Food Product> Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pet food product of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted in some cases. 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 corresponding to line II' in Fig. 1 of the pet food product according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a 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 in the container 2 .

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

[0019] The material of the 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] The pet food product according to this embodiment allows the feeder to feed the pet by hand, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face without the container or contents moving, allowing the pet to be fed in a posture appropriate for the pet. Furthermore, unlike stick-type wet food, the pet food product does not need to be pushed out, making it easy to handle and feed with one hand. This allows the feeder to feel a sense of happiness as they stroke their pet while feeding, and to create memories by taking photos of the pet being fed, thereby increasing the sense of intimacy between the feeder and the pet and contributing to the health of both parties.

[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 shapes. In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing pet food from being left over and making it easy to feed a pet in an appropriate posture, the bottom 21 is preferably a polygonal shape having six or more sides in a plan view or a circle, and more preferably a circle.

[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 around the entire periphery, or may be formed to have different heights in parts.

[0023] The peripheral wall 22 may have an opening edge 22a that extends horizontally from its upper end. A detachably joined lid 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. The thickness of the opening edge 22a is also not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 to 1 mm, more preferably 0.4 to 0.9 mm, and even more 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 even 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, pet food does not spill and the pet can be fed more easily in an appropriate 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 can be fed more easily in an appropriate position 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 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. Furthermore, 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 greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, pet food does not spill and the pet can be fed more easily in an appropriate position. On the other hand, when the opening diameter of the storage section 23 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned preferred range, the pet can be fed more easily in an appropriate 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 viewed in cross section from the side of the pet food product 1.

[0028] The holding portion 24 protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion 22. From the perspective of ease of handling by the feeder, the holding portion 24 preferably extends substantially horizontally from the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 22, more preferably extends substantially horizontally from the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 22, and even more preferably, the holding portion 24 and the opening edge portion 22a are substantially horizontal and the holding portion 24 extends substantially horizontally from the opening edge portion 22a. The holding portion 24 may also have a recess. If the holding portion 24 has a recess, it will be less likely to slip when the feeder holds the holding portion 24 with one hand. This also makes it easier for the feeder to feed the pet food product 1 with one hand so that the pet eats in the correct position. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the recess is shaped like a cat's paw, but the shape of the recess is not limited to this and various animal, plant, or geometric patterns can be used.

[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 also 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, it becomes easier to feed the pet in an appropriate position without soiling the pet's face or the feeder's hands. Furthermore, pet food is less likely to spill, making it easier to prevent stains. 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, making it easier to feed the pet in an appropriate position. Furthermore, pet food is less likely to spill, making it easier to prevent stains.

[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 connect to the other end T of the retaining portion 24 when viewed in cross-section from the side of the pet food product 1.

[0031] The width of the retaining 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 retaining portion 24 refers to the average value of the maximum and minimum widths of the retaining portion 24 when the pet food product 1 is viewed in plan view. 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. 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 cross section from the side.

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

[0033] The angle θ formed between the axis V perpendicular to the horizontal plane on which the bottom 21 is located and the holder 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 above-mentioned preferred range, it becomes easier to feed a pet in a posture that is more appropriate for the pet.

[0034] (Modified 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 that is removably joined to the opening edge 22a. By providing the lid 25, it is possible to prevent the wet food 3 in the container 23 from drying out until feeding. By maintaining the wet food 3 in good condition, it becomes easier to feed the pet in a posture that is more appropriate for the pet.

[0035] 5, the lid 25 may have a peel-off portion 25a on the holding portion 24 side. In this case, it is preferable that the lid 25 is removably joined to the opening edge 22a, and the peel-off portion 25a extends over the holding portion 24 without being joined to the holding portion 24. When the lid 25 has the peel-off portion 25a on the holding portion 24 side, it becomes easier to prevent the wet food 3 from spilling out of the storage portion 23 when the lid 25 is removed immediately before feeding.

[0036] In this embodiment, the position of peripheral wall 22 farthest from holding portion 24 is referred to as "front peripheral wall 22b," and the position of peripheral wall 22 closest to holding portion 24 is referred to as "rear peripheral wall 22c." If the difference in height between front peripheral wall 22b and rear peripheral wall 22c is 0 to 10 mm, bottom 21 will be angled, making feeding easier and making it easier for pets to eat wet food. In this embodiment, the height of front peripheral wall 22b may be 0.5 to 5 mm lower than the height of 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 lower than the height of the rear peripheral wall portion 22c. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, pet food is less likely to spill from the storage portion 23 during feeding, making it easier for the pet to lick the wet food 3. This makes it easier to feed the pet in a position appropriate for the pet, without soiling its 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 greater than the height of the rear peripheral wall portion 22c. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the feeding angle of the pet food product can be adjusted to allow the pet to lick up any remaining wet food 3 at the front of the storage portion 23. This allows the pet to lick the wet food for a slightly longer period than during normal feeding, allowing the pet to see a variety of facial expressions during feeding and increasing the amount of time spent communicating with the pet. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, even when the pet food product is placed on the floor or a stand, for example, to temporarily pause feeding, the bottom portion 21 and the 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 moisture than dry food that has been subjected to a drying process, as a final marketed form. 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, "chunks" refers to the portion of raw materials solidified into small pieces, and "chunks" 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 chunks and flakes.

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

[0042] The shape of the chunks is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include pellets (grains) formed into spherical, polygonal, cylindrical, doughnut-shaped, plate-shaped, or go stone-shaped pellets (particles). The size of such pellets is not particularly limited, and, for example, the pellets placed on a horizontal table and viewed from above preferably have a minor and major diameter of 1 to 25 mm, and a thickness from the bottom (bottom) to the top (top) of the pellet on the horizontal table of 1 to 20 mm. More preferably, the minor and major diameters are 3 to 11 mm, and the thickness is 3 to 9 mm. Even more preferably, the minor and major diameters are 5 to 9 mm, and the thickness is 5 to 8 mm. The form of the base meat portion is not particularly limited, and examples include liquid, gel, solid, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a solid is incorporated into the base meat portion, the form is not particularly limited, and examples include the same forms 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 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 carbohydrates 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. Furthermore, the proportion of lipids 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 using a Bostwick viscosity meter 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 food measured using a Bostwick viscosity meter 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 is easy to feed the pet in an appropriate 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 ingredients constituting the wet food are not particularly limited, and ingredients used in conventional pet foods can be applied. For example, in addition to protein ingredients, carbohydrate ingredients, vitamins, minerals, salts, fats, oils, extracts of animal ingredients, etc. may be added.

[0047] When preparing wet food, a thickener may be added as an ingredient, such as 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 cattle, pigs, and chickens are used as protein components contained in the raw materials of wet food, these raw materials may be heated or cooked in advance by known methods.

[0049] Wet food can be produced, for example, by mixing a protein component 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, with a method that allows for uniform mixing being preferred. The protein component can be mixed (processed) into a minced form before mixing with other ingredients, allowing for a more uniform mixing of the ingredients. After mixing, the pet food may be in a paste form. Furthermore, chunks of (solid) ingredients may be dispersed in the paste-like pet food. Uniform mixing of the ingredients in the pet food or the pet food being in a paste form can prevent pets from eating only a portion of the pet food or only some of the ingredients, thereby improving the rate at which the pet eats the food completely.

[0050] The time and temperature for mixing the raw materials can be set as appropriate. The viscosity of the pet food can be adjusted by adjusting the mixing time. Furthermore, the viscosity and moisture content of the pet food can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of water mixed. The viscosity of the pet food can also be adjusted by the amount of thickener added. Furthermore, the FW can be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the material containing the solid component relative to the weight of all the materials that make up the pet food.

[0051] Wet food usually does not have a form in which the solid ingredients and liquid soup are separated, but rather has only a paste-like component having the aforementioned specific viscosity and moisture content, or a form in which the paste-like component and the solid ingredients are intertwined. It is preferable that wet food does not have a form in which the soup component and the solid ingredients are separated, but rather has at least a paste-like component (component) having the aforementioned viscosity and moisture content. In addition to the paste-like component, the wet food may also 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. This can improve the rate at which the wet food is eaten completely.

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

[0053] (Base meat portion ingredients) The ingredients contained in the base meat portion of the wet food are not particularly limited, but the base meat portion can use a protein ingredient as the main ingredient. Examples of protein ingredients for the base meat portion include plant-derived proteins, animal-derived proteins, and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of plant-derived proteins include gluten, wheat protein, soy protein, rice protein, and corn protein. Examples of animal-derived proteins include muscle and organ proteins of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, milk protein, and mixtures thereof. Other ingredients that can be added to the base meat portion include oils and fats, chicken extract, fish extract, seasonings, thickeners, water, and the like.

[0054] (Chunk portion raw materials) Protein raw materials can be used for the chunk portion of the pet food. As the protein raw material for the chunk portion, the same protein raw materials as those used for the base meat portion can be used.

[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 proteins, ash, minerals, vitamins, and the like in addition to carbohydrates, and can therefore be used as nutritional sources. Furthermore, the addition of grains makes it easier to adjust (mainly reduce) the amino acid content of the entire pet food. Other ingredients that can be added to the chunk portion include seasonings, binders, and water.

[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 by hand, and the pet food product can be placed under the pet's face without the container or contents moving, allowing the pet to be fed in an appropriate position. Furthermore, unlike stick-type wet food, the feeder does not need to push the food out, making it easy to handle and feed the pet with one hand. This allows the feeder to feel happy by petting the pet while feeding, and to create memories by taking photos of the feeding, thereby increasing the sense of intimacy between the feeder and the pet and contributing to the health of both parties.

[0058] The pet food spoon according to the present embodiment is preferably for use in cats, small dogs, or extra-small dogs, and is preferably used for feeding wet food.

[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] [Production of Wet Food] 30% tuna, 2.8% thickener, 67.2% water and extract were mixed, pulverized in a mixer and mixed uniformly to produce wet food.

[0061] Test Example 1: Evaluation of the length of the holding portion The pet food product shown in Figure 1 was manufactured using the length of the holding portion shown in Table 1. In each example, the shape of the container was the same except for the length of the holding portion. In addition, wet food of the same composition was used in each example. The pet food product of each example was fed to a cat, and the pet food was evaluated for leftover food, spillage, and ease of feeding according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Completely eaten (5% or less of the pet food remained in the container). △: Some pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of the pet food remained in the container). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of the pet food remained in the container). <Evaluation of spillage> When the food was fed to the cat, it was checked for the presence or absence of spillage. <Evaluation of ease of feeding> ○: No staining occurred on either the cat or the feeder. △: Some staining occurred on the cat's face or the feeder's hands. ×: Stains occurred on the cat's face or the feeder's hands.

[0062]

[0063] In Test Example 1-1, because the distance between the feeder's hand and the container was short, the pet food would come into contact with the feeder's hand, and the cat would lick the feeder's hand, soiling the feeder's hand. In Test Example 1-4, because the distance between the feeder's hand and the container was long, the container would shake during feeding, causing the container to come into contact with 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 part is preferably 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0064] Test Example 2: Evaluation of storage depth 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. The pet food products of each example were fed to cats, and the pet food was evaluated for leftovers, spills, and stains around the mouth according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. <Evaluation of leftovers> ○: Completely eaten (5% or less of the pet food remained in the storage section). △: Some pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of the 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). <Evaluation of spills> When the cats were fed, it was checked for the presence or absence of spills of the pet food. <Stains around the mouth> When the cats were fed, it was checked for the presence or absence of stains around the cat's mouth.

[0065]

[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 pet food products shown in Figure 1 were produced using the opening diameter of the storage section shown in Table 3. In each example, the shape of the container was the same except for the opening diameter of the storage section. In addition, wet food of the same composition was used in each example. The pet food products of each example were fed to cats, and the amount of pet food left over and stains around the mouth were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Completely eaten (5% or less of pet food remained in the storage section). △: Some 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 pet food remained in the storage section). <Stains around the mouth> When the cats were fed, the presence or absence of stains around the cat's mouth was checked.

[0068]

[0069] From the results shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that the opening diameter of the container 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 shape of the container was the same except for the shape of the bottom. In each example, wet food of the same composition was used. The pet food products of each example were fed to cats, and the amount of pet food left over was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Completely eaten (5% or less of pet food remained in the container). △: Some amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the container). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of pet food remained in the container).

[0071]

[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 Wet Food Viscosity Wet foods having the viscosities shown in Table 5 were used to produce the pet food products shown in Figure 1. The container shape was the same in each example. The viscosity of the wet food was measured using a Bostwick viscosity meter. The pet food products of each example were fed to cats, and the amount of leftover pet food and spillage was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 5. <Evaluation of leftover food> ○: Completely eaten (5% or less of pet food remained in the container). △: Some amount of pet food remained (more than 5% to 10% of pet food remained in the container). ×: A considerable amount of pet food remained (more than 10% of pet food remained in the container). <Evaluation of spillage> When the pet food was fed to the cats, it was checked whether or not there was any spillage of the pet food.

[0074]

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

[0076] 1 Pet food product 2 Container 21 Bottom 22 Peripheral wall 23 Storage section 24 Holding section 3 Wet food

Claims

1. A pet food product comprising: a container having a bottom; a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom and surrounding the periphery of the bottom, defining a storage portion that opens upward together with the bottom; and a holding portion protruding outward from the peripheral wall portion; and wet food contained in the storage portion.

2. The pet food product according to claim 1, wherein the length of the retaining portion is 20 mm or more.

3. The pet food product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the retaining portion is 40 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 20 mm or less.

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

6. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening diameter of the storage section is φ20 mm or more.

7. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening diameter of the storage section is φ50 mm or less.

8. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom is polygonal in plan view having six or more sides.

9. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom is circular in plan view.

10. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 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 degrees.

11. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the viscosity of the wet food, as measured by a Bostwick viscometer, is greater than or equal to 5 mm / min.

12. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the viscosity of the wet food, as measured by a Bostwick viscometer, is 60 mm / min or less.

13. The pet food product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a lid removably joined to the edge of the opening.

14. The pet food product according to claim 13, wherein the lid has a peelable portion, the peelable portion being provided on the holding portion side.

15. A spoon for pet food comprising: a bottom; a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom and surrounding the periphery of 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.

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