Braided Pet Chew Combining Rawhide and Pizzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog chews made from rawhide often compromise on palatability and extended chew time due to weakening of the rawhide structure when attempting to increase palatability through added ingredients or processing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A braided chew product is created by combining lightly bleached rawhide ropes with dehydrated bull or steer penises, where the ratio of rawhide to penis fractions can be varied to achieve optimal palatability and chew time, with a preferred ratio of 2 parts rawhide to 1 part penis, and then dehydrated to a shelf-stable moisture level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ingredients or processing techniques are utilized with rawhide to increase palatability, then palatability is improved, but the basic structure of the rawhide is weakened and chew time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The product is divided into distinct segments: rawhide base material and separate meat inclusions. The rawhide is processed into sheets and cut into shapes, while meat is added as discrete inclusions within the rawhide structure. This segmentation allows the rawhide to maintain its structural integrity for extended chew time while incorporating palatable meat elements that do not compromise the base material's strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite product combining rawhide with meat inclusions. The rawhide provides the structural framework with extended durability, while the meat inclusions provide palatability. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their desirable properties without the meat weakening the rawhide structure, as the meat is incorporated within rather than replacing the base material.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rawhide is used as the base material for dog chews, then extended chew time is achieved, but palatability is reduced particularly for smaller species
Solution Approach 1:
The product applies local quality by incorporating meat inclusions at specific locations within the rawhide structure. Rather than making the entire chew palatable through uniform treatment, the meat is placed as discrete inclusions within the rawhide sheets, creating zones of high palatability while maintaining the overall structural integrity and chew time of the rawhide base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines rawhide with meat inclusions to satisfy both the need for extended chew time and enhanced palatability. The rawhide provides the durable base that smaller dogs can chew for extended periods, while the meat inclusions provide the flavorful elements that make the treat appealing, particularly to finicky smaller species.
3Ease of manufacture
If meat fraction is incorporated into rawhide chews to increase palatability, then palatability is improved, but the quantity of meat available to the dog is reduced due to manufacturing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by incorporating meat inclusions throughout the rawhide structure rather than using minimal amounts. The meat is distributed as discrete inclusions within the rawhide sheets, providing sufficient quantity to be palatable and appealing to dogs while maintaining the rawhide base material's structural role. This approach ensures adequate meat availability without compromising the chew's durability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The braided chew offers high palatability and an exceptionally long chew time, maintaining the strength and nutritional value of the rawhide while providing a large surface area of beef muscle tissue, making it appealing and durable for dogs.
Implementation Method 1
dehydrated to a shelf-stable moisture level
Data Source
AI summary
A highly palatable and long lasting chew for dogs has been developed by braiding a combination of rawhide and bull, or steer, penis, known in the trade as pizzles. The pizzle is sourced directly from slaughter and the foreskin may be removed. Bleached rawhide splits are cut into rectangular pieces and rolled to form a rope-like strand equal in length to the aforementioned pizzle. Strands of 3 to 8 sections are then woven together to form an elongated braid. Such braids are then hung on racks and undergo a cooking and dehydration step to reduce the moisture content below 10% moisture. The resultant dehydrated sticks are then cut into lengths suitable for offering as a chew for dogs. Such chew is highly palatable because of the dehydrated pizzle. The chew has a very long chew time because of the dense leathery nature of the dehydrated rawhide fraction.