Abstract: The present invention provides methods of lyophilizing a pharmaceutical substance involving a primary drying step executed at a product temperature at or above the collapse temperature. The invention also provides pharmaceutical substances lyophilized at or above the collapse temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of lyophilizing a pharmaceutical substance involving a primary drying step executed at a product temperature at or above the collapse temperature. The invention also provides pharmaceutical substances lyophilized at or above the collapse temperature.

Abstract: A pet food is provided, comprising an edible, formulated, protein-rich body having a seared appearance, a moisture content of 20% to 60% by weight and a structure providing firmness of texture, such as to be resilient under initial pressure of biting by a pet animal and highly palatable. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The seared appearance is produced by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking and enhances palatability. Palatability may be enhanced further by reducing the pH of the food body, for example by applying an acid coating and allowing the acid to react with sugars in the body in a thermal browning reaction.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The pet food is based on a matrix of a protein source and a carbohydrate source. The density of the product is less than 20.5 lbs./ft3. The product also has a large size as compared to at least some other prior dried pet food.

Abstract: A pet food is provided, comprising a sorbent food body and a fluid carrier comprising a functional ingredient absorbed into the body. The body preferably is realtively moist, having a moisture content for example of from 35% to 60% by weight and firm structure that is resilient under initial biting by a pet animal. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The sorptivity of the body is increased by depleting the body of a first liquid, for example by causing drying by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking. Methods of manufacture are disclosed including providing a sorptive food body, causing the body to take up a carrier fluid containing a functional ingredient and packing the body in suitable packaging. The invention further provides delivery means for delivering a functional ingredient to a pet animal, the delivery means comprising a sorbent food body with the functional ingredient absorbed therein.

Abstract: A pet treat in a sealed container. The treat is in the form of one or more pieces of a formulated food product. Each piece has a fried body of a thermally gelled matrix containing protein and starch. Further, each piece has a moisture content of above about 25 % by weight. The pet treat may be retorted. If not retorted, it may include a preservative and preferably have a reduced pH. The non-retorted treat pieces are provided in a sealed container comprising a pouch.

Abstract: A pet food is provided, comprising an edible, formulated, protein-rich body having a seared appearance, a moisture content of 20% to 60% by weight and a structure providing firmness of texture, such as to be resilient under initial pressure of biting by a pet animal and highly palatable. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The seared appearance is produced by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking and enhances palatability. Palatability may be enhanced further by reducing the pH of the food body, for example by applying an acid coating and allowing the acid to react with sugars in the body in a thermal browning reaction.

Abstract: An improved pet food snack and container for holding same and for providing and dispensing a dry pet food snack in combination with a highly palatable paste or sauce is provided. The container includes a tray, a dry food compartment formed in the tray having a unit of dry pet food and a wet food compartment formed in the tray having a quantity of wet pet food. The dry pet food compartment is spatially adapted to maintain a number of dry pet food units in a packaged order. The wet pet food compartment is preferably moisture impermeable. The wet pet food is preferably a flavored cream paste, includes oils and fats and is shelf stable.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The pet food is based on a matrix of a protein source and a carbohydrate source. The density of the product is less than 20.5 lbs/ft3. The product also has a large size as compared to at least some other prior dried pet food.

Abstract: A moisture-reduced, formulated food product which has a soft, resilient texture and which simulates the appearance of cooked meat. The food product has a fried body which is formed of layers of a thermally gelled matrix containing protein and starch. The formulated food product is particularly suitable for use as a pet food. The formulated food product may be fed to pets as a meal or as a treat. Alternatively, the formulated food product may be combined with dried pellets to provide a nutritionally balanced meal.