Abstract: Pet chew articles comprising a consumable body having a shape defined by an exterior surface and comprising a main portion and at least one protrusion extending therefrom with the proviso that the shape of the body is such that no point in the interior of the body is more than about 0.2 inch (? inch) from the portion of the exterior surface nearest to the point. As a result, any pieces of the article that are ingested by a consuming animal are small enough that they will not become lodged within the animal's digestive tract. Also a method for improving the dental health of animals comprising chewing or eating by an animal of such an article.

Abstract: Starch-based extruded products are provided which are suitable as long-lasting dog chews. The products comprise quantities of starch, plasticizer, water and less than about 3% by weight fat. Preferably the starch comprises gelatinized starch which is capable of physical crosslinking or retrogradation. Preferably, a twin screw extrusion system including a preconditioner is used for production of the chews. Extrusion conditions are established so as to ensure adequate moisture content for retrograding of the gelatinized starch after processing.