Abstract: A pet food product and process for producing the pet food product for use in maintenance of healthy joints and alleviation of arthritic symptoms in companion animals, the pet food comprising an effective amount of an active extract of Perna canaliculus. The extract can be either a powder or lipid extract. Preferably in an amount that provides for a dosage range of generally 0.18 to 114 mg of a powder extract/kg of body weight/day in a companion animal or an amount of generally 1.5 to 1000 mg of a powder extract of Perna canaliculus per 400 kcal of pet food product.

Abstract: A process for preparation of nutritionally upgraded oilseed meals which are protein and lipid-rich and have a reduced fiber content, and plant oils from oilseeds for use in fish or other non-human animal diets or human foods comprising the steps of: providing a source of oilseed; subjecting the oilseed to heat treatment to substantially reduce the concentration of at least some antinutritional components normally present in the oilseed to obtain heat-treated seed; dehulling the heat-treated seed to produce a meat fraction, a hull fraction or a mixture thereof; and cold pressing the meat fraction or the mixture to yeild the plant oils and the protein and lipid-rich meals.

Abstract: An increased palatability dry pet food product is provided having residual ?-amylase activity, a moisture content of 5 to 12%, and an Instron value of between 9.5 and 17.5 foot lbs. A method of producing the dry pet food product is also provided.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolized casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolized collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolized collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A canned pet food product having a base layer and an upper layer. The base layer is formed of solid food pieces in a gravy which makes up about 20% to about 40% of the base layer. The upper layer, which provides about 20% to about 80% by weight of the pet food product, is a substantially solid foodstuff. The substantially solid foodstuff is capable of supporting the base layer when the pet food product is inverted. The separation between the layers is clear and distinct.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: Animal feed compositions comprising amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat and a functional ingredient for preventing hairball formation are provided. The functional ingredient comprises an electrostatically charge ingredient, preferably selected from the group consisting of electrostatically charged proteins, amino acids, conjugated proteins, dipeptides, multipeptides, protein colloids, enzymes, protein hydrolysates, natural and artificial food additives, flavorings, seasonings, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A nutritionally complete, shelf stable pet food product and process of manufacture includes two different textures which has a meaty outer component and a inner bone-like component.

Abstract: The present invention provides comestibles and related aspects for use in maintaining canine urinary tract health. In particular the comestibles and related aspects are useful in preventing the initial occurrence of canine calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The present invention also provides a comestible, which when fed to a small breed canine animal results in a urine specific gravity of 1.025 or below, for use in preventing the initial occurrence of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in the canine animal and related aspects. The comestible includes the following ingredients in the ranges indicated, for use in preventing the initial occurrence of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in a canine animal and related aspects: Nutrient g/400 kcal Calcium 0.65-1.3 Phosphorus 0.5-1.2 Magnesium from 0.04 Potassium from 0.5 Sodium 0.6-1.2.

Abstract: High protein, low soluble-sugar, oil containing soybean meal suitable for use as a partial or full replacement of fish meal and other protein and energy sources in the manufacture of fish and land animal feeds and petfoods, is produced by a process in which oil is mechanically extracted from dehulled, flaked soybeans. Soluble sugars are then extracted from the defatted soybean cake using an ethanol/water mixture in a counter-current solvent extraction process. The resulting meal contains a minimum of about 8 percent by weight residual soybean oil, and it is dried, cooled and ground to produce a fine, free-flowing powder product. The process also produces a sugar syrup suitable for use as a fermentation source for the production of ethanol, and a premium soybean oil. This syrup is also suitable to be used as a taste enhancer for animal feed (typically added to the soybean meal).

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The dried pet food is based on a matrix of a denatured protein source and a gelatinized carbohydrate source. Insoluble fiber is bound within the matrix. Further, a humectant is included within the gelatinized matrix is an amount sufficient for reducing the brittleness of the dried pet food.

Abstract: Animal feed compositions comprising amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat and a functional ingredient for preventing hairball formation are provided. The functional ingredient comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of electrostatically charged gelatin, animal bile acid, fungal acid protease, papain, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A pet food product is provided which is served to pets at either room temperature as a pudding or frozen, comparable to ice cream. The pet food product includes a combination of natural ingredients to an emulsion of vegetable oil, glycerin, and milk solids to provide a healthy treat for pets, such as dogs and cats.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: A composition and process of using it are provided to improve glucose and insulin metabolism in pet animals by controlling the postprandial glycemic and/or insulin response in those animals. The composition includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a multiple grain source containing a blend of sorghum and barley; a blend of corn and barley; or a blend of corn, sorghum and barley.

Abstract: A firm, flexible feed gel that provides animals, especially non-human primates such as orangutans, with fiber. The gel comprises a gelling agent, added-fiber, and water. While nutritional foods consumed by animals, both natural and manufactured, can contain certain amounts of fiber, the amount of fiber can be insufficient in maintaining the health of the animal. The invention provides a firm, flexible gel that contains an amount of fiber that is over and above the amount of fiber normally found in the animal's nutritional foods, i.e., it provides added-fiber. A method of preparing the gel comprises: (i) providing a gelling agent, a source of added-fiber, and water; (ii) blending the gelling agent and the added-fiber to form a mixture; (iii) combining the water and the mixture to form a homogeneous mass; (iv) transferring the homogeneous mass into a mold; and (v) cooling the homogeneous mass to form the firm, flexible feed gel.

Abstract: A novel pet chew comprising a plurality of contrasting animal hide strips joined together, where at least one of the plurality of contrasting animal hide strips is treated to be non-staining, is disclosed. The chew is configured to display substantial portions of each of the plurality of contrasting animal hide strips on the exterior surface of the chew. A method of making a non-staining pet chew is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual texture pet or animal food product having inner and outer components. The soft inner component contains a mixture of lipid and solid ingredients and has a water activity, aw, less than about 0.65 and a total moisture content less than about 15 wt %. The outer component is a cereal based shell containing at least one ingredient comprising a carbohydrate, fat, protein or combination thereof, the shell component having a total moisture content less than about 20 wt %. The shell component completely surrounds the soft inner component and is formed by the co-extrusion of the soft inner component within the shell component to form one dual component pet or animal food product.

Abstract: A first holding tank includes a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base to define an open top. An inlet pipe provides raw sewage into tank. Tank is part of a sewage treatment plant comprised of a number of like sequentially interlinked tanks. Tank has an average depth of about 1½ meters and a surface area of about 60 hectares. After a predetermined volume of sewage and other fluids are contained within tank, the inflow is halted and a number of live fish, in the form of European carp, are introduced into tank. The inclusion of the fish allows the conversion of the sewage into fish manure that progressively builds up on the bottom of the tank. Moreover, the movement of the fish in tank assists the processing of the sewage by aeration.

Abstract: A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed proteins for use as a hypoallergenic pet food, and a process for producing it.

Abstract: A blend of starch and a thermoplastic aliphatic-aromatic copolyester resin, at a specific gravity of greater than 1.0. In method form, the invention comprises supplying an aromatic-aliphatic based polyester, supplying starch and mixing the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester with the starch and introducing the mixture to a melt processing apparatus wherein the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester and starch are mixed and molded or extruded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a long-term feed for aquatic animals, especially for fish, shrimp and invertebrates, which feed is stable for a long time, is insoluble and does not load the water chemistry in fresh and sea water and can also be used as a weekend or holiday feed for warm and cold water ornamental fish, wherein it contains 1 to 50% by weight of agar-agar.

Abstract: An animal digestible chewing gum composition is provided comprising a water soluble gum portion and water insoluble gum base portion including an animal digestible elastomer. Additionally, a method for creating an animal digestible chew gum is provided comprising the steps of creating a chewing gum base that includes a sufficient amount of an animal digestible elastomer to create a resultant chewing gum that is more digestible by an animal than a chewing gum without such an elastomer, and adding to the chewing gum base a water soluble portion to create a resultant chewing gum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gelled feed products, means for making said products and a method for manufacturing gelled feed products. The product comprises 80-98 weight % raw material of animal or marine origin pre-treated with KOH and/or NaOH, KHCO3, K2CO3, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, or (NH4)2CO3 and 0.5-5 weight % alginate or pectin, a calcium source standard feed ingredients and calcium. The product may contain 0-10 weight % fish meal or carbohydrates. Said means are raw material of animal or marine origin pre-treated with alkali giving said raw material a pH of 8-12. The method comprises mixing raw materials of marine or animal origin, comprising offals, alginate or pectin, and a calcium source and standard feed ingredients, particulating said mixture into any useful geometrical shape, expose it to acid treatment in a bath. The raw material is pre-treated with alkali or to addition of alginate or pectin. The resulting mixture is formed into desired shape and treated in an acid bath to form the gelled product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homogeneous high-fat food provided in the form of food flakes, to a method for producing the same and to the use thereof for promoting the growth, the ingestion of food, and the condition of freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrates. The inventive food flakes are used to improve resistance to stress, to prevent losses due to unfavorable keeping conditions such as high temperatures in the summer and low temperatures in the winter when keeping pond fish, and to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous excretion which promotes algae growth.

Abstract: A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed proteins for use as a hypoallergenic pet food, and a process for producing it.

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: Provided is a pet food or feed which contains an oil or fat composition having the following components (A) and (B): (A) 10 wt. % or more of diglycerides which contain, as constituent fatty acids, 50 wt. % or more of unsaturated C14-24 fatty acids and 40 wt. % or less of unsaturated fatty acids having at least 20 carbon atoms and at least 4 carbon-carbon double bonds; and (B) 20 wt. % or less of free fatty acids, wherein a weight ratio of the diglycerides to monoglycerides≧1. The pet food or feed according to the present invention is reduced in an offensive odor derived from animal proteins, particularly, meats and therefore, does not make pet owners or neighbors feel uncomfortable. It can be prepared without a cumbersome step, only by substituting the part or whole of its oil or fat for a specific oil or fat composition.

Abstract: A feed supplement is disclosed comprising heme purified from animal blood. Animals fed this supplement experience a significantly lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared with feed supplemented with fishmeal or AP 301. Only the animals fed the heme supplement exhibit improved meat quality, including improved meat color and drip loss.

Abstract: A die head suitable for preparation of a dual textured pet food having a core and a shell surrounding or essentially surrounding the core, the die head attached to or an integral part of an extruder, which comprises a) at least two shell flow areas through which an extruded shell composition flows, b) a shell flow control regulator which is capable of impinging upon the shell flow, c) a core inlet tube located post shell flow control regulator, its orifice in the shell flow, and delivering core composition to the shell flow wherein the shell composition essentially or totally envelops the core composition d) the shell enveloped core composition exiting the die orifice.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing animal feed from food waste by providing a dry, pelletized, fibrous organic material. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of thickening/dewatering solids that contain substantial amounts of moisture, e.g., ground food waste.

Abstract: An amorphous solid cast feed product is made by solidifying a substantially liquid agricultural byproduct. The byproduct may be selected from stillage, condensed fermented corn solubles, stillage, condensed distillers solubles, whey, condensed whey solubles, or any mixture thereof. The amorphous solid cast feed product may further include an exogenous source of a carbohydrate, a fat, a vitamin, a mineral, and/or nitrogen, as well as a sulfonated lignin material, a recycled animal waste product, and/or another miscellaneous fibrous material. The substantially liquid agricultural byproduct may first be condensed by heat, then solidified by being cooled in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: Firm, flexible animal feed gel are prepared by a method comprises the steps of: A. Forming a liquid animal feed at a temperature above ambient temperature; B. Passing the liquid animal feed through a pipe cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the liquid animal feed of step (A) such that the feed solidifies to a stiff, flexible gel while in the pipe; and C. Collecting the gel as the gel exits the pipe. The pipe may be straight or coiled, and it may be cooled through the effect of a cooling jacket or container. The composition of the animal is feed is predominantly water containing at least one gelling agent and at least one source of protein, typically an animal-derived protein such as fish or poultry meal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new pigment in feed for salmonides, a new feed comprising this pigment and use of this pigment. The pigment comprises a diester of astaxanthin prepared with an omega-3 fatty acid and/or a short chain carboxylic acid. By this invention a pigment for feed to salmonides that is more stable and biologically more effective than free astaxanthin and commercially available astaxanthin product, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low phosphorous, low pigmented, highly digestible white protein meal to be used in feeding operations, especially aquaculture.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a customized dietary health management system for pets. The pet food diet provides the required level of nutrients and it includes a customized pet food product formulated from a dry pet food kibble recipe and selected functional additives. The formulation of the dry pet food kibble is selected on the basis of an individual pet's attributes and physical conditions. The diet further includes a selected wet pet food, functional snacks and treats, and health accessories packaged with specific feeding instructions for the pet. The dietary health management system raises the level of nutrients for a companion animal from an adequate level to an optimal level, thereby enhancing the health and happiness of the companion animal.

Abstract: An enhanced fish feed and a method of feeding fish with the enhanced feed are described for particular use in fish farms. The fish feed comprises pellets which are coated with a material intended to contrast highly with conditions within cages of the fish farm and thereby become visible to fish below the surface and humans near the surface. A coating of white material, preferably a mica/titanium dioxide compound, is appropriate. The enhanced visibility of the feed increases the water feeding volume within the enclosure. This reduces fish congestion and stress upon the fish during the feeding period and increases feeding rate.

Abstract: A pet food, such as a dog food and a cat food, contains a cyclodextrin such as &bgr;-cyclodextrin, for example, a pet food in which the content of fat is equal to or higher than 5% by weight per solid part and the content of &bgr;-cyclodextrin ranges from 1 to 15% by weight per solid part. A method of suppressing an increase in the body weight of a pet or reducing the body weight, is characterized by feeding the pet food to a pet to the extent that the ingested amount of &bgr;-cyclodextrin, per day, ranges from 0.1 to 5 g per 1 kg of body weight. A pet food is suited to a pet's liking because of having the same taste and mouth feel as conventional pet foods, and suppresses an increase in the body weight of a pet or reduces body weight with the same feeding amount as usual, and a method suppresses an increase in the body weight of a pet or reduces body weight without impairing the health of pets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coconut endosperm fiber as a dietary fiber component in a pet food product, to the use of coconut endosperm fiber in the manufacture of a pet food product, to a pet food product which comprises coconut endosperm fiber, to a process for making such a pet food product and to a method comprising feeding such a pet food product to a pet animal. The present invention also relates to the use of coconut endosperm fiber in reducing and preventing intestinal inflammation and in reducing and preventing pathogenic bacterial infection in the large intestine of a pet animal.

Abstract: A breath-freshening pet food composition comprising at least 40 ppm by weight of one or more plant extract(s), preferably selected from essential oils.

Abstract: An eggshell-derived product is utilized as an alternative feed grade calcium and phosphorous source for potential use for all species of livestock. The product is environmentally advantageous and biologically equivalent or superior to currently available commercial products such as feed grade dicalcium phosphate. A method of producing the product elicits monocalcium phosphate and/or dicalcium phosphate from a combination of dried eggshell waste and phosphoric acid, using water as a catalyst.

Abstract: A formulated, microbound diet product for the culture of larval fish and crustaceans either in a dry or moist form is disclosed. The food product contains protein sources such as fish protein hydrosylate, casein, egg yolk, binding agents such as soy lecithin, wheat gluten, and alginate. Other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, lipid sources, carbohydrate sources, pigment sources, and attractant compounds are included in the diet for nutritional completeness. A method for preparation of the food product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food composition for domestic carnivores which makes it possible to prevent or correct pigmentation abnormalities and/or to improve the quality of the fur of the said domestic carnivores, characterized in that it contains a source of free tyrosine representing at least 5% of the total tyrosine supplied. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or correcting pigmentation abnormalities of the fur of domestic carnivores that uses said food composition.

Abstract: A marine feed composition is described comprising microbially derived arachidonic acid (ARA) or ARA in the form of a triglyceride. The ARA is suitably produced by a fungus, such as of the genus Mortierella, although the feed composition itself is free of microbial cells. These forms of ARA have been found to give better growth and pigmentation promotion in marine organisms (shrimps and fish) than corresponding phospholipid forms of ARA from fish oil. The ARA can be in the form of an oil, e.g. an oil-in-water emulsion or may first be fed to larvae, rotifers or nauplii which are themselves included in a composition as “live” feed for larger organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing vegetable and animal oils as well as pigments like astaxanthin and canthaxanthin with regard to oxidation. It also relates to a feed for salmonids, and a method for optimising the effect of the pigment in feed for salmonids. Essential feature by the invention are treatment by or presence of urea.

Abstract: A process is provided for limiting weight gain in cats. The process includes feeding the cat a pet food composition that includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a grain source that excludes rice. Use of preferred low glycemic index grain sources that comprise a blend of corn and sorghum; a blend of corn, sorghum, and barley; or a blend of corn, sorghum, and oats, has the effect of decreasing the postprandial blood glucose and insulin response of the cat as compared to when feeding a rice-based diet. The result is that the animal becomes satiated and voluntarily decreases its intake of food, causing less weight gain. This effect is even more marked when the composition is fed to male cats.

Abstract: Novel flake feeds are described, especially for aquatic animals, such as fish, shrimps and invertebrates, characterised in that the flakes have a uniform form, a variable thickness and a water content of from 1 to 30%, as well as a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention offers a method for producing a livestock feed composition including steps of adding Aspergillus to a feed material comprising at least two types chosen from among a fibrous feed material, a cereal material and an organic waste material, and allowing the Aspergillus to incubate, and a livestock feed composition produced by such a process.