Abstract: A novel dough composition for improved dough can be used to produce a baked, high protein, low carbohydrate bread product. The formulation and process can be used to make low carbohydrate dough that can be used to manufacture bread and other bread-like products of high quality and consumer acceptance. The bread is characterized by low nutritive carbohydrate content, bread-like open cell structure and a high quality nutrition, texture and flavor. The dough comprises an aqueous leavened dispersion that comprises an effective but low amount of wheat flour for texture and flavor, an effective amount of gluten, in excess of the flour content, and an effective amount of a protein source along with an effective amount of an edible fiber to provide high protein content, low carbohydrate content and bread-like texture.

Abstract: A method for increasing the diet digestibility of food for an animal and modulating the firmness of fecal droppings (or stool index or excreta) of an animal which comprises conditioning an aqueous meat slurry comprising fat and meat (protein) by homogenizing and emulsifying the fat and meat ingredients in water, treating the conditioned slurry with an effective amount of an enzyme composition under conditions of pH and temperature for a time effective to cause hydrolysis resulting in the production of an enhanced digestibility and stool index modulating composition and utilizing this composition as an animal food or incorporating this stool index improving composition into an animal food, in an amount effective to modulate the stool index of animal droppings, and increase the food digestibility.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting an accurate body condition score (BCS) for pets. The method includes selecting a BCS based upon a BCS chart, answering a questionnaire regarding the pet, and applying the selected BCS and at least one answer from the questionnaire to a model to determine a predicted body condition score.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. The method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.