Abstract: An biodegradable animal chew made from polyesteramide and starch is disclosed. In addition, a method of forming such a biodegradable animal chew is disclosed wherein the polyesteramide component forms distinct continuous domains dispersed within a continuous starch phase.

Abstract: An animal chew which is made from molded fruit chips. In a second embodiment, an animal chew which is made from a molded thermoplastic resin having fruit chips dispersed therein. In a third embodiment, an animal chew which is made from starch having fruit chips dispersed therein.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of beaded corn starch or a mixture of beaded corn starch and potato starch, and calcium carbonate, the texture of hardness or which is easily modified to suit a particular dog by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: A process for forming starch into a molded article using melt processing techniques which process comprises combining starch and water to form a mixture wherein the water content is in the range of about 20.0 to 40.0% by weight with respect to that of the starch and introducing and heating the mixture in an extruder wherein the water content of the product upon discharge from the extruder is less than the water content of the mixture entering the extruder. The extrudate is then, optionally dried, and introduced to a heated injection molding machine and injection molded and cooled to form a molded article wherein the water content of the molded article is at or below about 20% by weight.

Abstract: A pet carrier/portable habitat structure for containing a pet comprising a bottom panel containing a floor surface sloped downwardly and inwardly to a recessed section in the floor surface. The habitat also includes a perforated tray removably placed within the bottom panel, including a top panel, first and second side panels, a first end panel and a second end panel. The first end panel and second end panel are hingedly attached to the habitat to collapse inwardly into the habitat, and the first and second side panels are hingedly attached to the top and bottom panels. The first and second side panels each comprise upper and lower sections hingedly connected to one another so as to collapse the first and second side panels inwardly into the habitat. The perforated removable tray contains openings to allow for passage of liquid into the bottom panel, and include supports positioned between the tray and the bottom panel to maintain the tray above the floor surface of said bottom section.

Abstract: A heat expandable dog chew comprised primarily of injection molded potato starch, calcium carbonate, to which is added a fruit flavoring, a food coloring or a breath sweetener.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of wheat flour, casein and starch carbohydrate, the texture of hardness of which is easily modified to suit a particular dog by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: A pet toy amusement device which self-regulates the delivery of a pet treat of a selected size and shape, comprising an inner housing for containing the pet treat of a selected size and shape, the housing including one or a plurality of openings for dispensing such treat. The device also incorporates an outer housing to contain the inner housing, wherein the inner housing is movable within the outer housing, the outer housing also containing one or a plurality of openings for teat dispensing. The number, size and/or shape of one or plurality of openings on the inner and outer housing can be conveniently varied with respect to the number, size and/or shape of the treats such that when the device is motioned by a pet, the device self-regulates pet treat delivery.

Abstract: A chew toy having a substantial component of vegetable matter wherein such vegetable matter, in dried and powdered or granulation form, is melted as it is injection molded. The process provides a chew toy with a consistency and chewability preferred by most dogs that is not attainable by known prior art baking or compression molding techniques.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of peanut flour, casein and a vegetable starch carbohydrate, the texture of hardness of which is easily modified to suit a particular dog by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: A hardness modifiable edible dog chew produced by extruding a vegetable starch mixture into beads and then injection molding the beads into the shape of the dog chew. The mixture includes lecithin, calcium carbonate and optionally a dog attractant.

Abstract: An improved animal chew comprising a low voltage battery and various conductors such that when an animal chews on the present invention an electrical circuit is formed and a micro-current flows. This micro-current has therapeutic effects on the animal's teeth and gums, and optionally, low concentrations of certain trace metals are released which similarly have beneficial results regarding the animal's oral hygiene. In addition, upon chewing, calcium ions and/or fluoride ions can be discharged. Finally, in optional embodiment, ultrasonic sound waves can be generated when an animal chews on the present invention which further assists in removal of plaque from the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of turkey meal, rice meal, casein and starch carbohydrate, the texture of hardness of which is easily modified to suit a particular do g by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: A chew toy having a substantial component of carrot matter wherein such carrot matter, in dried and powdered or granulation form, is melted as it is injection molded. The process provides a chew toy with a consistency and chewability preferred by most dogs that is not attainable by known prior art baking or compression molding techniques.

Abstract: A process for making a heat expandable dog chew comprised primarily of injection molding potato starch granules and an attractant is disclosed.