Abstract: A method of feeding an animal and a combination of a container configured to hold animal food material and a shroud therefor. The container includes a bottom wall and an upstanding sidewall integrally formed with the bottom wall. An upper edge of the sidewall terminates in an annular rim structure defining the perimeter limits of an opening into an interior region of the container. The shroud includes an inverted cup-shaped member that has a top wall with a centrally oriented opening therethrough and an annular skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the top wall. The shroud is configured to fit over the opening into the interior region of the container to provide a protective shield preventing animals from gaining access to said thermoplastic material of the container while simultaneously allowing an animal to gain access to any contents in the interior region of the container.

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal and a combination of a container configured to hold animal food material and a shroud therefor. The container includes an upright cup-shaped thin walled thermoplastic member having a bottom wall and an upstanding sidewall integrally formed with the bottom wall. An upper edge of the sidewall terminates in an annular rim structure defining the perimeter limits of an opening into an interior region of the container. The shroud includes an inverted cup-shaped member that has a top wall with a centrally oriented opening therethrough and an annular skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the top wall. The shroud is configured to fit over the opening into the interior region of the container to provide a protective shield preventing animals from gaining access to said thermoplastic material of the container while simultaneously allowing an animal to gain access to any contents in the interior region of the container.