Abstract: Accordingly, a method is provided for concentrating precursors to vertebrate connective tissue in foodstuffs to be ingested by humans and pets as part of their daily sustenance. The present method comprises the following steps: (a) providing raw vertebrate connective tissue; (b) disintegrating the raw vertebrate connective tissue into an aggregation of particles having a substantially homogenous particle size, preferably via an emulsification process, thereby forming liquefied connective tissue; and (c) thermally processing the liquefied connective tissue, resulting in a readily-edible foodstuff rich in chondroitin sulfates, glucosamine, and other connective tissue building blocks.

Abstract: A pet food premix product is provided, comprising a mixture of about 40 to 70 wt % of non-rendered meat and the balance at least one farinaceous and/or plant proteinaceous carrier substrate. One or more meats may be employed. A process is provided by which meat can be efficiently dehydrated and starch can be partially or completely gelatinized, then incorporated into an extruded dry or moist food at levels from 5 to 50% of a total formulation ration. The premix, when incorporated into an extruded pet food product, will increase its operational performance while delivering nutrients and palatability to the pet food product. In addition, a dried bakery product, is provided, which is useful as the farinaceous carrier substrate in the fabrication of the pet food premix product. The dried bakery product provides a naturally low pH pet food product having a pH in the range of about 5.7 to 6.4 and also unexpectedly provides an energy reduction in extrusion of pet food containing this ingredient.

Abstract: An expanded protein product is made by extruding a mix containing a proteinaceous material, an animal or vegetable fat, a non proteinaceous and non-farinaceous extrusion agent, sulfur and/or sulfur compound, plasticizers and water from a high pressure zone to a low pressure zone preferably followed by rehydration of the extrudate.