Abstract: A machine for injecting fluid into a meat product has a frame and a meat injection station on the frame. An elongated conveyor is mounted on the frame for carrying a meat products towards and through the injection station. A motor is on the frame for operating the conveyor. A meat injection head on the frame is located at the injection station and includes a plurality of downwardly extending fluid injection needles. A fluid reservoir is mounted on the frame and is connected to a pump, with the pump also being connected to the needles. The motor is connected to a power train for moving the needles into and out of a meat product while it is being moved through the injection station by the conveyor. A bypass control circuit is on the frame and is connected to the pump and the reservoir for diverting fluid moving towards the needles from the pump in the reservoir when the needles are out of the meat product.

Abstract: The frozen food or food material includes a food or food material processed with from 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight of an alkali metal halide or an alkali earth metal halide, from 0.01% by weight to 0.5% by weight of an alkali metal bicarbonate or an alkali earth metal bicarbonate, from 0.0005% by weight to 0.05% by weight of an organic acid, and from 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight of gelatin, and from 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight of polylysine, as needed, each based on the weight of the food or food material, or a mixture of two or more. The frozen food or food material can be stored in cold storage for a prolonged period of time, and the original taste or flavor of the food or food material is not spoiled upon thawing or unfreezing the frozen food or food material.

Abstract: A process for preparing nut spreads having a sugar level of from about 15 to about 50% and especially flavored nut spreads having such relatively high levels of sugar. A substantially homogeneous blend is prepared from a fluid suspension consisting essentially of an intimate mixture of sugar, liquid oil and lecithin as a surfactant to improve the fluidity of the suspension, a nut solids-containing mixture and a flavorant that is preferably added to the fluid suspension. The resulting flavored nut spreads are more fluid and softer than products made without using the fluid suspension.

Abstract: A method for providing an acidulant effect in a food. A food is prepared including alkali metal bisulfate in an amount effective to act as an acidulant. Moisture is added in an amount effective to dissolve the alkali metal bisulfate. In a preferred embodiment, a leavened baked good is prepared including a baking carbonate, and alkali metal bisulfate in an amount effective to react with the baking carbonate to release carbon dioxide to leaven the baked good. A food composition includes alkali metal bisulfate in an amount effective to act as an acidulant in the food, and moisture in an amount effective to dissolve the alkali metal bisulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized meat product of cooked meat comprising cooked meat and nisin-containing whey. The present invention also provides a stabilized food product comprising cooked meat, vegetables, sauce, and nisin-containing whey. The nisin-containing whey can be prepared by (1) inoculating a pasteurized dairy composition with a culture of a nisin-producing microorganism, incubating the composition until the pH attains a value between about 6.2 and about 4.0 and a whey and curd mixture is formed, and separating the whey from the whey and curd mixture to give the separated whey which is the nisin-containing whey or by (2) the fermentation of a fortified cheese whey composition using a nisin-producing microorganism. The invention also provides a method of making a stabilized food product of cooked meat, vegetables, and sauce that includes preparing a composition including meat, vegetables, sauce, and nisin-containing whey, and cooking the composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dry emulsion characterised in that it is obtained by drying a dispersion of at least a weakly soluble edible substance also called active substance (MA) in a continuous phase comprising: at least an emulsifier (E) containing at least a partially hydrolysed vegetable protein (protein lysate) whereof the degree of hydrolysis ranges between 0 (excluded) and less than 5%; and at least a water soluble or water dispersible interstitial filler (ARI) containing at least a partially hydrolysed vegetable protein (protein lysate) whereof the degree of hydrolysis ranges between 5 and 40%. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said emulsions, comprising the following steps: (i) a first step consists in preparing a dispersion in water or in an aqueous phase comprising at least a hydrophobic active substance (MA), at least an emulsifier (E), and at least a filler (ARI); (ii) the second step consists in drying said dispersion until a dry emulsion is formed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a food composition in an aqueous or instant powder form that contains at least one food ingredient, a monoglyceride enriched with unsaturated compounds, and water. The monoglyceride is preferably a monoglycerol monoester that has up to about 90% of C18 monoolein with one unsaturation, with the remainder being a C18 monolinolein with two unsaturations and/or a saturated monoglycerol monoester; a monoglycerol monoester that has up to about 90% of monolinolein C18 with two unsaturations, with the remainder being a monoolein C18 with one unsaturation and/or a saturated monoglycerol monoester; or a mixture of a saturated or unsaturated di- or polyglycerol monoester and a di- or polyglycerol di ester or polyester or another food emulsifier. The composition exhibits in an aqueous phase a mesomorphic structure such as a cubic, lamellar, or hexagonal structure substantially encapsulating or combining the food ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.

Abstract: A process including: mixing a high-fat soybean liquid with at least one demulsifier; and separating the resulting cream component from the reduced-fat liquid component.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing at least pasteurized hydrated emulsifier compositions. The methods for preparing an aseptic hydrated emulsifier comprise the steps of: A. Preparing a hydrated emulsifier blend of lactylated mono- and di-glycerides; B. Treating the hydrated blend to at least pasteurize the blend to form an at least pasteurized hydrated emulsifier blend; and, C. Cooling the at least pasteurized hydrated emulsified blend to refrigerator temperatures forming a cooled pasteurized hydrated emulsifier blend.

Abstract: A composition is described for adding an additive, for example an emulsifier and/or stabiliser, to a liquid. The composition includes a first ingredient in the form of the additive, which may be a food grade emulsifier and/or stabiliser. The composition also includes a second ingredient which may be a fat material. The first ingredient is dispersed within the second ingredient. A method of producing is also described in which the composition is produced by mixing the first and second ingredients such that the first ingredient is dispersed within the second ingredient.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising (a) an oil and/or an oil mimetic component; (b) a triglyceride fatty acid and/or a high melting point emulsifier component; (c) a particulate component; wherein the particulate component (c) is in a stable suspension within a crystal matrix formed by component (b); with the proviso that the particulate component (c) does not form a crystal matrix.

Abstract: The spore germination inhibitor of the invention is 6-carbamoyl-2-pyridine carboxylic acid which is produced by a microorganism of genus Bacillus, such as Bacillus subtilis, and can inhibit germination of sporogenous bacteria resulting in the prevention of spoilage and putrefaction of foods, particularly in combination with D-alanine.

Abstract: The stabilizer is able to stabilize both fat/oil and water and to improve the texture of mechanically separated meats. The stabilizer is a composite of gelatin, an acid, a sugar component and/or a starch component. The gelatin component is made by treating the gelatin in an aqueous slurry with an acid such that a pH of 1.0 to 4.5 is maintained throughout the treatment process. The stabilizer is especially suited for use in cased meats such as sausage, frankfurters, and bologna.

Abstract: The invention provides a flavor-retention agent which is harmless to the environment and the human body and exhibits excellent ability to prevent deterioration of flavors. The flavor-retention agent contains an active ingredient which is obtained by subjecting a raw material such as leaves and/or tubers of a potato plant to extraction.

Abstract: A citrus flavor has at least one of an aroma component and a water soluble citrus extract component. The citrus flavor further includes a stabilizing component. The aroma component is obtained from a low-boiling part of a cold pressed oil. The water soluble citrus extract component is obtained from a cold pressed oil by an extraction using a hydrate alcohol solvent. The stabilizing component includes a mixture of coumarin analogues obtained from a cold pressed oil. The resulting citrus flavor has a high stability.

Abstract: The stabilizer is able to stabilize both fat/oil and water and to improve the texture of mechanically separated meats. The stabilizer is a composite of gelatin, an acid, a sugar component and/or a starch component. The gelatin component is made by treating the gelatin in an aqueous slurry with an acid such that a pH of 1.0 to 4.5 is maintained throughout the treatment process. The stabilizer is especially suited for use in cased meats such as sausage, frankfurters, and bologna.

Abstract: A method for making a dairy product, the method including the steps of filtering milk produce retentate and permeate from the milk and forming a mixture including at least one of the retentate and the permeate, in combination with a preservative and an acid in an amount sufficient to make the preservative effective, to make the dairy product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method using sorbic acid, preferably in a concentration of >0 to <1.2% by weight (based on the feedstuff), with a growth-stabilizing effect. The feedstuff can be employed for improving performance in agricultural livestock rearing.

Abstract: A novel peanut butter stabilizer, suitable for preventing the separation of oils from peanut butter during storage, is disclosed. The peanut butter stabilizer contains: (a) a substantially completely hydrogenated edible oil fraction having an Iodine Value of less than 10, and (b) a concentrated monoglyceride fraction having an Iodine Value between 15 and 70, wherein the weight ratio of the hydrogenated edible oil fraction (a) to the concentrated monoglyceride fraction (b) is between 9:1 and 1:9. In a preferred embodiment, the peanut butter stabilizer contains (a) substantially completely hydrogenated cottonseed oil having an Iodine Value less than 8, and (b) partially hydrogenated soybean distilled monoglyceride having an Iodine Value between 20 and 60, wherein the weight ratio of the substantially hydrogenated cottonseed oil (a) and the partially hydrogenated soybean distilled monoglyceride (b) is about 3:1.

Abstract: An anhydrous flavor delivery system being a clear liquid at a temperature of 30° C. which can be used to produce finished drinks and foods wherein the flavors are unexpectedly stabilized against flavor degradation and off note development. The flavor delivery system contains (a) 10-40% by weight of a flavoring composition, (b) 20-50% by weight of a surfactant system consisting essentially of one or more surfactants, (c) 20-50% by weight of an alcoholic composition consisting essentially of one or more alcohols with two or more hydroxy groups per molecule, wherein the total amount of ingredients (a), (b), and (c) is at least 90% by weight. The flavor delivery system can be obtained by (a) mixing corresponding amounts of said flavoring and said surfactant system, (b) adding a corresponding amount of said alcoholic composition to the mixture obtained by step (a), and (c) mixing the admixture obtained by step (b).

Abstract: A method coprocessing microcrystalline cellulose with maltodextrin to produce a dispersion that can be spray dried at high solids content to produce a flowing powder is disclosed. The coprocessed microcrystalline cellulose/maltodextrin composition can be blended with carboxymethyl cellulose to produce a dry blend that can be used in food and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elemental liquid nutritional product useful for providing nutrition to a patient having a malabsorption condition by enterally feeding to the patient a nutritionally effective amount of the liquid nutritional products of the present invention. One nutritional product of the present invention includes a protein system in which at least 65 w/w % of said proteins have a molecular weight of less than 5,000 daltons. The proteins system includes soy protein hydrolysate, and partially hydrolyzed caseinate. The preferred products further include a structured lipid formed from marine oil and medium chain triglyceride oil. Palatability of elemental nutritional products has been improved by keeping caloric density in a range from 0.60 kcal/ml to about 1.05 kcal/ml and incorporating sufficient amounts of selected palatability enhancers.

Abstract: A method to extend the shelf-life, reduce the microbial load, and enhance product appearance and quality in leafy vegetables or other fresh commodities of the like comprising applying directly to the leafy vegetable a stabilized aqueous alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite solution.

Abstract: A method including administering a beverage composition suitable for human consumption including effective amounts of the following solubilized components, a calcium compound, an organic acid in an amount up to the equivalent amount of a calcium of the calcium compound, an isoflavone, and inulin wherein the effective amounts are sufficient to reduce the risk of bone density loss and are solubilized by a stabilizing agent including one or more of maltol, carrageenan and maltodextrin, and xanthan gum.

Abstract: A scoopable dough can be used to prepare cut biscuits, drop biscuits, dumplings, flat bread, crackers, pizza dough, doughnuts, fritters, hushpuppies, muffins, pastry crusts, coffee cake, quick bread, scones, cobbler-type crust, and the like. A scoopable dough has desirable viscoelastic properties and is shelf stable without being stored in a container that is deoxygenated and/or hermetically sealed at freezing and refrigeration temperatures. A scoopable dough includes flour, a protein supplement, a shortening, a humectant, a leavening system having at least portion of the leavening system encapsulated, and water. The flour and water can be in a flour-to-water ratio of between about 2:1 and about 1:1. A scoopable dough can also include a texture-modifying agent, an emulsifier, a hydrocolloid, a dough-developing agent, a nutritional supplement, a flavoring, a shelf-life stabilizer, an organic acid, and/or a binder of metal ions.

Abstract: An emulsifying system for elemental diet compositions is provided that contains a protein source that may be a extensively hydrolyzed protein, free amino acids, short-chain peptides, or a mixture thereof; a lipid source; a carbohydrate source; and an emulsifying system comprising an ocentyl succinic anhydride modified starch and an acetylated monoglyceride emulsifier. The composition may be prepared as a powder or liquid nutritional composition for formulas prepared for infant, pediatric and adult populations in need of an elemental diet. The invention provides a commercially acceptable product in terms of desired stability and physical characteristics and is particularly useful for hypoallergenic infant formula preparations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a flavored bread improver for the preparation of bakery products and bakery products comprising the improver. The present invention also comprises the preparation process of the flavored bread improver.

Abstract: A method and formulation for stabilizing fruit concentrate powders, using stabilizing substrates such as magnesium salt, citric acid, and gum, in a vacuum drying system.

Abstract: The inventive developments disclosed in this application include the following features and combinations thereof: extracting oil from spent bleaching earths for animal feed; using earths and acid water as soil amendment/fertilizer; efficient extraction of substances valuable to plants, animals, and humans from plant, animal, and fish oil soap stock, especially using the “inter phase” emulsion from soap stock accumulation; use of “black paste” from oil refining as fertilizer component (nutrient source); use of inter phase from agricultural oil refining, especially refining of non-drummed oils, as animal feed; use of “oil refining by-products to fertilizers” process and/or KOH refining in conjunction with “Miscella”-type hexane refining or “Zenith” process refining; fertilizers containing silica/silicates from by-products of agricultural oil refining; use of higher-sodium oil refining by-products as fertilizer for sodium-tolerant plants; using by-produ

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a reduced water activity legume, with the legume produced according to the present method having a hydration level ranging between about 20% and about 65% total moisture, a water activity ranging between about 0.50 and about 1.0, and an amount of humectant equal to between about 0.1% and about 15% by weight of the legume. The method includes selecting an amount of hydrated legumes and mixing a humectant solution with the hydrated legumes.

Abstract: We describe a highly stable oat oil-conjugated linoleic acid isomeric mixture composition as an ingredient in an oral neutraceutical supplement and method of delivery to equine that meets the dietary needs of neonates, immuno-compromised, athletic horses, and geriatrics. The increased activity and/or stress levels exhibited by the above mentioned groups requires 2-4 times the daily digestible energy as well as additional vitamins and minerals. The neutraceutical supplement consists of at least 20% crude fat, which contains at least a 50% oat oil-6% CLA isomeric mixture composition; and which imparts a remarkable stability to the formulation.

Abstract: A stable mixture of milk, juice, and polysaccharide/cereal is disclosed. In a preferred version of the present invention, composition containing an amino acid, an organic or inorganic acid and a metal ion is added to further stabilize the milk proteins in the mixture.

Abstract: An aqueous-based frozen confection having a hardness of 20-100 g and containing 0.2-0.5% a stabilizer composition of a mixture of guar, locust bean gum, carboxymethylcelulose and carrageenan. Preferably, the stabilizer elements in the stabilizer composition are present in relative amounts in relative amounts in parts by weight: guar 8-20, locust bean gum 1.5-4.5, carboxymethylcellulose 1.2-2.8 and carrageenan 0.6-1.4.

Abstract: A method for the production of a granular, free-flowing, non-dusting food acid composition having a preselected taste profile which can be used as a citric acid replacement in a foodstuff, the method including the steps of combining fumaric acid with an organic acidic material selected from malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid and mixtures of any two or more thereof in an aqueous medium to produce a mixture; and granulating the mixture to produce a food acid comprising a granular product material containing fumaric acid and the organic acidic material, the quantity of fumaric acid and the quantities of the organic acidic material being selected so that the fumaric acid makes up between 5% and 95% of the granular product, the combining step: being selected from one of grinding the fumaric acid in an aqueous solution of the organic acidic material to produce a slurry; and grinding the fumaric acid in an aqueous medium to produce a milled fumaric acid slurry and then adding the orga

Abstract: A novel dissolution agent, and its use in the manufacture of instant (flavored and unflavored) beverage products, (coffee, hot chocolate, teas, creamy juice drinks, milk shakes, nutritional drinks, and the like, especially instant coffee products), that have improved mouthfeel (“creaminess”, “richness”, “body”, “complexity”, “body-richness”, “substantial”) and thickness, without “sliminess” or “stringiness”. This novel dissolution agent may also be used to make a binder solution that will be used during manufacturing in the agglomeration process. The instant beverage products made according to the present invention, (especially preferred are instant coffee products), can deliver a creamy, rich, preferably foamy, beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without “sliminess” or “stringiness”, as well as a higher flavor impact, at a lower dosage of solids (5-10%, preferably 6.5-8.

Abstract: A practical precipitation recovery process for food waste sludge from dissolved air floatation (DAF) units and sugar by products is provided. Typical meat DAF (dissolved air floatation) skimming sludge has about 12% solid with about 40% fat and 42% protein in solid basis. The skimming sludge is often for land application to cause a pollution problem. Much of the potential nutritive value of the skimming is lost through microbiological degradation. The process converts the skimming sludge and animal blood into a precipitate, which binds most nutrients. Then the precipitate product can be separated easily by a centrifuge, screen or press process. The dry process cost can be reduced because the extra water is removed and the product surface area is increased. The process can convert the waste skimming sludge into a value added product as a good and safe ingredient for feed and nutritional applications. A typical dry product has about protein 54%, pepsin digestible protein 96%, fat 23%, ash 8.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.

Abstract: The stabilizer is able to stabilize both fat/oil and water and to improve the texture of mechanically separated meats. The stabilizer is a composite of gelatin, an acid, a sugar component and/or a starch component. The gelatin component is made by treating the gelatin in an aqueous slurry with an acid such that a pH of 1.0 to 4.5 is maintained throughout the treatment process.

Abstract: A crude lactide in a solid state or in an at least partially molten state is brought into contact with ethanol to form a slurry mixture, and then a solid form this slurry mixture is separated to yield a purified lactide having a high purity. A crude lactide is recrystallized from a non-denatured or denatured ethanol to obtain a lactide for a food additive. A lactide is applied widely to food additives. A coagulating agent for an animal and/or vegetable protein containing an optically active lactide as a main component, a food foaming agent containing a lactide as a main component, a food preservative containing a lactide as a main component and a pH regulating agent containing a lactide as a main component are provided.

Abstract: An improved ingredient and method of provides a bread dough with an acid environment conducive to preserving a baked good prior to baking without deleteriously affecting the bread dough prior to baking.

Abstract: Composition: There is provided a process for the preparation of composition including at least one emulsifier and at least one edible fiber, the process including i) providing an initial composition comprising the emulsifier in a melted form and the edible fiber, ii) spray crystallizing the initial composition such that the emulsifier crystallizes and the emulsifier and the edible fiber are integrated.

Abstract: A polypeptide composition obtained by independently hydrolyzing 7S component (&bgr;-conglycinin) and 11S component (glycinin) of soybean protein is shown. The polypeptide composition contains hydrolysates of both 7S and 11S components which has good emulsifying and whipping capabilities and is useful for the production of food products including ices, meringues, spread pastes, beverages, farinaceous products, etc.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a gel-like feed for aquatic animals, especially fish, shrimps and invertebrates, in fresh and sea water, usable as replacement of frost feed for the nutrition of warm and cold water ornamental fish in an aquarium. An ornamental fish feed is preferred which contains 0.001-50% of gel former, 0.1-90% of natural feed and, depending upon the purpose of use, further additives, in the case of a water content of 20-99%. A feed is especially preferred which contains 0.1-10% of gel former, 1-20% of natural feed and, depending upon the purpose of use, further additives in the case of a water content of 50-99%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocolloid protective coating for food and/or agricultural products comprising: 5-95% dried hydrocolloid gel; 0.2-50% of one or more natural compounds isolated from the surface of said product or a compound substantially equivalent thereto; 4-30% of water; and optional additives. The protective coating provides improved protection of the product, thereby extending its shelf-life. A method for producing the coating, and food and agricultural products protected by the coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pumpable baking additive for improving the quality of backed goods with a viscosity of at least approximately 500 mPas−1 and a water activity (aw) of approximately ≦0.94 is physically and microbiologically stable for several weeks without cooling.

Abstract: A flavored instant or ready-to-drink beverage product that can deliver a rich, preferably frothy, foamy beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without sliminess, as well as a higher flavor impact at a lower dosage of solids is disclosed. These products comprise a water-insoluble component that includes microparticulate component, a fat/oil component, an emulsifier, and optionally, microcrystalline cellulose; a water-soluble component that includes a soluble beverage component, a thickener, and optionally, a buffer; a foam stabilizer; and optionally, acid carbonate/bicarbonate; a sweetener; milk solids; processing aids; and flavorants; and, optionally, and preferably in ready-to-drink formulations, up to 95% water. The ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble components is about 3.3 or less (i.e., the ratio of water-insoluble to water-soluble (I/S) components is 0.30 or greater) and/or the level of water-insoluble components per unit volume of the product is at least about 0.019 g/cc.

Abstract: A novel dissolution agent, and its use in the manufacture of instant (flavored and unflavored) beverage products, (coffee, hot chocolate, teas, creamy juice drinks, milk shakes, nutritional drinks, and the like, especially instant coffee products), that have improved mouthfeel (“creaminess”, “richness”, “body”, “complexity”, “body-richness”, “substantial”) and thickness, without “sliminess” or “stringiness”. This novel dissolution agent may also be used to make a binder solution that will be used during manufacturing in the agglomeration process. The instant beverage products made according to the present invention, (especially preferred are instant coffee products), can deliver a creamy, rich, preferably foamy, beverage with a clean, improved mouthfeel and thickness without “sliminess” or “stringiness”, as well as a higher flavor impact, at a lower dosage of solids (5-10%, preferably 6.5-8.

Abstract: A highly palatable and long lasting dog chew for pets has been developed by combining a formulation and processing sequence which results in a highly palatable meat based filling being incorporated into the center of a preformed rawhide stick or rawhide roll. Such outside rawhide fraction is extremely tough and chewy which results in a dog chew which takes a long period of time for the dog to consume. The inside meat filling is highly palatable which results in the animal maintaining interest in the treat until nearly the entire chew has been consumed. The interior meat filling is preserved by reduced water activity to below 0.85 as a result of incorporating of salt, sugars and natural humectants. Said filling is formulated and processed in such a manner that the water phase is bound within the filling and does not pass by capillary action to the outside rawhide fraction. This results in the outer rawhide shell maintaining a tough and chewable texture until such point as the dog is offered the finished chew.

Abstract: A process for making a dry, stable intermediate pet food including meat includes the steps of combining a plurality of ingredients specified by a basal pet food formula, wherein the plurality of ingredients includes a slurry of meat, mixing the plurality of ingredients to form a basal mixture, extruding the basal mixture, cutting the extruded basal mixture into flakes, and drying the flakes to a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. In one embodiment, to make a finished pet food composition, the flakes are shipped for final processing to a processing facility having finishing equipment including grinding, extruding and coating equipment.