Abstract: There has been explained a composite, particulate feed for fish larvae or fry, and larvae of other aquatic organisms. This dry feed, so-called formulated feed, shall be of such a high quality and condition and otherwise exhibit such properties as to make it suitable for replacing live feed (for example Artemia Salinas), which is very expensive and which may be hard to obtain, at least periodically, and which has a generally very low percentage of hatching (Artemia Salinas) some years. To this end a feed according to the invention excels in that the feed particles consist of a matrix containing water-insoluble nutrients, phospholipids/biomembranes being embedded in said particles, which biomembranes contain fat-soluble components and pack water-soluble nutrients.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing adiposity in an animal such as a companion animal by feeding the animal an effective amount of Vitamin A for a time sufficient to reduce adiposity in the animal. Preferably, the such effective amount comprises from about 50,000 IU to about 1,000,000 IU of Vitamin A per kilogram of diet. Such an effective amount provides sufficient Vitamin A to decrease accumulation of body fat, increase UCP1 levels, and decrease serum leptin levels in the animal.

Abstract: Animal feed is obtained by mixing a grain material and/or a fiber material with at least one industrial waste selected from the group consisting of fish-broth effluents, fish viscera, animal wastes, and distillatory effluents, to form a mixture. Subsequently, koji mold is added to the mixture, then allowed to undergo fermentation, and then dried to form the animal feed. A method for producing animal feed comprises the steps of: mixing a grain material and/or a fiber material with at least one industrial waste selected from the group consisting of fish-broth effluents, fish viscera, animal wastes, and distillatory effluents to form a mixture, wherein the water content of the mixture is 45 wt % or less; adding koji mold to the mixture to cause fermentation; and drying the mixture by utilizing heat generated by the fermentation caused by the koji mold and, if necessary, by driving a current of air upon the mixture.

Abstract: In a preparation for a beverage for dogs in a liquid or a solid form for dissolution in water, there are included in the beverage at least flavor carriers, minerals and proteins and other constituents.

Abstract: A pet food product and process for producing the pet food product for use in maintenance of healthy joints and alleviation of arthritic symptoms in companion animals, the pet food comprising an effective amount of an active extract of Perna canaliculus. The extract can be either a powder or lipid extract. Preferably in an amount that provides for a dosage range of generally 0.18 to 114 mg of a powder extract/kg of body weight/day in a companion animal or an amount of generally 1.5 to 1000 mg of a powder extract of Perna canaliculus per 400 kcal of pet food product.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolyzed casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A gender specific food for puppies is disclosed where the food includes at least about 0.25% methionine by weight and at least about 0.45% total sulfur amino acids. The food further includes a total dietary lipid level based on gender, and for maximizing body weight and length gains, lipid levels and the amounts of methionine are adjusted based upon the gender of the puppy.

Abstract: A canned pet food product having a base layer and an upper layer. The base layer is formed of solid food pieces in a gravy and has a substantially conical recess formed into its upper surface. The gravy makes up about 20% to about 40% of the base layer. The upper layer is formed of a substantially solid foodstuff and fills the conical recess formed into the base layer. The substantially solid foodstuff provides about 20% to about 80% by weight of the pet food product.

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: A mineral water specifically formulated for pets particularly domestic pets such as dogs cats and birds is described. The mineral water comprises a purified water having less than 200 ppm dissolved minerals and being essentially free of chlorine and containing a small amount of an artificial flavor of a food which is enjoyed by the pet, the flavored mineral water being essentially free of glycerine. As the flavor and older of the mineral water mimics a food enjoyed by the pet, they freely drink the mineral water.

Abstract: A pet milk powder of a cow's milk powder which contains lactose, and lactase in an amount sufficient to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance in pets when the powder or a solution made from the powder is ingested by the pet. At least a portion of the lactose in the pet milk powder is hydrolyzed upon reconstitution of the powder with a solvent. Also, a pet milk-based drink made by reconstituting the powder with a solvent such as water.

Abstract: An enhanced fish feed and a method of feeding fish with the enhanced feed are described for particular use in fish farms. The fish feed comprises pellets which are coated with a material intended to contrast highly with conditions within cages of the fish farm and thereby become visible to fish at lower levels and humans near the surface. A coating of white material, conveniently a mica/titanium dioxide compound, is appropriate. The enhanced visibility of the feed increases the water feeding volume within the enclosure. This reduces fish congestion and stress upon the fish during the feeding period and increases feeding rate.

Abstract: A method for preparing modified ingredients and feed to improve performance and/or feed utilization of animals. An animal feed and method for preparing an animal feed. An enhanced method for preparing an animal feed and an enhanced animal feed. This invention also relates to the use of irradiation technology of a feed component for one animal whereby an enhancement is provided, including but not limited to, feed gain performance and the like.

Abstract: An aqueous gel suitable for ingestion by a cat or dog comprising, a. an effective amount of a gelling agent, b. an effective amount of a cat or dog palatability enhancing agent, and c. at least about 85 wt. % water.

Abstract: A method for producing feed for forming into pellets, the pellets produced by the method to be used to feed carnivorous animals. The addition of the enzyme transglutaminase to a feed mass specifically intended for carnivorous fish will catalyze a reaction between the amino acids glutamine and lysine which form part of the protein chains and the raw material of the proteins of the feed, such that a covalent chemical bond is formed between them, which results in shape permanence in the formed, dried, finished pellets, such that the finished pellets do not lose their shape before time of use.

Abstract: A co-extruded dual component animal food product has an outer component containing at least 60% cereal and an inner cream textured component which has water soluble components in an aqueous phase that forms a stable emulsion with a lipid free hydrocarbon phase. The hydrocarbon phase contains soluble additives. Careful stepwise addition of additives to the appropriate phases and then of the phase together ensures a stable inner component which does not leach through the outer component.

Abstract: Process for the vacuum coating of an extruded material, particularly animal food, in which the extruded material is coated with a flowable coating material during a vacuum phase and under reduced pressure, characterized in that the extruded material, during the vacuum phase, is initially dried and then coated with the coating material.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement composition comprising a phospholipid composition having a specific ratio of components as defined below: Phosphatidylcholine 18±1; Phosphatidylethanolamine 14±1; Lysophosphatidylcholine 1±1; Lysophosphatidylethanolamine 1±1; Lysophosphatidylinositol 2±1. The phospholipid composition provides an improved animal feed which has beneficial effects on animal performance.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: Enzyme-containing granules for manufacturing animal feed compositions are prepared using a carrier containing at least about 15% (w/w) carbohydrate such as starch and less than 5% (w/w) protein. A mixture is formed containing an enzyme, the carrier and water, with or without prior kneading to improve plasticity, the mixture is mechanically processed such as by extrusion with a basket or dome extruder while not allowing the temperature of the mixture to rise above about 40° C., and drying the resultant enzyme-containing granules. The granules may be spheronised prior to drying, and drying may be in a fluid bed agglomerator. The water and enzyme may be provided as an enzyme-containing aqueous liquid such as an enzyme-containing filtrate from a fermentation process. Enzymes include phytase, endo-xylanase and &bgr;-glucanase. Other components that may be in the granules include divalent cations, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and an edible oil.

Abstract: A breath-freshening pet food composition comprising at least 40 ppm by weight of one or more plant extract(s), preferably selected from essential oils.

Abstract: A method for creating a customized pet food additive formula for a pet includes receiving, through an electronic interface, a user input including an individual pet profile for the pet, receiving an analysis from a biological sample of the pet, and electronically processing the individual pet profile and the biological sample analysis to create a pet food additive formula utilizing information obtained from the user input individual pet profile and the biological sample analysis.

Abstract: An animal food product useful as food supplement for pets such as dogs or cats, comprising a carrier and at least one food additive selected from vitamins, provitamins, minerals and trace elements, whereby the carrier comprises a cultured milk product.

Abstract: A pet milk powder which, when reconstituted and fed to a pet as a nutritional milk, results in reduced gastrointestinal intolerance. This powder is a cow's milk powder that contains lactose and to which is added a lactase, preferably one that is active under acidic conditions, such as a &bgr;-galactosidase.

Abstract: A composition and process of using it are provided to improve glucose and insulin metabolism in companion animals by controlling the postprandial glycemic and/or insulin response in those animals. The composition includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a multiple grain source containing a blend of sorghum and barley; a blend of corn and barley; or a blend of corn, sorghum and barley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible thermoplastic made from about 30 to 50 wt. % protein comprising a mixture of plant and animal derived protein, about 20 to 50 wt. % starch about 10 to 20 wt. % water, about 1 to 10 wt. % edible fiber, and about 0.5 to 3 wt. % metallic salt hydrate. When molded, the thermoplastic has good strength and stiffness and other physical properties. The edible thermoplastic may be molded in a variety of shapes including a segmented nutritional pet chew with a plurality of segments separated by a plurality of scores. The scores serve to structurally weaken the pet chew so that it may be broken into smaller pieces. When molded the edible thermoplastic has a density of about 1.2 to 1.5 g/cubic centimeters.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a rawhide chew toy, comprising: combining a marinade with rawhide; applying vacuum pressure to the combined marinade and rawhide; releasing the vacuum pressure; and allowing the formed rawhide to dry under moderate temperature. In one embodiment, the combined marinade and rawhide are tumbled during the step of applying vacuum pressure. In additional embodiments of the invention, nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals, dental additives, or herbal remedies, may be added to the marinade.

Abstract: A canine pet food composition comprising a meat based material having an essentially solid mass assuming the shape of the container in which it is packed, said pet food having meat particles with a moisturized appearance and visually recognizable discrete food particles upon slicing the pet food mass after departure from the said container.

Abstract: A feline pet food composition comprising a meat based material having an essentially solid mass assuming the shape of the container in which it is packed, said pet food having meat particles with a moisturized appearance and visually recognizable discrete food particles upon slicing the pet food mass after departure from the said container.

Abstract: Novel flake feeds are described, especially for aquatic animals, such as fish, shrimps and invertebrates, characterized in that the flakes have a uniform form, a variable thickness and a water content of from 1 to 30%, as well as a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for promoting bone modeling and chondrocyte functioning in growing canines. The process includes administering to a growing canine a pet food composition which includes an appropriate amount and ratio of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The composition can further include a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of fiber, and a source of carbohydrates. Use of the preferred concentrations of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can promote synthesis and tissue accumulation of down regulating elements of inflamation, which stimulate bone formation and optimize bone modeling.

Abstract: An animal food includes an aromatic substance identical with that of meat, offals of animals or a combination thereof, and which is an extract from the meat, offals or the combination thereof. An extract of vegetables is also included in the animal food. Water is added for forming an animal beverage with the percentage of the extracts of meat, offals, vegetables or a combination thereof being no more than 8% of the total weight of the animal beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry dog food, characterized in that it has the shape of a parallelepiped having dimensions from 29 to 40 mm×29 to 40 mm×19 to 30 mm. The invention also relates to the use of such a food for slowing down the speed of ingestion of foods by dogs, or as veterinary medicament or additive, in particular for its use in improving dentibuccal hygiene in dogs.

Abstract: A process for making bait from poultry waste unfit for human consumption, for aquatic food sources such as fish, crab, conch, eel, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, etc. The poultry waste is picked up from chicken farms and poultry processing plants in refrigerated or frozen containers and are forwarded to a processing plant. The poultry waste is processed to eliminate any remaining feathers and internal organs. The breast portions of the poultry waste are removed and separated and are processed according to various specific client requirements in the fishing and crabbing industries. This processing involves further separation and packaging of the poultry waste, which is then sterilized by either radiation (first embodiment process) or ultra high hydrostatic treatment (second embodiment process). The poultry waste is then sent to a distribution center to be sold to various fishing and crabbing industry users.

Abstract: A birdseed mixture and method of reestablishing native wildflowers, woodland plants, and native shrubs within a predetermined geographical region by mixing a predetermined blend of seeds such that the mix of seeds is ingested by birds and other native animals and thereby spread across a region when deposited through the animal's excrement.

Abstract: A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The dried pet food is based on a matrix of a denatured protein source and a gelatinized carbohydrate source. Insoluble fiber is bound within the matrix. Further, a humectant is included within the gelatinized matrix is an amount sufficient for reducing the brittleness of the dried pet food.

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: A diet which induces a state of ketosis in a canine or feline which comprises an edible composition relatively high in fats and relatively low in carbohydrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel emulsion formulations which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides a method for preparing the emulsions and the use of the emulsions in products for topical application to the skin. The products are very mild to the skin and may be easily formulated into a wide variety of personal care and dermatological products.

Abstract: A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed proteins for use as a hypoallergenic pet food, and a process for producing it.

Abstract: A method for producing feed for forming into pellets, the pellets produced by the method to be used to feed carnivorous animals. The addition of the enzyme transglutaminase to a feed mass specifically intended for carnivorous fish will catalyze a reaction between the amino acids glutamine and lysine which form part of the protein chains and the raw material of the proteins of the feed, such that a covalent chemical bond is formed between them, which results in shape permanence in the formed, dried, finished pellets, such that the finished pellets do not lose their shape before time of use.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are described for treatment of inflammatory autoimmune and other diseases by administration of lipid fractions of sea cucumber tissue. Compositions of matter useful for inclusion in aquatic and human diets are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial bait for marine animals, comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab. The cell-free hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, which is the byproduct from the manufacture of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), is an excellent attractant to be used in artificial baits for marine animals. The baits according to the invention attract the target marine animals better than the horseshoe crab itself. Further, the baits of the invention seem to attract non-target game less than the target game. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a bait comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab, and a method of attracting marine animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet food product which comprises chicory in an amount which maintains good faeces quality or improves the faeces quality of a pet and/or maintains good gastrointestinal tract health or improves the gastrointestinal health of a pet. It also relates to the use of chicory in achieving these results, a method for achieving them and a process for the preparation of such a pet food product.

Abstract: A storage stable magnesium oxychloride coated granular animal feed mineral supplement composition resistant to disintegration cause by moisture absorption and attrition, comprising granular mineral nutrients useful as animal feed supplements and magnesium oxychloride coatings amounting to between 0.5 and 10.0 percent of the weight of the granules, formed on the granules of mineral nutrients by coreaction of magnesium chloride and magnesium oxide. An additional coating of between 0.2 and 2.0 percent magnesium stearate formed on the magnesium oxychloride may be used to decrease the rate of wetting of the granular animal feed mineral supplements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variety flavoring system for pet food products comprising a multiplicity of individually packaged flavor additives, of different flavors, each suitable for convenient topical application to a base pet food product. The system provides the user with a choice of flavors to serve to a pet at an individual feeding and a convenient means to vary the flavor diet of the pet. Each individually packaged flavor additive comprises a mixture in powdered form, of maltodextrin, tricalcium phosphate, and an oleoresin flavorant. For the convenience of the user, each flavor may be separately packaged in a disposable shaker. Alternatively, the flavor additives may be dissolved, dispersed or composed within a liquid medium and provided in a suitable container for spraying onto the surface of the pet food.

Abstract: Protein-based, edible chewable pet toys, such as artificial dog bones, and methods of preparing such chewable pet toys are disclosed. The chewable pet toys are made from protein-based thermoplastic composition containing plant and animal derived proteinic material and various additive and nutrient ingredients. Chewable pet toys within the scope of the present invention possess properties of conventional artificial dog bones made of synthetic polymer, such as good strength and hardness, but they are biodegradable and edible. In addition, the chewable pet toys contain vitamins, minerals, flavorings, oral hygiene additives and other ingredients to help keep teeth and bones strong and to promote the growth and health of the pet.

Abstract: A dog food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide simmondsin within the range of 0.1% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding to pet food the above-defined range of simmondsin, contributed by simmondsin, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis to achieve weight reduction then weight maintenance.

Abstract: A pet food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide a simmondsin activity within the range of 0.1% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding pet food that contains the above-defined range of simmondsin activity contributed by a simmondsin component, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis until weight reduction occurs and then maintaining the pet's weight.