Nestec S.a.

Societe Des Produits Nestle S.a.

Dan Kenneth Dixon

Nathan Foster Huck

Michael John Saylock

Michael E Leiweke

Stephen Andrew Wurth

Carolyn Jean Cupp

Michael G Rayner

Sheri Lynn Smithey

Maureen Borland

Diane Fritts

Donna Elizabeth Anderson

Lynn Ann Gerheart

Scott Schnell

Gene Moran

Lorenzo Brescia

Pete Pipes

The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.

Extruded animal litters

The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.

Extruded animal litters having an increased absorption rate

The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Litter box assembly having a litter fragmenting device

A pet food is provided, comprising a sorbent food body and a fluid carrier comprising a functional ingredient absorbed into the body. The body preferably is relatively moist, having a moisture content for example of from 35% to 60% by weight and firm structure that is resilient under initial biting by a pet animal. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The sorptivity of the body is increased by depleting the body of a first liquid, for example by causing drying by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking. Methods of manufacture are disclosed including providing a sorptive food body, causing the body to take up a carrier fluid containing a functional ingredient and packing the body in suitable packaging. The invention further provides delivery means for delivering a functional ingredient to a pet animal, the delivery means comprising a sorbent food body with the functional ingredient absorbed therein. The functional ingredient may be a nutrient or a pharmaceutical.

Pet food product and method of manufacture

The invention provides fried-chunk food compositions comprising (1) food chunks that have been fried in oil at a temperature of from about 110 to 205&#xb0; C. to produce fried food chunks having a moisture content of about 16% and an Aw of about 0.7 and (2) from about 5 to about 35% plasticizer applied to the fried food chunks, wherein the fried food chunks with applied plasticizer have a moisture content of about 12% or less and an Aw of about 0.65 or less. The compositions are made without using preservatives, have a desirable texture and appealing meat-like appearance, and are shelf-stable and therefore do not spoil due to unwanted microbial growth.

Fried-chunk food compositions

Animal treat

A dried pet food which is able to mechanically clean the teeth of pets when chewed. The pet food is based on a matrix of a protein source and a carbohydrate source. The density of the product is less than 20.5 lbs./ft. The product also has a large size as compared to at least some other prior dried pet food.

Dental diet for reducing tartar

A pet treat in a sealed container. The treat is in the form of one or more pieces of a formulated food product. Each piece has a fried body of a thermally gelled matrix containing protein and starch. Further, each piece has a moisture content of above about 25 % by weight. The pet treat may be retorted. If not retorted, it may include a preservative and preferably have a reduced pH. The non-retorted treat pieces are provided in a sealed container comprising a pouch.

Fried pet treats

Pet food treat

A moisture-reduced, formulated food product which has a soft, resilient texture and which simulates the appearance of cooked meat. The food product has a fried body which is formed of layers of a thermally gelled matrix containing protein and starch. The formulated food product is particularly suitable for use as a pet food. The formulated food product may be fed to pets as a meal or as a treat. Alternatively, the formulated food product may be combined with dried pellets to provide a nutritionally balanced meal.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Dan Kenneth Dixon