Abstract:
A method of making clumping deodorizer granules can include applying a clumping agent to a particles containing activated carbon to at least partially coat an outer surface of the particles with a distinct layer comprising the clumping agent. Clumping deodorizer granules can include particles containing activated carbon, and an outer surface of each of the particles is at least partially coated with a distinct layer containing a clumping agent. A method of reducing malodor from animal waste can include adding clumping deodorizer granules to a pet litter in a litter box, the clumping deodorizer granules including particles containing activated carbon, and an outer surface of each of the particles is at least partially coated with a distinct layer containing a clumping agent.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and products made thereby, wherein a pre-expanded constituent, including an edible constituent, is thermally treated to melt it, preferably in a dynamic process environment, to produce products ranging from high to quite low densities and from very strong to soft to apparently dry textures. The wide range of textures enables the provision of food products such as low calorie, digestible and safe, long duration pet food chews. Non-food products suitable for use in manufacture may also be produced. Cooking is preferably carried in an extruder, preferably at low moisture or in the total absence of added water. The methods of dynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including but not limited to decreased process steps, increased throughput, decreased capital expenses and decreased raw product cost.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising an air circulating device, an allergen source comprising an allergen, and a housing. The housing can be collapsible, portable, disposable and configurable. The present disclosure also provides a method comprising positioning an allergen source comprising an allergen in a chamber, distributing at least a portion of the allergen from the allergen source within the chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the distributed allergen. In an embodiment, the level of the shed allergen can be used to measure the effectiveness of various measures implemented to reduce airborne Fel d1 that is emitted from soiled cat litter. In another embodiment, the allergen can be introduced at a desired level in the chamber, and the resultant symptoms of a subject (e.g. a human) within the chamber can be identified and correlated with the amount of allergen.
Abstract:
White blood cells and/or neutrophils in a companion animal can be improved by adjusting the diet of the animal to increase the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the white blood cells and/or neutrophils or adjusting the diet of the animal to decrease the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the white blood cells and/or neutrophils.
Abstract:
A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific antioxidants, amino acids, metabolism components, and bone health components to maintain health. Methods of maintaining health and modulating select health parameters are also provided.
Abstract:
Animal litter compositions having relatively low densities are described herein. Methods of manufacturing such litter compositions are also described.
Abstract:
A first film can be conveyed through a horizontal form-fill-seal machine that contains tooling stations in which bottom sealer bars are positioned in different tooling stations relative to side sealer bars. The first film can be processed by the machine to form a first pouch. After the first pouch is formed, a vertical height of one or more of the side sealer bars and/or one or more of the bottom sealer bars can be selectively adjusted. The same bottom and side sealer bars remain in the machine during the selective adjusting of the vertical height. After the selective adjusting of the vertical height of the component, a second film can be conveyed through the horizontal form-fill-seal machine. The second film can be processed by the machine to form a second pouch having at least one dimension that is different than the first pouch.
Abstract:
The invention provides composition and methods for improving hydration and water intake in an animal. In one embodiment, a hydration composition can comprise water and a hydration additive, where the hydration additive consists essentially of a sugar alcohol and a protein, where the sugar alcohol includes glycerol and the protein includes whey. Additionally, a method of improving hydration and water intake in an animal can comprise administering the hydration composition with water to the animal.
Abstract:
Methods for preparing dog food compositions formulated for small dogs with certain body conformation types comprise categorizing a small dog for which the food composition is intended. Preferably the small dog is categorized as a robust or athletic body conformation type. The methods further comprise formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients and amounts thereof based on the categorizing of the small dog. The protein and fat content of the food composition can be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type. The categorizing uses a modified body mass index, namely body weight/[(height−height of the sternum to the floor)×body length]. In some embodiments, the categorizing can use skin fold measurements.
Abstract:
A soft semi-moist composition, for example semi-moist extruded kibbles, is formulated to substantially maintain softness through storage in a blend with dry food compositions. Softness is maintained by hindering formation of protein-starch complexes during storage. In an embodiment, the soft semi-moist food composition comprises at least 0.5% of a free amino acid, such as glutamate, and the soft semi-moist composition has a pH at which the free amino acid is charged. In some embodiments, hydrolyzed animal or vegetable substrates are included to provide one or more free amino acids that are charged at the pH of the semi-moist food composition and maintain softness of the semi-moist food composition.