Abstract:
Formulations and methods for managing variable fat mobility when foods are exposed to temperature cycling, as during transportation and storage. Stability of the fat within the food may be influenced by, for example, using primarily non-polymorphic fats, limiting the aqueous content of the fat, using dry additives in the fat (if additives are used), or modifying the food itself.
Abstract:
Avocados are processed in a controlled manner to optimize and maintain their levels of mannoheptulose and perseitol. The avocado flesh is used as a source of these materials in food compositions, especially pet foods. The process claimed comprises the following steps: A. ) harvesting the unripe fruit having a hardness greater than about 5 LBF; B. ) contacting the fruit from step (A) with ethylene gas until the fruit exhibits a penetrometer reading greater than about 2 LBF and less than about 5 LBF, according to the Penetrometer Test Procedure; and C. ) terminating step (B) by a procedure selected from removing the avocados from contact with the ethylene gas, or cooling the avocados to a temperature at or below about 45[deg.]F, or both, to provide an avocado product.
Abstract:
A food product comprises a plasticizer. The plasticizer may be incorporated (internally) into the food, and/or coated (externally) on the food. The food product may further comprise a fat coating. The fat coating may comprise a structurant. A method for softening a food product by adding a plasticizer. A method for making a food appear meaty or lubricious.
Abstract:
A pet food in the form of a coated kibble wherein the coated kibble is made of a core and a coating. The core can be extruded and can have a moisture, or water, content less than 12%. The core can contain a coating. The coating can have a protein component at from 50% to 95% of the coating and a binder component at from 5% to 50% of the pet coating. In one embodiment a double coating is provided including a first coating and a second coating including a fat component.
Abstract:
Kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods including a vegetable protein-based core matrix and a coating of a fat and at least one additive are described. The coating may include a probiotic enriched coating. Methods of forming the kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods are also described. Probiotic coating for a kibble showing acceptable stability and bioactivity are disclosed and methods for assessing the bioactivity of a probiotic in a food composition are also described.
Abstract:
An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.
Abstract:
A method of optimizing one or more attributes of a product according to a product context. A product context and one or more attributes of the product are presented to a user via a software graphical user interface (GUI). A visual rendering of the product including at least one attribute of the product may be presented via the GUI. The user either may select or modify the at least one attribute and submit a user input that corresponds to the attribute and/or the modified attribute of the product in reference to the product context. The user input is received and the product is displayed via the GUI based on the user input. If the attribute of the product was modified, then the attribute of the product is modified and displayed substantially simultaneously. A correlation between the user input and the attribute of the product in reference to the product context is determined when a termination command is received.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a method for decreasing inflammation and stress in a mammal comprising; administration to a mammal a composition comprising a glucose antimetabolite; and wherein said composition comprises amounts of the glucose anti-metabolite sufficient to lower a level of a C-reactive protein in the blood of the mammal subsequent to administration of the glucose anti-metabolite.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process of forming a coated sphere comprising the steps: (a) preparing a mixture of an alkali metal alginate combined with a sensitive ingredient; (b) adding water; (c) forming a dough; (d) placing said dough into an extruder; (e) passing said dough through a die to form a sphere; (f) dropping said sphere into an coating matrix; (g) providing a first protective coating around said sphere; (h) forming a coated sphere.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a composition for promoting eye health in a companion animal. The composition comprising: at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffee acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.