ALEXANDRIA, VA. — Pet trade gross sales reached $123.6 billion in 2021, with pet meals and deal with gross sales alone accounting for roughly $50 million, based on the most recent information from the American Pet Merchandise Affiliation (APPA). Gross sales development for pet vitamin merchandise grew 13.6% from 2020, exceeding expectations and contributing to a different yr of record-setting development for the trade at giant.
To stoke this development, producers and suppliers are regularly innovating their formulations and processes to advance the science and efficacy behind canine and cat meals merchandise. These improvements embody a shift towards purposeful formulations, together with people who tackle particular well being issues resembling irritation, digestion and weight problems, in addition to strategies to spice up the effectivity of processing tools, present producers with extra processing flexibility, and incorporate extra energetic substances with out compromising bioavailability or meals security.
Practically 100 patents have been granted for these improvements in 2021 by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace. Pet Meals Processing has compiled 33 improvements that stood out within the areas of pet meals formulation, security and manufacturing.
January 2021
Palatable meals for a methionine-restricted food regimen
This patent describes a way of oxidizing almost all methionine and cysteine in a human meals or veterinary food regimen. After oxidation, tryptophan and lysine might be added again into the food regimen, together with a small quantity of methionine, to succeed in a goal ratio of methionine to complete protein.
Based on authors of the patent, a methionine-restricted food regimen can profit companion animals who’re obese or metabolically unhealthy. Research have proven that methionine restriction in rodents resulted in a 25% enhance in longevity; these outcomes are anticipated to translate to canines and cats as properly.
US Patent No. 10,897,921 (Jan. 26, 2021), Finley, J. W. et al., assigned to Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State College and Agricultural and Mechanical School, Baton Rouge, LA.
February 2021
Nanoformulations containing encapsulated Omega 3 fatty acids
Because the purposeful advantages of fish oil grow to be extra extensively identified within the pet vitamin area, many are taking a look at the usage of extra sustainable, various marine-based oils with comparable advantages, resembling these derived from krill, microalgae and different sources. This patent describes a way of encapsulating nanoparticles that comprise at the very least one Omega 3 fatty acid — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — to extend the efficiency and bioavailability of those substances.
This know-how might be utilized to a variety of dietary options, together with pet meals, meat merchandise, baked items and plenty of others.
US Patent No. 10,912,326 (Feb. 9, 2021), MacSweeney, R. et al., King Township, CA
Chemical mitigants in animal feed and feed substances
On the subject of meals security, this patent describes the inclusion of chemical mitigants to scale back the presence of pathogenic micro organism in pet meals and feed merchandise and substances. The chemical mitigants, together with medium chain fatty acids, important oils and sodium bisulfate, are typically protected for these purposes, based on the authors of this patent, and may also help forestall or lower the presence of PEDv and/or Salmonella as a post-processing therapy.
US Patent No. 10,918,118 (Feb. 16, 2021), Jones, C. Ok. et al., assigned to Kansas State College Analysis Basis, Manhattan, KS.
April 2021
Protein-containing compositions
Wild Earth, Inc., a pet meals and deal with firm centered on various proteins, describes a formulation containing specified ranges of non-animal protein derived from fungi, micro organism, algae or artificial animal cells, in addition to intact yeast cells, plant-based flour and starch, vegetable oil and dietary dietary supplements. The compositions are meant for heat-expanded extrusion processing to create a remaining human or pet meals product.
The corporate cited environmental sustainability and stewardship as the important thing causes for exploring various protein compositions.
“…Roughly six to 17 occasions extra land, 4 to 26 occasions extra water, and 11 occasions extra fossil power are wanted to supply animal-sourced protein than the commensurate quantity of plant-sourced protein,” the patent said.
US Patent No. 10,973,242 (April 13, 2021), Shigeta, R. et al., assigned to Wild Earth, Inc., Berkeley, CA.
Animal meals product for dental efficacy, strategies of manufacture and use
Hill’s Pet Diet has developed a particular kibble system and processing methodology to enhance dental well being in canines and cats. The system comprises a hydrolyzed protein and a starch excessive in amylopectin with a number of decreasing sugars. As a part of the invention, a number of amino acid teams within the hydrolyzed protein are covalently bonded to the decreasing sugars to advertise dental efficacy.
US Patent No. 10,973,243 (April 13, 2021), Jewell, D. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Diet, Inc., Topeka, KS.
Compositions comprising Omega 3 polyunsaturated and medium chain fatty acids
Apart from addressing dental efficacy in pets, Hill’s Pet Diet additionally seeks to deal with and stop irritation in cats through the use of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and Omega 3 fatty acids. The formulation comprises particular ranges of caprylic or capric acid and efficient quantities of DHA or EPA that, when mixed in a cat meals composition, lead to a synergistic lower in proinflammatory substances resembling cytokines.
US Patent No. 10,973,244 (April 13, 2021), Jackson, M. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Diet, Inc., Topeka, KS.
Edible animal chews
This invention by Mars, Inc. describes a completely edible, long-lasting chew for canines. The chew consists of an inner assist construction to extend chew time whereas offering teeth-cleaning advantages, surrounded by an outer wall. The extruded chew may embrace starch-based carbohydrates, protein or each, in addition to fiber, nutritional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and different standard substances.
Mars supplied a number of form variations to which the patented idea might be utilized.
US Patent No. 10,980,254 (April 20, 2021), Elliott, M. I. et al., assigned to Mars, Integrated, McLean, VA.
Management of pathogenic micro organism in meals
This invention addresses pathogen management in a coated kibble meals for pets. The coating described features a mixture of rooster fats and lecithin, sucrose monoesters of fatty acids, or glycerol monoesters of fatty acids. When utilized to a pet meals kibble, the coating can successfully cut back the presence of Salmonella by about 99% for at the very least 60 days. This methodology may also be utilized to uncooked beef or poultry previous to the grinding course of.
US Patent No. 10,986,851 (April 27, 2021), Sawyer, A. J. et al., assigned to Nevada Naturals Inc., Albuquerque, NM.
Could 2021
Technique for producing giant agglomerate particles
Symrise offers a technique to dispense agglomerate particles bigger than 200 to 300 μm by spray drying, a course of which generally limits particle dimension between 70 and 100 μm. The corporate describes an agglomeration spray-drying system that may successfully dispense bigger, toxicologically protected, secure, and soluble particles with a excessive load of energetic substances — resembling palatants — in a low-dust utility.
This methodology might be utilized to a wide range of feedstuffs for companion animals, livestock and different domesticated animals.
US Patent No. 10,993,463 (Could 4, 2021), Wei Brodt, J. et al., assigned to Symrise AG, Holzminden, DE.
Edible pet chew for dental care of companion animals
This patent describes an edible, tubular pet chew containing skinny slices of candy potato and a fillable inside cavity. The interior portion of the chew would include a plaque-reducing materials made with pure plant extracts resembling yucca, cinnamon, clove, or a mix of the three.
US Patent No. 11,013,244 (Could 25, 2021), Albert, Ok. L., assigned to Karen Lori Albert, Malibu, CA.
Liquid animal feed for home cats or canines and strategies for producing the identical
This milk-based complement for home cats is designed to be simple to manage, simple to digest, and readily accepted by felines. The system relies on cow’s milk however with decrease ranges of lactose, and should embrace plant-based sugar or malt to enhance style, nutritional vitamins, minerals and amino acids resembling taurine to complement vitamin, and plant-based fibers to assist digestion.
US Patent No. 11,013,246 (Could 25, 2021), Deuerer, H., assigned to Development Finance Plus AG, Grommiswald, CH.
June 2021
Filling machine and methodology for filling up liquid or pasty lots with exterior gathering vessel
Final June, Handtmann obtained a patent for a filling system that can be utilized for sausage-type merchandise. This invention is designed to effectively and inexpensively separate liquid gaseous and strong substances through the pumping course of to forestall interruptions within the course of.
US Patent No. 11,039,625 (June 22, 2021), Haederer, Ok. et al., assigned to Albert Handtmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, DE.
Excessive thermal switch hole core extrusion screw meeting
In recent times, pet meals processors have been incorporating increased ranges of contemporary meat into dry kibble formulations. These substances, that are excessive in moisture, can pose issues for standard extrusion applied sciences. Wenger Manufacturing, Inc. was awarded a patent for a twin screw extrusion meeting that addresses these shortcomings and permits for profitable extrusion of pet meals containing excessive ranges of contemporary meat.
US Patent No. 11,039,629 (June 22, 2021), Wenger, L. et al., assigned to Wenger Manufacturing Inc., Sabetha, KS.
July 2021
Course of for producing a composition for growing muscle mass
MYOS RENS Expertise, which manufactures muscle-building efficiency dietary supplements for canines and people, describes a secure, pathogen-free, egg-based dietary composition for growing muscle mass in people and animals. The invention can be utilized as a meals ingredient or additive and is comprised of egg yolk, egg white or complete egg.
US Patent No. 11,051,524 (July 6, 2021), Buxmann, W. et al., assigned to Myos Rens Expertise Inc., Cedar Knolls, NJ.
Pet complement
This patent describes a way for processing a pet complement, whereby an aqueous protein answer and a fats constituent are blended into the complement, cooled, after which saved earlier than being reheated and incorporating a thickening agent. The processing methodology is designed to offer a palatable complement that’s simpler to manage to animals than different complement codecs.
US Patent No. 11,058,128 (July 13, 2021), Paris, A., assigned to Amy Paris, Chicago, IL.
Strategies and units for heating or cooling viscous supplies
Nestlé describes a method for heating and cooling meat emulsions and different viscous substances. The processing methodology consists of three plates and spacers via which a product might move via to be uncovered to warmth power, successfully growing manufacturing charge with out growing the footprint of the tools on a producing ground.
US Patent No. 11,064,720 (July 20, 2021), Cully, Ok. J. et al., assigned to Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, CH.
August 2021
Co-extruded pet meals compositions and strategies for producing the identical
Mars, Inc. describes a formulation and processing methodology utilizing two extruders to attain a completed co-extruded canine deal with product containing 30% to 50% of the primary composition and 50% to 70% of the second composition. These strategies might be utilized to semi-moist canine treats containing bacon or cheese substances.
US Patent No. 11,102,993 (Aug. 31, 2021), Stewart, D., assigned to Mars, Integrated, McLean, VA.
September 2021
Compositions and strategies that modulate digestibility in a companion animal
One other invention from Nestlé, this patent addresses bettering the digestibility of a companion animal food regimen by figuring out metabolite compounds correlated to the digestibility of natural matter, dry matter, fiber, power, fats and protein. The invention additionally goals to reduce prices related to formulation and manufacturing whereas reaching higher digestibility.
US Patent No. 11,109,611 (Sept. 7, 2021), Middleton, R. P. et al., assigned to Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, CH.
Edible pet chew of synthetic bully stick
This pet chew invention is another tackle the normal bully stick, formulated with at the very least 20% plant-based substances and standard pizzle to mimic a 100% animal-based bully stick. The edible chew is extruded and formulated for palatability and sturdiness. The patent consists of a number of form and format variations.
US Patent No. 11,122,820 (Sept. 21, 2021), Xu, G., assigned to Shanghai Daylight Innov Buying and selling Co., Ltd., Shanghai, CN.
Compositions and strategies that modulate micro organism in a companion animal
Utilizing a predictive mannequin, Nestlé describes a way of regulating bacterium in a companion animal food regimen, particularly Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, or Clostridium perfringens. The invention contains least 4 distinct metabolites that may variably modulate compounds that positively or negatively have an effect on the bacterium.
US Patent No. 11,122,821 (Sept. 21, 2021), Middleton, R. P. et al., assigned to Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, CH.
October 2021
Microwave sterilization or pasteurization
Pasteurization within the pet vitamin area is getting used to sterilize diets with out harming delicate substances or massively altering the dietary composition of sure substances. Right here, Washington State College describes processing programs and parts for microwave sterilization or pasteurization, which includes immersing a meals merchandise in fluid, then subjecting it to stress or making use of microwave power to the product, with the intention to protect the meals and shield towards microbial development throughout storage.
US Patent No. 11,140,913 (Oct. 12, 2021), Tang, J. et al., assigned to Washington State College, Pullman, WA.
Eicosapentaenoic acid-producing microorganisms, fatty acid compositions, and strategies of constructing and makes use of thereof
This patent describes strategies of isolating and producing microorganisms, microbial oils and cultures, in addition to their makes use of for meals merchandise, cosmetics and prescribed drugs. This includes the isolation and manufacturing of fatty acids, together with Omega 3 fatty acids resembling EPA, that are cropping up more and more within the purposeful pet vitamin area.
US Patent No. 11,154,076 (Oct. 26, 2021), Apt, Ok. E. et al., assigned to DSM IP Property B.V., Heerlen, NL.
Course of for dusting animal meals
This patent granted to Mars, Inc. describes a strategy of dusting dry pet meals with a powder composition comprised of an energetic ingredient, resembling a probiotic, with out main use of a binder. Based on analysis cited by Mars, probiotics might be added to an extruded pet meals formulation to enhance companion animal well being.
The invention addresses the fee barrier of this follow and the sensitivity of energetic substances like probiotics, and introduces a brand new, cost-effective technique to incorporate these substances onto a completed product.
US Patent No. 11,154,077 (Oct. 26, 2021), Corrigan, P. J. et al., assigned to Mars, Integrated, McLean, VA.
Cooked and formed meals compositions comprising bugs
With a surging international inhabitants, many corporations are addressing the necessity for various, sustainable meals options to maintain the growing variety of individuals and pets fed via the 21st century. Insect-based meals substances is one class gaining traction on this area. This patent introduces ideas for producing numerous meals merchandise from bugs, together with cooked, fried, dehydrated and freeze-dried options for human and animal consumption.
US Patent No. 11,154,085 (Oct. 26, 2021), Leo, D. M., assigned to Insectergy, LLC, Baltimore, MD.
November 2021
Units and strategies for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate materials, and cartridge
On this patent, Bühler describes strategies for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulates, particularly grains or flakes, that may finally be utilized in meals, pet meals and feed merchandise. The invention is a tool that goals to reliably pasteurize or sterilize the particulates in a easy, high-throughput setting through the use of vibrating conveyors and an electron beam.
US Patent No. 11,166,472 (Nov. 9, 2021), Meneses, N. et al., assigned to Buhler Ag, Uzwil, CH.
Feed additive composition
This invention describes a feed additive to enhance a uncooked materials’s digestibility in a feed product, together with pet meals, in addition to promote the expansion of helpful micro organism in an animal’s GI tract, by incorporating a particular mixture of enzymes, specifically a protease and a phytase.
US Patent No. 11,172,693 (Nov. 16, 2021), Millan, L. F. R., assigned to DuPont Diet Biosciences APS, Copenhagen, DK.
Extruder with continuous die change system and methodology of utilizing similar
Dry pet meals is traditionally the No. 1 vendor in the US, and most dry pet diets available on the market at present are produced via extrusion. Based on Famsun Co., most extruders produce a number of merchandise in a given day, and changeover from product to product can take as much as 60 minutes for a talented operator. This invention describes a continuous die change system that enables extruder dies to be modified with out halting the extrusion course of, permitting for steady processing and extra seamless product changeovers.
US Patent No. 11,178,897 (Nov. 23, 2021), Strathman, R. T. et al., assigned to Famsun Co., Ltd., Jiangsu, CN.
Non-meat meals merchandise having look and texture of cooked meat
Easy methods to make meatless proteins feel and appear like actual meat? Nestlé addresses this various protein demand with this patent, which describes numerous strategies of reaching a texturized protein. One methodology describes mixing dry vegetable proteins with moist substances, like water or oil, and making use of various quantities of stress throughout cooking and cooling.
US Patent No. 11,185,082 (Nov. 30, 2021), Cully, Ok. J. et al., assigned to Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, CH.
Extruder system and methodology
Mars, Inc. describes a system and methodology for extruding a number of merchandise with completely different traits via a single extruder. The satellite tv for pc meeting might be hooked up and eliminated to the primary extruder, providing flexibility for a number of streams. The satellite tv for pc extruders can function at completely different parameters, together with temperature, stress, moisture and shear.
US Patent No. 11,185,094 (Nov. 30. 2021), Willcocks, N. et al., assigned to Mars, Integrated, McLean, VA.
Strategies for modulating style receptors
Pet meals palatability is a fancy science based mostly round fundamental style receptors, certainly one of which is umami. This invention relates particularly to feline umami style receptors and strategies of enhancing or modifying umami taste profiles of a pet meals product in a method that makes them extra fascinating to cats.
US Patent No. 11,185,100 (Nov. 30, 2021), McGrane, S. J. et al., assigned to Mars, Integrated, McLean, VA.
December 2021
Compact nutrient dense freeze-dried pet meals product
Guardian Pet Meals Firm was awarded a patent for its freeze-dried, 100% complete-and-balanced pet meals meal bar, which is formulated primarily with animal protein and consists of nutritional vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruit. The semi-fractural product might be damaged into smaller items throughout feeding, and the freeze-dried format follows the vein of rising various pet meals options.
US Patent No. 11,206,852 (Dec. 28, 2021), Galovski, J. et al., assigned to Guardian Pet Meals Firm, Needham, MA.
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