Dog chew treats
View Patent ↗A dog chew treat is fashioned from a composition comprising sugar, fiber, and flour. Preferably, the sugar is dextrose, and the flour is pre-gelatinized wheat flour. The composition may be molded into the shape of a bone, or other treat. A palatant coating may be applied to the molded product. Colors may be added for different aesthetics such as a marbling pattern. Functional ingredients may be used to provide health benefits.
1. A process for making a pet treat comprising the steps of:
delivering a carbohydrate to a first feed opening of an extruder, the extruder having a second feed opening downstream of the first feed opening, and a discharge opening downstream of the second feed opening;
liquefying the carbohydrate in the extruder;
delivering a dry mix to the second feed opening of the extruder, where the dry mix contains flour and dietary fiber;
blending the dry mix and the liquefied carbohydrate in the extruder to form an extrudate; and
molding the extrudate.
2. The process of claim 1 further including the step of applying a mold release agent to a mold prior to use of the mold for the molding step.
3. The process of claim 1 further including the steps of:
sequentially delivering molds to a mold-filling device;
cooling extrudate in the molds to form a molded product; and
releasing the molded product from the molds.
4. The process of claim 3 further including the step of coating the molded product with a palatant.
5. The process of claim 3 further including the step of coating the molded product with a preservative.
6. The process of claim 3 further including the step of coating the molded product with a raw-meat-based slurry.
7. The process of claim 3 further including the step of mixing a colorant with the extrudate downstream of the extruder discharge so that the molded product is marbled.
8. The process of claim 1 further including the step of incorporating a nutraceutical in the extrudate.