Edible pet chew with thermo-processed shell and cold-formed filling
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to an edible pet chew where the pet chew comprises a thermo-processed shell and a cold-formed filling; the cold-formed filling is prepared at approximately room temperature and is not cooked; the thermo-processed shell contains cellulosic fibers, a humectant and a gelling agent; the cold-formed filling can contain thermally labile nutrients and/or actives; and the pet chew is made by co-extruding the filling into the extruded tube-shaped thermo-processed shell.
1. An edible pet chew, comprising:
a thermo-processed shell,
wherein the thermo-processed shell contains from about 5 to 25 wt. % of cellulosic fibers; from about 20 to 55 wt. % of at least one humectant; and from about 15 to 50 wt. % of at least one gelling agent; and
a cold-formed filler,
wherein the cold-formed filler contains from about 10 to 15 wt. % glycerin; from about 5 to 15 wt. % of a fat mimicking composition comprising a mixture of solids of maltodextrins and corn syrup; 2 to 20 wt. % modified food starch that swells in cold water, and from about 1 to 20 wt. % water;
wherein the thermo-processed shell has a cylindrical tube shape;
wherein the cold-formed filler is contained within the cylindrical tube shape forming a filled tube;
wherein the filled tube is face-cut on both ends;
wherein the filled tube does not seep cold-formed filler from either end; and
wherein the face-cut ends are not crimped closed.
2. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cold-formed filler further contains:
(a) a thermally labile nutrient comprising a vitamin selected from among vitamin C and all forms of vitamin B; or
(b) a thermally labile active comprising an enzyme; or
(c) both (a) and (b).
3. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the thermo-processed shell provides dental care and breath freshening properties.
4. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the thermo-processed shell is extruded as the cylindrical tube.
5. The edible pet chew of claim 4 , wherein edible pet chew is produced by co-extruding the cold-formed filling via a positive displacement pump into the tube.
6. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the thermo-processed shell and the cold-formed filler have Aw's in the range of from about 0.4 to 0.9.
7. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cold-formed filler has an Aw in the range of about 0.50 to 0.80.
8. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise Zea mays lignocellulosic fibers.
9. The edible pet chew of claim 8 , wherein the Zea mays lignocellulosic fibers have a length from about 25 to about 225 microns.
10. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cold-formed filler has a viscosity in the range of about 170,000 to 180,000 cP at a temperature up to 60° ° C.
11. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more selected from among a hyaluronic acid, a salt of a hyaluronic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, a guar gum, a combination of guar gum and xanthan gum, a tapioca starch, a corn starch, and a gelatin.
12. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more selected from among a tapioca starch, a corn starch, and a gelatin.
13. The edible pet chew of claim 12 , wherein the gelatin is 150 Bloom gelatin.
14. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the humectant comprises a glycerin, lactic acid, a polyol, a propylene glycol, a corn syrup, a high fructose corn syrup, a sorbitol, or a combination thereof.
15. The edible pet chew of claim 14 , wherein the humectant comprises glycerine and the glycerine is a vegetable glycerine or a coconut glycerine or a combination thereof.
16. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the thermo-processed shell and/or the cold-formed filler further comprise(s) a palatant, a preservative, or a combination thereof.
17. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cold-formed filler further comprises a gluten, a canola oil, a flavoring, a lecithin, a mixed tocopherol antioxidant, or a combination thereof.
18. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the cold-formed filler has thixotropic properties.
19. The edible pet chew of claim 1 , that is free of dairy, meat products, and eggs.