The present invention involves methods for improving the quality of the hair of a non-human animal and for increasing the 18-methyleicosanoic acid content of the hair of a non-human animal comprising feeding to the animal an edible composition comprising an effective amount of an amino acid selected from the group comprising isoleucine, threonine, and mixtures thereof.

A pet food composition comprising a meat based material comprised of meat or meat by-products, and an aqueous phase comprised of an acetyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch in an amount effective to thicken said aqueous phase is provided. Also provided is a gravy for a pet food comprising an acetyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch in an amount effective to thicken said composition and having a freeze/thaw stability greater than about 5 cycles as well as a method of feeding a canine or feline pet. Also provided is a gravy for a pet food comprised of a hydroxypropyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch having less than about 2.5%, by weight of hydroxylpropyl substituents, in an amount effective to thicken said aqueous phase.

A pet food composition comprising a meat based material comprised of meat or meat by-products, and an aqueous phase comprised of an acetyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch in an amount effective to thicken said aqueous phase is provided. Also provided is a gravy for a pet food comprising an acetyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch in an amount effective to thicken said composition and having a freeze/thaw stability greater than about 5 cycles as well as a method of feeding a canine or feline pet. Also provided is a gravy for a pet food comprised of a hydroxypropyl-substituted waxy cassava inhibited starch having less than about 2.5%, by weight of hydroxylpropyl substituents, in an amount effective to thicken said aqueous phase.

Edible chews having a polygon-shaped cross-section, such as a star-shaped cross section. This cross-sectional shape provides an increased surface area and forms edges, and these features clean teeth of an animal such as a dog. These edible chews have a soft chewy texture which avoids or significantly reduces gum bleeding which is caused by known dental treats with typically have a hard texture.

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.

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.

The present invention provides compositions and methods directed to a dehydrated pet food blend. The dehydrated pet food blend can comprise about 15% to about 50% protein. about 5% to about 40% fat, and about 5% to about 50% carbohydrate. Additionally, the blend can comprise semi-moist kibbles, dried meal, and dehydrated vegetables.

The present disclosure relates to a kit comprising: (i) a first part comprising a food bowl assembly including a first bowl having side walls and a base; a second feeding bowl disposed within the first bowl, the second feeding bowl having side walls and a solid base, the inner surface of said side walls and solid base being a closed surface; a separating module adapted to hold an olfactive product, the separating module being arranged to fit between the solid base of the second feeding bowl and the first bowl, and a vent arranged to allow odours from the separating module to exit the food bowl assembly between the first bowl and the side walls of the second feeding bowl so that odours do not pass through the second feeding bowl; and (ii) a second part comprising of a container comprising at least one olfactive product. A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit as defined above for use in a method for to treat olfaction dysfunction, appetite loss or food aversion due to a disease or for treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder in an animal.

The present disclosure relates to a kit comprising: (i) a first part comprising a food bowl assembly including a first bowl having side walls and a base; a second feeding bowl disposed within the first bowl, the second feeding bowl having side walls and a solid base, the inner surface of said side walls and solid base being a closed surface; a separating module adapted to hold an olfactive product, the separating module being arranged to fit between the solid base of the second feeding bowl and the first bowl, and a vent arranged to allow odours from the separating module to exit the food bowl assembly between the first bowl and the side walls of the second feeding bowl so that odours do not pass through the second feeding bowl; and (ii) a second part comprising of a container comprising at least one olfactive product. A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit as defined above for use in a method for to treat olfaction dysfunction, appetite loss or food aversion due to a disease or for treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder in an animal.

A soft and malleable (non-crumbly) consumable pet treat is provided. The pet treat has a peanut butter-like color. The pet treat comprises a substantially homogenous matrix comprising native and modified wheat starch, peanut flour, peanut butter, a liquid sweetener and a humectant, where the matrix binds or retains oil of peanut butter, so the treat does not have an oily or sticky surface. The homogenous texture matrix can be enriched in volatile compounds, which emit savory aromas. The pet treat has sufficient moisture to maintain the soft and malleable (non-crumbly) texture after packaging and throughout normal distribution to the end user. The pet treat is shelf stable and avoids spoilage, i.e., bacteria or fungal growth. The pet treat remains intact and does not excessively agglomerate in packaging. The pet treat can be unpackaged and handled without exposure to a bothersome sticky, oily, and/or crumbly mess.