A pet food product is provided in which the protein fraction thereof comprises micro-particulate, denatured whey protein isolate, wherein the whey protein isolate contains at least 90 wt % protein, and optionally, animal protein. If animal protein is present, it may not comprise protein derived from functional organs, and the protein fraction may desirably be formed into a homogenous matrix. Processes for making the pet food product are also provided.

A pet food product is provided in which the protein fraction thereof comprises micro-particulate, denatured whey protein isolate, wherein the whey protein isolate contains at least 90 wt % protein, and optionally, animal protein. If animal protein is present, it may not comprise protein derived from functional organs, and the protein fraction may desirably be formed into a homogenous matrix. Processes for making the pet food product are also provided.

A method of making a multi-textured pet food product can include preparing an edible emulsion containing at least one protein; preparing a gravy containing methylcellulose and a low temperature gelling hydrocolloid; co-extruding the edible emulsion and the gravy to form an extrudate in which the edible emulsion is physically associated with the gravy; and heating the extrudate using steam to jellify the gravy into jelly. The method can further include cutting the heated extrudate containing the jelly into chunks each containing the jelly and having a predetermined size; filling the chunks through an opening of a packaging into an interior of the packaging; sealing the packaging containing the chunks; and retorting the sealed packaging. The multi-textured pet food product can be administered to a pet such as companion animal.

A method of making a multi-textured pet food product can include preparing an edible emulsion containing at least one protein; preparing a gravy containing methylcellulose and a low temperature gelling hydrocolloid; co-extruding the edible emulsion and the gravy to form an extrudate in which the edible emulsion is physically associated with the gravy; and heating the extrudate using steam to jellify the gravy into jelly. The method can further include cutting the heated extrudate containing the jelly into chunks each containing the jelly and having a predetermined size; filling the chunks through an opening of a packaging into an interior of the packaging; sealing the packaging containing the chunks; and retorting the sealed packaging. The multi-textured pet food product can be administered to a pet such as companion animal.

The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of epilepsy in an animal. In one embodiment, a method for treating epilepsy in a companion animal can comprise administering to the companion animal a food composition comprising a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), wherein the MCT is present in the food composition in an effective amount for reducing or preventing seizures when the food composition is administered to the companion animal.

The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of epilepsy in an animal. In one embodiment, a method for treating epilepsy in a companion animal can comprise administering to the companion animal a food composition comprising a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), wherein the MCT is present in the food composition in an effective amount for reducing or preventing seizures when the food composition is administered to the companion animal.

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.

An edible pet food, wherein the pet food has a moisture content of 15 to 50 wt % and the pet food comprises a core and a coating disposed on the core, wherein the core comprises animal protein and the pet food has an animal protein content of at least 30 wt %, and at least one of the core and the coating comprises a glucose-containing carbohydrate selected from a dextrin and an esterified starch.

An edible pet food, wherein the pet food has a moisture content of 15 to 50 wt % and the pet food comprises a core and a coating disposed on the core, wherein the core comprises animal protein and the pet food has an animal protein content of at least 30 wt %, and at least one of the core and the coating comprises a glucose-containing carbohydrate selected from a dextrin and an esterified starch.