The present invention relates to new food compositions, particularly pet food compositions, which are resistant to microbial contamination, and methods for making the same. The compositions comprise an ingredient in an effective amount to impart antimicrobial activity.

The present invention relates in general to the field of pet food. In particular the present invention relates to a meat like chunk that can be incorporated into a complete pet food. One embodiment of the present invention is a method of using multiple scraped surface heat exchangers and a steam tunnel to produce a meat like chunk. Another embodiment is a composition of meat ingredients, dried egg product, egg whites, and pea protein that results in a meat like chunk having an improved appearance that closely resembles that of actual pieces of meat.

The present invention relates in general to the field of pet food. In particular the present invention relates to a meat like chunk that can be incorporated into a complete pet food. One embodiment of the present invention is a method of using multiple scraped surface heat exchangers and a steam tunnel to produce a meat like chunk. Another embodiment is a composition of meat ingredients, dried egg product, egg whites, and pea protein that results in a meat like chunk having an improved appearance that closely resembles that of actual pieces of meat.

Described herein is a composition used for shelf-stable, wet pet food applications, comprising a blend of a first starch or flour and a second starch or flour, wherein the blend makes up 1-10 wt % of the composition and wherein the first starch or flour is a TI or HMT starch or flour and a salt component making up 0.1-5 wt % of the composition; wherein the composition has a post-retort viscosity of less than 1500 centipoise measured at 165° F.

Described herein is a composition used for shelf-stable, wet pet food applications, comprising a blend of a first starch or flour and a second starch or flour, wherein the blend makes up 1-10 wt % of the composition and wherein the first starch or flour is a TI or HMT starch or flour and a salt component making up 0.1-5 wt % of the composition; wherein the composition has a post-retort viscosity of less than 1500 centipoise measured at 165° F.

A meat analogue may include a macrostructure of connected sheared fibers oriented parallel to one another and gaps positioned between the sheared fibers. The macrostructure may include meat and may include a vegetable protein. An extrusion system may include an extruder and a die. The extrusion system may produce a meat analogue. A meat analogue may include an animal protein. The extruder may be connectable to the die. The extrusion system may be configured to direct a material including an animal protein from the extruder to the die and through a fluid path extending through the die. The die may be configured to inject a fat or a fat analogue into the material such that the fat or the fat analogue is embedded but visually distinct from the material including the animal protein when the fat or the fat analogue and the material exit the die.

A co-extruded, dual-texture animal food is provided. The food has a dry outer portion partially surrounding a semi-moist inner portion. The inner portion has a higher or similar moisture content and a softer texture compared to the outer portion which has a lower moisture content and harder texture. The outer portion comprises cereal grain and a legume at about 75-85% of the weight of the outer portion, and an animal-based protein contributing to about 5-10% of the weight or more of the outer portion. The inner portion has animal-derived grease mixed with lactic acid at about 3% by weight of the inner portion, along with at least one meat comprising at least 3% by weight of the inner portion. The composition inhibits moisture transference within and between individual pieces of the food. The food is shelf stable and the inner and outer portions retain their hardness and moisture profiles, post-packaging.

A filling device comprises a modified vacuum-filling head that introduces a viscous filling, such as a gravy, into a loaf matrix in a retortable can so that the filling remains enclosed by the set loaf matrix after retorting. The filling can remain as a viscous gravy or can set as a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably the viscous filling is distributed horizontally into the loaf matrix, for example through horizontally-facing apertures, during a pause in the descent of the can away from the filling device. The flow of the filling can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.

A filling device comprises a modified vacuum-filling head that introduces a viscous filling, such as a gravy, into a loaf matrix in a retortable can so that the filling remains enclosed by the set loaf matrix after retorting. The filling can remain as a viscous gravy or can set as a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably the viscous filling is distributed horizontally into the loaf matrix, for example through horizontally-facing apertures, during a pause in the descent of the can away from the filling device. The flow of the filling can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing pet food comprising pale meat and a gravy; and a pet food obtainable thereby.