The present invention is a yogurt product that may be consumed by dogs and other mammalian pets. The yogurt product is in an unflavored form comprising as essential constituents: (A) 0% to 88% by weight water; (B) 0.2% to 25% by weight of a no-fat protein component selected from the group consisting of skim milk and cultured skim milk; (C1) 0.001% to 6% by weight sugar component comprising: (C1) 0.001% to 6% polydextrose and (C2) 0.001% to 6% Glycoses and Galactoses; (D) 2% to 8% by weight milk derived solids; (E) 0.2% to 2.5% by weight stabilizers and emulsifiers; and (F) at least one probiotic microorganism. The yogurt product may be refrigerated and served as a mousse, frozen dessert, or as a fermented yogurt drink similar to Ayran or Kefir. A method for producing the yogurt product is also disclosed herein.

The present invention is a yogurt product that may be consumed by dogs and other mammalian pets. The yogurt product is in an unflavored form comprising as essential constituents: (A) 0% to 88% by weight water; (B) 0.2% to 25% by weight of a no-fat protein component selected from the group consisting of skim milk and cultured skim milk; (C1) 0.001% to 6% by weight sugar component comprising: (C1) 0.001% to 6% polydextrose and (C2) 0.001% to 6% Glycoses and Galactoses; (D) 2% to 8% by weight milk derived solids; (E) 0.2% to 2.5% by weight stabilizers and emulsifiers; and (F) at least one probiotic microorganism. The yogurt product may be refrigerated and served as a mousse, frozen dessert, or as a fermented yogurt drink similar to Ayran or Kefir. A method for producing the yogurt product is also disclosed herein.

A natural hydrocolloid system can be used in, e.g., pet food compositions. Another aspect of the present disclosure is pet food compositions comprising such a natural hydrocolloid system, and preparation methods thereof. The hydrocolloid system can use blends of fruit fibers, such as citrus and apple fibers, and/or plant-based polysaccharides, such as psyllium, okra, chia, flaxseed, or seaweed; and can provide a gravy and even a jelly with functionalities comparable to the existing gravies. The blends can replace currently used hydrocolloids and can be used in new recipes with natural and clean labels.

A natural hydrocolloid system can be used in, e.g., pet food compositions. Another aspect of the present disclosure is pet food compositions comprising such a natural hydrocolloid system, and preparation methods thereof. The hydrocolloid system can use blends of fruit fibers, such as citrus and apple fibers, and/or plant-based polysaccharides, such as psyllium, okra, chia, flaxseed, or seaweed; and can provide a gravy and even a jelly with functionalities comparable to the existing gravies. The blends can replace currently used hydrocolloids and can be used in new recipes with natural and clean labels.

Amino acids present in domains of an umami taste receptor are described herein, wherein the amino acids interact with at least one nucleotide derivative and/or at least one transmembrane compound that potentiates, modulates, increases, and/or enhances the activity of the umami receptor. Such compounds can be used in flavor compositions to enhance the umami taste and/or palatability of food products.

Amino acids present in domains of an umami taste receptor are described herein, wherein the amino acids interact with at least one nucleotide derivative and/or at least one transmembrane compound that potentiates, modulates, increases, and/or enhances the activity of the umami receptor. Such compounds can be used in flavor compositions to enhance the umami taste and/or palatability of food products.

The invention provides composition and methods for improving hydration and water intake in an animal. In one embodiment, a hydration composition can comprise water and a hydration additive, where the hydration additive consists essentially of a sugar alcohol and a protein, where the sugar alcohol includes glycerol and the protein includes whey. Additionally, a method of improving hydration and water intake in an animal can comprise administering the hydration composition with water to the animal.

The invention provides composition and methods for improving hydration and water intake in an animal. In one embodiment, a hydration composition can comprise water and a hydration additive, where the hydration additive consists essentially of a sugar alcohol and a protein, where the sugar alcohol includes glycerol and the protein includes whey. Additionally, a method of improving hydration and water intake in an animal can comprise administering the hydration composition with water to the animal.

A pet food including: a base material (10); and a material grain (20) fixed on a surface of the base material (10), in which the material grain (20) includes one or more selected from the group consisting of small pieces of vegetable, small pieces of fruit, small pieces of meat, small pieces of fish, small pieces of dairy product, small pieces of cereal, and small pieces of bean is provided.

A packaged food product includes a container and a food product. The container has a rim and at least one wall extending away from the rim. The at least one wall defines a storage area, and the food product is retained within the storage area such that the food product is in contact with the at least one wall. The at least one wall is readily deformable by a hand of a user to reduce a volume of the storage area. Reducing the volume of the storage area causes the food product to exit the storage area. The container includes an integral tool portion including a tine extending from a distal end of the tool portion for breaking up the food product after removal from the storage area. The food product can be a wet cat or dog food.