Natural Pet Chew Product and Method of Manufacture

Abstract

The present invention relates to natural and organic treats/snacks and methods of manufacturing such treats/snacks. The treats/snacks can be in any desired shape and are devoid of synthetic and artificial filler ingredients. More specifically, the treats/snacks include ripe bananas, peanut butter, whole wheat flour, Flaxseed, honey, and egg wherein all the ingredients can be formed into a dough. The dough can then be formed into desired shapes of dough by using molds for baking in an oven at about 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes to bake and form the treat/snack. The resultant treat/snack is soft to chew and easy to digest, ensuring pets can retain a healthy diet while consuming the treats/snacks. The treats/snacks can be available in different sizes and packaging and are suitable for pets of all ages and breeds.

Claims

1. A method of making pet snacks, the method comprising the steps of: combining mashed bananas, peanut butter, and honey; mixing said bananas, said peanut butter and said honey to form a cream; adding eggs and Flaxseed to said cream; mixing said eggs and said Flaxseed with said cream; adding flour to said cream; mixing said flour with said cream to form a dough; rolling said dough; and baking said dough.

2. The method of making pet snacks of claim 1, wherein said flour is wheat flour.

3. The method of making pet snacks of claim 2, wherein said wheat flour is mixed with said cream for about five to ten minutes.

4. The method of making pet snacks of claim 3, wherein said dough is prepared mechanically by a user.

5. The method of making pet snacks of claim 3, wherein said dough is prepared by a dough maker machine.

6. The method of making pet snacks of claim 4, wherein said dough is placed into desired shapes.

7. The method of making pet snacks of claim 1, wherein said baking of said dough is at a temperature of about 350 degrees.

8. The method of making pet snacks of claim 7, wherein said baking of said dough is from about 20 to 30 minutes.

9. The method of making pet snacks of claim 8, wherein said dough includes a quantity ratio of generally 14 parts said peanut butter, 1 part said honey, and 14 parts said Flaxseed.

10. The method of making pet snacks of claim 1 further comprising the step of freezing said dough prior to said baking of said dough.

11. A method of making pet snacks, the method comprising the steps of: combining mashed bananas, peanut butter, and honey; mixing said bananas, said peanut butter and said honey to form a cream; adding eggs and Flaxseed to said cream; mixing said eggs and said Flaxseed with said cream; adding flour to said cream; mixing said flour with said cream to form a dough; wherein said dough includes a quantity ratio of generally 14 parts said peanut butter, 1 part said honey, and 14 parts said Flaxseed; rolling said dough; and baking said dough.

12. The method of making pet snacks of claim 11, wherein the quantity ratio of said dough includes 14 parts flour.

13. A method of making pet snacks, the method comprising the steps of: combining bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and Flaxseed; mixing said bananas, said peanut butter, said honey, said eggs, and said Flaxseed to form a cream; adding flour to said cream; mixing said flour with said cream to form a dough; wherein said dough includes a quantity ratio of generally 14 parts said peanut butter, 1 part said honey, 14 parts said Flaxseed, and 14 parts flour; and baking said dough.

14. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said flour is wheat flour.

15. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said flour is mixed with said cream for about five to ten minutes.

16. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said dough is prepared mechanically by a user.

17. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said dough is prepared by a dough maker machine.

18. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said dough is placed into desired shapes.

19. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said baking of said dough is at a temperature of about 350 degrees.

20. The method of making pet snacks of claim 13, wherein said baking of said dough is from about 20 to 30 minutes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of preparing a healthy and natural pet treat/snack of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a table showing exemplary composition of the prepared dog and cat treats/snacks of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the natural pet treat/snack of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0022] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary packaging available commercially for the pet treats/snacks of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for healthy and natural treats/snacks for dogs and cats. There is also a long-felt need in the art for improved dog and cat treats/snacks that contain natural ingredients for maintaining the health of pets. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for pet treats/snacks that are fresh, oven baked, and soft to chew. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for natural treats/snacks for dogs and cats that obviate boring store-bought treats/snacks that often contain artificial ingredients and artificial flavorings. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for pet treats/snacks that are healthy, and that are sans synthetic ingredients and sans sugar. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for improved pet treats/snacks that contain natural ingredients and ensure pets can retain a healthy diet while still consuming treats/snacks.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method of manufacturing a pet chew product. The method comprising the steps of making a uniform and soft dough of smashed ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, and honey, an egg and Flaxseeds in the cream, and whole wheat flour; making a plurality of pet treat/snack shapes from the dough; freezing the pet treat/snack shapes to make them hard and to attain from about 2% to about 5% moisture by weight; and, baking the pet treat/snack shapes in an oven at about 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of preparing healthy and natural pet treats/snacks 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, organic bananas are mashed using a mechanical or electronic banana masher (Step 102). Then, peanut butter and honey are mixed in the mashed banana for creating a thick cream (Step 104). Thereafter, an egg is added to the cream and a plurality of Flaxseeds are added therein (Step 106). For preparing a dough using the mixture prepared in the earlier steps, whole wheat flour is mixed into the dough for about five to ten minutes until a smooth and uniform dough is prepared (Step 108). The dough can be prepared mechanically by a user on a small scale or can be prepared by a dough maker machine.

[0027] As per preferences of users, treats/snacks of desired shapes can be made using structures or molds of different shapes and rolling of the dough (Step 110). Finally, the treats/snacks are immediately baked in the oven at about 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes until the treats/snacks become golden in texture (Step 112). In cases where the fresh treats/snacks are soft, they can be frozen before performing baking of the treats/snacks. It should be noted that all the ingredients used in making the treats/snacks are organic, natural, and gourmet, and are suitable for pets of all ages and breeds.

[0028] Intense heating is not used in making the treats/snacks and thus, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are preserved in the treats/snacks. The aroma, color, and texture of the treats/snacks 100 are derived from high-quality raw materials and are devoid of synthetic colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Treats/snacks can be shaped into bones, toys, flowers, or any other shape.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a table showing an exemplary ratio composition of the prepared dog and cat treats/snacks 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For preparing about 500 grams (17.64 oz) of treats/snacks 100, two smashed bananas 202 can be used. The bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C and provide adequate nutrition to pets. One cup (7.1 oz) of peanut butter 204 and one tablespoon (0.5 oz) of honey 206 are used for forming the thick cream. The peanut butter 204 is organic, pet-safe, and does not contain xylitol. Honey 206 is safe for pets and contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

[0030] One egg 208 is added to cream the mixture. The egg is high in protein, fatty acids, and vitamins which assists and supports pets to maintain adequate nutrition and energy. One cup (7.1 oz) Flaxseed 210 is added to the mixture for boosting a pet's immune system. In fact, Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which breaks down into two antioxidantseicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the pet's body. Both EPA and DHA are chemicals that can help boost pet's immune system, improve their skin, and maintain their coat of fur. One cup (7.1 oz) whole wheat flour 212 can be used for preparing a dough containing all the natural ingredients wherein the wheat flour 212 also adds fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals to the treats/snacks 100.

[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the natural pet treats/snacks 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The natural treats/snacks 100 can be made in any shape, size, and design based on the preferences and requirements of a user by using molds of different shapes. The treats/snacks 100 are freshly baked and have a shelf life of around one month, thereby providing effective nutrition to pets.

[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary packaging available commercially for pet treats/snacks for the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The treats/snacks 100 can be available in different packaging ranging from about 5 oz to about 20 oz to meet requirements of different users. As illustrated, the packaging 300 includes a brand name 302 such as Belto's bites and logos/pictures 304 of different ingredients of the treat/snack 100. In some embodiments, calories and nutrition offered by the treats/snacks are also indicated on the packaging 300. The packaging 300 can have a safety means such as a zipper or a fastener 306 for preserving the treats/snacks 100.

[0033] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein healthy and natural pet treats/snacks, edible pet treat/snack, natural pet treat/snack, edible pet chew, treat/snack, and natural pet chew are interchangeable and refer to the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 of the present invention.

[0034] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 as shown in the FIGS. and the steps of making the treats/snacks are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes and steps for the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions and configuration of the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 are important parameters for user convenience, the healthy and natural pet treat/snack 100 may be of any size and can contain any additional natural and organic ingredients that ensure optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0035] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.