Innovative methods and processes to improve dental hygiene, health issues, pet food palatability, health issues and performance nutrition.
Hyperthyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder that is particularly prevalent in older cats. To address this issue and provide a more cost-effective solution, this patent describes a cat food formulation with restricted iodine levels that effectively inhibits hyperthyroidism.
US Patent No. 9,566,333 (Feb. 14, 2017), Al-Murrani, S. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.
Pet food manufacturers continually work to improve the palatability and nutrient value of dry pet foods. Dry kibbles can be bland-tasting to the animal, but coating the kibbles with fats or palatants can improve the flavor. This patent describes the application of coatings that improve palatability and nutrition after the extrusion process without increasing costs or additives.
US Patent No. 9,585,412 (March 7, 2017), Corrigan, P. J., assigned to Mars, Incorporated, McLean, VA.
A smooth, glossy coat is a good indicator of companion animal health. This remedy for a dull coat includes an edible composition utilizing controlled amounts of amino acids, such as isoleucine, threonine and a combination thereof, to result in an increased 18-methyleicosanoic acid content in the companion animals’ fur, which results in an attractive and healthy coat.
US Patent No. 9,591,868 (March 14, 2017), Yu, S. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.
Pet food compositions that include pyruvic acid or salt are found to help manage the weight of companion animals, according to this patent. These formulas include ordinary nutritional requirements with effective additions of pyruvic or lipoic acids to treat and prevent weight disorders.
US Patent No. 9,596,872 (March 21, 2017), Yamka, R. M. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.
Oral hygiene is important for companion animals, but brushing a dog or cat’s teeth is not always easy. This invention uses interferon-α as an active ingredient in a pet food or treat to reduce dental plaque and tartar to maintain oral health and protect against periodontal diseases.
US Patent No. 9,629,900 (April 25, 2017), Yoshioka, K. et al., assigned to National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
When designing foods for pets such as dogs and cats, optimal health and wellness are the key goals. However, the most nutritious pet food is of little value if the animals reject or refuse to eat the food, making palatability crucial for consumption. This invention addresses a need for palatable extruded cat food based on rigidity, texture, smell and flavor.
US Patent No. 9,743,683 (Aug. 29, 2017), Bramoulle, L. et al., assigned to Specialties Pet Food, Elven, France.
A combination of HMB (β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate) and Vitamin D can be incorporated into a dog or cat diet to improve overall muscle strength, mass and function, according to this patent. It can be administered to all age groups of animals, even those who are not regularly active, to enhance muscular function.
US Patent No. 9,770,424 (Sept. 26, 2017), Rathmacher, J. et al., assigned Metabolic Technologies, Inc., Ames, IA.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in humans and dogs, with prevalence up to 18% and 33% in some dog breeds. The patent claims increased effectiveness of certain anti-epileptic drugs when paired with dog diets that are high in protein and carbohydrates, and include a small percent of calories from medium-chain triglycerides.
US Patent No. 9,789,079 (Oct. 17, 2017), Pan, Y. et al., assigned to Nestec S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.
Pets — especially dogs — love to chew, and the safety, taste, texture and durability of a chew product impacts the safety and enjoyment of those pets. This patent describes long-lasting, safe and palatable dried pet chews made of rawhide that clean teeth and provide extended chew time.
US Patent No. 9,788,530 (Oct. 17, 2017), Baikie, J. et al., assigned to Redbarn Pet Products, Inc., Long Beach, CA.
Incorporating astaxanthin, a type of keto-carotenoid antioxidant, can address various health issues in companion animals, including deodorization of urine and feces, improved sleep and cognitive awareness, and the ability to treat, ease or prevent diabetes or complications of diabetes. Astaxanthin is found in a variety of edible creatures, including shrimp, crab, fish, algae and yeasts.
US Patent No. 9,820,497 (Nov. 21, 2017), Honda, T. et al., assigned to Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, Toyama-Ken, Japan.
This patent describes dental devices for the inhibition of plaque, calculus (tartar) and gingivitis comprising of a dental protection composition that includes at least one barrier material and at least one activated phosphatidylcholine (APC). A mineral oil may also be added. This can be administered to the pet in the form of a chew that has been treated with the composition.
US Patent No. 9,833,390 (Dec. 5, 2017), Homola, A. M. et al., assigned to ProVSeal LLC, Reno, NV.
Insect Production Superstructure Systems (IPSS) are developed to extract lipids from insects for use in animal feed, medicine, nanotechnology, consumer products and more. The IPSS includes feedstock mixing and splitting; insect feeding, breeding, collection and grinding; pathogen removal; multifunctional flour mixing; and lipid extraction.
US Patent No. 10,076,104 (Sept. 18, 2018), Leo, D. M., assigned to Daniel Michael Leo, Baltimore, MD.
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