This technology accelerates the production of jerky-like meat products using a mechanical method to fill a tubular case with a meat slurry. The patent describes at least one gripping element to feed the tube through a region where it is filled with the meat product.

US Patent No. 10,524,482 (Jan. 7, 2020), Mach, M. et al., assigned to VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH, Verden/Aller, Germany.

This method describes coating animal feed or pet food with a concoction of living microbes so that the food delivers those microbes to an animal’s gastrointestinal tract to support overall health and well-being. The invention can help prevent bacterial and parasitic contamination, enhancing immunity, digestibility, intestinal health, and resistance to threatening pathogens.

US Patent No. 10,524,487 (Jan. 7, 2020), Le, K., assigned to Cisbay, San Jose, CA.

This patent refers to a kibble design that improves palatability and reduces the risk of oral inflammation sometimes caused by the rigid nature of kibble products. The kibble is designed to deliver dietary supplements, such as curcumin, green tea, pomegranate, chamomile extracts, and other botanical and herbal ingredients, that support overall pet health and wellness.

US Patent No. 10,524,488 (Jan. 7, 2020), Vondran, J. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.

As demand for sustainable ingredients grows in the North American pet food market, this patent explains methods of extruding animal feed that incorporates fruit and vegetable pomace and other waste stream ingredients to create nutritional pet food products that add value back into otherwise wasted food ingredients.

US Patent No. 10,524,497 (Jan. 7, 2020), Rizvi, S. S. H. et al., assigned to Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

As a leader in global insect processing, Bühler Group has introduced a detailed method of converting insects and worms into nutritious animal and human food products, as well as pharmaceuticals, on an industrial scale and in a cost-effective way.

US Patent No. 10,537,118 (Jan. 21, 2020), Arsiwalla, T. et al., assigned to Bühler Insect Technology Solutions AG, Uzwil, Switzerland.

As the market for pet food, treats and dietary supplements is trending toward functional, personalized nutrition and wellness, Nestlé has developed nutritional requirements dependent on unique metabolic rates, which can vary from pet to pet based on individual health needs and other factors.

US Patent No. 10,537,129 (Jan. 21, 2020), Corthesy-Malnoe, I. et al., assigned to Nestec S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

This patent describes a pet treat designed to look like a t-bone steak.

US Patent No. D872,966 (Jan. 21, 2020), Van Eyk, G. et al., assigned to Spectrum Brands, Inc., Middleton, WI.

This patent describes a filling machine used to produce sausage products, wherein a pasty meat material is used to fill tubular cases that are subdivided into string-like portions.

US Patent No. 10,548,329 (Feb. 4, 2020), Mach, M. et al., assigned to VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH, Verden/Aller, Germany.

In this invention, a kibble pet food product is formulated with at least one micronutrient that is visibly included in the final product, such as antioxidant ingredients, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, nutraceuticals and other visible particles. These inclusions can be incorporated to improve palatability and efficacy of nutrient delivery.

US Patent No. 10,548,339 (Feb. 4, 2020), Lin, H. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.

This brand of natural pet chews has patented a design for a dog chew made from hardened cheese and shaped like a traditional bone.

US Patent No. D874,086 (Feb. 4, 2020), Shrestha, S. K., assigned to Himalayan Corporation, Mukilteo, WA.

This patent refers to a specific wet dog food formulation designed to increase the viscosity and consistency of the final product, as well as treating or preventing food allergies.

US Patent No. 10,561,160 (Feb. 18, 2020), Cheuk, W. L. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.

Animal fats such as pork fat, chicken fat, lamb tallow, and beef tallow are widely used for making animal food products due to their nutritional values to animals and their economic value to food manufacturers. This patent describes a technologically and economically advanced method for processing animal fats to reduce microbial contamination risk and preserve palatability.

US Patent No. 10,561,162 (Feb. 18, 2020), Lin, H., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.

As the global population increases, so does demand for high-quality, nutritious food products for people and pets. Utilizing plant-based proteins is one way to sustainably meet this increased demand. This patent describes methods and systems for extracting protein and carbohydrate-rich ingredients from micro-crops for use in human and animal food products.

US Patent No. 10,568,343 (Feb. 25, 2020), Sherlock, P. et al., assigned to Parabel Ltd., Grand Cayman, KY.

A design for an extended-chew pet treat wrapped in hardened cheese.

US Patent No. D876,046 (Feb. 25, 2020), Shrestha, S. K., assigned to Himalayan Corporation, Mukilteo, WA.

A design for a long, twisted pet chew.

US Patent No. D876,047 (Feb. 25, 2020), Herrenbruck, R. K., assigned to Emerald Pet Products Inc., Oakland, CA.