In other embodiments, the food prod

In other embodiments, the food products may be prepared in a dry form using convention processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, dry ingredients, including dried animal protein, plant protein, grains and the like are ground and mixed together. Liquid or moist ingredients, including fats, oils water, animal protein, water, and the like are added combined with the dry materials. The specific formulation, order of addition, combination, and methods and equipment used to combine the various ingredients can be selected ตั้งแต่ those known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the resulting mixture is process into kibbles or similar dry pieces, which are formed using an extrusion process in which the mixture of dry and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical work at high pressure and temperature, forced through small openings or apertures, and cut off into the kibbles, e.g., with a rotating knife. The resulting kibble can be dried and optionally coated with one or more topical coatings comprising, e.g., flavors, fats, oils, powdered ingredients, and the like. Kibbles may also be prepared ตั้งแต่ dough by baking, rather than extrusion, in which the dough is placed into a mold before dry-heat processing.


[0065] In preparing a composition for use with the methods of the present invention, any ingredient generally may be incorporated into the composition during the processing of the formulation, e.g., during and/or after mixing of the other components of the composition. Distribution of these components into the composition can be accomplished by conventional means. In certain embodiments, ground animal and/or poultry proteinaceous tissues are mixed with other ingredients, including nutritional balancing agents, inorganic salts, and may further include cellulose, bulking agents and the like, along with sufficient water for processing.
[0066] In particular embodiments, the compositions are formulated so as to be easier to chew. In specific embodiments, the compositions and food products are formulated to address specific nutritional differences between species and breeds of animals, as well as one of more of the attributes of the animal. For example, canine and feline foods, for example, are typically formulated based upon the life stage, age, size, weight, body composition, and breed.