CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application includes the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/414,824, filed on October 10, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/415,646, filed on October 12, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to pet treats and methods of making pet treats. More particularly, this invention relates to pet treats and methods of making pet treats that aid in improving a pet’ s oral hygiene by massaging gums and by removing plaque and tartar from the pet’s teeth.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a myriad of pet treats available for pet owners from which to choose. These treats include biscuits, soft treats, dental treats, rawhide, and jerky. Treats can be made using animal parts or starchy materials. Although treats are not specifically directed to be nutritionally valuable, typical starch treats composed from grain-based starches, such as rice, wheat, or com, offer little nutritional value while being difficult for pets to digest. Additionally, pets, such as cats and dogs, generally prefer treats that are meat flavored. Accordingly, traditional starch based treats require additives for flavoring to make them enticing to pets.

[0004] There is also a myriad of pet sizes, specifically dog sizes. Among all animal species, canines have the largest degree of size variation. Not only do canines vary in size, they also vary in shape. Understanding the size and shape of a canine can help determine the biting capabilities of a canine, specifically the canine’s bit force capacity. A pet treat designed for a canine should consider the canine’s biometric identifiers and the treat should be designed to be safely and enjoyably consumed in accordance with those biometric identifiers.

[0005] Consumer awareness for beneficial pet products has been on the rise over the last few decades. Consumers prefer treats that are grain-free and treats that contain all natural ingredients. Further, consumers prefer treats that offer health benefits to their pet and not treats that are difficult to digest. One health benefit consumers have expressed is an interest in improved oral hygiene.

[0006] There is, therefore, a need for improved starchy pet treats that are attractive to pets, safe to consume, grain-free, and easy to digest, while also improving oral hygiene of the pets when chewed. The present disclosure is directed to providing such a pet treat and method of making such a pet treat.

SUMMARY

[0007] In general, the disclosure herein relates to pet treats and methods of making pet treats. The pet treats, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, improve a pet’s oral hygiene by massaging gums, by removing plaque and tartar from the pet’s teeth, or both. The methods, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, provide starch based treats that are digestible and soluble while still being enjoyable to chew and attractive to pets.

[0008] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a consumable treat is disclosed. The consumable treat includes a shaft having four generally longitudinal surfaces. The consumable treat further includes a first projection extending from a first surface of the four generally longitudinal surfaces. The first projection has a first plurality of knobs. The consumable treat further includes a second projection extending from a second surface of the four generally longitudinal surfaces, opposite the first surface. The second projection has a second plurality of knobs. The consumable treat further includes a third projection extending from a third surface of the four generally longitudinal surfaces, between the first surface and the second surface. The third projection has a third plurality of knobs. Additionally, the consumable treat includes a fourth projection extending from a fourth surface of the four generally longitudinal surfaces, opposite the third surface. The fourth projection has a fourth plurality of knobs.

[0009] According to some aspects of the present implementation, the first projection includes a first curved surface. The first plurality of knobs is positioned about the first curved surface. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the second projection includes a second curved surface. The second plurality of knobs is positioned about the second curved surface. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the first plurality of knobs includes a first subset of knobs and a second subset of knobs. The first subset extends radially from the first curved surface. The second subset extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the first projection. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the second plurality of knobs includes a first subset of knobs and a second subset of knobs. The first subset extends radially from the second curved surface. The second subset extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the second projection. [0010] According to some aspects of the present implementation, the third projection includes a third curved surface. The third plurality of knobs is positioned about the third curved surface. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the fourth projection includes a fourth curved surface. The fourth plurality of knobs is positioned about the fourth curved surface. According to some aspects of the present implementation, each knob of the third plurality of knobs extends from the third curved surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the third projection. According to some aspects of the present implementation, each knob of the fourth plurality of knobs extends from the fourth curved surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fourth projection. According to some aspects of the present implementation, one knob of the third plurality of knobs is on the distal tip of the third projection. A remainder of the third plurality of knobs is spaced apart equally around the distal tip of the third projection. According some aspects of the present disclosure, one knob of the fourth plurality of knobs is on the distal tip of the third projection. A remainder of the third plurality of knobs is spaced apart equally around the distal tip of the fourth projection.

[0011] According to some aspects of the present implementation, the shaft includes a first end and a second end, opposite the first end. The four generally longitudinal surfaces extend between the first end and the second end. A distance between the distal tip of the third projection and the distal tip of the fourth projection is about 41.9% of a length of the consumable treat. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the first projection includes a first curved surface and the second projection includes a second curved surface. The first curved surface and the second curved surface each have a radius that is about 9% of the length of the consumable treat.

[0012] According to some additional implementations of the present disclosure, another consumable treat is disclosed. The consumable treat includes a shaft having a first projection, a second projection, and a third projection extending from a first end of the shaft. The consumable treat further includes a first bulb extending from a distal end of the first projection. The first bulb has a first plurality of grooves. The consumable treat further includes a second bulb extending from a distal end of the second projection. The second bulb has a second plurality of grooves. Additionally, the consumable treat includes a third bulb extending from a distal end of the third projection. The third bulb has a plurality of knobs.

[0013] According to some aspects of the present implementation, the shaft, the first projection, the second projection, and the third projection form a pitchfork. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the shaft includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plurality of knobs includes a first subset of knobs and a second subset of knobs. The first subset of knobs extends perpendicular to the first surface of the shaft. The second subset of knobs extends opposite the first subset. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the third bulb includes a textured surface. The textured surface is between the first subset of knobs and the second subset of knobs. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the textured surface includes a plurality of grooves.

[0014] According to some aspects of the present implementation, a largest width of the consumable treat is about 60.5% of a length of the consumable treat. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the first plurality of grooves includes four grooves. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the second plurality of grooves includes six grooves.

[0015] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method for forming a consumable treat is disclosed. The method includes forming a powder composition of a plurality of powdered ingredients. The plurality of powdered ingredients includes one or more starches. The method further includes forming a powder-mash composition by adding to the powder composition a plurality of liquid ingredients. The method further includes feeding the powder-mash composition through an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine has a plurality of segments at varying temperatures. The varying temperatures within the injection molding machine plasticize the one or more starches to form a plasticized composition. The method further includes injecting the plasticized composition into a mold having a desired shape for the consumable treat. The method further includes chilling the plasticized composition within the mold to form a hardened outer shell of a molded composition. The method further includes removing the molded composition from the mold.

[0016] According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plurality of liquid ingredients includes water. The method further includes adding additional water to the powdermash composition to raise a water content of the powder-mash composition to about 4 to about 12 wt%. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plurality of powdered ingredients includes sodium caseinate, arrowroot flour, cassava flour, sunflower lecithin, beef palatant, and gelatin. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plurality of liquid ingredients includes coconut glycerin and water. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the powder-mash composition is about 12 to about 18 wt% of the sodium caseinate, about 15 to about 25 wt% of the arrowroot flour, about 15 to about 25 wt% of the cassava flour, about 5 to about 7.5 wt% of the sunflower lecithin, about 3 to about 3.5% of the beef palatant, about 11 to about 19 wt% of the gelatin, about 10 to about 15 wt% of the coconut glycerin, and about 4 to about 12 wt% of the water. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plurality of segments in the injection molding machine includes a beginning segment at about 170 to about 180 °F, a first middle segment at about 180 to about 185 °F, a second middle segment at about 185 to about 195 °F, a third middle segment at about 195 to about 200 °F, and a sprue segment at about 200 to about 215 °F. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the chilling the plasticized composition within the mold includes chilling the mold with a chiller set between about 50 to about 120 °F. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the plasticized composition within the mold is chilled for about 55 to about 115 seconds. According to some aspects of the present implementation, the method further includes air drying the molded composition for about 12 to about 24 hours after the removal from the mold to remove moisture.

[0017] The consumable treats and methods as disclosed herein provide treats that are safe and enjoyable for a pet to consume. In addition, consuming the treats provides for improved oral hygiene for a pet because the treats, when chewed, are designed to massage the gums, remove plaque and tartar from a pet’s teeth, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a consumable treat, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the consumable treat shown in FIG. 1, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the consumable treat shown in FIG. 1, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the consumable treat shown in FIG. 1, according to some aspects of the present disclosure

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another consumable treat, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the consumable treat shown in FIG. 5, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart for a method of forming a consumable treat, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure relates to consumable treats that improve the oral hygiene of pets when chewed while also being attractive, enjoyable, and easily digestible. One consumable treat has a shaft and four projections extending from the shaft. Each projection includes knobs that extend from curved surfaces of the projections. These knobs, when chewed, massage the gums, remove plaque and tartar from the teeth of a pet, or both. Another consumable treat has a shaft and three projections extending from the shaft. On the end of each projection is a bulb attached thereto, and each bulb has a variety of elements that aid in improving the oral hygiene of the pet when chewed. The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming the consumable treats disclosed herein. The ingredients used within the method of forming the consumable treats improve the nutritional value and digestibility of treats by being formed from root-based starches, rather than grain-based starches. Root-based starches are more soluble than grain-based starches. Therefore, the consumable treats and the method of making the consumable treats, solve the problems in the industry by providing starchy pet treats that are attractive to pets, safe to consume, grain-free, easy to digest, or a combination thereof, while also improving a pet’s oral hygiene when chewed.

[0026] One consumable treat according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-4. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a consumable treat 100. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the consumable treat 100. FIG. 3 is a top view of the consumable treat 100. FIG. 4 is a side view of the consumable treat 100.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the consumable treat 100 includes a shaft 101. The shaft 101 includes a first end 107 and four generally longitudinal surfaces 102, 104, 106, and 108. The second surface 104 is opposite the first surface 102. The third surface 106 is between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104. The fourth surface 108 is opposite the third surface 106.

[0028] Extending from each of the four generally longitudinal surfaces 102, 104, 106, and 108 is an projection 110, 120, 130, and 140, respectively. Each projection 110, 120, 130, and 140 includes a plurality of knobs 115, 125, 135, and 145, respectively.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the first projection 110 includes a first curved surface 111. The first plurality of knobs 115 is positioned about the first curved surface 111. The first plurality of knobs includes a first subset of knobs 115A and a second subset of knobs 115B. The first subset of knobs 115A of the first plurality of knobs 115 extends radially from the first curved surface 111 of the first projection 110. The second subset of knobs 115B of the first plurality of knobs 115 extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis 112 (FIG. 3) of the first projection 110.

[0030] The second projection 120 includes a second curved surface 121 and the second plurality of knobs 125 is positioned about the second curved surface 121. Similar to the first plurality of knobs 115, the second plurality of knobs 125 includes a first subset of knobs 125 A and a second subset of knobs 125B. The first subset of knobs 125A of the second plurality of knobs 125 extends radially from the second curved surface 121 of the second projection 120. The second subset 125B of the second plurality of knobs 125 extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis 122 (FIG. 3) of the second projection 120.

[0031] The first plurality of knobs 115 and the second plurality of knobs 125, and their corresponding subsets (115 A, 115B, 125 A, and 125B), are designed to come in contact with a pet’s teeth and gums in different angles when the consumable treat 100 is chewed by the pet, to assist in massaging the gums and removing plaque and tartar from the pet’s teeth. The massaging effect created by chewing the consumable treat 100 can reach below the pet’s gum line, where the largest amount of plaque and tartar build up typically occurs.

[0032] The implementation disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is not intended to limit the possibilities in which the first plurality of knobs 115 extends relative to the first projection 110. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the first subset of knobs 115A and the second subsets of knobs 115B of the first projection 110 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 (FIG. 3) of the first projection 110. The first subset of knobs 115A and the second subset of knobs 115B of the first projection 110 can also extend radially or tangentially from the first curved surface 111 of the first projection 110, or any combination thereof.

[0033] Similarly, the implementation disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is not intended to limit the possibilities in which the second plurality of knobs 125 extends relative to the second projection 120. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the first subset of knobs 125A and the second subsets of knobs 125B of the second projection 120 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 (FIG. 3) of the second projection 120. The first subset of knobs 125A and the second subset of knobs 125B of the second projection 120 can also extend radially or tangentially from the second curved surface 121 of the second projection 120, or any combination thereof.

[0034] Still referring to FIG. 2, the third projection 130 includes a third curved surface 131. The third plurality of knobs 135 is positioned about the third curved surface 131. Each knob of the third plurality of knobs 135 extends from the third curved surface 131 parallel to a longitudinal axis 132 (FIG. 3) of the third projection 130. The third projection 130 has a distal tip 138 (FIG. 1). One knob of the third plurality of knobs 135 is on the distal tip 138 of the third projection 130. The remaining knobs of the third plurality of knobs 135 are spaced apart equally around the distal tip 138 of the third projection 130.

[0035] The implementation disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is not intended to limit the possibilities in which the third plurality of knobs 135 extends relative to the third projection 130. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the third plurality of knobs 135 can extend parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 132 of the third projection 130. The third plurality of knobs 135 can also extend radially or tangentially from the third curved surface 131 of the third projection 130, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The fourth projection 140 includes a fourth curved surface 141. The fourth plurality of knobs 145 is positioned about the fourth curved surface 141. Each knob of the fourth plurality of knobs 145 extends from the fourth curved surface 141 parallel to a longitudinal axis 142 (FIG. 3) of the fourth projection 140. Similar to the third projection 130, the fourth projection 140 has a distal tip 148 (not shown). One knob of the fourth plurality of knobs 145 is on the distal tip 148 of the fourth projection 140. The remaining knobs of the fourth plurality of knobs 145 are spaced apart equally around the distal tip 148 (not shown) of the fourth projection 140. [0037] The implementation disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is not intended to limit the possibilities in which the fourth plurality of knobs 145 extends relative to the fourth projection 140. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth plurality of knobs 145 can extend parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 142 of the fourth projection 140. The fourth plurality of knobs 145 can also extend radially or tangentially from the fourth curved surface 141 of the fourth projection 140, or any combination thereof.

[0038] The first, second, third, and fourth projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 each have a curved surface 111, 121, 131, 141, respectively. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the curved surfaces 111, 121, 131, and 141 is generally spherical. The spherical shape of the first, second, third, and fourth projections 110, 120, 130, and 140, respectively, has many benefits. For example, a sphere does not have any edges or corners. Typically, edges or comers are the weak points of a structure, especially when a pet’s (e.g., canine) jaw and teeth grasp on to them. As another example, the sphere’s curved surface creates a rolling surface for the pet’s teeth and gums such that the pet’s teeth and gums rub and slide across the surface, as opposed to a rectangular shape which the pet’s teeth may simply clamp onto. As explained in more detail below, when the pet’s teeth and gums slide across the spherical surface, the teeth and gums come in contact with the plurality of knobs 115, 125, 135, 145 which aid in improving the pet’s oral hygiene. [0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the consumable treat 100 has a width LI and a length L2. The width LI is measured between the distal tip 138 (obscured in FIG. 4 by the center knob 135) of the third projection 130 and the distal tip 148 (obscured in FIG. 4 by the center knob 145) of the fourth projection 140. According to some aspects, the width LI can be about 49 to about 85 mm, where the specific width can vary and be dependent on the size of the pet that the consumable treat 100 is for. The length L2 is the overall length of the consumable treat 100 measured between the first end 107 and the second end 109 of the shaft 101. According to some aspects, the length L2 can be about 116 to about 205 mm, where the specific length can vary and be dependent on the size of the pet that the consumable treat 100 is for. According to some aspects, the width LI is about 41.9% of the length L2. For example, with the length L2 of the consumable treat 100 of about 142.49 mm, the width LI would be about 59.69 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 167.64 mm, the width LI would be about 70.1 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 201.17 mm, the width LI would be about 84.33 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 117.35 mm, the width LI would be about 49.02 mm.

[0040] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the first curved surface 111, the second curved surface 121, the third curved surface 131, and the fourth curved surface 141 each have the same radius R. According to some aspects, the radius R can be about 10 to about 20 mm, where the specific radius can vary and be dependent on the size of the pet that the consumable treat 100 is for. According to some aspects, the length of the radius R is about 9% of the length L2. For example, with the length L2 of about 117.35 mm, the radius R would be about 10.41 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 142.49 mm, the radius R would be about 12.70 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 167.64 mm, the radius R would be about 49.99 mm. As another example, with the length L2 of about 201.17 mm, the radius R would be about 18.03 mm. Alternatively, the first curved surface 111, the second curved surface 121, the third curved surface 131, and the fourth curved surface 141 could all have different radii and/or shapes. For example, the first curved surface 111 could have a larger radius R than the second curved surface 121. The second curved surface 121 could have a larger radius R than the third curved surface 131. The fourth curved surface 141 could have a larger radius than the first curved surface 111. The first curved surface 111 could be generally cubed rather than spherical. The first curved surface 111 could also be generally conical, cylindrical, or prismatic.

[0041] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 and the corresponding pluralities of knobs 115, 125, 135, and 145, respectively, are designed to improve a pet’s engagement and acceptability of the consumable treat 100. Generally, a pet (e.g., canine) will start chewing a treat wherever the pet can comfortably get an entire section of the treat into its mouth. Once the pet is engaged with the treat, the pet will alternate the sides of its mouth that it chews the treat with. In regards to the implementation shown in FIGS 1-4, the consumable treat 100 is designed for the pet to start chewing on one of the four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 of the consumable treat 100. The pet will either chew one of the four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 until the projection is consumed or the pet will alternate between the four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 until all of the four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 are consumed. The consumable treat 100 is designed so that the pet will not be able to begin chewing the shaft 101 at the second end 109 until all of the four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 are consumed. This design of the consumable treat 100 aids in improving the oral hygiene of the pet because, for example, when the pet chews on the projection 110, the plurality of knobs 115, 125, 135, 145 massages the pet’s gums and removes plaque and tartar from the pet’s teeth. The plurality of knobs 115, 125, 135, 145, when chewed, is designed to reach below the pet’s gum line, which is where the largest amount of plaque and tartar buildup occurs. Therefore, chewing the plurality of knobs 115, 125, 135, 145 aids in removing large buildup of plaque and tartar from a pet’s teeth, thereby improving the pet’s oral hygiene. Since the consumable treat 100 is designed for the pet to chew on all four projections 110, 120, 130, and 140 prior to chewing on the shaft 101, consistent chewing and eventual consumption of the consumable treat 100 can improve the pet’s oral hygiene.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another consumable treat 200 is shown and disclosed, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The consumable treat 200 includes a shaft 210. As best shown in FIG. 6, the shaft 210 has a first end 215 and a second end 217, opposite the first end 215. As best shown in FIG. 5, the shaft 210 has a first surface 212 and a second surface 214, opposite the first surface 212.

[0043] Referring back to FIG. 6, the consumable treat 200 further includes a first projection 220 generally extending from the first end 215 of the shaft 210. The first projection 220 includes a distal end 225 and a first bulb 230 extending from the distal end 225. The consumable treat 200 further includes a second projection 240 generally extending from the first end 215 of the shaft 210. The second projection 240 includes a distal end 245 and a second bulb 250 extending from the distal end 245. The consumable treat 200 further includes a third projection 260 generally extending from the first end 215 of the shaft 210. The third projection 260 includes a distal end 265 and a third bulb 270 extending from the distal end 265. [0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the third bulb 270 includes a plurality of knobs 275. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of knobs 275 includes a first subset of knobs 275 A and a second subset of knobs 275B. Each knob of the first subset of knobs 275 A extends generally perpendicularly to the first surface 212 of the shaft 210. Similarly, each knob of the second subset of knobs 275B extends generally perpendicularly to the second surface 214 of the shaft 210, opposite to each knob of the first subset of knobs 275A. Other embodiments of the consumable treat 200 are not limited to each knob of the first subset of knobs 275A extending perpendicularly to the first surface 212 and/or each knob of the second subset of knobs 275B extending opposite to the first subset of knobs 275 A. For example, each knob of the first subset of knobs 275A could extend radially from the third bulb 270 and the second subset of knobs 275B could extend tangentially from the third bulb 270. Further, each knob of the first subset of knobs 275A and each knob of the second subset of knobs 275B could extend parallel to the first surface 212 and the second surface 214 of the shaft 210, respectively. [0045] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the third bulb 270 includes a textured surface 277 between the first subset of knobs 275A and the second subset of knobs 275B. The textured surface 277 includes a plurality of grooves 278. The present disclosure is not limited to having horizontal grooves. The plurality of grooves 278 could contain only vertical grooves or only horizontal grooves or circular grooves or polygonal grooves. Further, the plurality of grooves 278 is not limited to including only one set. For example, the plurality of grooves 278 could have two subsets, three subsets, four subsets, etc., with each subset having a different geometric orientation.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the first bulb 230 has a first plurality of grooves 235 and the second bulb 250 has a second plurality of grooves 255. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the first plurality of grooves 235 contains four grooves, and the second plurality of grooves 255 contains six grooves. However, the present disclosure is not limited by this exemplary embodiment. For example, the first plurality of grooves 235 could contain eight grooves and the second plurality of grooves 255 could contain three grooves. Thus, the first plurality of grooves 235 and the second plurality of grooves 255 could have various numbers of grooves. [0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the consumable treat 200 has a width W, which is measured as the largest width of the consumable treat 200. According to some aspects, the width W can be about 75 to about 141 mm, where the specific width can vary and be dependent on the size of the pet that the consumable treat 200 is for. The consumable treat 200 also as a length L3, which is measured as the largest length of the consumable treat 200. According to some aspects, the length L3 can be about 124 to about 232 mm, where the specific length can vary and be dependent on the size of the pet that the consumable treat 200 is for. According to some aspects, the width W of the consumable treat 200 is about 55 to about 65% of the length L3, such as about 60.5% of a length L3 of the consumable treat 200. For example, with the length L3 of the consumable treat 200 of about 124.46 mm, the width W would be about 75.53 mm. As another example, with the length L3 of about 142.24 mm, the width W would be about 86.32 mm. As another example, with the length L3 of about 177.80 mm, the width W would be about 107.91 mm. As another example, with the length L3 of about 213.36 mm, the width W would be about 129.18 mm. As yet another example, with the length L3 of about 231.14 mm, the width W would be about 140.28 mm.

[0048] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the consumable treat 200, when chewed, is designed to improve a pet’s oral hygiene. The three bulbs 230, 250, and 270 of the consumable treat 200 are designed to massage the pet’s gums and help break up plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. The first plurality of grooves 235, the second plurality of grooves 255, and the plurality of knobs 275 further assist in massaging the pet’s gums and removing plaque and tartar buildup when the consumable treat 200 is chewed by the pet. The first plurality of grooves 235, the second plurality of grooves 255, and the plurality of knobs 275 function to massage the gums and remove plaque and tartar when the pet chews the consumable treat 200 at a variety of angles. The consumable treat 200 is designed for a pet to chew the consumable treat 200 starting at one of the outer bulbs, e.g., first bulb 230 or the second bulb 250. Once the pet has consumed an outer bulb 230 or 250, the pet will then have access to chew the third bulb 270 of the third projection 260. This design of the consumable treat 200 increases the pet’s overall engagement time with the consumable treat 200 by forcing the pet to chew different bulbs (and different projections) at different times.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart for a method 700 of forming a consumable treat, such as the consumable treats 100 and 200 discussed above, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The method 700 begins at step 702 with forming a powder composition of a plurality of powdered ingredients. The plurality of powdered ingredients includes one or more starches. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of powdered ingredients includes sodium caseinate, arrowroot flour, cassava flour, sunflower lecithin, beef palatant, beef collagen, and beef gelatin. This combination of ingredients creates a long-lasting and durable chew for a pet (e.g., canine), and provides the pet with a consumable treat that is low in fat, fiber, and ash, while having high levels of proteins and carbohydrates, which are necessary for energy. Each powdered ingredient contains a specified level of moisture, depending on the humidity levels in the ambient air. [0050] At step 704, the method 700 further includes forming a powder-mash composition by adding to the powder composition a plurality of liquid ingredients. The plurality of liquid ingredients may include only water. Alternatively, the plurality of liquid ingredients may include coconut glycerin and water. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, when the plurality of ingredients includes water, the method 700 further includes adding additional water to the powder-mash composition to raise a water content of the powder-mash composition. In a preferred embodiment, the water content of the powder-mash composition is about 4 to about 12 wt%. The amount of water added can be dependent on the humidity level in the ambient air because the humidity effects the amount of moisture in the powdered ingredients. Therefore, if the humidity is high (e.g., 90%), then less water would be used because the powdered ingredients already contain a high moisture level. However, if the humidity if low (e.g., 25%), then more water would be used because the powdered ingredients contain a lower moisture level.

[0051] In one embodiment, the plurality of liquid ingredients includes coconut glycerin and water. The resulting powder-mash composition is about 12 to about 18 wt% of the sodium caseinate, 15 to about 25 wt% of the arrowroot flour, 15 to about 25 wt% of the cassava flour, 5 to about 7.5 wt% of the sunflower lecithin, 3 to about 3.5 wt% of the beef palatant, 11 to about 19 wt% of the gelatin, 10 to about 15 wt% of the coconut glycerin, and 4 to about 12 wt% of the water.

[0052] Each ingredient chosen in the preferred embodiment plays a functional role in ensuring the consumable treat has a long-lasting chew. The sodium caseinate adds protein which contains beneficial nutritional and structural properties. Combining sodium caseinate with starches creates a reaction during the injection molding process that allows the sodium caseinate and starches to bind together. The arrowroot flour and cassava flour are ingredients that are unique starches to pet consumable treats because they are not used by the rest of the pet treat industry. The arrowroot flour and the cassava flour are both very digestible and soluble. This allows the pet to chew and easily consume the product. The pet treat industry typically uses grain-based starches, such as, rice, wheat, or corn. Arrowroot flour and cassava flour are both root-based starches because arrowroot flour is a product of a tapioca plant and cassava flour is a product of a yucca plant. Sunflower lecithin functions as a natural processing aid by keeping the starches from adhering to the surface of a mold. Beef palatant is added to ensure the consumable treat will be attractive to pets, specifically dogs, because dogs are attracted to beef palatant’ s smell and taste. Gelatin functions to regulate the amount of protein in the consumable treat and to help bind the ingredients together. Gelatin also aids in digestibility and solubility of the consumable treat.

[0053] At step 706, the method 700 further includes feeding the powder-mash composition through an injection molding machine. The powder-mash composition is placed into a hopper that feeds the injection molding machine. The injection molding machine’s barrel has a plurality of segments at varying temperatures. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of segments includes a beginning segment, a first middle segment, a second middle segment, a third middle segment, and a sprue segment. The beginning segment is where the powder-mash composition is deposited. According to some aspects, each segment of the plurality of segments can have a different temperature. For example, the beginning segment can have a temperature of about 170 to about 180 °F, the first middle segment can have a temperature of about 180 to about 185 °F, the second middle segment can have a temperature of about 185 to about 195 °F, the third middle segment can have a temperature of about 195 to about 200 °F, and the sprue segment (last segment) can have a temperature of about 200 to about 215 °F.

[0054] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the injection molding machine could have more or less segments than the preferred embodiment. Further, the plurality of segments may have different temperatures associated with each segment.

[0055] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the pressure within the injection molding machine may be different in each segment of the plurality of segments, or the pressure may be uniform across all segments.

[0056] According to some aspects, the powder-mash composition is fed through the plurality of segments of the injection molding machine at varying time intervals. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the time intervals may be different in each segment of the plurality of segments, or the time interval may be uniform across all segments.

[0057] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a plasticized composition is formed when the powder-mash composition is fed through the varying temperatures and pressures within the injection molding machine.

[0058] At step 708, the method 700 further includes injecting the plasticized composition into a mold. The mold has a shape that is designed to produce a desired shape of the consumable treat. For example, if the desired shape of the consumable treat is the consumable treat 200, then the mold has a pitchfork shape. However, the shape of the mold is not limited to producing the consumable treat 100 or the consumable treat 200. The mold may be shaped to produce varyingly shaped consumable treats. [0059] At step 710, the method 700 further includes chilling the plasticized composition within the mold. Chilling the plasticized composition within the mold allows for a hardened outer shell of a molded composition to be formed. The plasticized composition can be chilled within the mold with a chiller. The temperature of the chiller can be set to about 50 to about 120 °F. Chilling with a chiller helps form an outer shell of the plasticized composition when the plasticized composition is inside the mold.

[0060] According to some aspects, the plasticized composition is chilled within the mold for about 55 to about 115 seconds. That time interval represents the cycle of time from mold closing to mold opening. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the chilling temperatures and time intervals may vary. For example, the chiller could be set to a temperature of about 45 °F and the plasticized composition could be chilled for a time period of about 100 to 120 seconds.

[0061] At step 712, the method 700 further includes removing the molded composition from the mold. Once the molded composition is removed from the mold, the molded composition may be very flexible and hot. If this is the case, the method 700 further includes air drying the mold on a cooling table to cure and further harden the molded composition. The air drying removes moisture from the molded composition. According to some aspects, the molded composition can be air dried for about 12 hours to 24 hours after the molded composition is removed from the mold.

[0062] To the extent used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the claimed invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not. [0063] To the extent used herein, the term “consisting essentially of’ refers to those elements required for a given embodiment. The term permits the presence of elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0064] To the extent used herein, the term “consisting of’ refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

[0065] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “the method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth. [0066] All patents, patent applications, and publications identified are expressly incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.