Low-calorie, protein-enhanced pet treats
OwnerDaniel Smithinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for producing low-calorie, protein-enhanced pet treats using air-popped popcorn as a base, coated with refined coconut oil and animal protein powder. The treats are particularly suitable for dog training due to their low caloric content while maintaining palatability through protein enhancement. The manufacturing process includes air-popping corn kernels, selecting whole popped kernels, applying melted refined coconut oil, and coating with animal protein powder. The resulting treats provide a healthy alternative to conventional high-calorie training treats.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing a protein-enhanced pet treat, said method comprising sequentially processing raw non-GMO popcorn kernels through separate processing units by:
- introducing said kernels into an air popping chamber maintained at a controlled humidity to create expanded popcorn kernels;
- transferring said expanded popcorn kernels to a rotating sifting drum for selecting fully expanded kernels;
- and conveying selected kernels to a flavoring drum where refined coconut oil and animal protein powder are sequentially applied to create protein-enhanced pet treats having a caloric content between 0.35 and 0.37 kcal per piece.
A system for manufacturing protein-enhanced pet treats, said system comprising three distinct processing units arranged in sequential order:
- an air popping chamber comprising an air flow system configured to maintain relative humidity between 45% and 55%;
- a rotating sifting drum comprising a screening mechanism configured to separate fully expanded kernels;
- and a flavoring drum comprising an oil spraying system and a protein powder dispenser.
A method of quality control for manufacturing protein-enhanced pet treats, said method comprising monitoring moisture content to maintain 3-4% with ±0.5% tolerance throughout processing, verifying protein coating adherence of minimum 85% in said flavoring drum, and confirming uniform oil distribution through standardized visual inspection protocols.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.