Thermoplastic composition derived from animal parts and methods for production thereof

Abstract

A puffable, thermoplastic composition derived from animal parts is prepared by drying substantially raw animal parts to a moisture content between 10% and 25%, comminuting those parts and mechanically defatting the comminuted particles to a fat content of less than 18%. The defatted particles are macerated in an extruder at temperatures less than 330.degree. F. and under sufficient pressure to cause gelatinization of the particles. The resulting thermoplastic moldable mass is extruded to a shape sustaining form and cooled to below 215.degree. F., after which it is cut into puffable pellets. The pellets will be at least partially gelatinized animal parts, have a moisture content of less than 15%, a fat content of less than 15% and the protein thereof will not be subjected to denaturing temperatures in excess of 330.degree. F. The pellets may be puffed in hot oil to a product which resembles fried port skins or they may be thermo-formed into a decorative shape, e.g., in the shape of a chewable dog bone.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.