CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/375524 filed August 20, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to food compositions and particularly to food compositions having visible food flakes on the surface and methods for making such compositions.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Food compositions mat have visible food flakes on the surface are often more appealing than food compositions without food flakes on the surface. For example, a strong fishy aroma from visible pieces of real fish is highly desirable for many food compositions, e.g., dry pet foods such as kibbles for cats. The addition of fish flakes to food compositions improves palatability and enhances product aroma and cosmetic appearance. Currently, this is achieved by sprinkling fish flakes, which are packaged separately, on food compositions. However, the flakes often do not adhere to the surface of the food compositions. Even when the flakes adhere to the food compositions, there is often an uneven distribution of fish flakes on the surface of the food compositions.

[0004] Previous attempts to package food compositions having visible food flakes on the surface have been unsuccessful in maintaining adhesion of the flakes to the food compositions. During packaging and transportation, the flakes separate from the food compositions resulting in collection of flakes at the bottom of the package. This is particularly true for pet food compositions such as dry kibbles.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need for food compositions having visible food flakes on the surface and methods of adhering food flakes to food compositions to obtain the maximum effect on palatability, aroma, and appearance. Such methods should ensure that the flakes can be evenly distributed on the surface of the food compositions and that the flakes adhere to the food compositions during packaging and transportation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide food compositions having visible food flakes on the food composition surface.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide methods for making food compositions having visible food flakes on the food composition surface.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide blended food compositions.

[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide packages suitable for containing flake coated food compositions and for displaying the food compositions. [0010] One or more of these other objects are achieved using food compositions comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm.

[0011] Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0012] The term "flake" means a thin piece, layer, or small fragment of something. The term also embraces small pieces, particles, and solid particulates.

[0013] The term "electrostatic adhesion" means adhesion between two substances or surfaces due to the presence of opposite charges, which attract each other.

[0014] The term "tallow" means a fat that melts at 40.5°C. It may be derived from a single source such as beef or lamb or it may be a blend of any unhydrogenated fat that melts at 40.5C. Tallow is used to enhance food texture, flavor or a high-energy or high-vitamin source.

[0015] The term "animal" means any animal that could benefit from or enjoy the consumption of the food compositions of the present invention, including various human, avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline, murine, ovine, or porcine animals.

[0016] The term "companion animal" means domesticated animals such as birds, cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, and the like.

[0017] The term "single package" means that the components of a kit are physically associated, in or with one or more containers, and considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes or cartons, bottles, packages of any type or design or material, over- wrap, shrink-wrap, affixed components (e.g., stapled, adhered, or the like), or combinations of any of the foregoing. For example, a single package kit may provide containers of individual compositions and/or food compositions physically associated such that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

[0018] The term "virtual package" means that the components of a kit are associated by directions on one or more physical or virtual kit components instructing the user how to obtain the other components, e.g., in a bag or other container containing one component and directions instructing the user to go to a website, contact a recorded message or a fax-back service, view a visual message, or contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain, for example, instructions on how to use the kit, or safety or technical information about one or more components of a kit.

[0019] All percentages expressed herein are by weight of the total weight of the composition unless expressed otherwise. [0020] As used throughout, ranges are used herein in shorthand, so as to avoid having to set out at length and describe each and every value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected, where appropriate, as the upper value, lower value, or the terminus of the range.

[0021] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form of a word includes the plural, and vice versa, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, the references "a", "an", and "the" are generally inclusive of the plurals of the respective terms. For example, reference to "an animal, "a method", or "dietary supplement" includes a plurality of such "animals", "methods", or "dietary supplements". Similarly, the words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise the terms "include", "including" and "or" should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Where used herein the term "examples," particularly when followed by a listing of terms is merely exemplary and illustrative, and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

[0022] The methods and compositions and other advances disclosed here are not limited to particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described herein because, as the skilled artisan will appreciate, they may vary. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to, and does not, limit the scope of that which is disclosed or claimed.

[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms, terms of art, and acronyms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field(s) of the invention, or in the field(s) where the term is used. Although any compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the invention, the preferred compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials are described herein.

[0024] All patents, patent applications, publications, technical and/or scholarly articles, and other references cited or referred to herein are in their entirety incorporated herein by reference to the extent allowed by law. The discussion of those references is intended merely to summarize the assertions made therein. No admission is made that any such patents, patent applications, publications or references, or any portion thereof, are relevant, material, or prior art. The right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any assertion of such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references as relevant, material, or prior art is specifically reserved.

The Invention

[0025] In one aspect, the invention provides food compositions comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm. The invention is based upon the discovery that comestible flakes having a certain size and moisture content will adhere to compatible comestible bases. [0026] In various embodiments, the food compositions comprise a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13%, preferably from about 7 to about 12%, more preferably from about 9 to about 11%; and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.08 mm, more preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.05 mm.

[0027] The comestible base is any comestible ingredient or composition suitable for consumption by an animal and that is capable of adhering to the comestible flakes of the invention.

[0028] Generally, the comestible base is any food composition that has a moisture content of from about 3 to about 45%, preferably from about 5 to about 35%, more preferably from about 7 to about

30%. In various embodiments, the moisture content is from about 3 to about 18%, preferably from about 5 to about 14%, more preferably from about 7 to about 12%.

[0029] In one embodiment, the comestible base is a pet food, preferably a dry pet food. In preferred embodiments, the pet food is dry kibble. In other embodiments, the comestible base is a semi-moist kibble, a biscuit, a treat, a snack, or an edible toy. In preferred embodiments, the pet food is a feline pet food.

[0030] In other embodiments, the comestible base is a food composition suitable for consumption by humans or other animals, e.g. , certain meats, meat analogs, crackers, breads, cereals, and the like having the ability to adhere to the comestible flakes, particularly the requisite moisture content.

[0031[ The comestible flakes are any comestible ingredient or composition suitable for consumption by an animal and that is capable of adhering to the comestible base of the invention. In various embodiments, the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13%, preferably from about 7 to about 12%, more preferably from about 9 to about 11%; and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.08 mm, more preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.05 mm.

[0032] The comestible flakes can be of any size suitable for adhering to the comestible base and are sized to suit the situation. In various embodiments, the comestible flakes are irregular in shape and are less than about 7 millimeters (mm) on the longest side, preferably less than about 5 mm, most preferably less than about 3 mm. In most embodiments, the comestible flakes are from about 2 to 3 mm on the longest side.

[0033] Generally, the comestible flakes are made from plant or animal ingredients. For example, the comestible flakes are made from fish, beef, poultry, pork or combinations thereof. The comestible flakes may also be made from such things as spinach, carrots, celery, parsley, onions, garlic or combinations thereof.

[0034] In one embodiment, the comestible flakes are fish flakes, preferably bonito flakes.

[0035] In some embodiments, the comestible flakes are a combination of one or more types of flakes. [0036] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 11 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.03 to about 0.05 mm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 9 to about 11% and a thickness from about 0.03 to about 0.05 mm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 7 to about 9% and a thickness from about 0.05 to about 0.08 mm.

[0039] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 10 to about 12% and a thickness from about 0.05 to about 0.08 mm.

[0040] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 9 to about 11% and a thickness from about 0.08 to about 0.1 mm.

[0041] The comestible flakes are attached to the comestible base using any suitable means. In one embodiment, the comestible flakes are attached to the comestible base by a suitable adhesive. Any adhesive that is comestible, compatible with the comestible base, compatible with the comestible flakes, and capable of attaching the comestible flakes to the comestible base can be used. Suitable adhesives include comestible fats, oils, polymers, gums, gels, starches, honey, emulsions, and the like. The fats and oils can be of animal or vegetable origin but are preferably animal fats such as tallows. Any fat such as beef tallow or poultry tallow, or any oil such as vegetable oil may be used. However, the use of a fat that is normally solid at room and ambient temperatures is preferred. In one embodiment, the fat is tallow, preferably beef tallow. Other such adhesives are known to skilled artisans, e.g., as disclosed in US5827553.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tallow comprises from about 0 to 10%, preferably from about 1 to about 8%, more preferably from about 2 to about 5%, most preferably from about 2 to about 3.5% of the food composition.

[0043] In other embodiments, the comestible flakes are attached to the comestible base by electrostatic adhesion.

[0044] In further embodiments, the comestible flakes are attached to the comestible base by a combination of a suitable adhesive and electrostatic adhesion. [0045] In various embodiments, the comestible flakes comprises from about 0.60 to about 2.00%, preferably from about 0.75 to about 1.75%, more preferably from about 1.00 to about 1.50% of the food composition.

[0046] Any portion of the food compositions surface can be coated with the comestible flakes. In various embodiments, from about 50 to about 100% of the food composition surface is coated with comestible flakes, preferably from about 75 to about 100%, more preferably from about 90 to about 100%.

[0047] In one embodiment, the food composition is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for an animal, preferably a companion animal, according to standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In other embodiments, the food composition is formulated as a snack, treat, edible toy, chew, or similar composition. In preferred embodiments, the food composition is formulated for felines, particularly as a complete and balanced food.

[0048] In another aspect, the invention provides blended food compositions comprising (1) a food composition comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm and (2) one or more other comestible ingredients or compositions. The comestible ingredient or composition can be any comestible ingredient or composition compatible with the food compositions. Preferably, the comestible composition is one or more dry kibbles suitable for consumption by companion animals, preferably dogs and cats. Preferably the comestible ingredient or composition is selected from the group consisting of extruded kibbles, baked kibbles, extruded treats, and baked treats.

[0049] The blended food compositions of the invention comprise any suitable amount of the food compositions of the invention. Generally, the food compositions comprise from about 1 to about 99% for the blended food composition, preferably from about 5 to about 99%, more preferably from about 5 to about 95%. The blended food composition has enhanced palatability for animals that prefer the taste of fish compared to food compositions comprising the comestible food ingredients or compositions alone.

[0050] In one embodiment, the blended food compositions are formulated to provide "complete and balanced" nutrition for an animal, preferably a companion animal, according to standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In another embodiment, the food composition is a pet food composition.

[0051] In various embodiments, the animal is a companion animal, preferably a dog or a cat, more preferably a cat.

[0052] In various embodiments, the food compositions contain one or more probiotics. In other embodiments, the food compositions contain (1) one or more killed or inactivated probiotics, (2) components of the killed or inactivated probiotics that promote health benefits similar to or the same as the live probiotics, or (3) combinations thereof. The probiotics or their components can be integrated into the food compositions (e.g., uniformly or non-uniformly distributed in the composition) or applied to the food compositions (e.g. , topically applied with or without a carrier). In one embodiment, the probiotics are encapsulated in a carrier. Typical probiotics include, but are not limited to, probiotic strains selected from Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, or Enterococci, e.g., Lactobacillus reuteii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus ruminis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Bifidobacterium sp., Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus sp. In some embodiments, the probiotic strain is selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2581 ; CNCM 1-2448), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2592; CNCM 1-2450), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCC2583; CNCM 1-2449), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2603; CNCM 1-2451), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2613; CNCM 1-2452), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCC2628; CNCM I- 2453), Bifidobacterium adolescentis (e.g. NCC2627), Bifidobacterium sp. NCC2657 or Enterococcus faecium SF68 (NCIMB 10415). The food compositions contain probiotics in amounts sufficient to supply from about 10 ⁴ to about lO ¹² cfu/animal/day, preferably from 10 ⁵ to about 10" cfu/animal/day, more preferably from 10 ⁷ to 10'° cfu/animal/day. When the probiotics are killed or inactivated, the amount of killed or inactivated probiotics or their components should produce a similar beneficial effect as the live microorganisms. Many such probiotics and their benefits are known to skilled artisans, e.g. , EP1213970B1 , EP1 143806B1 , US7189390, EP148281 1B1 , EP1296565B1 , and US6929793. In a preferred embodiment, the probiotic is Enterococcus faecium SF68 (NCIMB 10415).

[0053] In various embodiments, the food compositions contain one or more prebiotics, e.g. , fructo- oligosaccharides, gluco-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, xylo- oligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, lactosucrose, lactulose, and isomaltulose. In one embodiment, the prebiotic is chicory root, chicory root extract, inulin, or combinations thereof. Generally, prebiotics are administered in amounts sufficient to positively stimulate the healthy microflora in the gut and cause these "good" bacteria to reproduce. Typical amounts are from about one to about 10 grams per serving or from about 5% to about 40% of the recommended daily dietary fiber for an animal. The probiotics and prebiotics can be made part of the composition by any suitable means. Generally, the agents are mixed with the composition or applied to the surface of the composition, e.g., by sprinkling or spraying. When the agents are part of a kit, the agents can be admixed with other materials or in their own package. Typically, the food composition contains from about 0.1 to about 10% prebiotic, preferably from about 0.3 to about 7%, more preferably from about 0.5 to 5%, on a dry matter basis.

[0054] In various embodiments, the food compositions contain a combination of one or more probiotics and one or more prebiotics. [0055] In one embodiment, the comestible flakes contain one or more probiotics, one or more prebiotics, or combinations thereof.

[0056] In one embodiment, the comestible base contains one or more probiotics, one or more prebiotics, or combinations thereof.

[0057] In one embodiment, the suitable adhesive contains one or more probiotics, one or more prebiotics, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the suitable adhesive is fat, more preferably tallow.

[0058] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for making a food composition comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm. The method comprises contacting the comestible base with the comestible flakes for a time sufficient to create a partial or complete coating of the comestible base by the comestible flakes. In some embodiments the time period is from about 0.5 to about 6 minutes, preferably from about 1 to about 5 minutes, more preferably from about 2 to about 4 minutes. In some embodiments the comestible base is contacted with the comestible flakes in a mixing device. In some embodiments the comestible base and the comestible flakes are agitated or tumbled for a time sufficient to create a partial or complete coating of the comestible base by the comestible flakes. Other such methods are known to skilled artisans, e.g., spraying the comestible flakes on the comestible base, e.g., to adhere the comestible flakes to the comestible base using a suitable adhesive on the comestible base.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method provides attaching the comestible flakes to the comestible base using a suitable adhesive. The method comprises applying a suitable adhesive to the comestible base and then contacting the comestible base with the comestible flakes for a time sufficient to create a partial or complete coating of the comestible base by the comestible flakes. In one embodiment, the suitable adhesive is a fat, such as tallow, preferably beef tallow.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method comprises attaching the comestible flakes to the comestible base using electrostatic adhesion. The method comprises contacting the comestible base with the comestible flakes for a time sufficient to create a partial or complete coating of the comestible base by the comestible flakes.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method provides attaching the comestible flakes to the comestible base using a suitable adhesive and electrostatic adhesion. The method comprises applying a suitable adhesive to the comestible base and then contacting the comestible base with the comestible flakes for a time sufficient to create a partial or complete coating of the comestible base by the comestible flakes.

[0062] In another aspect, the invention provides products made according to the methods of the invention. [0063] In a further aspect, the invention provides kits suitable for administering the food compositions of the invention to an animal. The kits comprise in separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for the kit component, a food composition comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm and one or more of (1) one or more other comestible ingredients or compositions suitable for consumption by an animal; (2) instructions for how to combine the food compositions with the comestible ingredients or compositions, particularly to produce a blended food composition of the present invention; (3) one or more probiotics; (4) one or more prebiotics; (5) one or more devices for mixing kit components or containing the admixture, e.g. , a spoon or a bowl; and (6) instructions for how to use the food compositions and other kit components; particularly to enhance the palatability of comestible ingredients or compositions, to promote gastrointestinal health using the probiotics, or to use the devices to prepare and serve the food compositions. In one embodiment, the food composition in the kit further comprises one or more other comestible ingredients or compositions suitable to from a blended food composition as described herein.

[0064] When the kit comprises a virtual package, the kit is limited to instructions in a virtual environment in combination with one or more physical kit components. The kit contains food compositions and other components. Typically, the food compositions and the other suitable kit components (e.g., comestible ingredients) are admixed just prior to consumption by an animal. The kits may contain the kit components in any of various combinations and/or mixtures. In one embodiment, the kit contains a container comprising a food composition of the invention and a container comprising one or more other comestible ingredients or compositions, e.g., pet food kibbles. The kit may contain additional items such as a device for mixing kit components or a device for containing the admixture, e.g. , a spoon and/or a food bowl. In another embodiment, the food compositions are mixed with additional nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals that promote good health in an animal.

[0065] In one aspect, the invention provides a means for communicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1 ) the food compositions of the invention; (2) the appearance of the food compositions, particularly the visible comestible flakes on the surface of the food compositions; (3) the enhanced aroma of the food compositions; (4) the enhanced palatability of the food compositions; (5) the retention of comestible flakes on the surface of the food compositions; (6) instructions for feeding the food compositions or blended food compositions to animals; (7) instructions for using the kit components (8) contact information for consumers to use if they have questions about the food compositions; or (9) nutritional information about the food compositions. The means comprises a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display containing the information or instructions.

[0066] In one embodiment, the means for communicating is selected from the group consisting of a displayed website, a visual display kiosk, a brochure, a product label, a package insert, an advertisement, a handout, a public announcement, an audiotape, a videotape, a DVD, a CD-ROM, a computer readable chip, a computer readable card, a computer readable disk, a USB device, a Fire Wire device, a computer memory, and any combination thereof.

[0067] In one aspect, the invention provides a package comprising a material suitable for containing a food composition comprising a comestible base and a partial or complete coating of comestible flakes attached to the comestible base, wherein the comestible flakes have a moisture content from about 5 to about 13% and a thickness from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm and a label affixed to the package containing a word or works, picture, design, acronym, slogan, phrase, or other device, or combinations thereof, that indicates that the contents of the package contain a food composition.

[0068] In one embodiment, the package further comprises a word or words, picture, design, acronym, slogan, phrase, or other design, or combination thereof, that indicates the food composition has one or more of (1) an appealing fishy aroma, (2) an appealing fishy flavor, (3) an appealing appearance, and (4) a formulation that provides "complete and balanced" nutrition for an animal.

[0069] In one embodiment, the package comprises a window that permits the food composition to be viewed. In one embodiment, the window is a transparent portion of the packaging material.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the food composition further comprises colorants that modify the color of the food composition. Colorants include, but are not limited to, compounds such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides; natural colorants such as annatto, cochineal, paprika, turmeric and carotenoids; colorants approved by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act (FD&C Colorants) for use in food products; or combinations thereof. The amount for a particular colorant will vary depending on the colorant selected. Selection of such amounts is within the scope of a skilled artisan.

[0071] In various embodiments, the food composition comprises additional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleic acids, fillers, palatability enhancers, binding agents, flavors, stabilizers, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, buffers, salts, coatings, condiments, preservatives, prebiotics, probiotics, drugs, medicaments, medications, and the like known to skilled artisans. Non- limiting examples of supplementary minerals include calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, iron, chloride, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, selenium, and the like. Non-limiting examples of supplementary vitamins include vitamin A, any of the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, including various salts, esters, or other derivatives of the foregoing. Additional dietary supplements may also be included, for example, any form of niacin, pantothenic acid, inulin, folic acid, biotin, amino acids, and the like, as well as salts and derivatives thereof. Stabilizers include substances that tend to increase the shelf life of the composition such as preservatives, synergists and sequestrants, packaging gases, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and humectants. Examples of emulsifiers and/or thickening agents include gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, and modified starches. Selection of the ingredients and their amounts is known to skilled artisans. Specific amounts for each additional ingredient will depend on a variety of factors such as the ingredient included in the composition; the species of animal; the animal's age, body weight, general health, sex, and diet; the animal's consumption rate; the purpose for which the food composition is being administered to the animal; and the like. Therefore, the component and ingredient amounts may vary widely and may deviate from the preferred proportions described herein.

EXAMPLES

[0072] The invention can be further illustrated by the following examples, although it will be understood that the examples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0073] A flake coated food composition was prepared using the following method. Dry kibble was fed into a continuous coating matching at a temperature of 60°C. Upon entry the kibble was spray coated with tallow while being agitated. Agitation was maintained while the kibble traveled through the coating machine. The temperature of the tallow was 70-75°C. After the surface of the kibble was appropriately coated with tallow, while maintaining agitation, powder flavor way sprayed onto the kibble. The coated kibble was then cooled to ambient temperature and stored in a hopper. Prior to packaging, the cooled coated kibble was metered along with the fish flakes in a vibratory feeder. The agitation enables the comestible flakes to coat the kibble.

[0074] Six different flake compositions were made with varying thickness and moisture content. Each flake composition was added to the kibble at three different percentages, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.50%. Table 1 shows the six different flake compositions. Table 1 also shows the percentage of kibble coated with flakes for each composition at 3 different add-in percentages.

Table 1

Product Example Add-in Percentage Average Standard Deviation

Moisture 10.9% 3b 1.00% 80.03% 9.56%

3c 1.50% 96.18% 2.14%

4a 0.75% 66.27% 20.16%

0.05-0.08mm

4b 1.00% 81.43% 10.94% Moisture 7.9%

4c 1.50% 93.27% 3.04%

0.08mm-0.1mm 5a 0.75% 58.45% 18.85% Moisture 9.5% 5b 1.00% 49.57% 11.28%

5c 1.50% 86.03% 4.20%

0.4mm-0.6mm 6a 0.75% 0.00% 0.00%

Moisture 10.5% 6b 1.00% 0.00% 0.00%

6c 1.50% 0.00% 0.00%

[0075] In the specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims. Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.