Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

AND

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
(See Section 10; rule 13)

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

A FORMULATION FOR VETERINARY CHEWS AND ITS METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF

VETOQUINOL INDIA ANIMAL HEALTH PRIVATE LIMITED
INDIAN
5TH AND 6TH FLOOR, HAMILTON BUILDING, B-WING, HIRANANDANI BUSINESS PARK, GHODBUNDER ROAD, THANE - 400607, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and manner in which it is to be performed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of veterinary formulation. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a formulation for veterinary chews, it also provides a method of preparation of veterinary chews that mimics animal treats and promotes voluntary consumption by animals thereby reducing efforts of feeding of an animal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Feeding an animal involves providing a balanced diet based on the age and activity level of that particular animal. When animals fall ill or become deficient of any nutrient, they are suggested with some supplements / medicines. The primary issue that arises with supplements / medicines is of poor compliance, animals often reject conventional dosage forms like tablet, powder and liquid due to its unpleasant taste, texture and odor. This results in force feeding of medicines and supplements to the animal when given in tablet, powder and liquid form.

[0003] Chews mimics natural food and thus are preferred by the animals. Chews are edible treats for animals that maintain hygiene and other health parameters. It mainly focuses on oral hygiene and significantly reduces anxiety in animals. Chews play a significant role in contributing towards the overall physiological as well as psychological wellbeing. Chews improve dental health and give calming effect and mental stimulation. The mental stimulation provided by chews relieves boredom and anxiety when animals are left alone. Other significant benefits of veterinary chews include teething relief in small animals experiencing discomfort from teething. Chewing triggers secretion of saliva, saliva has antibacterial properties that inhibit bacterial growth inside the mouth. Nutritional supplements including vitamins and minerals are added in chews that support overall health of animals.

[0004] Chews when combines with active ingredients probiotics, herbal extracts and amino acids, it aids in the overall health of animal. Chew based formulation supports voluntary mastication, stimulates salivation and facilitates improved swallowing thereby increasing absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Conventionally available chews are made in tablet, liquid, or powder form. It is difficult to administer all these forms of chews in animals. Many chews are made having flavor coating / mixed with food but it didn’t show much acceptance by animals due to varied taste perception of various animals. Commercially available soft chews often require heat for processing, limiting use of sensitive actives. Also, masking taste with external flavors alone is inadequate due to species-specific taste aversions. Studies confirm cats and dogs differ in palatability thresholds. Embedding flavor directly within the chew matrix ensures higher acceptance than external masking. There are many prior arts dealing with similar issue a few of the prior arts are cited below.

[0005] US9044039B2 An edible pet chew has a member of meat-based material. As a first aspect of present invention, the edible pet chew has a chewy sheet of meat-based material. As another aspect, the edible pet chew has a meat-based material chewy sheet member and additionally an edible material member being wrapped therein. As another aspect, the edible pet chew has an edible material member and additionally a meat-based material chewy sheet member being wrapped therein. As another aspect, the edible pet chew has a THREE-DIMENSIONAL-SHAPE meat-based material member and additionally an edible material member wrapped therein. As another aspect, the edible pet chew has an edible material member and additionally a THREE-DIMENSIONAL-SHAPE meat-based material member wrapped therein. Other aspects of present invention provide a method for making the edible pet chew with the essential member of meat-based material chewy sheet member or THREE-DIMENSIONAL-SHAPE member.

[0006] The document focuses on chewable pet treat replacing rawhide using a meat-based chewy sheet. The composition is primarily meat and plant material. The principal function is recreational dog chew. The chew does not show any medicated and nutraceutical properties. The process of manufacturing includes high temperature extrusion and shaping. The document doesn’t disclose any means for integrating nutraceutical or therapeutic actives using cold pressing techniques.

[0007] US20130287930A1 discloses a method for producing highly palatable dry cat foods, by providing dry cat food preparations having specific compositions and/or texture properties, and by adding thereto palatability enhancers, so as to obtain highly palatable dry cat foods. Also is the present invention related to a method for increasing the palatability effect of a liquid palatability enhancer for use in dry cat food preparation, and to kits useful for enhancing palatability of dry cat foods.

[0008] The document focuses on enhancing palatability in dry extruded cat kibble. The disclosed cat food functions as complete food only and not provided as a drug / nutraceutical delivery. The composition of the cat food is a rigid structure with < 100N/mm stiffness. The product mentioned in the document is crunchy cat kibble ad not a chewable dosage form

[0009] US20200229460A1 discloses a meat like chunk that can be incorporated into a complete pet food. One embodiment of the present invention is a method of using multiple scraped surface heat exchangers and a steam tunnel to produce a meat like chunk. Another embodiment is a composition of meat ingredients, dried egg product, egg whites, and pea protein that results in a meat like chunk having an improved appearance that closely resembles that of actual pieces of meat.

[0010] The document discloses meat like textured chunks; it is obtained from protein slurry for dry / wet pet food. The disclosed pet food chunks visually and mechanically mimics meat chunks. The process of manufacturing of pet food chunks includes emulsification, heat treatment via scraped surface heat exchangers and steam tunnel. It does not disclose low temperature process. The disclosed document deals with food inclusions and aesthetics, not veterinary chews exhibiting therapeutic properties.

[0011] Thus, in order to overcome the demerits of prior arts, there is a need to formulate veterinary chews that exhibit therapeutic properties and increase pet compliance. Conventional formulations lack physiological engagement – mastication and salivation which improves gastrointestinal absorption and bioavailability. There is a need to develop chews that mimic natural feeding behavior thereby promotes voluntary consumption and reduces owner’s efforts of feeding.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the prior arts and provide a formulation for veterinary chews.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method of preparation for veterinary chews.
[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide veterinary chews that are soft, pliable and promote voluntary intake.
[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide veterinary chews that masks taste and enhance flavor suitable for various animal species.
[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure homogenous dispersion of actives to maintain appropriate dosage for animals.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure dental health for the animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0019] The present invention generally relates to a veterinary chew formulation that provides a feeling of a soft treat and mimics natural feeding thereby encourages voluntary intake by animals, it reduces the efforts of owners that are required for feeding other forms including tablets, powders and liquids.

[0020] In an aspect of the present invention a formulation for veterinary chews comprises a base matrix in a quantity of 30% - 43%, a lipid in a quantity of 1 % - 10%, a flavoring agent, the base matrix includes plant derived binders, the base matrix is added with an additive, multiple preservatives, and an antioxidant, the additive is in the range of 13 - 22%, the flavoring agent is natural meat-based / plant-based to increase palatability of the veterinary chews, the veterinary chews are formed by homogenous blending under inert atmosphere and cold extrusion of ingredients to form palatable veterinary chews,

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention the plant derived binders include maize starch, cellulose powder and plant derived gums including guar gum, xanthan gum, the base matrix act as binder, carrier, the base matrix provide cohesion, elasticity and chewy texture to the veterinary chews, the additive includes a plasticizer / a humectant in 10-25% w/w, the humectant is selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, sodium PCA, and sodium lactate, the additives maintain softness and enhance palatability of the veterinary chews, the lipid includes sunflower oil, the lipid provides mouthfeel, lubrication and fat-soluble nutrient delivery to the veterinary chews, the antioxidants and preservatives are in the range of 0.1–0.3%, the antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation, the preservatives gives microbial stability to the veterinary chews, the flavoring agent increases palatability, the flavoring agent is preferably selected from hydrolyzed liver, chicken powder, and fish meal, the preservatives are preferably Sodium methyl paraben and potassium sorbate, the antioxidant is preferably alpha tocopherol acetate.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter of present invention.

Figure 1a: Shows veterinary chew(s) of the present invention

Figure 2: Shows the process flow diagram of method of preparation of veterinary chews of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Embodiments of this disclosure relates to the field of speech analysis and, more specifically, to systems and methods for enactment of visual speech using neural network. Also addresses challenges related to background noise, voice denoising, lip movements, and spectrogram processing, resulting in improved speech quality and intelligibility in various visual settings.

[0026] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] As used herein, the word “veterinary chew” describes as edible treats that provide a source of nutrition while satisfying the chewing instinct.

[0029] As used herein the word “taste masking” refers to the technology that minimizes unpleasant taste of active ingredients primarily bitterness, thus making it more acceptable by animals.

[0030] As used herein, the word “Palatability” refers to the pleasing or acceptable taste of veterinary chews as per the varied choice of animal.

[0031] The present invention relates to a veterinary chew that incorporates taste masking and flavor enhancing properties that make it palatable for animals to consume voluntarily, thus reducing efforts of pet owner required for feeding animal, the chews supports physiological functions as well as incorporates heat sensitive actives also.

[0032] As described herein the present invention mimics natural feeding behavior, it comprises a synergistic blend of excipients including starch-based carriers, plant-derived gums, humectants, lipids, and preservatives processed via moulding or extrusion technique at a low-temperature to yield a soft, pliable, and stable chew matrix. The present invention mimics the sensory properties of animal treats while allowing uniform incorporation of active nutraceutical or therapeutic agents. The formulation of present invention supports voluntary mastication, stimulates salivation, and facilitates improved swallowing, thereby enhancing absorption and therapeutic efficacy.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the veterinary chew of the present invention in singular and plurality. The present invention incorporates taste-masking and flavour-enhancing agents tailored for various species of animals. The process of the present invention allows homogenous dispersion of actives ensuring accurate dosing. The veterinary chews support physiological functions like chewing and salivation to enhance pre-digestive processing and nutrient absorption. The present invention enables incorporation of heat-sensitive actives through low-temperature processing. The present invention utilizes a soft chew matrix that mimics a treat, promoting voluntary intake thereby enhances owner compliance, reduces administration errors, and optimizes therapeutic and nutritional outcomes in animal health.

[0034] Figure 2 of the invention discloses a flow chart of the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process ensures consistent texture, prevents nutrient degradation, and enables controlled release profiles. The veterinary chew improves the owner experience, reduces administration stress, and significantly increases daily dosage adherence. The present invention includes various actives including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, herbal extracts, and amino acids. The present invention plays a significant advancement in veterinary chews delivery systems.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the formulation includes base matrix comprises maize starch and cellulose powder which functions as binder, as a carrier, and provide chewy texture. The formulation includes plant-derived gums e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum. The plant derived gums provides cohesion and elasticity to the veterinary chews. The formulation also includes plasticizer / humectant as additive, which is preferably Glycerol 15–20% w/w to maintain softness, prevent cracking, and enhance palatability of the veterinary chews. Addition of lipids such as sunflower oil 3–8% w/w provides mouthfeel, lubrication, and fat-soluble nutrient delivery to the present invention.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the formulation includes preservatives & antioxidants. The preservatives are preferably Sodium methyl paraben and potassium sorbate (0.1–0.3%), whereas antioxidants are preferably alpha tocopherol acetate 0.1–0.3%. The preservatives provide microbial stability and antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation of the veterinary chews.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the formulation includes palatants / flavouring agents. The flavouring agents are preferably natural meat-based or plant-based flavouring agents e.g., hydrolysed liver, chicken powder, fish meal. The flavouring agents enhance acceptability and palatability of the veterinary chews. The flavoring agents / palatants play a significant role in exhibiting voluntary acceptance by animals as it mimics treat-like taste. Typical inclusion rate of natural flavoring agents is 2.0% to 5.0% w/w, including hydrolyzed animal proteins (liver/chicken powder), fish meal (for feline chews), plant-based flavors including peanut butter and yeast extract. The flavor level is optimized through palatability studies which show that a higher concentration is required for picky eaters (esp. felines).

[0038] The present invention designs a soft chew matrix that mimics pet treats, it uses cold-meld extrusion to protect actives thus provides a safe supplement for animals. The present invention incorporates physiological stimulation including chewing and salivation.

[0039] The structural base includes maize starch, gums and glycerol, the plasticized starch systems reduce Tg thus allows chewiness of veterinary chews below gelatinization temperature. The palatability of chews is due to natural hydrolyzed proteins and fats; it also contains known chemo-sensory stimulants specific to an animal eg. dogs/cats. The veterinary chews of present invention protects volatile/thermo-labile agents. When vitamins, minerals, probiotics are added to the present invention, it acts as unified platform for therapeutic/nutraceutical supplements. The present invention uses cold extrusion to create a stable soft chew, the stability is due to the cold processing technique which is performed below 45°C, the chew exhibits precise texture, palatability, and dosage capability.

[0040] In an another embodiment of the present invention active nutritional agents are incorporated in the present invention. The optional actives nutritional agents include calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, amino acids, probiotics, herbal extracts, etc. The actives are customizable as per the therapeutic goal to be achieved.

Manufacturing Process

[0041] The method of preparation of veterinary chews 100 includes pre-mixing 101 a base matrix with multiple preservatives and an antioxidant to form a mixture, the base matrix includes plant derived binders, here the mixture is added with a lipid and a flavoring agent to perform dry blending of the mixture. The premixing is performed by Ribbon Blender / Vacuum Planetary Mixer for enhanced mixing. Then wet granulation 102 of dry blended mixture is performed, wherein an additive is added to the dry blended mixture prior to the wet granulation 102, here the wet granulated 102 mixture ensures the chewable texture of the veterinary chews. The process of mixing / blending is carried out at atmospheric pressure or under partial vacuum (300–500 mmHg) to minimize oxidation, especially for fat-based ingredients and vitamins.

[0042] Before the process of premixing, weighing of the raw material is performed at weighing scale, after that Vibro Sifter perform sieving and de-lumping of ingredients. Sigma Mixer perform uniform mixing of dough-like mass. Multiple Conveyors perform transfer of material between equipment’s whereas sieves maintain the particle size during the process.

[0043] The wet granulation process is performed by High Shear Granulator / Paddle Mixer, this ensures minimal wetting of mixture to retain chewable texture. The process involves mixing of water / glycerol. Here, Glycerine is 15–20% w/w, it acts as humectant and plasticizer to give chewiness to the veterinary chews, it provides binding during granulation and contributes to the soft texture. When required, a minimal quantity of water is added in quantity of 0.5–2.0% w/w, water activates gums or pre-wet powders, the excessive quantity of water is avoided to prevent risk of microbial growth.

[0044] Now, moulding / extruding 103 of wet granulated 102 mixture is performed, the mixture exhibits chewable texture. The mixture is used to form multiple chew shaped chunk(s). The process of moulding / extrusion is performed at a low temperature. A single / twin screw cold extruder is used for the process, a lesser number of rounds per minute (RPM) is maintained inside the barrel, this ensures low temperature inside the barrel to avoid heat-sensitive degradation of actives. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, silicon molds are used for a desired chew shape.

[0045] Then drying 104 of chew shaped chunk(s) under controlled low temperature conditions is performed to obtain dried veterinary chews. The process of drying is performed by Tray Dryer / Vacuum Dryer / De humid Tunnel, the process is performed at low temperature to preserve nutritional actives from degradation. Now, packing 106 of dried veterinary chews in moisture resistant pouches / blister pack is performed to obtain multiple palatable veterinary chews. The packing is performed in wrapper packing machine in order to ensure moisture barrier, maintain shelf stability, retain the potency of heat-sensitive actives and palatants.

[0046] The present invention incorporates low-temperature dehydration. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature range is 40°C to 55°C, whereas the duration of drying is 4 to 6 hours depending on the thickness and water content of the chew. The invention aims to achieve final moisture content ≤12% without damaging vitamins, probiotics, or flavoring agents. In an alternative embodiment vacuum drying at lower temperatures ~35°C is preferred for highly sensitive ingredients like probiotics, vitamins, amino acids.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention the controlled low temperature drying takes place in two phases namely initial drying phase and final drying phase / stabilization. The temperature range for controlled low-temperature drying in initial drying phase is 45°C –55°C, the time duration is 2–4 hours for initial moisture removal. Whereas the final drying phase / stabilization process is performed at 35°C – 45°C temperature. Further, vacuum or desiccant-based system is used to achieve water activity (Aw) < 0.6. The controlled low temperature drying ensures retention of sensitive actives (vitamins/probiotics), chewy texture remains soft but non-sticky and prevention of microbial growth during storage. In an embodiment of the present invention if vacuum-based drying is performed, the drying chamber is operated under 100–200 mbar to lower drying temperature and speed up moisture removal.

[0048] The multiple veterinary chews are formed by homogenous blending under inert atmosphere and extrusion / moulding of ingredients to form palatable veterinary chews of the present invention. The process of moulding / extrusion is performed at a low temperature. The extrusion method of the present invention applies mechanical pressure (20–60 bar) depending on chew dough viscosity and moisture content of the mixture. During the process thermal heating is avoided; here only screw pressure is adjusted to form shape without denaturing actives. The shelf life of the final product veterinary chews is extended upto12 months.

[0049] In an another embodiment of the present invention the veterinary chews are optionally coated with palatable outer glaze. The coating is provided for additional flavour. The process of coating is performed by Spray Coating Drum / Pan Coater that provides flavor, color, or glaze coating. The material used for palatable outer glaze is selected from the group including Maltodextrin it provides shine and mild sweetness, vegetable oil including sunflower and coconut oil enhances mouthfeel and adds aroma to the veterinary chews, glycerol adds softness and gloss to the chews, natural flavours applied post-drying exhibits surface scenting, modified starches or gum Arabic works as glaze binders. The quantity of glaze applied as spray / brush is in the range of 1.0% to 2.0% w/w.

[0050] The process of preparation involves extrusion or moulding technique. The process of moulding / extrusion is performed at a low temperature. The technique is employed to incorporate actives without hampering the stability of actives, especially for heat-sensitive compounds. All the components of the process are homogeneously blended under vacuum or inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The present invention poses various features including scalability – all ingredients that are incorporated in the present invention are commercially available which offers convenient scalability of the invention. The process of the present invention is simple, thus compatible with standard extruders/molders. The process exhibits versatility including – suitable for a range of active agents, suitable for multiple animal species including dogs/cats.

[0051] The present invention poses various clinical and commercial benefits including improved compliance which results in higher efficacy in real-world treatment. It reduces administration burden / force feeding on pet owners and veterinarians. In an embodiment of the present invention the invention has a potential for personalization based on the flavor/ active ingredient as per the customization.

[0052] The shape of all the veterinary chews is uniform, the chews are prepared using precision molds. The veterinary chews are air-dried or stabilized using low-temperature dehydration to achieve desired texture and water activity. The veterinary chew of present invention with increased palatability ensures the complete dose of chews. These chews are easy to accept, as compared to powder, tablet, and liquid forms. Also convenient for owners to feed their animals without force feeding.

[0053] The invention prepares a soft chew formulation intended for veterinary administration of nutritional and therapeutic agents to animals (canines and felines). The veterinary chew of present invention has soft chew matrix processed via extrusion or moulding performed at a low temperature. Chewing using veterinary chews of present invention increases salivary enzyme release (e.g., amylase, lipase) in animals and promotes early digestion. This natural pathway improves the bioavailability of embedded actives, especially relevant for nutraceuticals and GI-sensitive agents like probiotics. The soft texture of chews ensures prolonged oral contact which is critical for transmucosal absorption.

[0054] The present invention incorporates starch-gum-glycerol-lipid composition. It supports incorporation of heat-sensitive actives including probiotics, herbal extracts, and enzymes. This enhances voluntary mastication and salivation, improving GI bioavailability along with significantly improving pet compliance and owner experience. The feature of present invention includes soft, pliable texture shows easy acceptance by animals therefore exhibits great potential when used a nutraceutical / therapeutic formulation where the active delivery will be as drugs, vitamins, etc. The temperature maintained during manufacturing process is low temperature, low temperature is specifically maintained for cold extrusion. The moisture level of the chew is maintained <12%. Due to low moisture, it is accepted by target species like dogs and cats, the presence of flavouring agents increases palatability and acceptance which is due to the natural palatants, texture and chew reflex.

[0055] The base matrix of present invention uses palatants / flavoring agents tailored to the preference of different animal species, here the flavoring agent includes hydrolyzed liver, chicken meal, it engages feline and canine taste/smell receptors in an effective way. This presence of flavoring agents targets behavioral compliance, results in avoiding rejection of food by animal / force feeding by owner of animal, which is often seen in case of tablets or coated products.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention various properties of veterinary chew includes - moisture content is controlled below 12% to prevent microbial growth. Texture of the veterinary chews is soft yet cohesive, the chews mimics commercially available animal treats, thus shows easy and quick acceptance of animals limiting the force feed by the owner of the animal. The shelf life of veterinary chews is ≥12 months under ambient room temperature.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the base matrix serves as the structural backbone of the veterinary chew of the present invention, the base matrix aids desired mechanical properties to the veterinary chews including – cohesion, stability, and chewability. The composition of the base matrix includes 30% - 42% w/w maize starch, 2.0% to 5.0% w/w cellulose powder and 1.0% to 3.5% w/w plant derived gums. The plant derived gums further include guar gum, xanthan gum, these improve elasticity, prevent cracking, add cohesiveness and stability to the veterinary chews. The cellulose powder includes microcrystalline cellulose, that provides texture, acts as filler and improves the fiber content. The maize starch acts as primary bulk-forming agent that gives structure, digestibility and consistency to the veterinary chews.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention the base matrix is in the range of 30% - 55% w/w as per the composition of the actives and hardness of chews required.

EXAMPLES: Example 1

Name of Ingredient Approx. Quantity (% w/w)
Maiz starch 31.7 to 41.9 %
Plant Base Gum
Citric Acid
Cellulose Powder
Glycerol 15 to 20%
Sunflower Oil 3 to 8%
Microcrystalline cellulose 0.1 to 0.3 %
Sodium Methyl Paraben
Potassium Sorbate
Alpha Tocopherol Acetate

Example 2
Name of Ingredient Approx. Quantity (% w/w)
Maize Starch 35.0
Cellulose Powder 3.0
Plant Gums 2.0
Glycerine 18.0
Sunflower Oil 5.0
Flavouring Agents 3.5
Preservatives (combined) 0.2
Alpha Tocopherol Acetate 0.2
Actives (combined) 2.0–5.0
Optional Coating (if applied) 1.0–2.0
Total ~100.0

Properties:

1. Moisture content: Controlled below 12% to prevent microbial growth
2. Texture: Soft yet cohesive; mimics commercial pet treats
3. Shelf life: ≥12 months under ambient storage

Feature Table 1:
Feature Ingredients Technical description
Structural base Maize starch + gums + glycerol Plasticized starch systems reduce Tg; allows chewiness below gelatinization temperature
Palatability Natural hydrolyzed proteins, fats Uses known chemo-sensory stimulants specific to dogs/cats
Stability Cold processing below 45°C Protects volatile/thermo-labile agents
Functionality Delivers vitamins, minerals, probiotics Unified platform for therapeutic/nutraceutical intake

Feature Table 2
Feature Present Invention – Veterinary Chews
Texture Soft, pliable
Target use Nutraceutical + therapeutic
Active delivery Yes (drugs, vitamins, etc.)
Process temp Low (cold-extrusion)
Moisture <12%
Target species Dogs + cats
Palatability tech Natural palatants + texture + chew reflex
Shelf-stability <12 months

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention the veterinary chews comprises nutritional actives, the nutritional actives includes Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Vitamins, Amino Acids, Probiotics and Herbal Extracts. Here, Calcium provides bone health and required as a supplement, Phosphorus acts as complementary to Calcium, Iron gives hematinic support, Vitamins gives nutritional balance, Amino acids aids in protein synthesis and metabolic functions, probiotics improves gut health and maintains immunity, herbal extracts like turmeric, ashwagandha provide anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. The %w/w of actives is mentioned in table below.
Actives incorporated in Veterinary Chews Typical Range (% w/w)
Calcium (e.g., calcium carbonate) 1.0 – 3.0%
Phosphorus 0.5 – 2.0%
Iron (e.g., ferrous sulfate) 0.1 – 0.5%
Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, D3, E, B-complex) 0.05 – 0.5% total
Amino Acids (e.g., Methionine, Lysine) 0.1 – 1.0%
Probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bacillus coagulans) 10⁶–10⁸ CFU/chew
Herbal Extracts (e.g., turmeric, ashwagandha) 0.1 – 1.5%

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention nutritional actives are incorporated homogeneously for in order to ensure dosing accuracy and these actives can be tailored as per the species, breed, and health status of the animal.

[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are comprised to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. The invention provides a chewable delivery platform for actives including amino acids, herbal extracts, minerals, probiotics, and vitamins.
2. The invention incorporates taste-masking and flavour-enhancing agents as per the requirement of animals.
3. The invention utilizes a soft chew matrix that mimics a treat, thus promotes its voluntary intake by animal thereby limits force feeding by the owner of animal.
4. The invention allows homogenous dispersion of actives ensuring accurate dosing.
5. The invention supports physiological functions like chewing and salivation to enhance pre-digestive processing and nutrient absorption.
6. The invention enables incorporation of heat-sensitive actives through low-temperature processing.
7. The invention enhances owner compliance, reduces administration errors, and optimizes therapeutic and nutritional outcomes in animal health.
8. The controlled low temperature drying ensures retention of sensitive actives (vitamins/probiotics), chewy texture remains soft but non-sticky and prevention of microbial growth during storage

List of reference numerals
Reference Number Step Reference Number Step
100 Process of preparing veterinary chews 104 Drying
101 Premixing 105 Coating
102 Wet granulation 106 Packaging
103 Extrusion / Moulding
, C , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A formulation for veterinary chews comprises:
a. a base matrix in a quantity of 30% - 55%;
b. a lipid in a quantity of 1 % - 10%;
c. a flavoring agent; and
wherein said base matrix includes plant derived binders, said base matrix is added with an additive, plurality of preservatives, and an antioxidant, said additive is in the range of 13 - 22%, said flavoring agent is natural meat-based / plant-based to increase palatability of said veterinary chews.

2. The formulation as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base matrix act as binder, carrier, said base matrix provides mechanical properties including cohesion, elasticity, stability and chewy texture to said veterinary chews.
3. The formulation as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said flavoring agent increases palatability and enhances acceptability, said flavoring agent is preferably selected from hydrolyzed liver, chicken powder, and fish meal.
4. The formulation as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plant derived binders include maize starch, cellulose powder and plant derived gums including guar gum, xanthan gum.
5. The formulation as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said additive includes a plasticizer / a humectant in 10-25% w/w, said additives maintain softness and enhance palatability of said veterinary chews.
6. The formulation as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said humectant is selected from Glycerol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, and Sodium Lactate.

7. A method for preparation of a formulation for veterinary chews comprises:
a. premixing 101 a base matrix, a plurality of preservatives and an antioxidant to form a mixture, said base matrix includes plant derived binders, said mixture is added with a lipid and a flavoring agent to perform dry blending of said mixture;
b. wet granulating 102 said dry blended mixture, wherein an additive is added to said dry blended mixture prior to said wet granulation 102, said wet granulated 102 mixture ensures chewable texture;
c. moulding / extruding 103 said wet granulated 102 mixture exhibiting chewable texture to form multiple chew shaped chunk(s);
d. drying 104 said chew shaped chunk(s) under controlled low temperature conditions to obtain dried veterinary chews, said low temperature ensure retention of heat sensitive actives; and
e. packing 106 said dried veterinary chews in moisture resistant pouches / blister pack to obtain multiple palatable veterinary chews;
wherein said multiple veterinary chews are formed by homogenous blending under inert atmosphere and cold extrusion / moulding of ingredients to form palatable veterinary chews.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said additive includes minimal quantity of water / glycerol, said glycerol is approximately 15% - 20% w/w, said water is 0.5% -2.0%.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said controlled low temperature for drying is preferably in the range of 35°C to 55°C.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said extrusion / moulding process is preferably performed at low temperature.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said antioxidants and preservatives are in the range of 0.1–0.3%, said antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation, said preservatives gives microbial stability to said veterinary chews.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said lipid includes sunflower oil, said lipid provides mouthfeel, lubrication and fat-soluble nutrient delivery to said veterinary chews.
13. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said preservatives are preferably Sodium Methyl Paraben and Potassium Sorbate
14. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said antioxidant is selected from the group including Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Propyl Gallate.
15. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said antioxidant is preferably Alpha Tocopherol Acetate.
16. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said dried veterinary chews are coated 105 with palatable outer glaze for additional flavor, said outer glaze is selected from the group including maltodextrin, vegetable oil, glycerol, natural flavors, modifies starch, gum Arabic.
17. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein, said actives are incorporated in said veterinary chews, wherein said actives include amino acids. calcium, herbal extracts, iron, phosphorus, probiotics, vitamins, and an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient to provide healing effect to animal.

Dated 30th July 2025