BE1027687B1 - ANIMAL FEED, USE OF ANIMAL FEED AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAID FEED - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal feed, wherein said animal feed comprises diatomaceous earth (DE) particles, said DE particles being present in said feed at a particle density between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm 3 of feed. The invention also relates to the use of the animal feed as a prophylactic and therapeutic anti-worm treatment, and a method of producing said animal feed.

Description

ANIMAL FEED, USE AND PROCEDURE FOR IT PRODUCTION OF THE MENTIONED ANIMAL FEED

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an animal feed, wherein said animal feed comprises diatomaceous earth. The invention further relates to the use of said animal feed and a method for producing said animal feed.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal worms can affect animals of all ages.

The current method of treating and preventing gastrointestinal worms is by pharmaceutical tablets, liquids or injections intended to disrupt the worms' nervous systems resulting in their paralysis and death. These pharmaceutical deworming tablets, spot-on liquids and injections can cause vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, loss of appetite, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset. Many farmers and pet owners are concerned about the side effects of pharmaceuticals on the health of their animals. There is an increasing demand for safe, natural and consistent methods of deworming animals.

U.S. Patent No. 3,539,685 describes a process for eliminating worms from infected animals by administering thereto effective amounts of diatomaceous earth containing at least 70% silica derived from diatoms.

U.S. Patent US 2017 020 224 4 describes compositions and combinations that can be used in conjunction with animal feed to help maintain and / or improve animal health and welfare. An important composition described herein includes silica, more particularly 1 to 40 weight percent silica.

The method of administering DE to animals may include random mixing of DE with a feed, resulting in inconsistent dosing and possible refusal by the animal to eat the feed. The DE can also be made available to the animal on a free feed basis. However, inhalation of DE can cause respiratory problems. Another method of administering DE to animals is by sprinkling it over the feed. This can also result in incorrect dosing of the DE due to the measurement methods, or refusal by the animal to eat the feed containing DE. Moreover, these methods are sloppy with a high risk of waste and waste.

There is a need for a safe and effective method of administering DE to animals. In addition, the method must result in a correct dosage and uptake rate of DE. The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above problems and drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of the above drawbacks. To this end, the present invention relates to an animal feed according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the animal feed are shown in any one of claims 2 to 9. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the animal feed according to claim 10. In a second aspect third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of producing an animal feed according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of claims 12 and 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for producing an animal feed comprising diatomaceous earth. The animal feed according to the present invention offers, in addition to a hypoallergenic balanced diet, an anti-worm treatment. Providing an animal food that is intrinsically de-worming will reduce the likelihood of infestation and improve general health. Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, the definitions of the terms are included to better understand the description of the present invention. As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“A”, “the” and “the” as used herein refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context specifies otherwise. “A compartment” refers, by way of example, to one or more than one compartment. "About" as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, amount, duration, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably +/- 5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and still more preferably +/- 0.1% or less of the specified value, insofar as such variations are suitable to to be carried out in the described invention.

However, it will be appreciated that the value to which the modifier "approximately" refers is itself also specifically described. "Include", "comprising" and "includes" and "consisting of" as used herein are synonymous with "contain", "containing" or "contains" and are inclusive or open terms specifying the presence of what follows eg a component and do not preclude the presence of additional, unnamed components, features, elements, parts, steps well known in the art or described therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to describe consecutive or chronological order unless otherwise specified.

It will be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under suitable circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be used in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

Quoting numeric ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions included within that range, as well as the named endpoints.

The term "% by weight" refers, here and throughout the specification unless otherwise defined, to the relative weight of the respective component based on the total weight of the formula.

While the term "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one element of a group of elements, is understood per se, by way of further examples, the term includes, inter alia, a reference to any one of said elements, or to any two or more of said elements, such as e.g. any 23, 24,> 5, 26 or = 7 etc. of said elements, and at most all said elements.

DEFINITIONS The term “animal” as used herein refers to a pet. A pet can be thought of as a pet raised on a farm, which is often referred to as livestock. Non-limiting examples of livestock are horses, goats, llamas, cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, donkeys, turkeys. A pet can also be understood as a companion animal, of which dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, ferrets, birds, parrots, rats, mice are non-limiting examples.

As used herein, "pet food", "pet food" or "dry food" are all intended for ingestion by the animal.

As used herein, “natural” refers to the original state of the product, that is, the product as it was envisioned. Naturally further indicates that the product was not biologically or chemically treated. The only processing allowed is drying, grinding and / or sieving.

The term "dry food mix" as used herein refers to a variety of dry food. The dry food can be of different size, taste and / or color.

However, each dry food, in the dry food mix, comprises DE particles according to the present invention.

The term "natural DE" as used herein means that the DE has not been calcined to be safe for use with and around animals. The DE has not been (bio) chemically treated.

The term "essentially free" or "substantially free" refers to small amounts of a specific ingredient in the dry food mix. Depending on the ingredient, these amounts can vary between a maximum of 500 ppm to a maximum of 1 ppm.

The terms "diatomaceous earth", "kieselguhr", "amorphous silica", "silica" and "diatomite" are used interchangeably herein and refer to a natural diatomaceous earth comprising large amounts of amorphous silica and minimal amounts of crystalline silica. The diatomaceous earth is preferably natural fresh water diatomaceous earth, which is naturally dried, and which has not been calcined.

The term "concentration" as used herein refers to the amount of DE in a dry food.

The term "particle density" as used herein refers to a measurement of a number of particles in a volume of an animal feed.

The particle density refers to the dispersion of the particles in the dry feed, preferably the homogeneous dispersion of DE particles in the dry feed.

All references cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The description of all references specifically referred to herein is specifically incorporated by reference.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

Furthermore, the definitions of the terms used in the specification are included in order to better understand the description of the present invention.

The terms or definitions used herein are provided only to assist in a better understanding of the invention.

References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

The occurrence of the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in different places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may do so.

Furthermore, the particular functions, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art from this description, in one or more embodiments.

Furthermore, while some of the embodiments described herein incorporate some, but not other functions included in other embodiments, combinations of functions of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute different embodiments, as is understood. will be for the practitioner.

For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments can be used in any combination.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to an animal feed, wherein said animal feed comprises diatomaceous earth (DE) particles, said DE particles being present in said feed at a particle density between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm? feed.

Diatomaceous earth - also known as DE, diatomite, diatomaceous silica, and kieselguhr - is actually a non-metallic mineral made up of skeletal remains of microscopic single-celled water algae called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth as it occurs naturally consists mainly of amorphous silica, that is, non-crystalline silica. It can also consist of small amounts of naturally occurring crystalline silica. Diatomite ore is mined and then processed to produce a final product, a natural DE product. Natural products are dried at relatively low temperatures. These natural products are mainly made from amorphous silica, but may contain minimal percentages of naturally occurring crystalline silica. The distribution of DE particles in said animal feed, the homogeneity of the DE particles within said animal feed, is the most favorable. Preferably, the particle density of the DE particles in the feed is between 0.4 and 550 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 0.6 and 510 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 0.7 and 400 mg DE. per cm 2, more preferably between 0.8 and 300 mg DE per cm 2, more preferably between 0.9 and 200 mg DE per cm 2, more preferably between 1 and 100 mg DE per cm 2, more preferably between 1.1 and 50 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 1.1 and 40 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 1.1 and 30 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 1.2 and 28 mg DE per cm ”, most preferably 1.25 and 27.5 mg DE per cm”. The particle density according to the present invention avoids deviations of taste, color or odor, since the DE particles are evenly distributed in the feed. Therefore, the animals will not refuse to eat the feed and will consume correct amounts of the animal feed.

Different types of animal food can be given. Dry animal food such as dry food, pelletized food, flakes or others is one type of animal food. A second type of animal food is wet animal food, including pasta or liquid food. The pet food can be sold in bags, cans, trays, pouches or other containers suitable for the safe and fresh storage of the pet food.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the animal feed is a dry feed mix, and said DE particles are distributed within a dry feed at a concentration of between 0.1 and 150 mg DE per dry feed.

Each dry food has a fixed amount of DE particles.

These DE particles are distributed within the dry food, to allow a correct dosage per dry food.

The concentration is preferably between 0.5 and 130 mg DE per dry food, more preferably 1 and 100 mg DE per dry food, more preferably between 1.5 and 70 mg DE per dry food, more preferably between 1.8 and 25 mg DE per dry food, most preferably between 1.9 and 13 mg DE per dry food, most preferably between 2 and 7 mg DE per dry food.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry food has a concentration of maximum 150 mg DE per dry food.

The concentration is preferably maximum 130 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 110 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 90 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 70 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 50 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 30 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 20 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 15 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 13 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 11 mg DE per dry food, more preferably maximum 9 mg DE per dry food, most preferably maximum 7 mg DE per dry food.

In addition, the dry food mix can be easily handled and distributed by the farmer or pet owner.

The dry food is attractive to animals and also maintains the health of the teeth.

The DE is mined, dried, ground, sieved and bagged.

The resulting DE particles have not been biologically or chemically treated and are therefore essentially free of hazardous crystalline silica.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the animal feed, the DE particles comprise 75 to 96% amorphous silica and trace mineral content.

DE contains different amounts of silica, depending on the age of the deposit.

In addition, the types of diatom can also differ among deposits.

Therefore, the DE particles of the present invention are mined from fresh water.

The DE particles preferably comprise 76 to 96% amorphous silica (SIO2) n, more preferably 77 to 96%, more preferably 78 to 96%, more preferably 79 to

96%, more preferably 80 to 96%, most preferably 80 to 95% amorphous silica.

In addition, DE is rich in trace minerals and can improve the nutritional status of the animals that eat it.

Non-limiting examples of trace minerals are iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

DE is mostly amorphous silica, but may contain certain crystalline silica, especially in the salt water forms.

High concentrations of crystalline silica are dangerous and not suitable for consumption.

In a preferred embodiment, the DE particles are essentially free of crystalline silica.

The DE particles preferably comprise maximum 1.0% crystalline silica, more preferably maximum 0.9% silica, more preferably maximum 0.8% silica, more preferably maximum 0.7% silica, more preferably maximum 0 , 6% silica, more preferably maximum 0.5% silica, more preferably maximum 0.4% silica, more preferably maximum 0.3%, more preferably maximum 0.2% silica, more preferably maximum 0, 1% silica, more preferably maximum 0.05% silica, more preferably maximum 0.01% silica.

In a preferred embodiment, the DE particles have an average particle size of 0.1 to 20 µm.

A person skilled in the art is familiar with the determination of the (average) particle size.

Depending on the size of the particles, other techniques for determining the average particle size are preferred.

Electron micrographs and laser diffraction can be used to determine the particle size of the DE particles.

The average particle size is maximum 20 µm, more preferably maximum 19 µm, more preferably maximum 18 µm, more preferably maximum 17 µm, more preferably maximum 16 µm, more preferably maximum 15 µm, more preferably maximum 14 µm, more preferably maximum 13 µm, more preferably maximum 12 µm. The average particle size is preferably between 0.5 and 19 µm, more preferably between 1 and 18 µm, more preferably between 2.5 and 17 µm, more preferably between 4 and 16 µm, more preferably between 5.5 and 15 µm, more preferably between 7 and 14 µm, more preferably between 8.5 and 13.5 µm, more preferably between 10 and 13 µm, more at preferably between 10.5 and 13 µm, more preferably between 11 and 12.5 µm, more preferably between 11.5 and 12.5 µm. The average particle size is preferably 12 µm.

The average particle size of the DE particles allows an even distribution of the particles within the animal feed. In addition, the mean particle size of the DE particles improves the bioavailability of the nutrients in the animal feed. The bio-digestibility of the nutrients in the animal feed is at least 70%. The bio-digestibility of the nutrients in the animal feed is preferably at least 75%, more preferably 80%, more preferably 85%, more preferably 90%. The high bio-digestibility of the animal feed of the present invention further improves the health of the animals that eat it. In one embodiment of the animal feed, the DE particles are essentially free of heavy metals. Arsenic and lead are well known heavy metals. As a naturally occurring element, it is not possible to completely remove arsenic and lead from the environment. In addition, treatment of DE to reduce heavy metal content produces dangerous crystalline silica. Minimal amounts of arsenic and lead are present in DE particles. The levels of arsenic and lead are safe for consumption. The DE particles comprise less than 50 ppm arsenic. The DE particles preferably comprise less than 45 ppm, more preferably less than 40 ppm, more preferably less than 35 ppm, more preferably less than 30 ppm, more preferably less than 25 ppm, more preferably less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 15 ppm arsenic, more preferably less than 10 ppm, more preferably less than 7 ppm, more preferably less than 5 ppm arsenic. The DE particles additionally comprise less than 50 ppm lead. The DE particles preferably comprise less than 45 ppm, more preferably less than 40 ppm, more preferably less than 35 ppm, more preferably less than 30 ppm, more preferably less than 25 ppm, more preferably less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 15 ppm, more preferably less than 10 ppm, more preferably less than 7 ppm, more preferably less than 5 ppm lead. The amount of fluorine in the DE particles is also safe for consumption because less than 800 ppm of fluorine is present. More preferably, the DE particles comprise less than 750 ppm, more preferably less than 700 ppm; more preferably less than 650 ppm, more preferably less than 600 ppm, more preferably less than 550 ppm, more preferably less than 500 ppm.

In a preferred embodiment of the animal feed, the DE particles are food grade. The DE particles preferably comprise less than 1.0% crystalline silica and are natural grade. The DE particles preferably contain no more than 10 ppm arsenic and no more than 10 ppm lead. The DE particles are therefore safe for use in the animal feed of the present invention, and can be consumed daily in the prescribed amount of feed without any adverse effects. In a preferred embodiment of the animal feed, the dry food mix further comprises a protein composition comprising at least two different animal protein sources isolated from the same animal group, and said dry food mix has a raw protein content of between 20 and 60% by weight.

This embodiment provides a high quality animal feed. The protein sources included in the said feed are of animal origin and are therefore of a high quality. The protein sources are preferably isolated from the same animal group selected from the groups of chicken, bony, bovine, hare or deer. Species belonging to these animal groups provide hypoallergenic material and are therefore preferred in the feed.

In addition, the protein sources provide essential amino acids and required nutrients for the health of the animal. The different protein sources are preferably selected in that they are complementary in providing the essential amino acids.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feed comprises one or more additional ingredients selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, botanical herbs and / or spices. These additional ingredients provide the required carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, trace elements and minerals in the diet and complement the animal feed. The ingredients mentioned preferably do not originate from GMOs.

Preferred vegetables included in the pet food are selected from the group consisting of sweet potato, alfalfa, peas, linseed, carrots, pumpkin and spinach.

Fruit is preferably selected from the group consisting of cranberries, apples and pears. The vegetables and fruits are preferably dried.

Botanical herbs are preferably selected from the group consisting of rosemary, dandelion, juniper, licorice, angelica, rose hip, chamomile, burdock, nettle, aniseed, fenugreek, peppermint, marigold, marshmallow, fennel, turmeric, milk thistle, Yucco schidigera, and cinnamon.

Roots, leaves, seeds or flowers of the botanical herbs are preferably used.

The botanical herbs are preferably dried.

Extracts of botanical herbs are preferably used.

Furthermore, the animal feed preferably includes therapeutic levels of botanical nutritional herbs.

In a preferred embodiment, the animal feed comprises a fat composition.

The fat composition preferably has a total concentration of between 4 and 24% by weight of the animal feed.

The concentration is preferably between 4 and 22% by weight, more preferably between 4.5 and 20% by weight.

Said fat composition preferably comprises fatty acids, preferably fatty acids selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and / or docosahexanoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The animal feed preferably includes algae, for example Schizochytrium limacinum.

The algae mentioned provide docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a long-chain, highly saturated omega-3 fatty acid, that improves general development and health.

In a non-limiting example, the fat composition further includes archidonic acid and taurine.

Some animals have nutritional requirements for the latter, such as, for example, cats.

The animal feed of the present invention includes antioxidants, trace elements, minerals and vitamins.

Calcium, sodium, chlorine, manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, iodine and / or selenium are preferably included in the animal feed in a nutritionally suitable amount.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the animal feed further comprises supplements selected from the group consisting of glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and / or chondroitin sulfate.

These supplements restore or maintain the animal's vitality by supporting the functionality of the musculoskeletal system, i.e. joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pet food is a pet food suitable for being given to a dog, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig or cat. In a more preferred embodiment, the pet food is substantially free of meat by-products, gluten or grain. The animal feed is of a high quality and therefore contains no meat by-products, gluten or grain. The animal feed preferably does not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or fillers.

The animal feed is optimized for an animal at all stages of development. Depending on the age of the animal, different amounts of the animal feed are administered, preferably orally.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to the animal feed for use as a prophylactic and therapeutic anti-worm treatment.

In addition to the balanced and hypoallergenic nutrition provided by the animal feed, the feed also offers an anti-worm treatment. Incorporating it into the feed rather than sprinkling it over the feed improves the dosage and intake rate as well as convenience for the farmer or pet owner. In addition, by including it in the animal feed given every day, consistent administration is achieved that helps prevent infestation from the moment the animal is exposed to gastrointestinal eggs or larvae in the environment. Breeding animals also have a lower risk of passing the warm larvae to their young through breast milk. All animals are of course subject to infection by parasitic worms, or intestinal worms. Most of the intestinal worms infect the digestive tract, but some are also found in other organs, such as the brain, trachea and eyes. Not all helminth infections cause definite clinical disease. The roundworms (or nematodes) and the flatworms (including tapeworms or flatworms; and bones or trematodes) are the two main classes of intestinal worms. Intestinal worms are selected from the group comprising roundworms (nematodes), hookworms, whipworms, bones (trematodes), and tapeworms (cestodes).

Young animals can be infected by embryo eggs in their environment or by swallowing worm larvae through their mother's milk.

Young adults and adults can be infected by licking the legs after walking through contaminated soil, coprophagy or by eating rodents.

Some animals show no sign of worm infestation and the condition may not be detected until the infestation is severe and affects the animal's health.

People can contract certain worms from dogs, although this is rare.

Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonine are non-limiting examples of roundworms that can infect the animal.

Infestations are often the result of eating infected prey such as mice, exposure to contaminated soil, or are often passed on through breast milk.

Roundworms initially infect the gastrointestinal tract, but then make their way into other body tissues and organs.

As the larvae grow, they migrate through the liver and into the lungs where they develop and continue up to the respiratory tract where they are coughed up and swallowed again to mature into adults that produce eggs in the small intestine.

Infestations in young dogs can be fatal and humans can also be infected.

Larvae can be carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the body and remain dormant in the tissues for years before reactivating when the immune system is suppressed. 7. Leonina do not migrate through the body, but remain in the intestines.

Both types of roundworms absorb nutrients from the intestines of the infected animal.

Furthermore, Obeliscoides cuniculi, Trichnella spiralis, Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Ascaris suum, and Parascaris equorum are also non-limiting examples of roundworms.

Non-limiting examples of hookworms are Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, and Unicaria stenocephala.

Animals become infected by ingesting larvae into the environment, by eating infected rodents, or by the penetration of larvae through the skin.

The hookworm's life cycle is similar to that of roundworms in that they migrate through the body and into the lungs before entering the small intestine to mature into adult eggs that produce eggs.

Due to the amount of nutrients they tear away from their host, hookworms can be fatal to young kittens or puppies.

People can also be infected.

Trichuris vulpis is a non-limiting example of whipworms. These internal parasites live in the colon and do not extract as many nutrients as other types of worms. Therefore, they pose fewer problems, so pets can be infected for a long time without it being detected.

Non-limiting examples of tapeworms are Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Spirometra mansonoides, Taenia diphyllobothrium, Raillietina cesticullus and Mesocestoides species. These parasites attach to the small intestine and absorb nutrients as food is absorbed. Many indoor pets acquire Dipylidium sp. by eating fleas. Humans can also be infected by inadvertently eating a flea that contains the parasite. The animal feed of the present invention, comprising the DE particles, permits a condition within the body of the animal that is unfavorable for the parasitic worms. In addition, said animal food prevents the development of worms in the body of the animal. Subsequently, said animal food prevents and treats an infestation of parasitic worms in the animal, by influencing the supply of nutrients, the epidermis layer, the reproduction, habitat and / or migration of the worms. The amount of animal feed provided to the animal is preferably effective for prophylactic treatment of the animal. The amount of animal feed given to the animal is preferably effective for treating said animal therapeutically. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing an animal feed, wherein said DE particles are added to said animal feed at a particle density of between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm? feed. Many processes can be used to produce animal feed. Non-limiting examples for producing animal feed are a baking process, canning process, extrusion process, vacuum process, freeze-drying process, steam process, pelletizing process, or cold pressing process. The animal feed is produced by mixing the ingredients so that the particle density of the DE particles in the feed is between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm3 of feed. Preferably the particle density of the DE particles in the feed is between 0.4 and 550 mg DE per cm3, more preferably between 0.6 and 510 mg DE per cm3, more preferably between 0.7 and 400 mg DE per cm3. cm ', more preferably between 0.8 and 300 mg DE per cm 3, more preferably between 0.9 and 200 mg DE per cm', more preferably between 1 and 100 mg DE per cm ', more preferably between 1 , 1 and 50 mg DE per cm *, more preferably between 1.1 and 40 mg DE per cm 2, more preferably between 1.1 and 30 mg DE per cm 2, more preferably between 1.2 and 28 mg DE per cm 1, most preferably 1.25 and 27.5 mg DE per cm. One of skill in the art is familiar with the techniques for measuring the particle density of a specific volume, which is expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter.

In a preferred embodiment of the present aspect, the pet food is a dry food mix, said method comprising mixing the ingredients for said dry food mix to obtain a dry food mix, wherein DE particles are added to the mixture and dispersed in the mixture. said mixture prior to extrusion.

The dry feed is preferably produced by an extruder. An extruder and the process of extruding is known to those skilled in the art. The protein sources of the meat are processed by heating with a minimum temperature of 82 ° C for 10 minutes. The processed meat has a pH of less than 3.5. The dry ingredients are combined and mixed at the appropriate speed.

A large ribbon blender is usually used for mixing the dry ingredients, resulting in a dry mix. Then the dry mix is mixed with the correct amount of liquid ingredients and processed using a blender to create a wet mix. The wet mix is transferred to the extruder where a large screw moves, mixes and cooks the mix at a temperature of at least 90 ° C before pushing it through a die where it is cut to an appropriate size. In a final step, the dry food is dried at a moisture content between 1.0 and 9.5% by weight.

The method of the present invention provides a dry food in which the concentration and particle density of the diatomaceous earth in the dry food is optimal, so that the food can be fed daily and supports prophylactic and / or therapeutic anti-worm treatment.

The method of the present invention provides a dry food mix, each dry food comprising a consistent dosage of DE particles evenly distributed within the dry food.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the DE particles are dispersed to have a concentration of between 0.1 and 150 g DE per kg dry feed. Preferred DE concentrations in a dry food are described above.

The invention will be further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and which are not intended, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES The present invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the following example (s). The present invention is by no means limited to the examples given.

Example 1: Anti-worm treatment in cats A 5-year-old cat was infected with Ancylostoma tubaeforme. The pet food of the present invention was made available to the cat. The pet food was proportioned according to the age and activity of the cat. A daily dose of approximately 55 g was given. The cat had access to fresh, clean water at all times. The amount of feed given was consumed by the end of the day. Stool samples were taken and checked microscopically for eggs for flotation analysis. Within a week, the amount of eggs found in the stool was significantly reduced. After ten days, the stool was free of eggs. The cat's diet was maintained and stool samples were checked at one month, two months, four and six months. The cat remained healthy and was treated for the infestation and new infestations were prevented. The balanced pet food of the present invention that was given to the cat with the required nutrients provided a therapeutic treatment to overcome the infestation of Ancylostoma.

Example 2: Anti-worm treatment in dogs

A female dog and her young were naturally infected with Toxocara canis.

The dog and her 6 month old puppies were fed the pet food of the present invention.

Each puppy received 220 g of the pet food.

The food was given because each puppy had its own food bowl and could not eat the food of the other puppies.

The mother dog was also fed the pet food at a daily dose of 340 g.

The amount of food was calculated based on the age and activity of the dogs.

The dogs were monitored and faecal samples were collected.

Faecal samples were analyzed.

Adult Toxocara canis worms were visually observed in the faeces of the parent dog.

Eggs were counted daily for four weeks.

The number of eggs was significantly reduced after two weeks.

After day 7, no more adult worms were observed in the faeces of the mother dog.

The puppies' faeces never showed adult worms, only eggs.

Eggs were also counted daily and were significantly reduced after two weeks.

The dogs were further monitored and were completely clean after two months.

Example 3: Comparative example of the anti-worm treatment in dogs Two 3-year-old dogs were infected with eggs from Trichuris vulpis.

One dog (dog 1) was fed the feed of the present invention, the second dog (dog 2) was fed a regular canine pet food that was manually mixed with food-grade diatomaceous earth to provide an uptake rate of 1.1% DE particles.

Fecal samples were taken and checked microscopically for eggs by bar and flotation analysis.

Daily analysis of the faecal samples showed a significant reduction in Trichuris eggs after one week in the dog 1 stool samples, while only a small reduction in Trichuris eggs was observed for dog 2.

In addition to analysis of the faecal samples, the behavioral characteristics of the two dogs were monitored.

Dog 2 continued to show decreased alertness and fatigue, while dog 1 already showed a more playful behavior after two weeks of therapy.

After two weeks minimal amounts of Trichuris eggs were counted in the faeces of dog 1 and after four weeks dog 1 was found free of the parasites.

After four weeks, dog 2 showed only minimal amounts of Trichuris eggs, but he relapsed after week six despite the daily intake of the regular animal feed containing 1.1% DE particles.

The feed of dog 2 was replaced by the animal feed of the present invention. Dog 2 suffered from the parasite infection and was found to be free of parasites after 5 weeks of ingestion of a daily dose of the animal feed of the present invention.

Example 4: Prophylactic anti-worm treatment in rodents A parasitological study was performed to determine the prophylactic effect of the animal feed of the present invention in mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. A test group and control group were started. Each group counted 10 animals. The test group received the animal feed according to the present invention, comprising DE particles having a particle density of 5 g DE per cm? feed. A control group of 10 animals was provided for each animal group. The control group was given a regular rodent feed, without diatomaceous earth. A daily portion of the animal feed was given and fresh water with ad libitum was provided. The young animals received the animal feed. Once the animals were two weeks old, the test and control groups were briefly exposed to Trichnella species. The animals were monitored and checked daily for Trichnella infestation. Freshly collected faecal samples were processed and examined coarsely and microscopically for qualitative examination using standard procedures. Briefly described, faecal samples were collected in sterilized glass bottles. They were processed by direct lubrication and sedimentation techniques. A drop of sediment was examined under a low power objective of a light microscope. The identification of parasitic eggs was done by morphological features. The identification of the eggs and worms was examined by direct microscopy. When necessary, stains were performed to facilitate identification. The animals of the test and control groups were evaluated for the following 8 weeks. Almost all animals in the control group had an infestation with Trichnella as eggs were observed in the faecal samples. In the test group, 18% were infected with 7richnella sp. Infections were only minimal as eggs were sporadically observed in the faeces and no further infestation was detected. Example 5: Anti-worm treatment in poultry Free-roaming poultry has a high risk of parasite infections. Heavy parasite loads can have health implications for the hens, such as reduced weight gain and growth, reduced egg production, increased mortality, and possibly anemia.

3 month old hens were infected with Heterakis gallinarum by contaminating the feed of the hens with eggs from Heterakis gallinarum.

After two weeks, the hens were checked for Heterakis gallinarum infestation.

All hens were confirmed to be severely infected with the parasite.

The hens were then divided into four groups, with Group I fed a normal chicken feed supplemented with 60 ppm mebendazole.

Group I was only treated with mebendazole for 2 weeks as this period was recommended.

Group II received a normal poultry feed supplemented with 2 m% diatomaceous earth.

Group II received the animal feed of the present invention, wherein the feed comprises DE particles having a particle density of x mg per cc of feed.

Group IV was used as a control and received the normal poultry diet.

Fresh water was provided ad libitum.

Fifty hens (12 hens / group) were randomly selected and repeatedly examined with an interval of two weeks between the ages of 14 and 24 weeks.

Feces were collected by placing the hens in individual pens.

Parasites were quantified using the flotation method.

Table 1 Overview of Heterakis gallinarum infestation in hens. '++++' indicates heavily infected hens, as adult parasites and eggs were found in the faecal samples; '+++' are less severely infested hens, as only eggs were found in the faeces samples; ' ++ 'is even less serious, as minimal amounts of eggs were found in the faecal samples, and' + 'means not serious, as eggs are found sporadically in the faeces samples, and' - 'means free from Heterakis gallinarum. | __ | where | who | wedge | w20 | W22 | w24 Group] Sat | +++ | 4 | + | + 1 | As shown in Table 1, the hens fed the animal feed of the present invention showed no signs of Heterakis gallinarum infestation after 12 weeks of treatment.

Further monitoring of the hens in the following month confirmed the infestation-free status.

Example 6: Anti-worm treatment in livestock Worm infections are a major cause of lost productivity in livestock worldwide, often necessitating anti-worming treatment.

However, much of the anti-worm treatments are used carelessly because the parasite levels are too low to warrant treatment or because the treatments are not properly programmed, resulting in under-treatment or over-treatment.

Cows were fed the animal feed of the present invention comprising DE particles.

Goats, sheep and pigs were also fed the animal feed of the present invention, comprising DE.

All animals were monitored for gastrointestinal worms by monthly faecal evaluation.

This study supported the prophylactic and therapeutic anti-worm treatment of the animal feed of the present invention.

Only minimal infestations of gastrointestinal worms were observed in 10% of the animals.

A similar study was conducted in horses, mules and donkeys, and showed the same positive impact on the health of the animals, as no or previous minimal worm infection was observed.

Advantageously, no worming products are required to treat the animals, the animal feed itself was sufficient to treat the infestation.

Claims (13)

CONCLUSIONS An animal feed, characterized in that said animal feed comprises diatomaceous earth (DE) particles, said DE particles being present in said feed at a particle density between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm? feed. An animal feed according to claim 1, wherein the animal feed is a dry feed mix, and wherein said DE particles are distributed within a dry feed at a concentration of between 0.1 and 150 mg per dry feed. Animal feed according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said DE particles are food-grade. Animal feed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said DE particles comprise 75 to 95% amorphous silica and trace minerals. An animal feed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said DE particles have an average particle size of 0.1 to 20 µm. An animal feed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said DE particles are essentially free of heavy metals. An animal feed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dry feed mix further comprises a protein composition comprising at least two different animal protein sources isolated from the same animal group, and wherein said dry feed mix has a raw protein content of between 20 and 60. % by weight. An animal food according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said animal food is a pet food suitable for giving to a dog, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig or cat. Animal feed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said feed is substantially free of meat by-products, gluten or grain. An animal food according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, for use as a prophylactic and therapeutic anti-worm treatment. A method of producing an animal feed, wherein said DE particles are added to said animal feed at a particle density of between 0.2 and 600 mg per cm * of feed. Method according to claim 11, wherein said animal feed is a dry feed mix, said method comprising mixing the ingredients for said dry feed and extruding said mixture to obtain a dry feed mix, characterized in that DE particles are added to the mixture and dispersed in said mixture prior to extrusion. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that said DE particles are dispersed to have a concentration between 0.1 and 150 mg per kg of dry food.