JP2022104619A - Pet food - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pet food that is more easily crunched while holding a satisfactory chewing feel, so that the palatability is improved.SOLUTION: A pet food has pores 1. When the pet food is projected in a first direction, a first surface C1 has a pore area ratio of 10% or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to pet food.

Pet food can be divided into staple foods and snacks when the purpose of salary is divided by opportunity. Pet food as a main food is called "general nutrition food", and it is made so that the necessary nutrients can be ingested if the pet food and water are given.
On the other hand, "snack" is a pet food intended to be given in a limited amount such as discipline, exercise, and reward for pets.
Classification by purpose is divided into "general nutrition food", "snack food", "therapeutic food", and "other purpose food" that does not correspond to any of them.

The classification according to the water content is as follows: dry food having a water content of about 10% (12% or less), soft food having a water content of about 25 to 35% and being foamed, and water content. It is roughly classified into a semi-moist food having a water content of about 25 to 35% and not being foamed, and a wet food having a water content of about 75%. Of these, dry-type pet food has been in increasing demand in recent years due to its ease of handling and good storage stability.

Dry pet foods are generally harder than most other types of pet foods, as well as most of the foods humans eat. Dogs and cats are carnivorous in nature, and their teeth have evolved primarily to hold prey or cut meat and are not suitable for crushing hard ones with molars. For the dogs and cats, the conventional hard dry type pet food is not easy to eat. Grains that are easy to chew become grains that are easy to eat, and being easy to eat leads to high palatability.

Although it is not a dry type pet food, as a pet food that is easy to chew, Patent Document 1 discloses an aerated pet food that has less than about 5 kcal per gram of weight as a low-calorie, low-fat snack. ..

Special Table 2016-515808 Gazette

Although the ease of chewing leads to an improvement in palatability, pet food with a chewy texture also improves palatability. That is, as in the case of the pet food described in Patent Document 1, if the pet food is made into a whip shape, for example, to improve the ease of chewing the pet food, the chewing response is lowered. Therefore, as a result, it does not lead to improvement in palatability. Further, in the pet food described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to mix air into the pet food to form a whip or the like, the components that can be contained are limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pet food having improved palatability by making it easy to chew while maintaining a chewy response.

The present invention has the following aspects.
[1] A pet food having an opening, wherein the opening area ratio of the first surface obtained by projecting the pet food in the first direction is 10% or more.
[2] The pet food according to [1], wherein the opening area ratio of the surface on which the pet food is projected in a direction other than the first direction is 8% or less.
[3] The surface on which the pet food is projected on the A side of the second direction intersecting the first direction is the second surface, and the surface on which the pet food is projected on the B side in the second direction is the third surface. The pet food according to [1] or [2], wherein the opening area ratio of at least one of the second surface and the third surface is 10% or more.
[4] The pet food according to [3], wherein both the second surface and the third surface have an opening area ratio of 10% or more.
[5] The ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section when the pet food is cut so as to be orthogonal to the first direction (opening area ratio on the first surface / The pet food according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the pore area ratio in the cross section is 0.4 to 2.
[6] Ratio of the opening area ratio in the first surface to the opening area ratio in the cross section when the pet food is cut so as to divide the first surface equally (opening area ratio in the first surface). / The pet food according to any one of [1] to [5], which has an opening area ratio in a cross section of 0.4 to 2.

According to the present invention, a pet food having improved palatability can be obtained by making it easy to chew while maintaining a chewy texture.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the pet food which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the projection plane which projected the pet food which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention in each direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the pet food which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the projection plane which projected the pet food which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention in each direction. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the pet food of this embodiment. It is the image of the 1st surface of the pet food of an Example, and the image at the time of the opening area ratio measurement of the 1st surface. It is the image of the 3rd surface of the pet food of an Example, and the image at the time of the opening area ratio measurement of the 3rd surface. It is the image of the 5th surface of the pet food of an Example, and the image at the time of the opening area ratio measurement of the 5th surface. It is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of an Example, and an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of a cross section. It is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the 3rd surface of the pet food of an Example, and the image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of a cross section.

As used herein, the term "pet" refers to an animal kept by a human. In a narrower sense, pets are animals that are loved by their owners. Further, "pet food" means feed for pets. The pet food according to the present invention can be sold as "animal feed" or "animal feed".

In the present specification, "preference" is an index of whether or not a pet prefers to eat, and is caused by texture, taste, odor, and the like.

In the present specification, the value of the water content is a value obtained by the "dry weight loss method".
The drying weight loss method is a method in which a sample is heated and dried by infrared irradiation, and the amount of water in the sample is obtained from the mass change due to evaporation of the contained water. The water content can be measured using a known device. For example, the water content can be measured with an Infrared Moisture Analyzer FD-720 (manufactured by Kett Science Institute Headquarters).

In the present specification, the size of the pet food means the diameter when the shape of the pet food is spherical, and the most when the shape of the pet food is other than the spherical shape (cylindrical, polygonal column, plate shape, etc.). Means major axis.

(Pet food)
The pet food of the present embodiment is a pet food having an opening.
As used herein, the term "opening" is a fine hole on the surface and inside of pet food. The hole may be a communication hole in which a plurality of holes are connected.
On the other hand, holes that penetrate from the front surface of the pet food to the corresponding back surface, such as donut-shaped pet food, do not have the effect of making it easier to chew while maintaining chewyness, so they are "opened". Is not included in.

The pet food according to the present embodiment may consist only of the pet food according to the present embodiment, or may be a mixture of the pet food according to the present embodiment and other pet foods. The other pet food is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include dry type pet food, materials, flakes, and the like other than the pet food according to the present embodiment. According to the present embodiment, 1% or more of the pet food according to the present embodiment may be contained in the mixture with other pet foods with respect to the total amount of the mixture.

More specifically, "opening" means, for example, a hole having a diameter equivalent to a circle of 50 to 5000 μm.
The circle-equivalent diameter when the opening is a communication hole means the circle-equivalent diameter when the surface of the pet food is viewed in a plan view. More specifically, for example, an image of the surface of the pet food is taken using a digital microscope (trade name "VHX-7000", manufactured by Keyence Co., Ltd.), and the image is used to obtain an image of the digital microscope. It means the value obtained by measuring the equivalent circle diameter of the opening (communication hole) with a measurement / scale tool.

≪Opening area ratio on the first surface≫
In the pet food of the present embodiment, the opening area ratio of the first surface on which the pet food is projected in the first direction is 10% or more.
The first direction is any direction. For example, when the pet food of the present embodiment is placed on the measuring table of the digital microscope and an image of the surface (top surface) opposite to the mounting surface of the pet food is taken, the digital microscope is used. The direction toward the top of the pet food is the first direction. Further, the image of the top surface of the pet food taken with the digital microscope is the first surface on which the pet food is projected.

The opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is 10% or more, preferably 12% or more, more preferably 16% or more, still more preferably 20% or more, and particularly preferably. Is 25% or more.
When the opening area ratio of the pet food is 10% or more, the pet food is easily chewed and the palatability is improved.
Further, when the opening area ratio of the pet food is equal to or more than the above-mentioned preferable value, the pet food is more easily chewed and the palatability is further improved.

On the other hand, the opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 60% or less, more preferably 55% or less, and further preferably 50% or less.
When the opening area ratio of the pet food is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the chewy texture of the pet food is further improved and the palatability is further improved.

For example, the opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 10% or more and 60% or less, more preferably 12% or more and 60% or less, and further preferably 16% or more and 55%. It is less than or equal to, particularly preferably 20% or more and 50% or less, and most preferably 25% or more and 50% or less.

In the present specification, the "opening area ratio" refers to an image of the surface of a pet food taken with a digital microscope (trade name "VHX-7000", manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION), and the image is used. It means the value measured by the measurement / scale tool automatic area measurement (particle count) of the digital microscope, excluding the circle equivalent diameter of less than 50 μm, and measuring the opening area ratio.
The more specific operation procedure is as follows.

(I) Set the magnification of the digital microscope so that the entire first surface of the pet food placed on the measuring table is reflected (for example, set it to 20 times).
(Ii) The setting value of the epi-illumination is set to a value between 100 and 255 where the most open hole can be seen.
(Iii) Digital microscope measurement / scale tool In automatic area measurement (particle count), the extraction method is set to "brightness (standard)". Next, the extraction area on the first surface of the pet food is set.
(Iv) By excluding the circle-equivalent diameter of less than 50 μm and performing the measurement of the digital microscope and the automatic area measurement (particle count) of the scale tool, the opening rate of the first surface of the pet food can be measured.

≪Ratio of open area on other surfaces≫
In the pet food of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the opening area ratio of the surface (hereinafter, also referred to as “other surface”) on which the pet food is projected in a direction other than the first direction is 8% or less. That is, in the pet food of the present embodiment, it is preferable that a portion having a large number of openings and a portion having a small number of openings are mixed on the surface of the pet food.
The pet food of the present embodiment has a first surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more and another surface having an opening area ratio of 8% or less, so that when the pet food is chewed, a plurality of pet foods are present. Since you can enjoy the texture, the palatability is further improved.

The opening area ratio of the other surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 8% or less, more preferably 4% or less, still more preferably 2% or less, and may be 0%. ..
If the opening area ratio of the other surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the difference between the opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food and the opening area ratio of the other surface. It becomes larger and you can enjoy more than one texture, so the palatability is further improved.

≪Ratio of open area on the 2nd and 3rd surfaces≫
In addition to the first surface of the pet food described above, the pet food of the present embodiment is on the A side (which can be said to be the + side, the first side, or one side) of the second direction intersecting the first direction. When the surface on which the pet food is projected is the second surface, and the surface on which the pet food is projected on the B side (which can be said to be the-side, the second side, or the other side) of the second direction is the third surface. It is preferable that the opening area ratio of at least one of the second surface and the third surface is 10% or more. That is, it is preferable that the pet food of the present embodiment has a plurality of portions having a large number of openings on the surface of the pet food.

Here, the second direction typically means a direction that is "orthogonal" to the first direction, but is not limited to a direction orthogonal to the first direction, intersects the first direction, and faces the surface of the pet food. It may also mean a predetermined direction that is orthogonal to the direction.
For example, as a specific example when the second direction is not a direction orthogonal to the first direction, the pet hood of the present embodiment has a tetrahedral shape, and when the bottom surface is the first surface, the tetrahedral shape is used. The direction orthogonal to the side surface of the pet food is the second direction.
Further, when the pet food of the present embodiment cannot represent a shape such as a spherical shape or a columnar shape in a plane, the second direction means a direction "orthogonal" to the first direction.

The preferable range of the opening area ratio of the second surface and the third surface is the same as the preferable range of the opening area ratio of the first surface described above.
When the opening area ratio of at least one of the second surface and the third surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned preferable value, the pet food is more easily chewed and the palatability is further improved. .. Further, when the opening area ratio of at least one of the second surface and the third surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the chewy texture of the pet food is further improved and the palatability is improved. Is improved.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, in addition to the first surface of the pet food described above, the opening area ratio of the second surface and the third surface of the pet food is preferably 10% or more.
When the opening area ratio of the second surface and the third surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or more than the above-mentioned preferable value, the pet food is more easily chewed and the palatability is further improved. Further, when the opening area ratio of the second surface and the third surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the chewy texture of the pet food is further improved and the palatability is further improved.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, the opening area ratios of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface are all 10% or more, and at least one other than the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface. It is preferable that the opening area ratio of one surface is 8% or less.

More specifically, in the pet food of the present embodiment, the opening area ratios of the first surface, the second surface and the third surface are all 10% or more and 60% or less, and the first surface and the second surface are the same. The opening area ratio of at least one surface other than the surface and the third surface is preferably 8% or less, and the opening area ratio of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is 12% or more and 60%. It is more preferable that the opening area ratio of at least one surface other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface is 4% or less, and the first surface, the second surface and the third surface are The opening area ratio of each of the above is 16% or more and 55% or less, and the opening area ratio of at least one surface other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface is 4% or less. Preferably, the opening area ratio of the first surface, the second surface and the third surface is 20% or more and 50% or less, and at least one surface other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface. It is even more preferable that the opening area ratio is 4% or less, and the opening area ratios of the first surface, the second surface and the third surface are all 25% or more and 50% or less, and the first surface, It is particularly preferable that the opening area ratio of at least one surface other than the second surface and the third surface is 4% or less, and the opening area ratio of the first surface, the second surface and the third surface is 25%. It is most preferably 50% or less, and the opening area ratio of at least one surface other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface is 2% or less.
Further, in the above pet food, "at least one surface other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface" may be "two surfaces other than the first surface, the second surface and the third surface". preferable.

≪Ratio of the opening area ratio of the first surface and the opening area ratio of the cross section≫
In the pet food of the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section (hereinafter referred to as cross section A) when the pet food is cut so as to be orthogonal to the first direction. (Opening area ratio on the first surface / Opening area ratio on the cross section A) is preferably 0.3 to 3. That is, from the viewpoint of further improving the palatability, the pet food of the present embodiment may have holes not only on the surface of the pet food but also inside the pet food. preferable.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section A is preferably 0.3 to 3, preferably 0.35 to 2.5. Is more preferable, and 0.4 to 2 is even more preferable.
When the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section A is within the above-mentioned preferable range, the pet food is easy to chew and the chewy response of the pet food is improved. Is improved.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, the hole opening area ratio on the first surface and the opening in the cross section (hereinafter referred to as cross section B) when the pet food is cut in the first direction so as to equally divide the first surface. The ratio to the area ratio (opening area ratio on the first surface / opening area ratio on the cross section B) is preferably 0.3 to 3. That is, from the viewpoint of further improving the palatability, the pet food of the present embodiment may have holes not only on the surface of the pet food but also inside the pet food. preferable.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section B is preferably 0.3 to 3, preferably 0.35 to 2.5. Is more preferable, and 0.4 to 2 is even more preferable.
When the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section B is within the above-mentioned preferable range, the pet food is easy to chew and the chewy response of the pet food is improved. Is improved.

In the pet food of the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section A or the cross section B is preferably 0.3 to 3, preferably 0.35 to 2.5. Is more preferable, and 0.4 to 2 is even more preferable.
Further, in the pet food of the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section A and the cross section B is preferably 0.3 to 3, preferably 0.35 to 2. It is more preferably .5, and even more preferably 0.4 to 2.

≪Pet food grain density≫
The pet food of the present embodiment preferably has a grain density of 600 g / L or less, more preferably 500 g / L or less, and even more preferably 400 g / L or less.
When the grain density of the pet food of the present embodiment is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the pet food is more easily chewed and the palatability is further improved. Further, when the grain density is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the mass per unit volume can be reduced while having an appropriate chewy texture, and a feeling of fullness can be easily obtained, so that the diet effect is further improved.

The grain density of pet food is calculated by the following formulas (1) and (2).
Grain volume (L) = Grain volume (mm ³ ) / 1,000,000 ... (1)
Grain density (g / L) = grain mass (g) / grain volume (L) ... (2)

The grain mass in the above formula (2) can be measured by the following procedure.
(Step 1A) Select one pet food to be measured.
(Step 2A) The mass of one grain is measured with an electronic scale.

The grain volume in the above formula (2) can be measured by the following procedure.
(Step 1B) Select one pet food to be measured.
(Step 2B) The grain volume is calculated by an X-ray CT device (for example, CosmoScan FX (manufactured by Rigaku Co., Ltd.)).

In the present embodiment, the CT image in the step 2B adopts the following imaging conditions.
(CT image shooting conditions)
Tube voltage: 90kV
Tube current: 88 μA
Irradiation time: 2 minutes Resolution: 50 μm
FOV (Field of View): 25.6 mm x 25.6 mm x 25.6 mm
matrix: 512 x 512 x 512

In the above step 2B, the area (grain area) of the entire grain in each CT cross-sectional image is calculated by the following procedure.
(Ib) An X-ray CT image is binarized using image analysis software (for example, Fiji) (maximum entropy method). In each grain cross-sectional image, the background value is subtracted to calculate the dough area.
(Iib) In each CT cross-sectional image, the area (grain area) of the entire grain is calculated by filling the openings by Fill holes and Laid / Erode processing and subtracting the background value.
In the case of the above conditions, since the CT image is measured by dividing the FOV (Field of View) into 512 equal parts, it can be considered that one CT cross-sectional image has a thickness of 50 μm. Therefore, multiplying the grain area of one CT cross-sectional image by a thickness of 50 μm yields the grain volume of one CT cross-sectional image, and adding up the grain volumes of all CT cross-sectional images gives one hood to be measured. The grain volume of the grain can be calculated.

≪Shape≫
The shape of the pet food of the present embodiment may be any shape suitable for the pet to eat, and is not particularly limited.
For example, any shape such as a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape (go stone shape), a pellet shape, a columnar shape, a polygonal pillar shape, a hexahedron shape (plate shape), a clover shape, a heart shape, a star shape, and a cross shape can be applied. Among them, from the viewpoint that the effect of the present invention can be more easily obtained, it is preferably columnar, polygonal or hexahedral, and more preferably hexahedral.

≪Size≫
The size of the pet food of the present embodiment may be a small grain shape that the pet can chew with a bite, or a large grain shape that the pet can bite multiple times, but the longest diameter of the pet food. However, it is preferably 1 to 200 mm, more preferably 1 to 150 mm, and even more preferably 3 to 40 mm.
Further, the shortest diameter of the pet food is preferably 1 to 100 mm, more preferably 1 to 50 mm, and further preferably 3 to 30 mm.

≪Moisture content≫
The water content of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 3 to 30% by mass, still more preferably 3 to 12% by mass.
The pet food of the present embodiment is preferably a dry food having a water content of about 10% or less, and a dry food having a water content of 5 to 12%, from the viewpoint of making it easier to obtain the effect of the present invention. Is more preferable.

≪Hardness≫
The hardness of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 60 N or less, more preferably 50 N or less, and further preferably 40 N or less.
When the hardness of the pet food is equal to or less than the above-mentioned preferable value, the pet food is easily chewed and the palatability is improved.

On the other hand, the hardness of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 6N or more, more preferably 8N or more, and further preferably 10N or more.
When the hardness of the pet food is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned preferable value, the chewy texture of the pet food is further improved and the palatability is further improved.

In the present specification, the hardness of pet food is a value obtained by the following measuring method.
Using a compression tester (texture analyzer, model number: EZ-SX, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), the breaking force when the pet food is compressed at a constant compression rate is measured.
Specifically, one pet food to be measured is placed on a saucer, and the test force is measured while pressing the plunger vertically from directly above at a constant speed. Read the peak value (maximum value) of the test force as the value of the breaking force. Repeat the measurement for 10 pet foods and calculate the average value.
The unit is converted to Newton (N) by multiplying the numerical value of the breaking force (unit: kgw) measured by the compression tester by 9.8.
The measurement conditions are as shown below.
Plunger: width 10 mm, length 20 mm, tip 1 mm thickness, wedge-shaped plunger Platform: flat saucer with a diameter of 100 mm Compression speed: 60 mm / min The lowest point of the plunger: for the thickness (height) of pet food Set to be pushed in 70 to 90% of the measurement temperature: 25 ° C

In the pet food of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the hardness of the first surface is the above-mentioned preferable hardness value. That is, in the above-mentioned method for measuring the hardness of pet food, the value (hardness) when the test force is measured while pressing the plunger against the first surface of the pet food of the present embodiment is 6N or more and 60N or less. It is more preferable, it is more preferably 8N or more and 50N or less, and further preferably 10N or more and 40N or less.

Further, when the pet food of the present embodiment has another surface having an opening area ratio of 8% or less, the value when the test force is measured while pressing the plunger against the other surface of the pet food of the present embodiment. The (hardness) is preferably 15 N or more and 70 N or less, more preferably 20 N or more and 60 N or less, and further preferably 25 N or more and 50 N or less.

≪Water absorption rate≫
The pet food of the present embodiment has an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface and a large specific surface area, so that the pet food has a higher water absorption rate than the conventional pet food. In addition, since the water absorption rate is high, the hardness of the pet food can be easily changed in a short time according to the taste of the pet by immersing it in water.
Further, since the higher the pore-opening area ratio is, the specific surface area is larger and the water absorption rate is higher, the height of the pore-opening area ratio of the pet food of the present embodiment can be expressed by the water absorption rate.

Water absorption rate for 5 seconds The water absorption rate for 5 seconds of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, still more preferably 80% by mass or more. It is particularly preferably 100% by mass or more, and most preferably 130% by mass or more.
In the present specification, the "water absorption rate for 5 seconds" is the ratio of the increase in the mass of the pet food to the original mass of the pet food when the pet food is immersed in water for 5 seconds at a constant temperature. be.

In the present specification, the temperature of water when measuring the water absorption rate typically means a value measured with water at 20 ° C., but is, for example, a value measured with water at 5 to 60 ° C. It may be a value measured with water at 15 to 30 ° C. The lower the temperature, the lower the water absorption rate. Therefore, if the water absorption rate for 5 seconds measured with water at a lower temperature is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned preferable value, it can be said that the water absorption rate of the pet food is higher.

30-second water absorption rate The 30-second water absorption rate of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 40% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, still more preferably 100% by mass or more. It is particularly preferably 120% by mass or more, and most preferably 150% by mass or more.
In the present specification, the "water absorption rate for 30 seconds" is the ratio of the increase in the mass of the pet food to the original mass of the pet food when the pet food is immersed in water for 30 seconds under the above-mentioned temperature. Is.

60-second water absorption rate The 60-second water absorption rate of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, still more preferably 120% by mass or more. It is particularly preferably 140% by mass or more, and most preferably 160% by mass or more.
In the present specification, the "water absorption rate for 60 seconds" is the ratio of the increase in the mass of the pet food to the original mass of the pet food when the pet food is immersed in water for 60 seconds under the above-mentioned temperature. Is.

For example, the pet food of the present embodiment is a pet food having an opening area ratio of the first surface of 10% or more and a water absorption rate of 5 seconds measured with water at 20 ° C. of the above-mentioned preferable value or more. Is preferable.
Further, the pet food of the present embodiment is a pet food having an opening area ratio of the first surface of 10% or more and a water absorption rate of 30 seconds measured with water at 20 ° C. of the above-mentioned preferable value or more. Is preferable.
Further, the pet food of the present embodiment is a pet food having an opening area ratio of the first surface of 10% or more and a water absorption rate of 60 seconds measured with water at 20 ° C. of the above-mentioned preferable value or more. Is preferable.

≪Measurement method of water absorption rate≫
-Water absorption rate for 5 seconds The water absorption rate for 5 seconds is a value obtained by the following method.
(Step 1) First, a predetermined amount of pet food grains are placed in a container containing water, and the pet food grains are immersed in water.
(Step 2) With the pet food grains immersed in water, immediately after 5 seconds have passed, the pet food grains are collected from the container and drained.
In step 2, the draining method is not particularly limited as long as it is a known method. For example, it is recommended to leave the collected pet food grains on a Kim towel (manufactured by Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.) for 3 seconds, but the collected pet food grains are sandwiched between nets and the like for 1 to 10 A method of shaking for about a second may be used.

The water absorption rate for 5 seconds is calculated by subtracting the mass of the pet food of (step 1) from the mass of the pet food after (step 2) as shown in the following formula (1), and subtracting the value from the mass of the pet food of (step 1). It can be calculated by dividing by.
Water absorption rate (mass%) for 5 seconds = (mass of pet food after (step 2) (g)-mass of pet food in (step 1) (g)) / mass of pet food in (step 1) (g) × 100 ... (1)

The predetermined amount in (step 1) is, for example, 20 g.

30-second water absorption rate and 60-second water absorption rate For the 30-second water absorption rate and the 60-second water absorption rate, the time of immersion in water was changed to 30 seconds or 60 seconds, respectively, in (Step 2) in the above-mentioned 5-second water absorption rate. Except for the above values, the values were obtained by the same method as the method for measuring the water absorption rate for 5 seconds described above.

≪Water activity≫
The water activity of the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably less than 0.65.
Pet food spoilage is mainly caused by the decomposition of proteins by bacteria and mold. Depending on the type of microorganism that grows, it may cause food poisoning. In addition to the presence of nutrients and the appropriate temperature, the presence of the appropriate amount of water is essential for the growth of microorganisms. However, microorganisms can use not all the water in pet food, but the water called "free water".
Moisture in pet food is roughly divided into "bound water" and "free water" depending on the state of existence.

"Bound water" is water that binds to other components (proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) in pet food by hydrogen bonds and binds the movement of molecules. Therefore, "bound water" does not freeze even at 0 ° C., is difficult to vaporize even at high temperatures, and is not used by microorganisms.
On the other hand, "free water" is water in which molecules can move around freely, and is represented by an index of water activity. "Water activity" is a value obtained by dividing the water vapor pressure of food under the same conditions by the water vapor pressure of pure water. Water activity has a great influence on the oxidation of lipids and the growth of microorganisms present in pet food.
Water activity (Aw) = P / P ₀
P: Water vapor pressure of pet food P ₀ : Water vapor pressure of pure water

≪Hardness of pet food grains≫
-Hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 5 seconds In this embodiment, the hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 5 seconds is preferably 50 N or less, and preferably 40 N or less. More preferably, it is more preferably 30 N or less, particularly preferably 20 N or less, and most preferably 10 N or less.
In the present specification, "the hardness of the pet food grains soaked in water for 5 seconds" means the value obtained by the above-mentioned method for the hardness of the pet food after the pet food is soaked in water for 5 seconds. do.

-Hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 30 seconds In the present embodiment, the hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 30 seconds is preferably 30 N or less, and preferably 25 N or less. More preferably, it is more preferably 15 N or less, particularly preferably 10 N or less, and most preferably 5 N or less.
In the present specification, "the hardness of the pet food grains soaked in water for 30 seconds" means the value obtained by the above-mentioned method for the hardness of the pet food after the pet food is soaked in water for 30 seconds. do.

-Hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 60 seconds In this embodiment, the hardness of pet food grains soaked in water for 60 seconds is preferably 20 N or less, and preferably 15 N or less. More preferably, it is more preferably 10 N or less, particularly preferably 5 N or less, and most preferably 4 N or less.
In the present specification, "the hardness of the pet food grains immersed in water for 60 seconds" means the value obtained by the above-mentioned method for the hardness of the pet food after the pet food is immersed in water for 60 seconds. do.

The pet food soaked in water can be obtained by the same steps as in (Step 1) and (Step 2) above in terms of hardness after soaking for 5 seconds, hardness after soaking for 30 seconds, and hardness after soaking for 60 seconds. can.
The hardness of the pet food grains immersed in water for 5 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds was measured within 20 seconds (preferably within 10 seconds) after draining in the above (step 2). The hardness of the hood.

Since the pet food of the present embodiment has an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface, it is easy to chew and has high palatability while maintaining chewy texture. On the other hand, the palatability of pets may fluctuate depending on the health condition, growing condition, etc., and the preference for hardness of pet food may also fluctuate.
The pet food of the present embodiment has a pore opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface and a large specific surface area, so that the water absorption rate is also high. You can also soften the hardness of pet food.
Therefore, the pet food of the present embodiment has the characteristic that it is easy to chew while maintaining the chewy texture, and also has the excellent characteristic that it can be easily changed to a desired hardness by immersing it in water. It is a thing.

≪Raw materials≫
As the raw material of the pet food of the present embodiment, a powder raw material and a liquid raw material known in the production of pet food can be used, and the following pet food raw materials may be used alone or in two types. The above may be mixed and used.

Specific examples of powder raw materials and liquid raw materials include grains (corn, grain sol gum, wheat, barley, brown rice, starch, rye, wheat flour, rice flour, corn flour, wheat bran, rice, wheat germ, wheat gluten, and corn gluten. Feed, corn gluten meal, bread flour, etc.); potatoes (sweet potato, horse bell 薯, etc.); Beans (soybeans, sky beans, small beans, pea beans, defatted soybeans, soybean meal, kinako, soyflower, soybean protein, starch, etc.); starch Kind (corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, wheat starch, rice starch, horse bell starch, sweet potato starch, sago starch, etc.); Meat (beef, pork, lamb, mutton, chicken, turkey, poultry meat, liver, etc. Those meat extract powders and liquids, their processed starch meals, chicken meals, beef meals, mixed meals of these, etc.); Shellfish, shellfish, fish meal of its processed products, fish extract powder and liquids, starch, etc.); Eggs (chicken eggs (whole egg, dried whole egg, egg yolk, egg white), etc.; vegetables (carrot, cabbage, etc.) Greenpeace, pumpkin, beet pulp, etc.), seeds and seeds; mushrooms; sugars (sugar, starch, fructose, isomerized sugar, oligosaccharides, water candy, syrup, sugar honey, honey, etc.); milk (whole fat milk, defatted milk, etc.) , Whole fat powder, defatted milk powder, whey, cheese, butter, cream, etc.); Fats and oils (animal fats and oils (beef fat, pork fat, chicken fat, fish oil, etc.); Oil, corn oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc.), fatty acids, etc.); dried yeast and its extract powder and liquid; dietary fiber (cellulose, etc.); herbs; vitamins; minerals; amino acids; sweeteners; coloring agents; preservation Agents; thickening stabilizers; processed starch; antioxidants; pH adjusters; seasonings; emulsifiers; swelling agents; fragrances and the like.

Among the above, the pet food of the present embodiment preferably contains cereals and meat.
The content of grains in the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 10 to 90% by mass, more preferably 15 to 80% by mass, and further preferably 20 to 70% by mass with respect to the total amount of pet food. preferable.

The content of meat in the pet food of the present embodiment is preferably 1 to 40% by mass, more preferably 3 to 30% by mass, and further preferably 5 to 20% by mass with respect to the total amount of pet food. preferable.

Among the above, the pet food of the present embodiment includes (a) cereals, (b) beans, (c) meat, (d) seafood, (e) dietary fiber, (f) dried yeast and its extract. A mixture of powder or liquid, (g) vegetables, (h) vitamins and minerals, and (i) fats and oils is preferable. If necessary, the mixture may contain a colorant; an antioxidant; a seasoning.

The composition of the pet food in the present embodiment includes (a) cereals, (b) beans, (c) meat, (d) seafood, (e) dietary fiber, (f) dried yeast and its extract powder, and the like. A mixture of liquids, (g) vegetables, (h) vitamins and minerals, (i) oils and fats, (j) starches, (k) eggs, (l) sugars, and (m) milk. May be good. If necessary, the mixture may contain a colorant; a preservative; a thickening stabilizer; an antioxidant; a pH adjuster; a seasoning; an emulsifier; a fragrance.

An example of blending pet food (dry food) in the case of a comprehensive nutritional diet is shown below.
Grains (10 to 90% by mass), beans (0 to 40% by mass), meat (0 to 40% by mass), seafood (0 to 40% by mass), dietary fiber (0 to 20% by mass), dried yeast and The extract powder and liquid (0 to 10% by mass), vegetables (0 to 20% by mass), vitamins and minerals (0 to 10% by mass), fats and oils (0 to 20% by mass), coloring agent (0) ~ 5% by mass), antioxidant (0 to 5% by mass), seasoning (0 to 5% by mass).

Hereinafter, as a specific embodiment of the pet food according to the present embodiment, the pet food according to the first and second embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, if necessary, an orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used. In this case, the Z direction indicates the height direction (gravity direction). The two directions orthogonal to the Z direction are the X direction and the Y direction. In the figure, the arrow side will be referred to as a plus (+) side, and the side opposite to the arrow will be referred to as a minus (-) side. For example, the + Z side corresponds to the upper part in the height direction, and the −Z side corresponds to the lower part in the height direction.

(Pet food according to the first embodiment of the present invention)
The pet food C10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The pet food C10 is a hexahedral pet food. In the pet food C10, the four side surfaces (side peripheral surfaces) of the pet food C10 are surfaces having more openings 1 than the top surface and the bottom surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first direction coincides with the X direction, the second direction coincides with the Y direction, and the third direction coincides with the Z direction. That is, the two directions orthogonal to the first direction are the second direction and the third direction.
The pet food C10 is a hexahedral pet food, and since the two directions orthogonal to the first direction are the second direction and the third direction, the pet food C10 is projected on the A side (+ X side) of the first direction. The first surface C1 and the side surface of the pet food C10 on the A side in the first direction coincide with each other.

The pet food C10 has an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface C1 on which the pet food C10 is projected onto the A side (+ X side) in the first direction.

In the pet food C10, the surface on which the pet food C10 is projected onto the A side (+ X side) in the first direction is the first surface C1. The surface on which the pet food C10 is projected onto the B side (−X side) in the first direction is the fourth surface C4.
In the pet food C10, the plane on which the pet food C10 is projected on the A side (+ Y side) in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the second plane C2. Further, the surface on which the pet food C10 is projected on the B side (−Y side) of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the third surface C3.
In the pet food C10, the plane on which the pet food C10 is projected on the A side (+ Z side) in the third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the fifth plane C5. Further, the surface on which the pet food C10 is projected on the B side (−Z side) of the third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the sixth surface C6.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plane on which the pet food C10 is projected in each direction, that is, the first plane C1 to the sixth plane C6.
In the pet food C10, the first surface C1 to the fourth surface C4 are surfaces having an opening area ratio of 10% or more, and the fifth surface C5 and the sixth surface C6 are surfaces having an opening area ratio of 8% or less. Is.

The preferable range of the opening area ratio of the first surface C1 to the fourth surface C4 in the pet food C10 is as described above, for example, preferably 10% or more and 60% or less, and more preferably 12% or more and 60. % Or less, more preferably 16% or more and 55% or less, particularly preferably 20% or more and 50% or less, and most preferably 25% or more and 50% or less.

The preferable value of the opening area ratio of the fifth surface C5 and the sixth surface C6 in the pet food C10 is preferably 8% or less, more preferably 4% or less, still more preferably 2% or less, and 0. May be%.

Further, as described above, in the pet food C10, since the projected first surface C1 and the side surface of the pet food C10 on the A side in the first direction coincide with each other, the pet food C10 has holes on the bottom surface and the top surface. It can be said that the area ratio is 8% or less, and the open area ratio of the four side peripheral surfaces is 10% or more.

The pet food C10 has an opening area ratio in the first surface C1 and an opening in a cross section (AA'cross section: a plane parallel to the first surface C1) when the pet food C10 is cut so as to be orthogonal to the first direction. The ratio to the pore area ratio (opening area ratio on the first surface C1 / opening area ratio in the cross section) is 0.4 to 2.0. The preferable range of the ratio of the opening area ratio is as described above.

The preferred grain density, size, water content, hardness, and raw material of the pet food C10 are as described above.

Since the pet food C10 described above has a surface having a high opening area ratio, it is easy to chew while maintaining a chewy texture. In addition, since the pet food C10 has both a surface having a high opening area ratio and a surface having a low opening area ratio, a plurality of textures can be enjoyed and the pet food C10 has a higher palatability.

In the pet food C10, the first surface C1 to the fourth surface C4 are surfaces having a hole opening area ratio of 10% or more, and the fifth surface C5 and the sixth surface C6 are surfaces having a hole opening area ratio of 8% or less. However, the fourth surface C4 and the second surface C2 or the third surface C3 may be surfaces having an opening area ratio of 8% or less. Further, the fifth surface C5 or the sixth surface C6 may be a surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more.

As described above, when the shape of the pet food according to the present embodiment is hexahedral and the two directions orthogonal to the first direction are the second direction and the third direction, the A side of the first direction ( The surface on which the pet food is projected onto the + X side) coincides with the side surface of the pet food C10 on the A side in the first direction.
That is, the present invention has the following aspects.

"1" A hexahedral pet food having an opening, which has an A surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more.
"2" Further, the pet food according to "1", which has a B surface having an opening area ratio of 8% or less.
"3" Further, the pet food according to "1" or "2", wherein at least one of the four surfaces adjacent to the A surface has an opening area ratio of 10% or more.
"4" Further, the pet food according to "1" or "2", wherein at least two of the four surfaces adjacent to the A surface have an opening area ratio of 10% or more.
"5" When the pet food is cut so as to form a plane parallel to the A plane to prepare a cross section, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the A plane to the opening area ratio on the cross section (the A). The pet food according to any one of "1" to "4", wherein the pet food having an opening area ratio in a surface / an opening area ratio in the cross section is 0.4 to 2.0.
A hexahedral pet food having "6" openings, the opening area ratio of the bottom surface and the top surface of the pet food is 8% or less, and the opening area ratio of the side peripheral surfaces (all four surfaces) is Pet food that is 10% or more in each case.

(Pet food according to the second embodiment of the present invention)
The pet food D10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The pet food D10 is a columnar pet food. In the pet food D10, the side peripheral surface is a surface having many openings 2, and the top surface and the bottom surface of the pet food D10 are surfaces having few openings 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first direction coincides with the X direction, the second direction coincides with the Y direction, and the third direction coincides with the Z direction. That is, the two directions orthogonal to the first direction are the second direction and the third direction.

The pet food D10 has an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface D10 on which the pet food D10 is projected onto the A side (+ X side) in the first direction.

In the pet food D10, the surface on which the pet food D10 is projected onto the A side (+ X side) in the first direction is the first surface D1. The surface on which the pet food D10 is projected onto the B side (−X side) in the first direction is the fourth surface D4.
In the pet food D10, the plane on which the pet food D10 is projected on the A side (+ Y side) in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the second plane D2. Further, the surface on which the pet food D10 is projected on the B side (−Y side) of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the third surface D3.
In the pet food D10, the plane on which the pet food D10 is projected on the A side (+ Z side) in the third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the fifth plane D5. Further, the surface on which the pet food D10 is projected on the B side (−Z side) of the third direction orthogonal to the first direction is the sixth surface D6.

Since the pet food D10 is cylindrical, only the top surface of the fifth surface D5 and the pet food D10 and the bottom surfaces of the sixth surface D6 and the pet food D10 coincide with each other.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a plane on which the pet food D10 is projected in each direction, that is, the first plane D1 to the sixth plane D6.
In the pet food D10, the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 are surfaces having an opening area ratio of 10% or more, and the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 are surfaces having an opening area ratio of 8% or less. Is.

The preferable range of the opening area ratio of the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 in the pet food D10 is as described above, for example, preferably 10% or more and 60% or less, and more preferably 12% or more and 60. % Or less, more preferably 16% or more and 55% or less, particularly preferably 20% or more and 50% or less, and most preferably 25% or more and 50% or less.

The preferable value of the opening area ratio of the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 in the pet food D10 is preferably 8% or less, more preferably 4% or less, still more preferably 2% or less, and 0. May be%.

Further, as described above, in the pet food D10, only the top surface of the fifth surface D5 and the pet food D10 and the bottom surface of the sixth surface D6 and the pet food D10 coincide with each other. It can be said that the surface has a hole area ratio of 8% or less and the side peripheral surface has a hole opening area ratio of 10% or more.

In the pet food D10, the ratio of the opening area ratio in the first surface D1 to the opening area ratio in the cross section (BB'cross section) when the pet food D10 is cut so as to be orthogonal to the first direction (the first). The opening area ratio in the one surface D1 / the opening area ratio in the cross section) is 0.4 to 2.0. The preferable range of the ratio of the opening area ratio is as described above.

The preferred grain density, size, water content, hardness, and raw material of the pet food D10 are as described above.

Since the pet food D10 described above has a surface having a high opening area ratio, it is easy to chew while maintaining a chewy texture. In addition, since the pet food D10 has both a surface having a high opening area ratio and a surface having a low opening area ratio, it is possible to enjoy a plurality of textures and the pet food has a higher palatability.

In the pet food D10, the first surface D1 to the fourth surface D4 are surfaces having a hole opening area ratio of 10% or more, and the fifth surface D5 and the sixth surface D6 are surfaces having a hole opening area ratio of 8% or less. However, the fourth surface D4 and the second surface D2 or the third surface D3 may be surfaces having an opening area ratio of 8% or less. That is, the pet food D10 may have a part of the side peripheral surface having an opening instead of the entire side peripheral surface having an opening. Further, the fifth surface D5 or the sixth surface D6 may be a surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more. That is, the bottom surface or the top surface of the pet food D10 may be a surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more.

(Manufacturing method of pet food)
As a method for producing a pet food of the present embodiment, for example, a swelling step of extruding a kneaded raw material mixture from an extruder to obtain a swelled dough, and a swelling step of making the swelled dough porous to make it porous. Examples thereof include a method for producing a pet food, which comprises a porosification step of obtaining a porous dough and a cutting step of cutting the porous dough.

As a specific example of the pet food manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the pet food manufacturing method 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the swelling dough sd is obtained by kneading the raw material mixture with the extruder 101 and extruding the raw material mixture from the extruder. The obtained swelling dough sd is conveyed by the belt conveyor 102. The conveyed expanded dough sd is made porous by being cooled by the cooler 103, and the porous porous dough pd is obtained. By cutting the obtained porous dough pd with a cutter 104, the pet food PF of the present embodiment can be obtained.

[Expansion process]
The swelling step is a step of extruding the raw material mixture kneaded by the extrusion molding machine 101 from the extrusion molding machine to swell and obtain a swelling dough sd.
The extruder 101 is not particularly limited, and a known single-screw or twin-screw extruder or the like can be used.

The temperature of the raw material mixture when the raw material mixture is kneaded by the extruder 101 is, for example, preferably 75 to 140 ° C., more preferably 80 to 135 ° C., and even more preferably 85 to 130 ° C.

[Porosification process]
The porosification step is a step of making the swollen dough sd porous to obtain a porous dough pd.
Specific examples of the porosification step include a step of placing the expanded dough sd under atmospheric pressure and cooling the expanded dough sd with a cooler 103.

The cooler 103 is not particularly limited, and a known spot cooler or the like can be used.

[Cutting process]
The cutting step is a step of cutting the porous dough pd with the cutter 104. When cutting the porous dough pd with the cutter 104, the porous dough pd may be cut from the MD, may be cut from the CD, or may be cut from either the MD or the CD direction. Here, the MD (machine direction) is the flow direction of the porous dough pd (which can also be said to be the flow direction of the expanded dough sd extruded from the extruder). The CD (cross direction) is a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the porous fabric pd.

The temperature of the porous dough pd when cutting the porous dough pd with the cutter 104 is preferably 70 ° C. or lower, for example.

By the above method, it is possible to obtain a pet food having an opening and having an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface on which the pet food is projected in the first direction.

Since the method for producing pet food described above includes a porosification step, the above-mentioned pet food can be easily produced. Specifically, in the conventional method for producing pet food, for example, "Michael S. Hand, Craig D. Thatcher, Rebecca L. Remillard, Philip Roadebusg, Bruce J. Nov." , Mark Morris Associates, 2014; p.209-p.215), a cutter is provided at the outlet of the extruder, which is the moment the raw material mixture is extruded from the extruder. It is common to cut with. On the other hand, in the method for producing pet food according to the present embodiment, the pet food is made porous by extruding the raw material mixture from the extruder and then allowing time before cutting with a cutter. Therefore, according to the method for producing pet food according to the present embodiment, the above-mentioned pet food can be easily produced.

In the porosification step in the pet food manufacturing method 100, the cooling by the cooler 103 may be performed in a batch manner by moving the expanded dough extruded from the extrusion molding machine out of the line.
Further, in the porosification step in the pet food manufacturing method 100, the expanded dough sd is cooled by the cooler 103, but the cooler 103 may not be used. That is, it may be a step of cooling the expanded dough sd at room temperature by increasing the length of the belt conveyor 102. For example, the length of the belt conveyor 102 may be adjusted, and the expanded dough sd may be left at room temperature (25 ° C.) for 1 minute or more from the time when it is extruded from the extruder to the time when it is cut. ..

<Other manufacturing methods>
The method for producing the pet food of the present embodiment may be a method other than the above-mentioned production method. For example, the pet food of the present embodiment may be produced by using a raw material that generates gas by heating. .. Specific examples of the raw material for generating gas include sodium hydrogencarbonate and the like.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

(Manufacturing of pet food with perforations 1)
<Example 1>
The raw materials constituting the pet food were mixed according to the formulations shown in Table 1 to obtain a raw material mixture. Water was added to the raw material mixture by a preconditioner in an amount of 12 to 25 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the raw material mixture, and the mixture was mixed while heating at 70 to 100 ° C. for 5 seconds to 3 minutes. The heated raw material mixture was put into an extruder and heat-treated at 80 to 125 ° C. for 10 seconds to 2 minutes while kneading to pregelatinize the starch component and discharged from the extruder to obtain a swollen dough. .. The obtained dough was cooled with a cooler so that the surface temperature of the dough was 70 ° C. or lower to obtain a porous dough. Next, the obtained dough was cut from MD and CD so as to have a hexahedral shape with a cutter, and the hexahedral shape (length 8 mm (X direction) × width 8 mm (Y direction) × height (thickness) 11.5 mm (Z). Direction)) Pet food of Example 1 having an opening was obtained. The pet food of Example 1 has the same embodiment as the pet food C10 shown in FIG. 1, and the surface cut by the cutter is the side peripheral surface. Further, the first surface of the pet food of Example 1 and the first surface C1 of the pet food C10 shown in FIG. 1 coincide with each other, and the third surface of the pet food of Example 1 and the third surface of the pet food C10 shown in FIG. 1 coincide with each other. The surfaces C3 coincide with each other, and the fifth surface of the pet food of Example 1 and the fifth surface C5 of the pet food C10 shown in FIG. 1 coincide with each other. In addition, the water content of the pet food of Example 1 obtained by the above-mentioned "dry weight loss method" was 8.4%.

(Preparation of pet food with perforations)
<Comparative Examples 1 to 7>
As the pet foods of Comparative Examples 1 to 7, seven kinds of commercially available pet foods (commercially available products A to G) were prepared.

<Evaluation of opening area ratio>
-Surface measurement Using a digital microscope (trade name "VHX-7000", manufactured by Keyence Co., Ltd.), an image of the surface of the pet food of each example is taken, and the image is used to measure the digital microscope. -The open area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of each example was measured by the scale tool automatic area measurement (particle count), excluding the circle equivalent diameter of less than 50 μm. For the pet food of Example 1, the opening area ratio was measured not only on the first surface but also on the third and fifth surfaces.
The specific method is as shown below.

(I) The magnification of the digital microscope was set to 20 times so that all the specific surfaces of the pet foods of each example placed on the measuring table were reflected.
(Ii) The setting value of the epi-illumination was set to a value in which the most open hole can be seen between 100 and 255.
(Iii) Digital microscope measurement / scale tool In automatic area measurement (particle count), the extraction method is set to "brightness (standard)". Next, the extraction area on the first surface of the pet food was set.
(Iv) Excluding the circle-equivalent diameter of less than 50 μm, the pore size was measured by the measurement of the digital microscope and the automatic area measurement (particle count) of the scale tool.
The results are shown in Table 2 as "surface opening area ratio (%)".

FIG. 6 is an image of the first surface of the pet food of Example 1 and an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the first surface. FIG. 6a is an image of the first surface, and FIG. 6b is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio. In FIG. 6b, the colored portion represents the opening (hereinafter, the same applies).

FIG. 7 is an image of the third surface of the pet food of Example 1 and an image of the third surface when the opening area ratio is measured. FIG. 7a is an image of the third surface, and FIG. 7b is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio.

FIG. 8 is an image of the fifth surface of the pet food of Example 1 and an image of the fifth surface when the opening area ratio is measured. FIG. 8a is an image of the fifth surface, and FIG. 8b is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio.

-Measurement of cross section The pet food of each example was cut with a cutter so as to be orthogonal to the first direction, and the pet food of each example was equally divided. By the same method as the above-mentioned "surface measurement", the opening area ratio of the cross section of the pet food of each cut example was measured.
Regarding the pet food of Example 1, a pet food of Example 1 is separately prepared, the pet food is cut with a cutter so as to be orthogonal to the second direction, the pet food is equally divided, and the above-mentioned "surface" is used. By the same method as in "Measurement", the open hole area ratio of the cross section (parallel to the third surface) of the pet food was measured.
The results are shown in Table 2 as "cross-sectional opening area ratio (%)".

-Calculation of opening area ratio The opening area ratio on the first surface of the pet hood of each example (the opening area ratio measured by the above "surface measurement") and the opening area ratio on the cross section (measured by the above "section measurement"). The ratio (the opening area ratio on the first surface / the opening area ratio in the cross section) to the (opening area ratio) was determined. For the pet food of Example 1, the ratio of the opening area ratio on the third surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section (parallel to the third surface) (opening on the third surface) is performed in the same manner. Area ratio / Opening area ratio in cross section) was also determined.
The results are shown in Table 2 as the "opening area ratio".

As shown in Table 2, the pet food of Example 1 had a higher opening area ratio on the first surface (opening area ratio on the third surface) than the pet foods of Comparative Examples 1 to 7. .. In addition, none of the commercially available pet foods of Comparative Examples 1 to 7 had an opening area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface.

FIG. 9 is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the first surface of the pet food of Example 1 and an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the cross section (plane parallel to the first surface).
FIG. 10 is an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the third surface of the pet food of Example 1 and an image at the time of measuring the opening area ratio of the cross section (plane parallel to the third surface).
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first surface and the cross section (parallel to the first surface) and the third surface and the cross section (parallel to the third surface) of the pet food of Example 1 are opened. It can be confirmed that the distribution of the holes is close to each other.

Further, as shown in Table 2, the pet food of Example 1 has a pore opening area ratio of the first surface (the opening area ratio of the third surface) closer to 1 than the pet foods of Comparative Examples 1 to 7. It was a thing. From this, it was confirmed that the pet food of Example 1 had evenly opened holes on the surface and inside as compared with the pet foods of Comparative Examples 1 to 7.

<Evaluation of hardness>
The hardness of the first surface, the third surface and the fifth surface of the pet food of Example 1 was measured by the following method.

In the present specification, the hardness of pet food is a value obtained by the following measuring method.
Using a compression tester (texture analyzer, model number: EZ-SX, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), the breaking force when the pet food was compressed at a constant compression rate was measured.
Specifically, one pet food of Example 1 was placed on a saucer, and the test force was measured while pressing the plunger vertically from directly above at a constant speed. The pet food was placed so that the surfaces with which the plungers contact were the first surface, the third surface, or the fifth surface, and measurement was repeated 10 times for each, and the average value was calculated.
The unit was converted to Newton (N) by multiplying the value of the breaking force (unit: kgw) measured by the compression tester by 9.8.
The measurement conditions are as shown below.
Plunger: width 10 mm, length 20 mm, tip 1 mm thickness, wedge-shaped plunger Platform: flat saucer with a diameter of 100 mm Compression speed: 60 mm / min The lowest point of the plunger: 1st and 3rd surfaces; 6 mm, Fifth surface; 10 mm
Measurement temperature: 25 ° C
The results are shown in Table 3.

As shown in Table 3, since the pet food of Example 1 has different hardness depending on the surface, it was confirmed that a plurality of textures can be enjoyed when the pet food is chewed.

<Evaluation of water absorption rate>
The water absorption rate of the pet food of Example 1 when the temperature of the water was 20 ° C. was measured for 5, 30, 60 seconds by the same method as the water absorption rate for 5, 30, 60 seconds described above. The results are shown in Table 4.

As shown in Table 4, the pet food of Example 1 had a high water absorption rate.

<Evaluation of hardness>
5. The hardness of the pet food grains after being soaked in water for 60 seconds (hardness after soaking for 5 seconds, hardness after soaking for 30 seconds, hardness after soaking for 60 seconds) was measured. The results are shown in Table 5. The hardness after immersion for 0 seconds in Table 5 is the same as the hardness of the fifth surface shown in the above-mentioned <evaluation of hardness>.

As shown in Table 5, the hardness of the pet food of Example 1 changed only by immersing it in water for several seconds.

<Evaluation of palatability>
・ (Manufacturing of pet food with openings 2)
Examples 2, 3 and Reference Examples having a hexahedron shape (length 8 mm (X direction) x width 8 mm (Y direction) x height (thickness) 11.5 mm (Z direction)) in the same manner as in Example 1 described above. 1 pet food was manufactured. The specific manufacturing method is as follows.
In the following description and in Table 4, the "surface having openings" is a surface having an opening area ratio of 10% or more measured by the above-mentioned method. Further, the "surface having no openings" is a surface having an opening area ratio of less than 10% as measured by the above-mentioned method.

-The same method as in Example 1 described above, except that the die plate of the pet food extruder of Example 2 was changed and the porous fabric was cut only from the CD with a cutter, was hexahedral (length 8 mm (X)). A pet food of Example 2 having a direction) × width 8 mm (Y direction) × height (thickness) 11.5 mm (Z direction) was obtained. Since the cut surface is a surface having an opening, the pet food of Example 2 has two surfaces having an opening. The opening area ratio of the surface of the pet food of Example 2 having holes is about the same as the opening area ratio of the first surface and the third surface of the pet food of Example 1, respectively, and Example 2 The opening area ratio of the surface of the pet food having no opening was about the same as the opening area ratio of the fifth surface of the pet food of Example 1.

-The die plate of the pet food extruder of Example 3 was changed, and a pet food slightly larger than the pet food of Example 1 having a hexahedron shape was obtained by the same method as in Example 1. The non-cut surface of the pet food (the surface corresponding to the 5th and 6th surfaces of the pet food of Example 1) is cut with a cutter, and a hexahedron shape (length 8 mm (X)) having holes all around is cut. A pet food of Example 3 having a direction) × width 8 mm (Y direction) × height (thickness) 11.5 mm (Z direction) was obtained. Since the cut surface is a surface having an opening, the pet food of Example 3 has six surfaces having an opening. The opening area ratio of the surface of the pet food of Example 3 having holes was about the same as the opening area ratio of the first surface and the third surface of the pet food of Example 1.

-A hexahedron (length 8 mm) in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the die plate of the pet food extruder of Reference Example 1 was changed and the raw material mixture was cut with a cutter immediately after being discharged from the extruder. A pet food of Reference Example 1 having (X direction) × width 8 mm (Y direction) × height (thickness) 11.5 mm (Z direction)) was obtained. The pet food of Reference Example 1 did not have a surface having an opening.

-Preference test For dogs on an empty stomach (weight 5 kg or less), put the pet foods of Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example 1 in 100 g dishes, respectively, and measure the remaining amount of each pet food after 5 minutes. Preference was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 6.
A: Less than 5g B: 5g or more and less than 25g C: 25g or more

From the above, since the pet food of the example has a surface with an opening area ratio of 10% or more, it is easier to chew while maintaining the chewy texture as compared with the pet food of the reference example, so that the pet food has a high palatability. It could be confirmed.
Further, among the examples, the pet food of Example 1 having four surfaces having holes and two surfaces having no holes had the highest palatability.

C10 ... Pet food, C1 ... 1st surface, C2 ... 2nd surface, C3 ... 3rd surface, C4 ... 4th surface, C5 ... 5th surface, C6 ... 6th surface, 1 ... opening D10 ... pet food, D1 ... 1st surface, D2 ... 2nd surface, D3 ... 3rd surface, D4 ... 4th surface, D5 ... 5th surface, D6 ... 6th surface, 2 ... opening 101 ... extrusion molding machine, 102 ... belt conveyor, 103 ... cooler, 104 ... cutter

Claims (6)

Pet food with perforations
A pet food having a perforation area ratio of 10% or more on the first surface on which the pet food is projected in the first direction. The pet food according to claim 1, wherein the opening area ratio of the surface on which the pet food is projected in a direction other than the first direction is 8% or less. When the surface on which the pet food is projected on the A side in the second direction intersecting the first direction is defined as the second surface, and the surface on which the pet food is projected on the B side in the second direction is defined as the third surface. The pet food according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening area ratio of at least one of the second surface and the third surface is 10% or more. The pet food according to claim 3, wherein both the second surface and the third surface have an opening area ratio of 10% or more. The ratio of the opening area ratio in the first surface to the opening area ratio in the cross section when the pet food is cut so as to be orthogonal to the first direction (opening area ratio in the first surface / opening in the cross section). The pet food according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pet food has a pore area ratio of 0.4 to 2. The ratio of the opening area ratio on the first surface to the opening area ratio on the cross section when the pet food is cut so as to divide the first surface equally (in the opening area ratio on the first surface / cross section). The pet food according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pet food has an opening area ratio of 0.4 to 2.

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