A low-moisture pet food product with a firm, chewy texture resulting in an extended chewing time to assist with dental health

摘要

There is provided a pet food product comprising an edible protein-rich body having reduced moisture content and a structure providing textural firmness capable of inducing thorough chewing behaviour in a pet to which it is fed. Through such behaviour development of periodontal disorders in the pet animal will be inhibited. The food body preferably has a browned outer surface, achieved by exposure of the body to a source of dry heat. A method of producing the food body includes steps of providing a coherent, edible, protein-rich body, causing moisture content of the body to be in the range from about 20% to 50% by weight and causing the body to have a structure capable of inducing thorough chewing by a pet. The method preferably includes reducing the moisture content of the body after it has been formed.