WO2025166336A1

WO2025166336A1 - Systems and methods for food processing

Info

Publication number: WO2025166336A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/014290
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Phelps; Dan PITTS; Darryl Rawlings; Christopher Daniel DUGGAN
Original assignee: Baystride Inc
Current assignee: Baystride Inc
Priority date: 2024-02-02
Filing date: 2025-02-03
Publication date: 2025-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-02

Abstract

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a process for preparing a pet food, the process comprising: receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source to add a fermentation component to the pet food; mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient; to create a mixture; fermenting the mixture to create a fermented mixture, wherein fermenting the mixture comprises combining the mixture with pediocins to abate growth of harmful bacteria; steaming the fermented mixture; pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture; and processing the pasteurized mixture with a high pressure process to produce the pet food that has a shelf-stability at room temperature of greater than 40 days.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FOOD PROCESSING

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/549,364, filed February 2, 2024, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Food manufacturing relies on heat processing to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and prolong the shelf life of the pet food product. Bacterial reduction in current pet food products is commonly achieved through heat processes that subject the pet food to high temperatures as cooking the pet food at high temperatures kills or inactivates many bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The recommended minimum internal cooking temperatures for various pet food ingredients are set to eliminate harmful microorganisms. For example, poultry may be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ground meat to 160°F (71°C), and fish to 145°F (63°C). [0003] While heat processing at high temperatures reduces the overall bacterial load in food by killing a significant portion of the microorganisms present, thereby extending the shelf life of the food it also may lead to increased formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). Furthermore, cooking food (e.g., meat) at high temperatures also creates carcinogenic byproducts, which increase the risk of cancer in pets, particularly for those pets that eat such byproducts on a regular basis. AGE formation may be modified by endogenous processes and exogenous sources, including high-temperature cooking methods. AGEs are complex molecules resulting from non-enzymatic reactions between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. This glycation process, accelerated in certain diseases, may impact protein structure and function, with AGEs accumulating in tissues. AGEs play a role in aging and contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. AGEs may interact with cell surface receptors, such as RAGE, triggering inflammatory responses and cellular damage. Therefore, there is a desire to provide food with reduced AGE content as well as a reduced carcinogen content.

[0004] Existing refrigerated pet food products are typically low in AGEs, while non-refrigerated pet foods contain higher AGE levels. However, refrigerated foods must be temperature controlled and have a shorter shelf life, increasing shipping and handling costs and necessitating frequent purchases. Conversely, high AGE foods, with a longer shelf life, pose health risks. Currently, there exists no pet food manufacturing process which has yielded a non-refrigerated, low AGE pet food product that is shelf-stable and reduces the need for frequent purchases. SUMMARY

[0005] Systems and methods for improved food processing are disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides a multi-step manufacturing approach that incorporates controlled- temperature fermentation, steam cooking, pasteurization, and optional high-pressure processing (HPP) to produce a low- AGE pet food with extended shelf stability at room temperature. By integrating natural antimicrobials (e.g., pediocins) and monitoring both pH and microbial levels, this approach achieves a pet food product that retains high nutritional value, reduces harmful byproducts, and offers significant logistical advantages by remaining shelf-stable for over 40 days.

[0006] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for manufacturing a pet food. The method comprises (a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient from a dry or liquid source, wherein the third ingredient comprises a fermentation component selected from a dry fermentation, a liquid fermentation, a pediocin-containing culture, or a lactic acid bacterial starter; (b) mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient to create a mixture; (c) fermenting the mixture in (b) to create a fermented mixture, wherein fermenting the mixture comprises combining the mixture with pediocins or a pediocin-producing culture to abate growth of harmful bacteria; (d) steaming the fermented mixture and pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture; and (e) processing the pasteurized mixture with a high-pressure process to produce the pet food that has a shelf-stability at room temperature of greater than 40 days.

[0007] In some embodiments, steaming the fermented mixture occurs at a temperature configured to raise an internal temperature of the fermented mixture to about 165°F. In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is steamed for at least 1 minute at a temperature no higher than 240°F. In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is pasteurized for at least 1 minute at a temperature no higher than 240°F. In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is pasteurized for approximately 15 minutes. In some embodiments, steaming the fermented mixture raises the internal temperature to at least 165°F over a period of approximately 30 minutes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is steamed at a temperature between about 208°F and about 216°F. In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is pasteurized at a temperature between about 208°F and about 216°F. In some embodiments, the fermented mixture is pasteurized at a temperature between about 211°F and about 213°F.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first and/or second ingredient is diced, sliced, or chunked into a predetermined size. In some embodiments, the second ingredient is freeze dried. In some embodiments, the third ingredient is processed into a gravy mixture. In some embodiments, the pasteurized mixture is chilled prior to the high-pressure process in (e). In some embodiments, a package of the fermented mixture is vacuumed and sealed prior to (d). In some embodiments, a package of the pasteurized mixture is vacuumed and sealed after (e).

[0010] In some embodiments, metal detection is performed on the fermented mixture. In some embodiments, the pasteurized mixture is steamed after the high-pressure process to further reduce bacterial counts. In some embodiments, fermenting the mixture comprises a pickling fermentation that produces lactic acid bacteria. In some embodiments, the pasteurized mixture is frozen. In some embodiments, the shelf-life stability at room temperature of greater than 60 days results from the method operations described herein.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pet food comprises a total number of bacteria below 6 log CFU/g. In some embodiments, the pet food comprises a total number of bacteria below 3 log CFU/g. In some embodiments, the pet food comprises a shelf-life pH between about 5.0 pH units to about 6.5 pH units. In some embodiments, the pet food is suitable for consumption by any canine. In some embodiments, the pet food is suitable for consumption by any feline.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mixture is fermented at a temperature between approximately 165°F to approximately 185°F. In some embodiments, the mixture is fermented for approximately 20 minutes to approximately 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the high-pressure process in (e) is performed at a pressure of about 500 MPa to about 700 MPa for a duration of about 1 to 5 minutes. In some embodiments, pasteurizing the pasteurized mixture occurs for between approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method for preparing a pet food comprises: (a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient comprising a fermentation component; (b) fermenting the combined ingredients to reduce the pH of the mixture; (c) steaming the fermented mixture; (d) pasteurizing the steamed mixture; and (e) pressurizing the pasteurized mixture to produce a pet food.

[0014] In some embodiments, fermenting the one or more ingredients comprises combining the one or more ingredients with pediocins to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. In some embodiments, the harmful bacteria are bacteria other than lactic acid bacteria.

[0015] In some embodiments, a method for preparing a pet food comprises: (a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source for fermenting the pet food; (b) mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient to form a combined mixture; (c) fermenting the combined mixture to form a fermented mixture; (d) steaming the fermented mixture; and (e) pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture. [0016] In some embodiments, fermenting the combined mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 165°F and a duration of approximately 25 minutes. In some embodiments, fermenting the combined mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 220°F and a duration of approximately 15 minutes.

[0017] In some embodiments, steaming the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 208°F to about 216°F. In some embodiments, steaming the fermented mixture comprises a duration of between approximately 25 minutes to 35 minutes.

[0018] In some embodiments, pasteurizing the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 208°F to about 216°F and a duration of between approximately 15 minutes to 25 minutes. In some embodiments, pasteurizing the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of about 208°F, about 209°F, about 210°F, about 211°F, about 212°F, about 213°F, about 214°F, about 215°F, or about 216°F.

[0019] In some embodiments, an automated manufacture system comprises a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of ingredients, wherein the plurality of ingredients comprise at least protein, vegetable, and a fermentation component; a dispensing system for mixing a selected portion of ingredients received from the plurality of containers and dispensing a combination of a portioned amount of the ingredients into each of a plurality of packages, each package corresponding to a meal of a particular day; a high pressuring processing machine configured to receive a plurality of sealed packages for processing; and a controller operably coupled to the plurality of containers, the dispensing system, and the high pressure processing machine and configured to execute a set of instructions to (i) receive one or more nutritional plans associated with one or more animals and determine the selected portion of ingredients to be supplied in a batch based at least in part on the one or more nutritional plans and the plurality of ingredients, and (ii) determine the combination of the portioned amount of the ingredients for each of the plurality of packages.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the one or more nutritional plans is personalized to a particular animal and comprises a nutrition goal. In some embodiments, the nutrition goal comprises calories per day, and the controller is configured to determine the combination of the portioned amount of the ingredients for each meal for a particular day.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of ingredients comprises a prescription medicine. In some embodiments, the controller is connected to a practice information management system (PIMS) via an integration agent to receive the one or more nutritional plans and/or the prescription medicine. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a dosage of the prescription medicine for each package based at least in part on a release time of the prescription medicine.

[0022] In some embodiments, a low-temperature cooker is included for steaming the mixed selected portion of ingredients at a temperature no higher than 170°F, thereby reducing an amount of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the food. In some embodiments, a pasteurizing machine is included for processing the plurality of sealed packages prior to processing the plurality of sealed packages by the high pressure processing machine.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure.

Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0024] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of the pet food mixture pH throughout different stages in the process of preparing a pet food, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of the impact of the duration of cooking the cooking operation input on the percent of bacteria in the cooking operation input that are killed, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein; [0028] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of the pet food product total aerobic plate counts and the shelf-life pH collected over a shelf life duration, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a correlation between a cooking operation duration and the duration of the pet food product shelf life, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting example of a process for preparing a pet food, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a process for preparing a pet food, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of a process for preparing a pet food, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein;

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a computer system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods provided herein.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a network environment in which a nutritional information exchange system is implemented.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows a non-limiting example of a manufacturing and packaging system for pet food, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting example of an overall manufacturing line layout for producing individualized pet food products in an automated workflow, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting example of an incoming loading dock layout for receiving and handling raw materials or packaging supplies in a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0038] FIG. 13 shows a non-limiting example of a frozen and dry storage area layout used in a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0039] FIG. 14 shows a non-limiting example of a dicing and cooking equipment layout within a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0040] FIG. 15 shows a non-limiting example of a filling and pouching area layout within a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0041] FIG. 16 shows a non-limiting example of a pasteurizer and chiller arrangement in a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein. [0042] FIG. 17 shows a non-limiting example of a high-pressure processing arrangement in a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0043] FIG. 18 shows a non-limiting example of a packaging area layout where filled pouches or containers are inspected, labeled, and grouped for storage or shipping, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0044] FIG. 19 shows a non-limiting example of a finished product loading dock layout in a pet food manufacturing facility, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0045] FIG. 20 shows a non-limiting example of a system for personalized pet food production, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0046] FIG. 21A shows a non-limiting example of a multi-stream pet food production system focusing on upstream ingredient handling and processing, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

[0047] FIG. 21B shows a non-limiting example of a continuation of the multi-stream pet food production system illustrating downstream packaging and finishing operations, in accordance with one or more embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It may be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0049] Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

[0050] Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

[0051] In some cases, a patient, subject, or animal may also be referred to as pet. A patient refers to an animal being treated by a veterinary practice. As utilized herein, the term “veterinary practice” may refer to a hospital, clinic or similar where services are provided for an animal. A pet owner is a guardian of the pet and may be the pet owner, pet sitter, or similar pet guardian. A “medical professional,” as used herein, may include a medical doctor, a veterinarian, a medical technician, a veterinary technician, a medical researcher, a veterinary researcher, a naturopath, a homeopath, a therapist, or the like.

[0052] Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a process for preparing a pet food, the process comprising receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source to add a fermentation component to the pet food; mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient; to create a mixture; fermenting the mixture to create a fermented mixture, wherein fermenting the mixture comprises combining the mixture with pediocins to abate growth of harmful bacteria; steaming the fermented mixture; pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture; and processing the pasteurized mixture with a high pressure process to produce the pet food that has a shelf-stability at room temperature of greater than 40 days.

[0053] Also described herein, in certain embodiments, disclosed herein is a process for preparing a pet food, the process comprising fermenting one or more ingredients to reduce a pH of the one or more ingredients; pasteurizing the one or more ingredients; and pressurizing the one or more ingredients.

[0054] Also described herein, in certain embodiments, disclosed herein is a process for preparing a pet food, the process comprising receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source for fermenting the pet food; mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient to form a combined mixture; fermenting the combined mixture to form a fermented mixture; steaming the fermented mixture; and pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture.

Terms and Definitions

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0056] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

[0057] As used herein, the term “about” in some cases refers to an amount that is approximately the stated amount, in some cases near the stated amount by 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein, and in some cases, in reference to a percentage, refers to an amount that is greater or less the stated percentage by 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein.

[0058] As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0059] Reference throughout this specification to “some embodiments,” “further embodiments,” or “a particular embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in some embodiments,” or “in further embodiments,” or “in a particular embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0060] The term “CFU” (colony-forming units) as utilized herein may represent the number of viable microorganisms (such as bacteria or yeast) capable of forming colonies under specific culture conditions. It is a measure of the viable, reproductive population in the sample.

[0061] The term “CFU/g” (gram) as utilized herein may denote the weight of the sample in grams. The weight of the sample is beneficial for expressing the microbial load on a standardized basis.

[0062] The term “Log” as utilized herein may represent a logarithmic transformation. The logarithm of a number is the exponent to which another fixed number, called the base, must be raised to produce that number. The use of logarithms is common when dealing with large ranges of values, as is often the case with microbial counts. Taking the logarithm helps to compress these values into a more manageable scale. Logarithmic transformations are especially useful when dealing with exponential growth or reduction, as in the case of microbial populations.

[0063] The term “Advanced Glycation End Products” (AGEs) generally refers to complex molecules formed through the non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. The glycation process may occur in the body during normal metabolism and is accelerated in certain diseases. AGEs may accumulate in tissues, impacting the structure and function of proteins. AGE formation may be modified by both endogenous processes and exogenous sources, such as high-temperature cooking methods. AGEs play a role in aging and contribute to the development of various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. It is known that AGEs may interact with cell surface receptors, such as RAGE, triggering inflammatory responses and cellular damage. It is desirable to provide food with low levels of AGEs.

[0064] The term “shelf life” generally refers to the length of time stored at approximately room temperature during which the pet food product is considered safe for consumption by pets while retaining its intended nutritional value, flavor, safety, and quality.

[0065] The term “medication” generally refers to a composition containing one or more Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) that exert pharmacological effects to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Medications may be classified based on their mechanism of action, therapeutic category, or chemical composition and are formulated in various delivery forms, including oral tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, injectables, transdermal patches, topical formulations, and inhalable aerosols.

[0066] Medications encompass a broad range of therapeutic categories, including immunosuppressants (e.g., rapamycin), cardiovascular drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine), and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids). These compounds may be prescribed for chronic disease management, acute interventions, or preventive care. The formulation of medications often incorporates specialized delivery mechanisms to optimize bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. For example, enteric coatings may be used to protect acid-sensitive drugs from gastric degradation, while extended-release formulations can provide sustained drug delivery to maintain therapeutic levels over an extended period. The effectiveness of medications may be modified by processing conditions, temperature stability, pH sensitivity, and metabolic factors, necessitating controlled formulation and precise dosing strategies. In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein ensure the safe and effective incorporation of medications into therapeutic regimens while maintaining their potency, stability, and regulatory compliance. [0067] The medications may include anti-parasitic drugs (e.g., Heartgard® (ivermectin) for heartworm prevention, Bravecto® (fluralaner) for flea and tick prevention), pain relievers and anti-inflammatories (e.g., Carprofen (Rimadyl®) for osteoarthritis, Meloxicam for inflammation), antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin-clavulanate for bacterial infections, Doxycycline for tick-borne diseases), thyroid medications (e.g., Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism in dogs), antiseizure medications (e.g., Phenobarbital, Keppra® (levetiracetam) for epilepsy), cardiovascular drugs (e.g., Pimobendan (Vetmedin®) for congestive heart failure, Benazepril for high blood pressure), steroids and immunosuppressants (e.g., Prednisone for inflammatory conditions, Apoquel® (oclacitinib) for allergies), hormone replacement therapies (e.g., Deslorelin implants for reproductive control, Trilostane (Vetoryl®) for Cushing’s disease), and behavioral medications (e.g., Fluoxetine (Reconcile®) for anxiety, Clomipramine (Clomicalm®) for compulsive behaviors).

[0068] The term “supplement” generally refers to a composition formulated to enhance nutrition, support physiological functions, or promote overall health without necessarily treating or curing diseases. Supplements may contain vitamins (e.g., vitamin D, B12, C), minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium, calcium), amino acids (e.g., L-arginine, taurine), probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium), prebiotics (e.g., inulin, fructooligosaccharides), herbal extracts (e.g., ashwagandha, ginseng, turmeric), and other bioactive compounds (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate). These formulations may be configured to support immune function, cardiovascular healthjoint health, cognitive function, metabolic regulation, and overall well-being.

[0069] Supplements are often available in capsules, powders, effervescent tablets, gummies, or liquid formulations, with delivery mechanisms configured to enhance absorption, bioavailability, and stability. Certain bioactive compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, may require specialized encapsulation or emulsification techniques to maintain potency and effectiveness. Additionally, some temperature-sensitive or moisture-sensitive supplements require controlled storage conditions to prevent degradation. It is desirable to develop systems and formulations that allow for precise dosing, optimized absorption, and consistent quality while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and consumer safety guidelines.

[0070] The supplements may include joint health supplements (e.g., Glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis, MSM (methyl sulfonylmethane) for inflammation), omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., Fish oil for skin and coat health, DHA/EPA for cognitive function), probiotics and prebiotics (e.g., FortiFlora® (Enterococcus faecium) for gut health, inulin for digestive support), multivitamins (e.g., VetriScience® Canine Plus Multivitamin for overall nutrition, Zesty Paws® 11 -in- 1 Bites), antioxidants and immune boosters (e.g., Coenzyme Q10 for heart health, turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits), liver and kidney support supplements (e.g., SAM-e (S- adenosylmethionine) for liver health, milk thistle for detoxification), calming and anxiety supplements (e.g., L-theanine for relaxation, CBD oil for stress relief), digestive enzymes (e.g., Pancreatic enzyme supplements for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), and weight management supplements (e.g., L-camitine for metabolism support, fiber-based supplements for appetite control).

Pet Food product

[0071] The novel features of the disclosure may be used for human or animal food production.

The processes for preparing pet food provided herein may improve over processes for preparing food in the art by providing, in certain embodiments, a multi-hurdle process configured to provide a pet food product having extended shelf life and a reduced amount of AGEs.

[0072] In some embodiments, the processes provided herein are configured to prepare a pet food product capable of being stored at room temperature. In some cases, the pet food product is comparable, in terms of degree of processing, AGE and shelf-life, to a similar refrigerated pet food product. In some instances, the pet food product is configured to be stored at room temperature for all or a significant portion of the duration of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures. For example, the pet food product may be configured to be stored at room temperature for at least 45 days.

[0073] Reducing the amount of heat applied to the pet food product may beneficially reduce the relative concentration of AGEs in the pet food product. However, a low-heat processing of pet food may result in insufficient killing of bacteria leading to shortened shelf life. The methods and processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may beneficially reduce the amount of heat applied to the pet food product while preserving and sterilizing the food.

Process Order

[0074] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting example of a process for preparing a pet food 5000. The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0075] In preferred embodiments, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a first ingredient 5001. In some embodiments, the first ingredient 5001 may comprise a protein source. In some cases, the first ingredient 5001 may comprise meat. In some instances, the first ingredient 5001 may comprise soy or another protein alternative. In some instances, the first ingredient is received by equipment 5005 configured to pre-process the first ingredient into a plurality of first ingredients. For example, the equipment 5005 may comprise a dicer. For example, the equipment 5005 is configured to cut the first ingredients into chunks. For example, the size of the first ingredient may be adjusted to change the cooking time. As an example, the meat is not freeze dried.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a second ingredient 5002. In some instances, the second ingredient 5002 may comprise vegetables. In some cases, the second ingredient is washed 5004. In some instances, the second ingredient 5002 is received by equipment 5005 configured to break up the second ingredients 5002 into a plurality of second ingredients. For example, the equipment 5005 may comprise a dicer. For example, the equipment 5005 is configured to cut the second ingredients 5002 into chunks. In some instances, the plurality of second ingredients is received by a freeze dryer 5006. In some instances, the plurality of second ingredients is freeze dried 5006. For example, freeze drying the plurality of second ingredients may comprise forming a desired shape and texture. In some instances, the plurality of second ingredients is stored 5007 after freeze drying 5006.

[0077] In preferred embodiments, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a third ingredient 5003. In some cases, the third ingredient 5003 may comprise a dry ingredient, a liquid ingredient, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the third ingredient may comprise a formulation configured to extend a shelf life of the pet food product. In some instances, the third ingredient comprises a fermented mixture agent. For example, the fermented mixture agent may comprise a formulation to extend the shelf life of the pet food product. For example, the third ingredient 5003 may comprise gravy. For example, the gravy comprises dehydrated gravy. As an example, the dehydrated gravy may be rehydrated 5008 upon addition of an appropriate agent (e.g., water). For example, the rehydrated gravy may be mixed to ensure the dehydrated gravy has substantially reconstituted in the water. In some instances, the third ingredient 5003 is weighed and mixed 5009. Fermentation process may begin as soon as the liquid ingredient or the fermentation base is mixed with other ingredients (e.g., at operation 5008 in FIG. 5) or at the storage or dispenser 10,011 in FIG. 10. As described elsewhere herein, the fermentation process may last throughout the subsequent process until the fixture is cooked or the bacteria is killed.

[0078] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise weighing and mixing 5010 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the first ingredient 5001 comprises diced meat. In some instances, the second ingredient 5002 comprises stored vegetables. In some instances, the third ingredient 5003 comprises rehydrated gravy.

[0079] In some instances, the weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises a container configured for receiving the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises mixing the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof. For example, mixing the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof may create a fermented mixture.

[0080] In some instances, a weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises weighing the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof after mixing. For example, the weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises transferring the fermented mixture to a combination container (e.g., large metal tray), to be mixed and then weighed.

[0081] In some instances, a weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises weighing the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof prior to mixing. For example, the weighing and mixing process 5010 comprises transferring the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof to a combination container (e.g., large metal tray), to be weighed and then mixed.

[0082] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise fermenting the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the fermentation process commences when the plurality of pet food ingredients is weighed and mixed 5010. In some cases, the fermenting the plurality of pet food ingredients commences upon the weighing and mixing process 5010 container receiving the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, the third ingredient 5003, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the fermentation process commences upon the addition/combination of the third ingredient 5003 to either the first ingredient 5001, the second ingredient 5002, or a combination thereof. For example, the fermentation process may commence upon the addition of the rehydrated gravy liquid to the vegetables, meats, or combination thereof.

[0083] In some cases, fermenting the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises lowering the pH of the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, fermenting the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises lowering the pH of a mixture of the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the fermentation operation commences during the weighing and mixing operation 5010 and continues throughout the remainder of the process for preparing a pet food.

[0084] In some cases, fermenting the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises adding a fermented product (e.g., a fermentate) as an ingredient to the recipe. In some instances, the fermented product comprises a microbial control. In some instances, the third ingredient comprises the fermented product.

[0085] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise steam cooking 5011 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients is transferred to a steam cooker 5011. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients is steam cooked 5011 for about 25 minutes. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises a plurality of meat ingredients. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients is steam cooked 5011 until an internal temperature of at least about 165 °F of substantially all of the plurality of meat ingredients. For example, the steam cooker 5011 may comprise an apparatus with probes configured to measure an internal temperature of the plurality of meat ingredients. For example, the steam cooker 5011 transfers the heat between the heating source and the meat quickly such that the time under heat of the plurality of meat ingredients is reduced. In some cases, the steam cooking process 5011 produces a steam cooked output. In some instances, the steamed cooked output comprises a steam cooked fermented mixture.

[0086] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise weighing and packaging 5012 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients is weighed and packaged 5012 after steam cooking 5011. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprise a steam cooked fermented mixture.

[0087] In some instances, the steam cooked fermented mixture is packaged into a plurality of packages (e.g., using robotics). In some instances, the steam cooked fermented mixture is packaged into a plurality of packages by hand. In some instances, the plurality of packages comprises a plurality of customized packages. For example, the plurality of customized packages may comprise a weight of between about 0.5 to about 400 ounces.

[0088] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise vacuum sealing 5013 the plurality of packages. In some cases, the plurality of packages is vacuum sealed. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of packages is double sealed (e.g., vacuum sealed at least twice). In some cases, the vacuum seal operation comprises a vacuuming duration. In some instances, the vacuuming duration comprises the amount of time configured to remove substantially all air from at least one package of the plurality of packages. For example, the vacuum may remove substantially all air from at least one package of the plurality of packages (e.g., a double vacuum sealed package) in 10 seconds or less. For example, the vacuum sealer will seal the package after substantially all air has been removed (e.g., seal by heat). As an example, the vacuum sealer is configured to output a plurality of vacuum sealed packages.

[0089] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise pasteurizing 5014 the plurality of vacuum sealed packages. In some cases, the plurality of vacuum sealed packages is transferred to a pasteurizer 5014. In some cases, the plurality of vacuum sealed packages is pasteurized 5014 at about 220°F. In some instances, the plurality of vacuum sealed packages is pasteurized 5014 for about 15 minutes. For example, the pasteurizer 5014 produces a plurality of pasteurized vacuum sealed packages.

[0090] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise chilling 5015 the plurality of pasteurized vacuum sealed packages. In some cases, the plurality of pasteurized vacuum sealed packages is transferred to a chiller 5015. In some cases, the chiller 5015 comprises an equipment configured to lower the temperature of the plurality of pasteurized vacuum sealed packages to about room temperature. For example, the chiller 5015 may be configured to produce a plurality of chilled, pasteurized, and vacuum sealed packages.

[0091] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a metal detection process 5016. In some cases, the metal detection process 5016 is configured to remove substantially all metal from the plurality of chilled, pasteurized, and vacuum sealed packages. In some cases, the plurality of chilled, pasteurized, and vacuum sealed packages is transferred to a metal detector 5016. In some instances, the metal detector 5016 is configured to identify and remove substantially all metals (e.g., not safe for consumption) from the plurality of chilled, pasteurized, and vacuum sealed packages. For example, the metal detector produces a plurality of substantially metal free vacuum sealed packages.

[0092] In some cases, the metal detection process may occur before packaging (e.g., if a bag liner causes the metal detector to trigger). In some instances, the metal detector identifies metal in product so that a down-stream process (automated or manual) may remove the implicated product. For example, a product identified with foreign material hazards may be discarded.

[0093] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise high pressure processing 5017 the plurality of substantially metal free vacuum sealed packages. In some cases, the plurality of substantially metal free vacuum sealed packages are transferred to a High Pressure Processing (HPP) 5017 machine. In some instances, the plurality of substantially metal free vacuum sealed packages are placed under an HPP process 5017 pressure of at least about 600 MPa. In some instances, the HPP process 5017 lasts at least about 3 minutes. For example, the HPP process 5017 may be configured to produce a plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages.

[0094] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise frozen storage 5018 of the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages. In some cases, the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages are transferred to a freezer for frozen storage 5018. In some instances, the frozen storage 5018 of the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages prolongs the shelf-life of the pet food product. For example, the frozen storage process 5018 may be configured to produce a plurality of frozen vacuum sealed packages.

[0095] In some instances, the frozen storage 5018 process operation may comprise thawing of the plurality of frozen vacuum sealed packages. For example, the thawing of the plurality of frozen vacuum sealed packages may be configured to produce a plurality of thawed vacuum sealed packages. [0096] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise shipping and distribution 5019 of the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages. In some instances, the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages comprises about a 30 day supply of pet food. In some instances, the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages comprises a supply of pet food configured to be consumed within between about 30 days to about 45 days of HPP processing 5017. In some instances, the plurality of HPP processed vacuum sealed packages comprises a supply of pet food configured to be consumed within about 45 days of HPP processing 5017.

[0097] In some cases, a process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise shipping and distribution 5019 of the plurality of thawed vacuum sealed packages. In some instances, the plurality of thawed vacuum sealed packages comprises about a 30 day supply of pet food. In some instances, the plurality of thawed vacuum sealed packages comprises a supply of pet food configured to be consumed within between about 30 days to about 45 days of thawing. In some instances, the plurality of thawed vacuum sealed packages comprises a supply of pet food configured to be consumed within about 45 days of thawing.

Process Variations

[0098] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a fermentation operation, a pasteurization operation, and a high pressure processing (HPP) operation.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a process 6000 for preparing a pet food. The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise receiving a plurality of pet food ingredients for processing 6001.

[0100] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise processing the plurality of pet food ingredients in the order of 1) receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients 6001, 2) fermentation 6002, 3) pasteurization 6003, and then 4) high pressure processing 6004.

[0101] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise fermenting 6002 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, fermenting 6002 the plurality of pet food ingredients creates a fermented mixture. For example, fermenting 6002 the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise receiving 6001 a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source for fermenting the pet food. For example, fermenting 6002 the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient to create the fermented mixture.

[0102] Next, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise pasteurizing 6003 the fermented mixture. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a steam pasteurization. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization temperature no greater than about 240°F. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of at most about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of greater than 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurizing 6003 the fermented mixture creates a pasteurization output.

[0103] Next, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise high pressure processing (HPP) 6004 of the pasteurization output. In some instances, a start of fermentation 6002 of the plurality of pet food ingredients occurs prior to a start of pasteurizing 6003. In some instances, the start of pasteurizing 6003 the fermented mixture occurs prior to a start of high pressure processing (HPP) 6004

[0104] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise cooking the fermented mixture. In some instances, cooking the fermented mixture occurs prior to pasteurizing 6003 the fermented mixture. In some instances, cooking the fermented mixture comprises steam cooking. For example, the steam cooking may comprise a steam cooking duration of about 25 minutes. For example, the steam cooking may be configured to raise an internal temperature of the fermented mixture to at least about 165°F.

[0105] In other embodiments, the process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise processing the plurality of pet food ingredients in the order of 1) receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients, 2) fermentation, and then 3) high pressure processing (HPP). In some instances, the 3) HPP may comprise a warm water HPP. For example, the warm water HPP operation may be configured to substitute separate pasteurization and HPP operations with a singular warm water HPP operation.

[0106] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of a process 7000 for preparing a pet food. In other embodiments, the process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise processing the plurality of pet food ingredients in the order of 1) receiving 7001 the plurality of pet food ingredients, 2) fermentation 7002, 3) packaging and vacuum sealing 7003, 3) high pressure processing 7004 and then 4) pasteurization 7005. [0107] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise receiving 7001 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the receiving 7001 the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise receiving 7001 a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source.

[0108] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise fermenting 7002 the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, fermenting 7002 the plurality of pet food ingredients creates a fermented mixture. For example, fermenting 7002 the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise receiving 7001 the first ingredient from a protein source, the second ingredient from a vegetable source, or a combination thereof, and the third ingredient from a dry and liquid source for fermenting the pet food. For example, the fermenting 7002 the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient to create a fermented mixture.

[0109] Next, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise packaging and vacuum sealing

7003 the fermented mixture. In some instances, packaging and vacuum sealing 7003 the fermented mixture creates a packaged vacuum sealed fermented mixture output.

[0110] Next the process for preparing food may comprise high pressure processing (HPP) 7004 of the packaged vacuum sealed fermented mixture output. In some instances, the HPP operation

7004 may comprise a HPP duration of between about 1 to about 10 minutes. For example, the HPP operation 7005 may produce an HPP operation output.

[OHl] In some cases, after the HPP operation 7004, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise steaming 7005 the HPP operation output. In some instances, the steaming 7005 the HPP operation output may comprise a pasteurization process. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a steam pasteurization. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization temperature of no greater than about 220°F. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of at most about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization process 6003 comprises a pasteurization duration of greater than 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurizing 6003 the fermented mixture creates a pasteurization output.

[0112] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise cooking the fermented mixture. In some instances, the cooking the fermented mixture occurs prior to the packaging and vacuum sealing 7003 the fermented mixture. In some instances, cooking the fermented mixture comprises steam cooking. For example, the steam cooking may comprise a steam cooking duration of about 25 minutes. For example, the steam cooking may be configured to raise an internal temperature of the fermented mixture to at least about 165°F.

[0113] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise transportation of a transportation operation input.

[0114] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise transporting an operation input between operations. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises a plurality of raw pet food ingredients. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the washing operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the storage operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the weighing and packaging operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the vacuum sealing operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In some cases, the transportation operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0115] In some instances, the transportation containers comprise any container configured to move the process operation output to the next process operation. For example, the transportation containers may comprise bins.

Ingredients

[0116] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments ingredients configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of balanced and appropriate nutritional content for the pet’s characteristics (e.g., species, age, breed, weight, medical conditions, etc.), high-quality sourcing, a primary protein source from meat, poultry, fish, or plant-based proteins, insect protein, incorporation of whole ingredients like grains, fruits, and vegetables, limited use of artificial additives and preservatives, avoidance of common allergens, emphasis on digestibility, a balanced amount of healthy fats, consideration of individual pet requirements, adherence to safety and quality standards, and ethical, sustainable sourcing practices for a well-rounded and palatable diet. [0117] In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises a resistance to bacterial growth. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises about a 1.0000% to about a 99.9999% resistance to bacterial growth. For example, the plurality of pet food ingredients comprises about a 1.0000% to about a 99.9999% resistance to bacterial growth over between about 1 day to about 75 days.

[0118] In preferred embodiments, the process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a plurality of pet food ingredients configured for consumption by an animal species. For example, the animal species may comprise Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Insects, Arachnids, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Echinoderms, Cnidarians, Flatworms, Roundworms, Annelids, Chordates, or a combination thereof. For example, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food configured for consumption by any household pet. For example, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food configured for consumption by any domesticated animal. As an example the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food fit for consumption by any canine. As an example the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food fit for consumption by any feline. As an example the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food fit for consumption by any zoo animal. As an example the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise pet food fit for consumption by any wild animal.

[0119] For example, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a plurality of pet food ingredients configured for consumption by humans/homo sapiens.

[0120] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise the receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise at least a first ingredient, a second ingredient and a third ingredient. In some instances, the receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise receiving the first ingredient, followed by the second ingredient, followed by the third ingredient. In further instances, the receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise receiving the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient in any order. In further instances, the receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise adding the first ingredient, the second ingredient, the third ingredient, or a combination thereof, in any order, to a scale, mixing container, or a combination thereof.

[0121] In some instances, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a first ingredient from a protein source. For example, the first ingredient may comprise a plurality of meats. As an example, the plurality of meats may comprise various types of meat, may comprise one or more of chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork, fish, venison, rabbit, duck, salmon, quail, bison, kangaroo, buffalo, and veal, or any combination thereof. In some instances, the first ingredient may comprise a combination of meat ingredients configured to offer a diverse protein source for nutritional balance.

[0122] In some instances, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a second ingredient from a plurality of vegetable sources. For example, the plurality of vegetables sources may comprise various types of vegetables, may comprise one or more of carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, green beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, and kale, or any combination thereof. For example, the plurality of vegetables sources may comprise a vegetable powder.

[0123] In some instances, the second ingredient may comprise a combination of vegetable ingredients configured to offer a diverse sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for balanced nutrition. In some instances, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a second ingredient from a fiber source. For example, the second ingredient may comprise a plurality of whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa, oats, etc.), legumes (e.g., lentils and black beans), fruits (e.g., apples and berries), vegetables, nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds and chia seeds), whole wheat products (e.g., bread and pasta), bran cereals (e.g., bran flakes), and root vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes and beets).

[0124] As an example, the serving size may comprise between about 1 gram to about 1500 grams of pet food. For example, the serving size may be configured for a size of a feline or canine breads.

[0125] In some instances, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise receiving a third ingredient. For example, the third ingredient may comprise a dry source ingredient configured for fermenting the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. For example, the dry source ingredient may comprise a dehydrated gravy. As an example, the dehydrated gravy may comprise a low pH, natural anti-microbial properties, or a combination thereof. In still further examples, the dehydrated gravy may be rehydrated. For example, water may be added to the dehydrated gravy before, during or after an addition of the dehydrated gravy to the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. As an example, the liquid gravy may be configured to lower a pH of the pet food mixture to between about 3.0 to about 6.5 pH units. [0126] In some cases, the liquid gravy comprises a fermented product (e.g., a fermentate) as an ingredient to the recipe. In some instances, the liquid gravy comprises a microbial control.

[0127] In some instances, the third ingredient may comprise a liquid source ingredient configured for fermenting the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. For example, the liquid source ingredient may comprise a fermented natural antimicrobial. As an example, the liquid source ingredient may comprise a liquid gravy. As an example, the liquid gravy comprises a low pH, natural anti-microbial properties, or a combination thereof. As an example, the liquid gravy may be configured to lower a pH of the pet food mixture to between about 3.0 to about 6.5 pH units.

[0128] In some instances, the third ingredient may comprise a food oil. For example, the food oil may comprise chicken fat, fish oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, or a combination thereof. For example, the food oil may comprise any oil configured to provide essential fatty acids and enhance nutritional content.

[0129] In some examples, the third ingredient may comprise a combination of a dry source ingredient and a liquid source ingredient. As an example, the third ingredient may comprise any combination of a dry source ingredient and liquid source ingredient configured to change the pH of the plurality of pet food ingredients. For example, the combination of the dry source ingredient and the liquid source ingredient may be configured to change the pH of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. As an example, the combination of the dry source ingredient and the liquid source ingredient may be configured to change the pH of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof to a pH of between about 3.0 to about 6.5 pH units.

[0130] In some embodiments, the third ingredient comprises third ingredient input components. In some cases, the third ingredient input components comprise a fermented ingredient, water, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the fermented ingredient comprises a dehydrated gravy. For example, the third ingredient may comprise a rehydrated gravy mixture (e.g., after mixing). For example, the rehydrated gravy mixture is configured to ferment a plurality of ingredients. As an example, the plurality of ingredients may comprise a protein source, a vegetable source, or a combination thereof. As an example, the rehydrated gray is configured to provide anti-microbial benefits.

[0131] In optional embodiments, the process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise an addition of a plurality of preservatives. In some cases, the plurality of preservatives may comprise any preservative configured to extend a shelf life and prevent spoilage of a pet food product.

[0132] In some cases, the plurality of preservatives may comprise potassium sorbate. In some cases, the plurality of preservatives may comprise various types of preservatives, may comprise one or more of vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), rosemary extract, citric acid, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, mixed tocopherols, BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), sodium benzoate, zinc propionate and ethoxyquin, or any derivatives thereof.

[0133] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments an addition of a plurality of pet food ingredients configured to adjust a pH of a pet food mixture. In some cases, the pet food mixture may comprise a plurality of first ingredients, second ingredients, third ingredients, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the pet food mixture comprises a pH change with each additional ingredient added to the pet food mixture.

[0134] In some cases, the addition of the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise an addition of a third ingredient. In some instances, the third ingredient comprises a gravy. In some instances, the third ingredient comprises a fermented natural antimicrobial agent. In some instances, the third ingredient comprises gravy and a fermented natural microbial agent. For example, the fermented natural microbial agent may be added at substantially the same time as gravy.

[0135] In some cases, the addition of the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise an addition of the first ingredient, the second ingredient or a combination thereof. In some instances, the addition of the first ingredient, the second ingredient or a combination thereof is configured to raise the pH of the pet food mixture. In some instances, the addition of the first ingredient, the second ingredient or a combination thereof is configured to lower the pH of the pet food mixture. In some instances, the addition of the first ingredient, the second ingredient or a combination thereof is configured to maintain the pH of the pet food mixture.

[0136] In some cases, a lowering of the pet food mixture pH correlates to an exponential growth in bacteria. In some instances, the exponential growth in bacteria correlates to spoilage of a pet food product. For example, the lowering the pet food mixture pH by more than 0.5 pH units may correlate to a 3+ log growth in bacteria. For example, the 3+ log growth in bacteria correlates to spoilage of the pet food product.

[0137] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of the pet food mixture pH throughout different stages in the process of preparing a pet food. In the example of FIG. 1, pH throughout different stages in the process of preparing a pet food is tracked after addition of various ingredients. Referring to FIG. 1, the X-axis may comprise a pet food ingredient added. Furthermore, referring to Fig. 1, the Y-axis may comprise a measured pet food mixture pH.

[0138] In the example of FIG. 1, a line 1001 represents the pet food mixture pH after the addition of pet food ingredients to the pet food mixture comprising a fermented natural antimicrobial agent. [0139] The process of preparing a pet food may comprise the addition of an alternative fermented natural antimicrobial agent. In the example of FIG. 1, a line 1002 represents the pet food mixture pH after the addition of pet food ingredients to the pet food mixture comprising the alternative fermented natural antimicrobial agent.

[0140] The example of FIG. 1 illustrates a pH level of a pet food mixture throughout the food manufacturing process provided herein. In some cases, the pet food mixture pH may change upon addition of another ingredient.

[0141] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of Hearts to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 6.0 to about 6.5.

[0142] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of gravy to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.0 to about 4.5. In some instances, the addition of gravy to the pet food mixture leads to a drop in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 pH units to about 3.0 pH units. For example, the gravy may comprise a rehydrated dehydrated gravy.

[0143] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of vegetables to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.0. In some instances, the addition of vegetables to the pet food mixture leads to a rise in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 to about 2.0 pH units.

[0144] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of a fermented natural antimicrobial agent to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.0 to about 5.0. In some instances, the addition of a fermented natural antimicrobial agent to the pet food mixture leads to a drop in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 pH units to about 2.0 pH units.

[0145] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of minors & oats to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.0. In some instances, the addition of minors & oats to the pet food mixture leads to a rise in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 to about 2.0 pH units.

[0146] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of coconut oil and liver to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.0. In some instances, the addition of coconut oil and liver to the pet food mixture leads to a rise in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 to about 2.0 pH units.

[0147] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of miscellaneous grass and celery powder to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.5. In some instances, the addition of coconut oil and liver to the pet food mixture leads to a rise in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 to about 2.0 pH units. [0148] In some cases, the pet food mixture pH upon the addition of cooked, frozen, or thawed meat to the pet food mixture may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.5. In some instances, the addition of cooked, frozen, or thawed meat to the pet food mixture leads to a rise in pet food mixture pH by between about 0.1 to about 2.0 pH units.

[0149] In some instances, the addition of another ingredient to the pet food mixture may be configured to adjust the pet food mixture pH into a target zone pH. For example, the target zone pH may comprise a range of pH configured to reduce the growth of bacteria in the pet food mixture. For example, the target zone pH may be configured to reduce/eliminate spoilage of the pet food.

[0150] In some cases, the pet food mixture comprises the target zone pH. In some instances, the pet food mixture comprising the target zone pH during pet food preparation may correlate to a less than a 3+ log growth in bacteria in the pet food product over the course of a desired shelf life. In some instances, the pet food mixture comprising the target zone pH may prevent spoilage of the pet food product over the course of a desired shelf life. In some instances, the target zone pH comprises between about 3.0 to about 6.5 pH units. For example, the target zone pH may comprise between about 4.5 to about 5.0 pH units. For example, the desired shelf-life may comprise between about 14 days to about 60 days.

[0151] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise maintaining the pH of the pet food within a target zone pH for at least one process operation. In some instances, the target zone pH is maintained for at least 6 process operations. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the frozen storage operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the HPP operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the Metal Detection operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the chilling operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the pasteurization operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the vacuum sealing operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the steam cooking operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH until the end of the mixing operation. In some instances, the pet food mixture pH comprises a pH within the target zone pH from a fermentation commencement to a fermentation end. [0152] The process for preparing a pet food may comprise a total preparation time. In some cases, the total preparation time comprises the time from the addition of an initial ingredient to a weighing/mixing container to a time of storage. In some instances, the initial ingredient comprises the first ingredient, the second ingredients, the third ingredient, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise maintaining a target zone pH for at least about 1% to about 99% of the total preparation time.

Washing

[0153] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a washing operation during production configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of removing contaminants, ensuring microbial safety, controlling allergens, maintaining consistency and quality, preserving nutrients, complying with regulations, enhancing palatability, and achieving ingredient consistency.

[0154] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a washing operation input.

[0155] In preferred embodiments, the washing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise the second ingredient. For example, the second ingredient may comprise a plurality of vegetables. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise the first ingredient. For example, the first ingredient may comprise a plurality of meats.

[0156] In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a storage operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the washing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0157] The washing operation may produce a washing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the washing operation output may comprise a washed plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the washed plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a washed plurality of second ingredients. In some instances, the washed plurality of second ingredients may comprise a washed plurality of vegetable ingredients.

Pre-process

[0158] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a pre-process operation during pet food production configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of enhancing texture and palatability, ensuring a uniform distribution, facilitating ease of mixing, improving digestibility, integrating ingredients effectively, facilitating processing, enhancing nutrient release, ensuring consistency in production, and allowing customization of formulas to meet specific pet dietary needs.

[0159] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise pre- process a pre-process operation input.

[0160] In preferred embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises the washing operation output. In some cases, the washing operation output may comprise the washed plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the washed plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a washed second ingredient. For example, the second ingredient may comprise a plurality of vegetables. In some instances, the washed plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a washed first ingredient. For example, the first ingredient may comprise a plurality of meats.

[0161] In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a storage operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the pre- process operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the pre- process operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the pre-process operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the pre- process operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output. [0162] In some cases, the pre-processing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise sizing the plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0163] In some cases, the sizing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise cutting or chunking the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the cutting or chunking of the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise cutting or chunking the plurality of pet food ingredients to a predetermined size.

[0164] In some cases, the sizing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise dicing the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the dicing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise dicing the plurality of pet food ingredient to a predetermined size. [0165] In some cases, the sizing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise cutting/dicing the plurality of pet food ingredients into thin strips, cubes, or a combination thereof.

[0166] The plurality of pet food ingredients may be cut, diced, or a combination thereof to comprise a dimension of a dry kibble. In some cases, the dimensions of the dry kibble may comprise about 14 inch in diameter or less. In some cases, the dimensions of the dry kibble may comprise about 14 inch in diameter. In some cases, the dimensions of the dry kibble may comprise about 14 inch in diameter or more. In some instances, the dry kibble may comprise small round pieces. In some instances, the dry kibble may comprise various shapes. For example, the dry kibble may comprise bones or squares.

[0167] The plurality of pet food ingredients may be cut, diced, or a combination thereof to comprise the dimensions of a wet or canned pet food. In some cases, the wet/canned pet food comprises diverse sizes. In some cases, the wet/canned pet food comprises a shape configured to fit in a can, bag, or similar container. In some instances, the container comprises a Tetra Pak style container. In some instances, the can comprise a can volume. For example, the can volume may comprise 3 ounces, 5.5 ounces, 12 ounces, or greater than 12 ounces.

[0168] The plurality of pet food ingredients may be cut, diced, or a combination thereof to comprise the dimensions of a raw or frozen pet food. In some cases, the raw or frozen pet food may comprise the shape of patties, nuggets, or other forms. In some cases, the raw or frozen pet food may be sized to between about 0.1 to about 18 inches in diameter. In some cases, the raw or frozen pet food may be sized to fit into a package. In some instances, the package may comprise a package volume. For example, the package volume may be configured to fit between about 0.1 ounces to about 1600 ounces. In further example, the package volume may be configured to fit greater than 1600 ounces.

[0169] The plurality of pet food ingredients may be cut, diced, or a combination thereof to comprise a soft or semi-moist pet food. In some cases, the soft or semi-moist pet food comprises varying dimensions. In some instances, the soft or semi-moist pet food may be sized to between about 0.1 to about 18 inches in diameter. In some instances, the soft or semi-moist pet food comprises small chunks/slices. In some cases, the soft or semi-moist pet food may be sized to fit into a package. In some instances, the package may comprise a package volume. For example, the package volume may be configured to fit between about 0.1 ounces to about 1600 ounces. In further example, the package volume may be configured to fit greater than 1600 ounces.

[0170] The pet food product may comprise a plurality of pet food product textures. In some cases, the pet food product texture comprises the texture of the process operation output after any operation in the process of preparing a pet food. In some instances, the pet food product texture comprises the texture of the process operation output after washing, dicing, freeze drying, storage, weighing, mixing, steam cooking, vacuum sealing, packaging, pasteurizing, chilling, metal detecting, high pressure processing, frozen storage, shipping & distribution, any other process operation, or a combination thereof.

[0171] In some cases, the pet food product texture may comprise a soup texture. In some cases, the pet food product texture may comprise a stew texture. In some instances, the pet food product texture may comprise a soup/stew texture when mixed together. In some instances, the pet food product may comprise a dehydrated pet food configured to be reconstituted with water.

[0172] In some embodiments, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise cooking a pet food mixture. In some cases, the pet food mixture may comprise a mixture of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the cooking the pet food mixture releases water. In some instances, the water is released from the first ingredient (e.g., meat). For example, releasing water from the meat may be correlated to thinning the gravy. In some instances, releasing water from the pet food product reduces a pet food product dimension. For example, the pet food product may comprise smaller pieces of meat.

[0173] The pre-process operation may produce a pre-process operation output. In preferred embodiments, the pre-process operation output may comprise a pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Freeze Drying

[0174] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a freeze drying operation during production configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of preserve nutrients, extend shelf life, provide lightweight and convenient storage, enhance flavor and palatability, reduce the risk of spoilage, offer convenience for pet owners, reducing the need for additives. [0175] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise freeze drying a freeze drying operation input.

[0176] In preferred embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In some cases, the pre-process operation output comprises the pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a second ingredient. For example, the second ingredient may comprise a plurality of vegetable ingredients. For example, the plurality of vegetable ingredients may comprise a dicing operation output (e.g., a plurality of diced vegetable ingredients). As an example, the plurality of vegetable ingredients may comprise a washing operation output (e.g., a plurality of washed vegetable ingredients).

[0177] In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a storage operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the freeze drying operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0178] In some cases, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise a freeze drying apparatus/equipment receiving the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may further comprise primary drying (e.g., sublimation) the plurality of pet food ingredients at -20°C to -10°C. In some instances, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may further comprise primary drying (e.g., sublimation) the plurality of pet food ingredients at less than -20°C. In some instances, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may further comprise primary drying (e.g., sublimation) the plurality of pet food ingredients at greater than -10°C. In some instances, the freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may further comprise pressure controlling the freeze drying apparatus/equipment to below about 100 mTorr. In some instances, the freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may further comprise pressure controlling the freeze drying apparatus/equipment to greater than about 100 mTorr. In some instances, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise precise timing for each phase. In some instances, freeze drying the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise monitoring and controlling pet food product temperature, assessing moisture content, ensuring uniform drying, and employing proper vacuum-sealed packaging to preserve quality and extend shelf life.

[0179] The freeze drying operation may produce a freeze drying operation output. In preferred embodiments, the freeze drying operation output may comprise a freeze dried, pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Storage

[0180] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise storing the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the storing the plurality of pet food ingredients occurs after freeze the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some instances, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise the second ingredient. For example, the second ingredient may comprise a plurality of vegetable ingredients.

[0181] In some cases, storing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise storing at room temperature. In some instances, room temperature comprises between about 68 degrees F to about 77 degrees F. In some cases, storing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise storing at refrigerating or freezing temperature. In some instances, refrigerating temperature comprises at most about 39 degrees F. In some instances, freezing temperature comprises at most about 32 degrees F.

[0182] In some cases, the storing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise storing for about 0 hours to about 36 hours. In some cases, the storing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise storing for longer than 36 hours.

[0183] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise storing a storage operation input.

[0184] In preferred embodiments, the storage operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In some cases, the freeze drying operation output comprises the freeze dried, pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0185] In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the storage operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0186] The storage operation may produce a storage operation output. In preferred embodiments, the storage operation output may comprise a stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Weighing and Mixing

[0187] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a plurality of weighing and mixing process operations configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of precise formulation, uniform nutrient distribution, enhanced digestibility, improved texture and palatability, efficient cooking processes, quality assurance, cost efficiency, consistency across batches, adherence to regulations, and the ability to customize and offer a variety of nutritionally balanced pet food products.

[0188] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a weighing and mixing operation input.

[0189] In preferred embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In some cases, the freeze drying operation output comprises the stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0190] In other preferred embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In some cases, the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise the third ingredient. In some instances, the third ingredient may comprise a plurality of dry source ingredients, a plurality of liquid source ingredients, or a combination thereof. For example, the plurality of liquid source ingredients may comprise a liquid gravy, a rehydrated gravy, a fermentation agent, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise weighing and mixing the third ingredient. In some instances, weighing and mixing the third ingredient may formulate the third ingredient to be added to a mixture comprising the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof. For example, the third ingredient may be formulated as a fermentation agent configured to ferment the mixture comprising the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof.

[0191] In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0192] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise weighing the weighing and mixing operation input.

[0193] In some cases, weighing the weighing and mixing operation input may comprise weighing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient, or any combination thereof. In some cases, weighing the weighing and mixing operation input ensures that the proper ratio of pet food ingredients is present prior to mixing. For example, weighing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise removing an excess amount of the plurality of pet food ingredients prior to or after mixing. For example, weighing the plurality of pet food ingredients may comprise an addition of more of the plurality of pet food ingredients when more is needed prior to or after mixing.

[0194] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise mixing the weighing and mixing operation input.

[0195] In some cases, mixing the weighing and mixing operation input may comprise mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient and the third ingredient, or any combination thereof. In some instances, mixing the plurality of pet food ingredients creates a fermented mixture. For example, the fermented mixture may comprise a sufficient amount of the fermentation agent to begin fermentation of substantially all of the available first ingredients, second ingredients, and third ingredients.

[0196] The weighing and mixing operation may produce a weighing and mixing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation output may comprise a fermented mixture. In some cases, the fermented mixture may comprise the weighed and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients. Fermentation

[0197] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a fermentation operation during production configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of preservation, flavor enhancement, nutrient enrichment, improved digestibility, texture modification, production of bioactive compounds (e.g., peptides, organic acids, and antioxidants), probiotic benefits, and reduction of antinutrients. Furthermore, the processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a fermentation process operation configured to produce a pet food product having extended shelf life and reduced amount of AGE.

[0198] In some cases, the fermentation operation may comprise pickling fermentation. In some instances, the pickling fermentation promotes lactic acid fermentation by naturally occurring bacteria. For example, the lactic acid bacteria may convert sugars into lactic acid, creating an acidic environment that preserves the vegetables and imparts a tangy flavor.

[0199] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise fermenting a fermenting operation input.

[0200] In preferred embodiments, the fermenting operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the weighing and mixing operation output may comprise a fermented mixture. In some cases, the fermented mixture may comprise the weighed and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0201] In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the fermentation operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output. [0202] In preferred embodiments, the fermentation process operation may comprise commencement upon addition of a pet food ingredient to a weighing container, mixing container, or combination thereof. In some cases, the fermentation process operation commences upon addition of the third ingredient to another pet food ingredient. In some instances, the fermentation process operation begins upon an addition of the third ingredient to the second ingredient. In some instances, the fermentation process operation begins upon addition of the third ingredient to the first ingredient. In some instances, the fermentation process operation begins upon addition of the third ingredient to a combination of the first ingredient and the second ingredient. In some instances, the fermentation process operation begins upon addition of the third ingredient to a combination of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient. For example, the fermentation process may begin when the first ingredient, the second ingredient, the third ingredient, or a combination thereof are combined in a fermentation container. For example, the fermentation container comprises a weighing container, a mixing container, or a combination thereof.

[0203] In some cases, the third ingredient may comprise a fermented flavor system ingredient. In some instances, the fermented flavor system ingredient is configured to reduce the pH of the pet food ingredients. For example, the fermented flavor system ingredient may be configured to reduce the pH of the pet food mixture. In some instances, the fermented flavor system ingredient comprises pediocins. For example, the pediocins may be configured to abate growth of bacteria. [0204] In some instances, the fermented flavor system ingredient comprises the pediocins to abate the growth of less than all of the lactic acid bacteria. For example, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 1% to 10%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 10% to 20%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 20% to 30%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately by about 30% to 40%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 40% to 50%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 50% to 60%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 60% to 70%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 70% to 80%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 80% to 90%. In some examples, the pediocins may reduce the growth of bacteria by approximately 90% to 100%. [0205] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments, a fermentation operation configured to vary a pH of the pet food mixture throughout the pet food preparation process.

[0206] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise addition of a fermented natural antimicrobial agent. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise addition of gravy. In some cases, the fermented natural antimicrobial agent may comprise fermented a flavor system ingredient.

[0207] In some cases, the fermentation operation is configured to adjust the pH of the pet food mixture into a fermentation pH range. In some instances, the fermentation pH range comprises between about 3.0 to about 8.0. For example, the fermentation pH range may comprise between about 4.1 to about 5.5.

[0208] In some cases, the fermentation operation comprises a fermentation start. In some instances, the fermentation start comprises a point in the process in which a fermented mixture pH first enters a fermentation pH range. For example, the fermentation start may comprise the point in the pet food preparation process in which the fermented mixture pH may comprise less than about 3.0. For example, the fermentation start may comprise the point in the pet food preparation process in which the fermented mixture pH comprises less than about 8.0.

[0209] In some instances, the fermentation start comprises the addition of the fermentation agent. For example, the fermentation agent may comprise the third ingredient. In some instances, the fermentation start comprises the mixture of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof with the third ingredient. For example, the mixture of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or a combination thereof with the third ingredient comprises a fermented mixture.

[0210] In some cases, the fermentation operation comprises a fermentation end. In some instances, the fermentation end comprises a point in the process in which a fermented mixture pH is outside of a fermentation pH range. For example, the fermentation end may comprise the point in the pet food preparation process in which the fermented mixture pH comprises less than about 3.0. For example, the fermentation end may comprise the point in the pet food preparation process in which the fermented mixture pH comprises more than about 8.0.

[0211] In some instances, the fermented mixture pH rises with the addition of other ingredients. For example, the fermented mixture pH may rise with the addition of the first ingredient, the second ingredient, the third ingredient, or a combination thereof. [0212] In some instances, the fermented mixture pH rises with increasing temperature. For example, the fermented mixture pH may rise during a cooking operation. For example, the cooking operation may reduce bacterial levels through the duration of the cooking operation. [0213] In some cases, a drop in fermented mixture pH correlates to an exponential growth in bacteria and spoilage of the product. In some instances, a drop in fermented mixture pH greater than 0.5 units correlates to a 3+ log growth in bacteria and spoilage of the product.

[0214] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the fermentation temperature may comprise a fermentation temperature between about 70°F to about 140°F. The process may also include a step wherein the fermentation temperature comprises approximately 100°F to 115°F.

[0215] The fermentation process operation may comprise a fermentation pressure. In some cases the fermentation pressure is between about 0 MPa to about 800 MPa.

[0216] In some cases, the fermentation process operation continues throughout the duration of the process for preparing the pet food. In some instances, the fermentation process operation commences upon the addition of the third ingredient to the first ingredient, the second ingredient, or combination thereof. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the frozen storage operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the HPP operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the Metal Detection operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the optional chill operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the pasteurization operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the vacuum seal operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the steam cooking operation. In some instances, the fermentation process continues until the end of the mixing operation.

[0217] In some embodiments, the fermentation process comprises a pickling fermentation. In some cases, the pickling fermentation is carried out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In some instances, the LAB naturally occur on the surface of fruits and vegetables. For example, the LAB may comprise lactobacillus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the pickling fermentation comprises use of a starter culture or brine from a previous batch of fermented pickles to ensure an introduction of active lactic acid bacteria. In some cases, the fermentation process comprises wild yeasts. In some instances, the LAB transform sugars into lactic acid during pickling. In some instances, the specific strains and proportions of LAB may vary, influencing the flavor and texture of a final pickled pet food product. [0218] The fermentation may produce a fermentation operation output. In preferred embodiments, the fermentation operation output may comprise a fermented mixture. In some cases, the fermented mixture comprises a fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Internal Temperature

[0219] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a plurality of cooking process operations configured during production to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of reduce/ eliminate harmful pathogens, prevent foodbome illnesses, ensure safety compliance, provide a clear indicator of meat’s readiness, and contribute to improved textural and flavor qualities. Furthermore, the processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a cooking process operation configured to produce a pet food product having extended shelf life and reduced amount of AGE.

[0220] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a cooking process operation configured to raise an internal temperature of the cooking process operation input to an internal temperature.

[0221] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise cooking a cooking operation input.

[0222] In preferred embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises the fermentation operation output. In some cases, the fermentation operation output may comprise the fermented mixture. In some instances, the fermented mixture may comprise the fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0223] In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the cooking operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output. [0224] In some cases, the cooking process operation comprises cooking the cooking process operation input until the cooking process operation input reaches a cooking process operation input internal temperature. In some instances, the cooking process operation input internal temperature comprises a temperature sufficient to eliminate reduce about 1% to about 99.99% of all cooking process operation input bacteria.

[0225] In some cases, the cooking process operation input internal temperature comprises between about 145°F to about 220°F.For example, the cooking process operation may be configured to raise the internal temperature of the fermented mixture to at least about 165°F. For example, the cooking process operation may be configured to raise the internal temperature until internal temperature reaches the safe level.

[0226] In preferred embodiments, the cooking process operation may comprise steaming the cooking process operation input. In some instances, steaming the cooking process operation input results in a gentler approach to processing the ingredients, both reducing AGE content and maintaining shelf stability. In some instances, steaming the cooking process operation input transfers the heat between the heating source and the cooking process operation input quickly such that the time under heat of cooking process operation input is reduced. For example, the steaming process may be configured to raise an internal temperature of the cooking process operation input to at least 165°F in less than about 25 minutes.

[0227] In some cases, the cooking process operation may comprise cooking the cooking process operation input at a cooking temperature. In some instances, the cooking process operation may comprise steaming the cooking process operation input at the cooking temperature. In some instances, the cooking temperature comprises no higher than 240°F degrees.

[0228] In some instances, the cooking temperature comprises no higher than 220°F degrees.

[0229] In some instances, the cooking temperature may comprise no lower than about 200°F degrees. In some instances, the cooking temperature may comprise no lower than about 180°F degrees. In some instances, the cooking temperature may comprise no lower than about 165°F degrees. In some instances, the cooking temperature may comprise no lower than about 145°F degrees.

[0230] In some instances, the cooking temperature comprises a steam temperature. For example, the steam temperature may comprise between about 32°F to about 300 °F.

[0231] In some instances, the cooking temperature is any temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the cooking operation input. For example, the cooking temperature may be any temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the cooking operation input to between about 145°F to 200°F for a cooking duration. [0232] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the cooking temperature may comprise between about 208°F to about 216°F. In some cases, the cooking temperature may comprise about 208°F, about 209°F, about 210°F, about 211°F, about 212°F, about 213°F, about 214°F, about 215°F, or about 216°F.

[0233] In some cases, the cooking process operation may comprise cooking the cooking process operation input for a cooking duration. In some instances, the cooking process operation may comprise steaming the cooking process operation input for the cooking duration. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least about 30 minutes. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least about 25 minutes. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least about 20 minutes. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least about 15 minutes. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least 10 minutes. For example, the cooking duration may comprise at least at least about 5 minutes.

[0234] In some cases, the cooking duration comprises the amount of cooking duration necessary to sufficiently raise an internal temperature of the cooking operation input. For example, the cooking operation input may comprise the fermented mixture. For example, the cooking duration may be any duration sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the fermented mixture to between about 145 °F to 200 °F. For example, the cooking duration may be any duration sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the fermented mixture to about 165 °F. For example, the cooking duration comprises a duration of time necessary to eliminate/reduce a sufficient amount of bacteria in the pet food mixture. For example, a sufficient amount of bacteria may comprise eliminate/reduce of between about 1% to about 99% of initial bacterial levels. In some instances, the cooking duration comprises between about 0 minutes to about 20 minutes. In some instances, the cooking duration comprises greater than about 20 minutes.

[0235] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the cooking duration may comprise between about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes. In some cases, the cooking temperature may comprise about 25 minutes, about 26 minutes, about 27 minutes, about 28 minutes, 29 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 31 minutes, about 32 minutes, about 33 minutes, about 34 minutes, or about 35 minutes.

[0236] In some instance, the cooking duration is inversely proportional to the cooking temperature. For example, a higher cooking temperature may correlate to a shorter cooking duration necessary to reach the desired internal temperature in the cooking operation input. [0237] The process may also include a step wherein the cooking temperature comprises approximately 212°F for approximately 30 minutes. In some cases, the cooking process input comprises an internal temperature of about 165°F. [0238] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a cooking operation configured to enhance the reduction/elimination of bacteria and extend the shelf life of the pet food product. In some cases, the cooking operation may comprise a steam cooking operation.

[0239] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise a cooking operation for a duration of time configured to raise, lower, or maintain the internal temperature of substantially all of a cooking operation input comprising bacteria susceptible to reduction/elimination by heat to a temperature configured to sufficiently reduce/eliminate that harmful bacteria. In some instances, the cooking operation raises an internal temperature of the cooking operation input ingredients to at least about 165°F. For example, the cooking operation input ingredients may comprise at least one meat ingredient.

[0240] In some cases, the bacteria killed over time may comprise any bacteria that limits the length of a pet food shelf-life. In some instances, the bacteria killed over time may comprise pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Salmonella and E. coli), spoilage bacteria (e.g., including molds and yeasts), harmful microorganisms, enterobacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, or a combination thereof.

[0241] FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of the correlation 2000 of the duration of cooking the cooking operation input on the percent of cooking operation bacteria killed. In FIG. 2, for example, pH, sensory panel results and bacteria levels were all tightly correlated. In some instances, the fermented mixture pH rises during cooking as a function of cooking duration. For example, the increase in fermented mixture pH during cooking may correlate to a reduction in bacterial count as a function of cooking duration. For example, cooking may reduce greater bacterial levels through greater durations of the cooking operation.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 2, the X-axis 2001 may comprise a cooking duration in minutes. In some instances, the cooking duration comprises a steam cooking duration. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2, the Y-axis 2002 may comprise a percent of bacteria killed over time.

[0243] As shown in FIG. 2, in some cases, cooking the cooking operation input at a cooking temperature for a cooking duration reduces the amount of bacteria in the pet food mixture. In some instances, the cooking temperature comprises between about 32°F to about 300 °F. For example, cooking the cooking operation input at the cooking temperature for at least about 2 minutes may correlate to at least about a 25% of reduction in bacteria. For example, cooking the cooking operation input at the cooking temperature for at least about 10 minutes may correlate to at least about a 99.999% reduction in bacteria. For example, the cooking the cooking operation input at the cooking temperature for at least about 4 minutes may correlate to at least about a 70% reduction in bacteria. For example, cooking the cooking operation input at the cooking temperature for at least about at least about 9 minutes may correlate to at least about 99% reduction in bacteria.

[0244] The cooking operation may produce a cooking operation output. In preferred embodiments, the cooking operation output may comprise a cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the cooked fermented mixture comprises a cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0245] In some instances, a completion of the cooking process operation at the cooking temperature for the cooking duration may produce a cooking process operation output. In some instances, the cooking process operation output may comprise a cooked fermented mixture. For example, the cooked fermented mixture may comprise an internal temperature of at least about 165°F.

[0246] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise transporting the cooking operation output. In some instances, transporting the cooking operation output may comprise the cooking operation output from a cooking tray to a storage bags (e.g., directly). In some examples, the storage bags comprise sealed storage bags. For example, the sealed storage bags may comprise vacuum sealed storage bags. In some examples, the sealed storage bags are carried in plastic totes.

Vacuum Sealing and Packaging

[0247] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a vacuum sealing and packaging process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of preserve freshness, extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth, prevent freezer burn, protect from contaminants, improve storage and transportation efficiency, enhance nutrient retention, prevent rancidity, and present the product neatly while maintaining overall quality and safety. Furthermore, the processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a vacuum sealing and packaging process operation configured to produce a pet food product having extended shelf life and reduced amount of AGE.

[0248] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise weighing a vacuum sealing operation input. In preferred embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a steaming operation output. In some cases embodiments, the steaming operation output comprises the cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the cooked fermented mixture comprises a cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre- processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients. [0249] In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0250] In some cases, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input ensures that the proper ratio of ingredients is present prior to packaging. For example, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input may comprise removing an excess amount of the cooked fermented mixture. For example, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation input may comprise an addition of more of the cooked fermented mixture up to a desired amount (e.g., 16 ounces).

[0251] The weighing the vacuum sealing operation input may produce a weighing the vacuum sealing input operation output. In preferred embodiments, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation output may comprise the weighed cooked fermented mixture.

[0252] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise packaging a vacuum sealing operation input. In preferred embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the weighing the vacuum sealing operation output. In some cases, the weighing the vacuum sealing operation output comprises the weighed cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the weighed cooked fermented mixture comprises a weighed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0253] In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0254] In some cases, the package comprises any container configured to be vacuum sealed. For example, the container may comprise vacuum-sealed bags or pouches e.g., made of materials that may withstand the vacuum-sealing process).

[0255] In some cases, the packaging of the cooked fermented mixture occurs prior to the weighing of the cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the weighing of the cooked fermented mixture occurs prior to the packaging of the weighed cooked fermented mixture. In some instances, the packaged cooked fermented mixtures are weighed prior to vacuum sealing. For example, the weighing the packaged cooked fermented mixtures ensure each weighed cooked fermented mixture comprises a desired weight (e.g., 16 ounces).

[0256] The packaging the vacuum sealing operation input may produce a packaging the vacuum sealing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation output may comprise a packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture.

[0257] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise vacuum sealing a vacuum sealing operation input. In preferred embodiments, vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises packaging the vacuum sealing operation output. In some cases, the packaging the vacuum sealing operation output comprises the packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture comprises a packaged, weighed, and cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0258] In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0259] In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a packaged plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a packaged fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises the packaged cooked fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input comprises a packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture.

[0260] In some cases, the packaged vacuum sealing input is vacuumed prior to sealing. In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises a vacuum sealer removing air from the packaged vacuum sealing input by creating a vacuum. In some instances, the creating a vacuum is achieved by using a vacuum pump to extract the air and reduce the pressure inside the packaged weighed cooked fermented mixture.

[0261] In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises heat sealing. In some instances, once the air is removed, the open end of the packaged vacuum sealing input is heat- sealed to create an airtight seal. For example, the heat-sealing process may comprise applying heat to the packaged vacuum sealing input, melting it together and creating a secure closure. [0262] In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises, after heat sealing, allowing a sealed area to cool and solidify, ensuring the integrity of the seal.

[0263] In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises a gas flushing operation. In some instances, the vacuum-sealed package is filled with an inert gas (such as nitrogen) before sealing. In some instances, the gas flushing operation create a modified atmosphere inside the package, further reducing the risk of oxidation and maintaining product freshness.

[0264] In some cases, the packaged vacuum sealing input is labeled and packaged for distribution. In some instances, the packaged vacuum sealing input may be placed in larger packaging or boxes for transport and display. In some cases, the vacuuming sealing operation creates a packaged vacuum sealed output. [0265] In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises using the vacuum pump to create a low-pressure environment inside the packaged vacuum sealing operation input.

[0266] In some instances, the low pressure environment inside the packaged vacuum sealing operation input comprises a pressure of between about 0 to about 1000 mBar. For example, the low pressure environment may comprise a pressure of between about 50 to about 500 mBar. [0267] In some cases, the vacuum sealing process operation comprises a vacuum sealing process operation duration. In some instances, the vacuum sealing process operation duration may comprise between about 1 to about 60 seconds. For example, the vacuum sealing process operation duration may comprise between about 1 to about 15 seconds. For example, the vacuum sealing process operation duration may comprise between about 10 seconds.

[0268] The vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation input may produce a vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation output may comprise a vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture comprises a vacuum sealed, packaged, weighed, and cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0269] In some cases, the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture may comprise a partial vacuum seal. In some instances, a partial vacuum seal comprises a sealing process that creates a reduced pressure environment within a container, bag, or packaging, removing some but not all of the air. For example, the partial vacuum seal may a reduce an oxygen content in the packaged vacuum sealed input. For example, partial vacuum sealing may be configured to preserve the freshness of the contents by slowing down the oxidation process and reducing the growth of microorganisms. For example, partial vacuum sealing may be configured to extend shelf life and maintain the quality of the pet food product. For example, partial vacuum sealing may be achieved through various methods, such as vacuum sealing machines or manual removal of air before sealing.

[0270] In some cases, the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture may comprise substantially no air. For example, the vacuum sealed packages may comprise an air removal of at least 99%.

Pasteurizing

[0271] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a pasteurizing process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of eliminate pathogens, extend shelf life by inhibiting spoilage microorganisms, preserve nutrients, assure quality and safety, comply with regulations, eliminate or reduce spoilage organisms for enhanced palatability, and provide a variety of processing methods for effective microbial safety. Furthermore, the processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a pasteurization process operation configured to produce a pet food product having extended shelf life and reduced amount of AGE. [0272] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise a pasteurization operation. In some cases, the processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise a plurality of pasteurization operations. In some instances, the plurality of pasteurization operations comprises a first pasteurization operation, and a second pasteurization operation.

[0273] In some cases, the plurality of pasteurizing process operations may comprise a heat treatment process that eliminates or reduces harmful microorganisms. In some instances, the microorganisms may comprise bacteria, viruses, parasites, or any combination thereof. For example, the pasteurization process may ensure the safety of the pet food product by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

[0274] In some cases, the plurality of pasteurization operations is configured to extend the shelf life of the pet food product by deactivating enzymes and inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms. In some instances, the pasteurization process produces a pet food product that may be stored for an extended period before consumption.

[0275] In some cases, the plurality of pasteurization operations is configured to achieve microbial safety without significantly compromising the nutritional content of the pet food. For example, by carefully controlling the temperature and duration of heat exposure, manufacturers may aim to retain as much of the original and beneficial nutrient profile as possible.

[0276] In some cases, the plurality of pasteurization operations is configured to eliminate or reduce spoilage organisms that may negatively impacts the taste, odor, and overall quality of the pet food. In some instances, the pasteurization process maintains the palatability of the pet food product.

[0277] In some cases, the plurality of pasteurization operations is configured to be applied using multiple pasteurization methods. In some instances, pasteurization is applied using steam, hot water, infrared radiation, or a combination thereof, or other methods. For example, multiple pasteurization methods may be applied dependent on the suitable pasteurization technique for their specific production processes and product formulations.

[0278] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise pasteurizing a pasteurizing operation input.

[0279] In preferred embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation output. In some cases, the packaging the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation output comprises the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture comprises a vacuum sealed, packaged, weighed, and cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0280] In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises the cooking/steaming operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises weighing/packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the pasteurizing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0281] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise pasteurizing a second pasteurizing operation input.

[0282] In preferred embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a first pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises the cooking/steaming operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises weighing/packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a chilling operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0283] In preferred embodiments, the second pasteurizing operation input comprises a vacuum sealing operation output.

[0284] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a pasteurization process operation configured to raise an internal temperature of the pasteurization operation input to a pasteurization input internal temperature. In preferred embodiments, the pasteurization operation input comprises the vacuum sealing the vacuum sealing operation output. In some cases, the vacuum sealing operation output comprises the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture.

[0285] In some cases, the pasteurization input internal temperature may comprise between about 120°F to about 300°F. For example, the pasteurization process operation may be configured to raise an internal temperature of the vacuum sealed packaged, weighed, and cooked fermented mixture to about 165 °F.

[0286] The pasteurizing process may comprise a pasteurization temperature. In some cases, the pasteurization temperature may comprise a pasteurization equipment operating temperature. In some instances, the pasteurization equipment operating temperature comprises a temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of substantially all of the pasteurization operation input to the pasteurization input internal temperature. For example, the pasteurization temperature may comprise a temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of at least one meat ingredient to at least about 165°F. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no higher than about 250°F degrees. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no higher than about 220°F degrees. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no lower than about 200°F degrees. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no lower than about 180°F degrees. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no lower than about 165°F degrees. In some instances, the pasteurization temperature may comprise no lower than about 145°F degrees. [0287] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the pasteurization temperature may comprise between about 208°F to about 216°F. In some cases, the pasteurization temperature may comprise about 208°F, about 209°F, about 210°F, about 211°F, about 212°F, about 213°F, about 214°F, about 215°F, or about 216°F. [0288] The pasteurizing process may comprise a pasteurization time. In some cases, the pasteurization time may comprise a pasteurization equipment operating time. In some instances, the pasteurization equipment operating time comprises a time sufficient to raise the internal temperature of substantially all of the pasteurization operation input to a pasteurization input internal temperature. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 3 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 4 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 5 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least 6 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least 7 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 8 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 9 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 10 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 11 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 4 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 12 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 13 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 14 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 16 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 17 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 18 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 19 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 20 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 25 minutes. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise at least about 30 minutes.

[0289] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the pasteurization duration may comprise between about 15 minutes to about 25 minutes. In some cases, the pasteurization temperature may comprise about 15 minutes, about 16 minutes, about 17 minutes, about 18 minutes, 19 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 21 minutes, about 22 minutes, about 23 minutes, about 24 minutes, or about 25 minutes.

[0290] The process may also include a step wherein the fermented mixture is pasteurized at approximately 212°F for approximately 15 minutes. In some cases, the fermented mixture comprises an internal temperature of about 165°F.

[0291] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments multiple process operations configured to extend the shelf-life of the pet food product. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise a cooking operation. In some instances, the cooking operation may comprise steam cooking. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise a pasteurization operation. In some instances, the pasteurization operation comprises steam pasteurization. In some instances, the steam pasteurization operation comprises tandem steam pasteurization processes.

[0292] FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a correlation 4000 between a cooking operation duration and the pet food product shelf life. In some cases, the pet food product pH is indicative of a level of bacteria in the pet food product. Referring to FIG. 4, the Y-axis may comprise a pH of the pet food product. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 4, the X-axis may comprise the day in the course of the pet food product shelf life in which the pH measurement of the pet food product was obtained. In FIG. 4, for example, pH, sensory panel results and bacteria levels were all tightly correlated.

[0293] In some cases, the pasteurization operation may comprise a pasteurization time. In some instances, the pasteurization time may comprise between about 0 minutes to about 30 minutes. Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4003 represents the pH of an exemplary pet food product over 42 days after undergoing about 0 minutes of pasteurization. Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4002 represents the pH of an exemplary pet food product over 42 days after undergoing about 5 minutes of pasteurization. Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4003 represents the pH of an exemplary pet food product over 42 days after undergoing about 15 minutes of pasteurization.

[0294] The pet food product may comprise a shelf life pH for a pet food product shelf life. In some instances, the shelf life comprises about 42 days. In some instances, the shelf life pH comprises between about 5.0 and about 6.0 pH units.

[0295] In some cases, the shelf life pH may comprise a shelf life pH stability. In some instances, the shelf life pH stability may comprise a duration of time wherein a pet food product pH remains within a deviation of 0.5 pH units of a target shelf life pH. For example, the target shelf life pH may comprise about 5.6 pH units. For example, the pet food product pH stability comprises the duration of time wherein the shelf life pH remains between about 5.1 pH units to about 6.1 pH units. As an example, the duration of time comprises at least 42 days for a pet food product that underwent about 15 minutes of pasteurization.

[0296] In some instances, the shelf life pH stability is correlated to a duration of a steam pasteurization operation during the process of preparing the pet food. For example, the shelf life pH stability may increase with an increase in the duration of the steam pasteurization operation during the process of preparing the pet food. [0297] In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food comprises a target pet food product shelf-life duration. In some instances the target pet food product shelf-life duration comprises at least 42 days. For example, the target pet food product shelf-life duration may comprise 45 days. [0298] Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4001 represents an exemplary pet food product which underwent 15 minutes of pasteurization. In the example of FIG. 4, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 15 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pH stability of between about 5.3 to about 5.8. In some cases, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 15 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pH stability between 5.3 and 5.8 for at least 42 days. In some instances, pet food product which underwent 15 minutes of pasteurization comprises a shelf life of at least 42 days.

[0299] Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4002 represents an exemplary pet food product which underwent 5 minutes of pasteurization. In the example of FIG. 4, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 5 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pH stability between about 5.5 to about 6.0. In some cases, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 5 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pet food product pH stability between 5.5 and 6.0 for at least 14 days. In some instances, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 5 minutes of pasteurization comprises a shelf life of at least 14 days.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 4, the line 4003 represents an exemplary pet food product which underwent 0 minutes of pasteurization. In the example of FIG. 4, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 0 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pH stability between about 5.5 to about 6.0. In some cases, the exemplary pet food product which underwent 0 minutes of pasteurization comprises a pet food pH stability between 5.5 and 6.0 for at least 14 days. In some instances, pet food product which underwent 0 minutes of pasteurization comprises a shelf life of at least 14 days.

[0301] The pasteurization operation may produce a pasteurization operation output. In preferred embodiments, the pasteurization operation output may comprise a pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0302] In some instances, the completion of the pasteurization process operation at the pasteurization temperature for the pasteurization time may produce a pasteurization operation output. For example, the pasteurization operation output may compromise a pasteurized vacuum sealed packaged weighed cooked fermented mixture. Chilling

[0303] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a chilling process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of prevent the growth of potential remaining microorganisms, preserve nutrient quality, inhibit spoilage, comply with regulations, extend shelf life, and ensure overall quality and safety.

[0304] In some instances, the chilling operation rapidly lowers the temperature of the chilling operation input to prevent the growth of any remaining heat-resistant bacteria. In some instances, chilling of the chilling operation input ensures that the chilling operation input reaches a safe storage temperature quickly.

[0305] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise chilling a chilling operation input.

[0306] In preferred embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In some cases, the pasteurizing operation output comprises the pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre- processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0307] In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises a washing operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises a metal detection operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0308] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise a chilling process operation configured to lower a chilling operation input internal temperature to a chilling operation input internal temperature. In preferred embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the pasteurization operation output. [0309] The chilling process may comprise a chilling temperature. In some cases, the chilling temperature may comprise a chilling equipment operating temperature. In some instances, the chilling equipment operating temperature comprises a temperature sufficient to lower the chilling operation input internal temperature of substantially all of the chilling operation input.

[0310] In a preferred embodiments, the chilling operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output.

[0311] In some instances, the chilling temperature may comprise between about 5°F to about 80°F. For example, the chilling temperature between about 10°F to about 72°F may comprise the temperature sufficient to lower the chilling operation input internal temperature of substantially all of the chilling operation input to about room temperature.

[0312] In some instances, the chilling operation is configured to lower a temperature of the chilling operation input to about 15°F. For example, the chilling operation is configured to lower a temperature of the pasteurizing operation output from about 75°F to about 15°F.

[0313] The chilling process may comprise a chilling duration. In some cases, the chilling duration may comprise a chilling equipment operating duration. In some instances, the chilling equipment operating duration comprises a duration sufficient to lower the chilling operation input internal temperature of substantially all of the chilling operation input. In some instances, the chilling duration may comprise the amount of time necessary to lower the temperature of the plurality of pet food ingredients to a desired temperature.

[0314] In some cases, the chilling duration may comprise less than about 60 minutes. For example, the chilling duration between about 0 minutes to about 60 minutes may comprise the duration sufficient to lower the chilling operation input internal temperature of substantially all of the chilling operation input to room temperature.

[0315] In some cases, the chilling duration may comprise about 30 minutes at about room temperature (e.g., about 72°F) for batches between about 70 pounds to 140 pounds.

[0316] In some cases, the chilling duration may comprise between about 4 hours to 16 hours at about for batches greater than about 1000 pounds.

[0317] In some cases, the chilling process is optional. In some instances, the chilling operation input comprise a chilling operation input weight. For example, the chilling operation input weight may comprise less than about 140 pounds. For example, the chilling operation input weight comprising less than about 140 pounds may chill rapidly without the chilling process operation. For example, the chilling rapidly may comprise the chilling operation input cooling to room temperature within 60 minutes. [0318] The chilling operation may produce a chilling operation output. In preferred embodiments, the chilling operation output may comprise a chilled pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the chilled pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a chilled, pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre- processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Metal Detector

[0319] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a metal detection process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of detect and eliminate metallic contaminants, ensuring quality assurance, compliance with regulations, and consumer safety.

[0320] In some cases, the metal detection process operation may comprise detecting metallic contaminants. In some instances, the metallic contaminants may comprise metal fragments or foreign objects, which may inadvertently find their way into the pet food during the manufacturing process. In some instances, the metal detection process operation may comprise removal of the metallic contaminants (e.g., along with afflicted products). In some cases, the metal detection operation may comprise detecting and removing metal contaminants from a metal detection operation input.

[0321] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise metal detection of a metal detecting operation input. In preferred embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In preferred embodiments, the pasteurization operation output may comprise a pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0322] In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the washing operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises a HPP operation output. In other embodiments, the metal detection operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output. [0323] The metal detection operation may produce a metal detection operation output. In preferred embodiments, the metal detection operation output may comprise a substantially metal free pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the substantially metal free pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a substantially metal free, pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0324] In some cases, the metal detection operation output may comprise a pet food product containing a content of metallic contaminants in compliance with government authority and industry standards (e.g., safe for consumption).

High Pressure Processing (HPP)

[0325] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a HPP process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of microbial safety, extends shelf life, preserves nutrients, maintains product quality, reduces dependency on heat, supports clean labeling, contributes to food safety compliance, and enhances consumer confidence by demonstrating a commitment to producing safe and high-quality pet food. In some cases, processing a HPP input with HPP may produce a pet food product with a lower amount of AGE (Advanced Glycation End products) (e.g., as compared to pet food products prepared with high temperature processing).

[0326] The preferred process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise HPP of a HPP operation input.

[0327] In preferred embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the metal detection operation output. In some cases, the metal detection operation output comprises the substantially metal free pasteurized cooked fermented mixture. In some cases, the substantially metal free pasteurized cooked fermented mixture comprises a substantially metal free, pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0328] In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the washing operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, the HPP operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0329] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise loading the HPP input into a high-pressure processing chamber. In some instances, the HPP chamber is sealed to create a closed environment.

[0330] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise pressurization. In some instances, a pressure inside the HPP chamber is rapidly increased to the desired level (e.g., within a few minutes). For example, HPP chamber may be configured to apply pressure uniformly from all directions.

[0331] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise a HPP hold time. In some instances, the HPP hold time begins once the desired pressure is reached. For example, once the desired pressure is reached the HPP input is held at the desired pressure for a specified duration. For example, the specific duration comprises a few minutes. For example, the HPP holding time may be a duration configured for the inactivation of microorganisms.

[0332] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise a HPP decompression operation. In some instances, the HPP decompression operation comprises gradually releasing the pressure after the hold time. For example, an HPP input may return to normal atmospheric pressure within a few minutes.

[0333] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise any process that uses a pressure configured to disrupt the cellular structure of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and molds, rendering them inactive or eliminating them of the HPP input.

[0334] In some cases, the HPP process may comprise any process configured for microbial inactivation without the use of excessive heat. In some instances, the HPP process may comprise a cold pasteurization method. For example, the HPP process may reduce the impact on the sensory and nutritional characteristics of the HPP input.

[0335] In some cases, a process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise may a substantially adiabatic processing of the HPP input.

[0336] The HPP process may comprise pressurizing the HPP input. In some cases, pressurizing the HPP input comprises an HPP pressure. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 600 MPa. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 500 MPa. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 400 MPa. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 300 MPa. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 200 MPa. In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises no lower than 100 MPa.

[0337] In some cases, the HPP pressure comprises between about 100 MPa to about 1000 MPa. [0338] In some cases, the HPP process comprises a pressurizing duration. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 1 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 2 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 3 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 4 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 5 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 6 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 7 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 8 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 9 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 10 minute. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 11 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 12 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 13 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 14 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises at least about 15 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises between about 1 minute to about 20 minutes. In some instances, the pressurizing duration comprises between about 1 minute to about 6 minutes.

[0339] The process may also include a step wherein the HPP pressure comprises approximately 600 MPa for an HPP duration of approximately 3 minutes.

[0340] The HPP operation may produce a HPP operation output. In preferred embodiments, the HPP operation output may comprise an HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, cooked, and fermented mixture. In some cases, the HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, cooked, and fermented mixture comprises an HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre-processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

Frozen Storage

[0341] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a frozen storage process operation configured to provide various benefits, may comprise one or more of ensure that the pet food product remains fresh, nutritionally sound, and safe for consumption throughout its shelf life. [0342] The frozen storage process operation may comprise utilizing airtight storage containers, dividing a frozen storage process operation input into portions, labeling airtight storage containers with freezing dates, removing air from any storage containers, or a combination thereof.

[0343] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise frozen storage of a frozen storage operation input.

[0344] In preferred embodiments, the frozen storage operation input the HPP operation output. In preferred embodiments, the HPP operation output may comprise the HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, cooked, and fermented mixture. In some cases, the HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, cooked, and fermented mixture comprises an HPP, substantially metal free, pasteurized, vacuum sealed, cooked, fermented, weighed, and mixed, stored, freeze dried, pre- processed, and washed plurality of pet food ingredients.

[0345] In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the washing operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, frozen storage operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output (e.g., upon refreezing).

[0346] The frozen storage process may comprise a frozen storage temperature. In some cases, the frozen storage temperature may comprise a frozen storage equipment operating temperature. In some instances, the frozen storage equipment operating temperature comprises a temperature sufficient to lower the frozen storage operation input internal temperature of substantially all of the frozen storage operation input. For example. In some cases, the frozen storage temperature may comprise 0°F or lower. In some instances, the frozen storage process operation may comprise thawing safely in the refrigerator.

[0347] In some cases, the frozen storage operation may configure the pet food product for long term storage. In some instances the frozen storage process operation may comprise storing away from strong odors. In some instances, the frozen storage process operation may comprise using the pet food product within a reasonable time frame. In some instances, the frozen storage process operation may comprise monitoring for signs of spoilage after thawing.

[0348] In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 60 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 60 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures.

[0349] In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 50 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 50 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures. In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 45 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 45 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures. In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 30 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 30 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures. In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 15 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 15 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life at ambient temperatures. In some instances the pet food product may be stored for up to 7 days. For example, the pet food product may be stored for up to 7 days without losing more than 10% of its shelf-life.

Irradiation

[0350] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments an irradiation process operation configured to provide various benefits, including control microbial contamination, extend shelf life, assure food safety, control insects, comply with regulations, preserve nutritional quality, and reduce the risk of foodbome illnesses. [0351] A process sequence of operations for preparing a pet food may comprise frozen storage of an irradiation operation input.

[0352] In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the plurality of pet food ingredients. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the fermented mixture. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the washing operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the Pre-process operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the storage operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the freeze drying operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the weighing and mixing operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the cooking operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the weighing and packaging operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the vacuum sealing operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises the pasteurizing operation output. In other embodiments, irradiation operation input comprises a frozen storage operation output.

[0353] In some cases, the irradiation operation may comprise using ionizing radiation to control microbial contamination. In some instances, the irradiation operation is configured to reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens present in raw materials. In some instances, the irradiation operation is configured to reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens present in finished products. For example, the radiation source may comprise a Gamma rays, X-rays, or electron beams.

[0354] The irradiation operation may produce an irradiation operation output. In some cases, the irradiation operation output may comprise an irradiation operation that has been irradiated.

[0355] The irradiation process may comprise removing about 1% to about 99% bacteria from the irradiation process input.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE)

[0356] The processes provided herein may improve over processes in the art by providing, in certain embodiments a plurality of process operations configured to reduce the amount of AGE in the pet food product thereby providing various benefits, may comprise one or more of improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, preserved skin elasticity, protection of kidney function, potential cancer risk reduction, and mitigation of oxidative stress. [0357] In some cases, the plurality of process operations configured to reduce AGE comprises the frozen storage operation, the HPP operation, the Metal Detection operation, the optional chill operation, the pasteurization operation, the vacuum seal operation, the steam cooking operation, the mixing operation, the fermentation operation, or a combination thereof.

[0358] In some cases, the processes provided herein are configured to reduce the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the pet food product by employing cooking methods involving lower temperatures, utilizing moist techniques such as steaming and boiling (e.g., including for nutrient retention), utilize marinating with acidic ingredients, incorporate antioxidant-rich foods, control cooking temperatures, utilize shorter cooking durations, adding acidic agents like lemon or vinegar, limiting processed and high-sugar foods, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the processes provided herein are configured to reduce the formation of AGEs in the pet food product by utilizing fresh or whole ingredients.

[0359] In some instances, reducing AGE intake may contribute to better heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In some instances, reducing AGE consumption may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is implicated in various diseases, including arthritis and cardiovascular conditions. In some instances, reducing AGE intake may support better blood sugar control, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications. In some instances, reducing AGEs are known to contribute to the aging process, affecting the elasticity and structure of the skin, in some instances, reducing AGE intake may help preserve skin health and reduce the appearance of aging. In some instances, reducing AGE intake may help protect kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney-related complications. In some instances, reducing AGEs may have neuroprotective effects and support cognitive health. In some instances, reducing AGE intake may contribute to a lower risk of cancer development. In some instances, reducing AGE intake may help mitigate oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with oxidative damage.

[0360] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise producing a pet food product with a low AGE content. In some cases, the AGE content comprises a lower amount than a similar pet food, wherein the similar pet food is produced without a fermenting process, steaming process, or pasteurization process. In some instances, the HPP process operation reduces the AGE content in the pet food product.

[0361] In some cases, the AGE comprises any complex molecule formed through the non- enzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. In some instances, the AGE comprises Carboxymethyl lysine (CML), Pentosidine, Pyrraline, Methylglyoxal (MG), Glyoxal, 3 -Deoxy glucosone (3-DG), Crossline, or a combination thereof.

[0362] In some instances, the serving amount of the pet food product comprises an amount of the pet food product configured to feed the pet for a single meal or a portion of a meal.

[0363] In some instances, the daily amount of the pet food product comprises an amount of the pet food product configured to feed the pet for every meal or a portion of every meal in a day.

Shelf Life

[0364] The processes for preparing a pet food provided herein may comprise producing a pet food product comprising an extended shelf life. In some cases, the process for preparing a pet food may comprise producing a pet food product comprising a total number of bacteria in Log CFU/g. For example, the total number of bacteria measured in Log CFU/g may comprise a standardized, logarithmic measure of viable microorganisms per gram in a given sample (e.g., making it easier to work with and compare different microbial counts).

[0365] In some cases, the duration of the shelf life is inversely proportional to the total number of bacteria. In some instances, the shelf life may comprise the duration of time in which the pet food product comprises a total number of bacteria below 3 log CFU/g. In some instances, the shelf life may comprise the duration of time in which the pet food product comprises a total number of bacteria below 6 log CFU/g. In some instances, the bacteria may continue to grow in the pet food product after production (e.g., after frozen storage or distribution and shipping). For example, an increase in the total number of bacteria in the pet food product after production may decrease the duration of time the bacteria take to grow to 3 log CFU/g, thereby decreasing the shelf-life of the pet food product.

[0366] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of the correlation 3000 between pet food product total aerobic plate counts versus the shelf-life pH collected over a shelf life duration. In FIG. 3, for example, pH, sensory panel results, shelf life and bacteria levels were all tightly correlated.

[0367] Referring to FIG. 3, the X-axis 3001 may comprise the shelf-life pH. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 3, the Y-axis 3002 may comprise a Log CFU/g count of bacteria.

[0368] In some embodiments, the pet food product may comprise a total bacterial counts in fresh/ acceptable product below 3.0 log CFU/g. In some embodiments, the pet food product may comprise a total bacterial counts in fresh/acceptable product below 6.0 log CFU/g. In some cases, the bacteria may comprise lactic acid bacteria. In some instances, the lactic acid bacteria not harmful, but may cause spoilage by altering the taste and smell of the product. In some cases, the bacteria may not comprise enteric bacteria. In some instances, the pet food product may comprise no enteric bacteria.

[0369] In the example of FIG. 3, the plate count data was collected at the beginning of the project. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 3, pH and CFU data of the pet food product were collected through 2 months of shelf life testing. In the example of FIG. 3, pH and organoleptic were used to monitor the shelf-life of the pet food product.

[0370] In some cases, the pet food product comprises a shelf-life pH that changes with bacterial counts. As shown in FIG. 3, the pH of the product through the shelf-life is decreases as the log CFU/g of bacteria in the product increases. In some instances, as the pH remains stable, the log CFU/g remains stable.

[0371] In the example of FIG. 3, a shelf-life pH of about 6.0 correlates to a bacterial count of about 0 log CFU/g over the course of the shelf-life duration. In the example of FIG. 3, a shelflife pH of at least about 5.4 correlates to a bacterial count of at most about 3.0 log CFU/g over the course of the shelf-life duration. In the example of FIG. 3, a shelf-life pH of at most about 5.2 correlates to a bacterial count of greater than about 3.0 log CFU/g over the course of the shelf-life duration.

[0372] FIG. 9 shows a network environment 9000 comprising a nutritional information exchange system 9010, a manufacture system 9030, veterinary practices 9023 and their computer systems 9020, pet owner 9003 and their computer systems 9001, 9005. The network environment 9000 may comprise one or more user devices 9001, a tracking device 9005, a nutritional information exchange system 9010, one or more manufacture systems 9030, veterinary systems 9020, and databases 9016, 9021, 9041. Each of the components may be operatively connected to one another via a network 9050 or any type of communication link that allows transmission of data from one component to another.

[0373] In some embodiments, the nutritional information exchange system 9010 may include one or more components such as a nutrition planning module 9011, user interface (UI) module 9013, data storage and processing module 9015 or other cloud applications. The nutritional information exchange system 9010 may be the same as the nutritional system as described elsewhere herein for determining the nutrition for an individual pet and packing individualized meals. Details about generating nutritional information for each individual pet at per-meal level are described in U.S. Publication US20230207100 entitled “nutritional information exchange system,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0374] For example, the nutritional information exchange system 9010 may be implemented as one or more computing resources or hardware devices. The nutritional information exchange system 9010 may be implemented on one or more server computers, one or more cloud computing resources, and the like, and each resource has one or more processors, memory, persistent storage, and the like. For instance, the nutritional information exchange system 9010 may comprise a web server, online services, a nutrition planning module, a UI module, and the like for providing nutrition applications to pet owners 9003 and/or veterinary practices 9023. For instance, a web server may be implemented as a hardware web server or a software-implemented web server, and may generate and exchange web pages with each computing device 9001, 9020 that is using a browser.

[0375] In some cases, the nutrition planning module 9011 may be configured to generate nutritional plans and individualized meals as described elsewhere herein. For example, the nutrition planning module 9011 may employ machine-learning techniques to generate and/or adjust a nutritional plan and/or individualized meals for a particular animal based on the animal’s characteristics and/or feedback.

[0376] The individual meals and ingredients for each meal generated by the nutrition planning module 9011 may be transmitted to the manufacture system 9030. The manufacture system may be the same as the fabrication/manufacturing system as described in FIG. 4 or FIG. 11. For example, the controller 9030 may receive the nutrient ingredients for each meal and control the fabrication machine 9031 to produce and package a meal set as described elsewhere herein. [0377] The nutrition planning module 9011 may employ any suitable technologies such as container and/or micro-service. For example, the nutrition planning module 9011 may be implemented as cloud applications that may be a containerized application. The nutrition planning module may deploy a micro-service-based architecture in the software infrastructure, such as implementing a nutrition planning application or service in a container.

[0378] In some cases, the UI module 9013 and the nutrition planning module 9011 may include software applications (i.e., client software) for veterinary practices 9021 and pet owner 9003, allowing for exchanging information between the hospital, pet owner, and the nutritional information exchange system 9010. For example, applications running on the hospital/veterinary practice device (e.g., client/browser) may allow inputting nutrition goals (e.g., calories, medicine prescription to treat a disease, etc.), modifying a nutrition plan, reviewing nutrition plans, searching PIMS data for clients, prescribing a medicine, and the like. In some cases, the nutrition interfaces or APIs may be integrated into a current mobile application running on the pet owner device 9001 and/or integrated into a current front-end user interface (e.g., within the GUI) running on the veterinary practice device 9020. The current user interfaces may be hosted by a separate server. In some cases, the nutrition interfaces or APIs may be integrated with the drug integration subsystem of the manufacture system 9030 as described elsewhere herein to optimize medication delivery and addition of the drug to a pet food on a per-meal per-pet basis.

[0379] The applications provided by the nutritional information exchange system may be cloud-powered applications or local applications. The nutrition planning module and UI module may also provide software applications (i.e., client software) for pet owners 9003. The client applications may allow pet owners to enroll in a nutrition plan service, track the status of meals, record, or input health status of pets, and the like.

[0380] In some embodiments, the UI module may generate one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for the pet owner interface running on the pet owner device 9001 and for the medical professional running on the veterinary system 9020. The GUIs may be rendered on a display screen on a user device (e.g., a participant device) 9001, 9020. A GUI is a type of interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators such as secondary notation, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels, or text navigation. The actions in a GUI are usually performed through direct manipulation of the graphical elements. In addition to computers, GUIs may be found in hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players, gaming devices, and smaller household, office, and industry equipment. The GUIs may be provided in software, a software application, a mobile application, a web browser, or the like. The GUIs may be displayed on a user device (e.g., desktop computers, laptops or notebook computers, mobile devices (e.g., smart phones, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablets), and wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches), etc.).

[0381] The tracking device 9005 may be in communication with the user device via a local communication channel, or with the backend system 9010 via the network 9050. The tracking device 9005 may be attached to the animal 9007, and may wirelessly communicate with the backend system 9010 or the user device 9001. In some embodiments, the tracking device may include an animal-tracking mechanism that tracks motion or a current location of the animal, a kinetic motion energy generator electrically connected to the animal-tracking mechanism, the kinetic motion energy generator capable of generating electrical energy in response to a normal movement of the animal, and the animal-tracking mechanism having an energy store that powers the animal-tracking mechanism. In some cases, the energy store is powered by the electrical energy generated by the kinetic motion energy generator.

[0382] The tracking device may include one or more sensors to collect data about a motion of the animal to determine an activity level. The tracking device may include various types of sensors such as physiologic sensors, kinematic sensors, audio sensors, and the like to track an activity level or health condition of the animal. Examples of types of sensors may include inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or gravity detection sensors, which may form inertial measurement units (IMUs)), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) sensors, mobile device transmitters providing location triangulation), heart-rate monitors, external-temperature sensors, skin-temperature sensors, skin-conductance sensors, neural signals (e.g., EEG), muscle signals (e.g., EMG), sensors configured to detect a galvanic skin response (GSR), proximity or range sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, lidar, time-of-flight or depth cameras), altitude sensors, attitude sensors (e.g., compasses), pressure sensors (e.g., barometers), humidity sensors, vibration sensors, audio sensors (e.g., microphones), and/or field sensors (e.g., magnetometers, electromagnetic sensors, radio sensors).

[0383] The data storage and processing module 9015 may comprise at least a data input module and a data integration agent as described above for providing data transmission between the nutritional information exchange system 9010, the manufacture system 9030, and other components of the network 9000. The data integration agent may be deployed to the veterinary system 9020 as a lightweight and native application to facilitate access to the database 9021 and other data-storage systems. The data input module may be configured to receive and pre-process input data. [0384] The tracking device may comprise a controller powered by the energy from the battery and the electronic circuit and/or is programmed to manage the energy and functions of the device and the component and modules of the electrical-component assembly. For example, the controller may be configured to switch between a high-energy -usage mode and a low-energy-usage mode. In the low-energy-usage mode, a frequency and/or duration of the communication module of the device and/or the motion-tracking mechanism may be further configured to provide that the net energy usage of the tracking device may be lower than or equal to the energy generated by the kinetic-motion generator over a period of time. In the high-energy-usage mode, a frequency and/or a duration of the communication module and/or the motion-tracking mechanism may be further configured to provide a more frequent and/or longer duration of communication and/or location determination than in the lower-energy-usage mode. [0385] In some cases, the input data received by the data input module may include data obtained from the databases 9021, 9041, 9016, manufacture system 9030, pet owners 9003, motion tracking device 9005, and/or a wide variety of sources. The input data may be related to one or more animal characteristics including structured data such as JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data. In some cases, the input data may include unstructured data related to the animal characteristics, such as motion-tracking data, an image of a pet, an image of a sample, medical reports, emails, or web-based content. The unstructured input data such as motion data, email, or an image of a pet may be processed by the data input module to extract the animal characteristics prior to being processed by the nutrition planning module 9011.

[0386] In some cases, the data input module may be in communication with one or more databases 9021, 9041 to retrieve relevant data. For instance, the data input module may retrieve the historical data (e.g., medical records, treatment history of the pet from any veterinary practice, data from other insurance providers, etc.) from a historical database based on the pet name or pet identifier.

[0387] In some cases, the data input module may pre-process the input data to extract and/or generate the animal-characteristic data to be processed by the nutrition planning module. In some cases, the data input module may employ a predictive model for extracting data features, natural -language processing techniques, or image recognition to extract health-status data. For instance, a pet owner may take a picture of the pet or a biological sample of the pet; the image may then be processed to assess a health status (e.g., digestive issues) or condition (e.g., weight, size, skin, etc.) of the pet. In some cases, the data input module may assemble the data received or retrieved from the variety of data sources and convert the assembled dataset into a feature set to be processed by the nutrition planning module 9011. [0388] In some embodiments, the nutritional information exchange system may train, develop, or test a predictive model using data from a cloud data lake (e.g., database 9016). In some cases, the nutritional information exchange system may perform model deployment, maintenance, monitoring, model update, model versioning, model sharing, and various other functions. The nutritional information exchange system may also support ingesting data transmitted from the veterinary system, manufacture system, and user device into one or more databases or cloud storages 9016. In some cases, the received data may be used to generate training datasets (e.g., labeled data).

[0389] The individual nutritional plan may be generated using a model or algorithms the same as those described in U.S. Publication US20230207100. For instance, the model or algorithm may be pre-determined based on empirical data. In some cases, the model may be a trained model. For instance, the nutritional system may employ one or more machine-leaming-trained classifiers or trained predictive models to take one or more animal characteristics and goals (e.g., calories) as input, and generate a predicted nutritional plan as output. The predictive models may be trained and developed by the nutritional system and make inferences on the cloud. In some cases, the predictive models may be trained, developed, and built on the cloud and downloaded to a third-party system (e.g., manufacturing system, veterinary practice) or executed by the third-party system for inference. A predictive model may be a trained model or trained machine-learning algorithm. The machine-learning algorithm may be any type of machine-learning network such as a support-vector machine (SVM), a naive Bayes classification, a linear-regression model, a quantile-regression model, a logistic-regression model, a random forest, a neural network, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a gradient-boosted classifier or regressor, or another supervised or unsupervised machine-learning algorithm (e.g., generative adversarial network (GAN), Cycle-GAN, etc.). [0390] In some embodiments, the model may be automatically updated (e.g., parameters are tuned automatically) based on feedback data. For instance, the output of the model such as the nutrition plan (e.g., ingredients for each meal each day for a particular pet) may be generated, and any adjustment of the model-generated output — such as from a veterinarian, a user at the manufacture system, pet owner, and the like — may be used as a difference or feedback to further update the model. In some cases, the difference may be assigned different weight or attention to direct the model to focus more on certain differences compared to other factors. For example, feedback received from a veterinarian may be assigned more weight than feedback received from a pet owner. [0391] User device 9001 associated with a pet owner and the user device 9020 associated with a veterinary practice may be a computing device configured to perform one or more operations (e.g., rendering a user interface for inputting nutritional goals, modifications, information related to animal characteristics or medical information, reviewing nutritional plans or meal ingredients, etc.).

[0392] Examples of user devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile devices, smartphones/cell phones, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches), tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop or notebook computers, desktop computers, media-content players, television sets, video gaming stations/sy stems, virtual-reality systems, augmented-reality systems, microphones, or any electronic device capable of analyzing, receiving (e.g., receiving an image of an animal, a medical form, a modification of fields of a nutritional plan, etc.), providing, or displaying certain types of data (e.g., a nutritional plan, a plot of nutrition, etc.) to a user. The user device may be a handheld object. The user device may be portable. The user device may be carried by a human user. In some cases, the user device may be located remotely from a human user, and the user may control the user device using wireless and/or wired communications. The user device may be any electronic device with a display.

[0393] A user device may include a display. The display may be a screen. The display may or may not be a touchscreen. The display may be a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, OLED screen, liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen, plasma screen, or any other type of screen. The display may be configured to show a user interface (UI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered through an application (e.g., via an application programming interface (API) executed on the user device). The GUI may show current and historic nutritional plans, ingredients, ideal animal characteristics, nutrition goals, health status of an animal, and interactive elements relating to a nutritional plan (e.g., editable fields, ingredients fields, etc.). The user device may also be configured to display webpages and/or websites on the Internet. One or more of the webpages/web sites may be hosted by a server and/or rendered by the nutritional information exchange system 9010 as described above.

[0394] User devices 9001 may be associated with one or more users (e.g., pet owners). In some embodiments, a user may be associated with a unique user device. In some cases, a user may be associated with a plurality of user devices. A user (e.g., pet owner) may be registered with the nutritional information exchange system 9010. In some cases, for a registered user, user profile data may be stored in a database (e.g., database 9016, 9041) along with a user ID uniquely associated with the user. The user profile data may include, for example, a pet name, a pet owner name, geolocation, contact information, historical data, and various others as described elsewhere herein. In some cases, a registered user may be requested to log into the nutritional-planning account with credentials. For instance, in order to perform activities such as requesting a personalized meal plan or submitting feedback to adjust a nutritional plan, a user may be required to log into the application by performing identity verification such as providing a passcode, scanning a QR code, biometrics verification (e.g., fingerprint, facial scan, retinal scan, voice recognition, etc.), or various other verification methods via the user device 9001.

[0395] Network 9050 may be a network that is configured to provide communication between the various components illustrated in FIG. 9. The network may be implemented, in some embodiments, as one or more networks that connect devices and/or components in the network layout for allowing communication between them. Direct communications may be provided between two or more of the above components. The direct communications may occur without requiring any intermediary device or network. Indirect communications may be provided between two or more of the above components. The indirect communications may occur with the aid of one or more intermediary devices or networks. For instance, indirect communications may utilize a telecommunications network. Indirect communications may be performed with the aid of one or more routers, communication towers, satellites, or any other intermediary devices or networks. Examples of types of communications may include, but are not limited to, communications via the Internet, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies, networks based on mobile data protocols such as General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), GSM, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), 3G, 4G, 5G, or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) protocols, Infrared (IR) communication technologies, and/or Wi-Fi, and may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network may be implemented using cell and/or pager networks, satellite, licensed radio, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed radio. The network may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof.

[0396] User devices 9001, veterinary practice computer system 9020, nutritional information exchange system 9010, and manufacture system 9030 may be connected or interconnected to one or more databases 9021, 9041, 9016. The databases may be one or more memory devices configured to store data. Additionally, the databases may also, in some embodiments, be implemented as a computer system with a storage device. In an aspect, the databases may be used by components of the network layout to perform one or more operations consistent with the disclosed embodiments. One or more local databases and cloud databases of the platform may utilize any suitable database techniques. For instance, structured query language (SQL) or NoSQL databases may be utilized for storing the nutrition data, pet/user profile data, historical data, predictive models, training datasets, or algorithms. Some of the databases may be implemented using various standard data structures, such as an array, hash, (linked) list, struct, structured text file (e.g., XML), table, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), NoSQL, and/or the like. Such data structures may be stored in memory and/or in (structured) files. In another alternative, an object-oriented database may be used. Object databases may include a number of object collections that are grouped and/or linked together by common attributes; they may be related to other object collections by some common attributes. Object-oriented databases perform similarly to relational databases, with the exception that objects are not just pieces of data but may have other types of functionality encapsulated within a given object. In some embodiments, the database may include a graph database that uses graph structures for semantic queries with nodes, edges, and properties to represent and store data. If the database of the present disclosure is implemented as a data structure, the use of the database of the present disclosure may be integrated into another component such as a component of the present disclosure. Also, the database may be implemented as a mix of data structures, objects, and relational structures. Databases may be consolidated and/or distributed in variations through standard data-processing techniques. Portions of databases, e.g., tables, may be exported and/or imported and thus decentralized and/or integrated.

Pharmaceuticals

[0397] In some embodiments, the system comprises a multi-compartment dispensing apparatus configured for pharmaceutical integration with food production. In some cases, the dispensing apparatus comprises at least one temperature-controlled storage zone for medications. In some instances, the storage zone comprises isolated compartments for different drug classes, including rapamycin, heart medications, thyroid medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, the storage zone may be configured to maintain stability-appropriate temperatures ranging from about -20°C to about 25°C.

[0398] In some embodiments, the system comprises a precision dispensing mechanism configured for micro-dosing medications. In some cases, the mechanism comprises load cells capable of measuring doses from about O.lmg to about lOOOmg. In some instances, the mechanism comprises anti-cross-contamination features including isolated dispensing paths and automated cleaning protocols. For example, the precision dispensing mechanism may coordinate with a central control system to vary medication doses across different meals.

[0399] In some embodiments, the system comprises a drug integration subsystem configured to optimize medication delivery. In some cases, the subsystem determines improved points in the production process to add specific medications based on stability requirements. In some instances, the subsystem comprises staging areas for pre-meal, mid-process, and post-processing drug addition. For example, heat-sensitive medications like probiotics may be added after thermal processing while stable compounds may be incorporated earlier.

[0400] In some embodiments, the system comprises a manufacturing optimization controller configured to coordinate production efficiency. In some cases, the controller employs predictive algorithms to batch similar prescriptions. In some instances, the controller manages equipment scheduling to minimize downtime between batches. For example, the controller may group orders requiring similar drug combinations while maintaining individual dosing requirements. [0401] In some embodiments, the system comprises an integrated quality control subsystem configured to monitor drug stability and dosing accuracy. In some cases, the subsystem employs real-time monitoring of environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, and light exposure. In some instances, the subsystem implements automated verification of drug dispensing accuracy through weight checks and visual inspection. For example, the quality control system may generate alerts if environmental parameters deviate from required ranges for specific medications.

[0402] In some embodiments, the system comprises a process optimization controller configured to maximize shared process efficiency. In some cases, the controller analyzes incoming orders to identify common process paths through the manufacturing system. In some instances, the controller groups orders that share identical initial processing operations while maintaining individual customization in later operations. For example, the controller may batch multiple orders requiring identical protein and vegetable ingredients through initial preparation, weighing, and cooking stages before separating them for individualized medication addition and packaging. [0403] In some embodiments, the system comprises a production scheduling optimizer configured to minimize manufacturing downtime. In some cases, the optimizer employs predictive algorithms to identify improved batch sizes based on shared ingredient requirements and processing operations. In some instances, the optimizer coordinates timing between parallel processing lines to maintain continuous operation of beneficial equipment including mixers, cookers, and packaging systems. For example, while one batch undergoes thermal processing, the optimizer may schedule ingredient preparation for subsequent batches to eliminate equipment idle time.

[0404] In some embodiments, the system comprises a dynamic batching subsystem configured to balance throughput and customization requirements. In some cases, the subsystem maintains separate queues for common processes versus individual customization operations. In some instances, the subsystem employs a branch-and-merge architecture where orders flow together through shared processes before diverging for personalized additions. For example, orders sharing 80% of ingredients may be batched through initial stages before separating for final 20% customization including specific medications, supplements, or portion sizes.

[0405] In some embodiments, the system comprises a medication timing subsystem configured to optimize drug addition based on stability requirements. In some cases, the subsystem categorizes medications based on their thermal and pressure stability profiles to determine improved addition points throughout the manufacturing process. In some instances, thermally stable medications may be incorporated during initial ingredient mixing, while heat-sensitive compounds may be added after thermal processing operations. For example, the system may add stable medications like certain anti-inflammatory drugs during initial mixing, while reserving heat-sensitive compounds like probiotics or specific enzyme preparations for post-thermal processing addition.

[0406] In some embodiments, the system comprises staged addition zones configured for different medication types along the production line. In some cases, the first addition zone precedes thermal processing and accommodates medications stable through cooking and pressure treatment. In some instances, a second temperature-controlled addition zone follows thermal processing but precedes high-pressure processing, allowing for integration of moderately sensitive compounds. For example, a final sterile addition zone after all processing operations but before packaging may accommodate highly sensitive medications requiring minimal environmental exposure.

[0407] In some embodiments, the system comprises an environmental monitoring subsystem configured to ensure medication stability during addition. In some cases, the subsystem maintains precise temperature control within two degrees Celsius of target temperature and relative humidity between thirty and sixty-five percent throughout addition zones. In some instances, the subsystem provides UV protection for photosensitive compounds and maintains sterile conditions for post-processing additions through HEPA filtration and positive air pressure. For example, each addition zone may include real-time environmental monitoring with automated alerts if parameters deviate from medication-specific requirements.

[0408] In some embodiments, the system comprises automated verification systems configured to confirm proper medication timing and addition. In some cases, the verification systems monitor stability parameters including temperature, pH, and moisture content throughout the manufacturing process. In some instances, the systems validate complete mixing through automated sampling and analysis. For example, the verification systems may employ machine vision and weight verification to confirm proper medication addition sequence while monitoring for potential cross-contamination between batches.

[0409] In some embodiments, the system comprises a medication dispersion verification subsystem configured to validate homogeneous distribution of medications throughout the food matrix. In some cases, the subsystem employs real-time monitoring through multiple sampling points to confirm uniform drug distribution. In some instances, the subsystem adjusts mixing parameters based on medication properties including particle size, solubility, and density to ensure proper incorporation. For example, the system may extend mixing times or adjust agitation intensity based on real-time uniformity measurements.

[0410] In some embodiments, the system comprises an intelligent scheduling subsystem configured to coordinate medication addition with production flow. In some cases, the subsystem analyzes medication stability windows to optimize addition timing while maintaining production efficiency. In some instances, the subsystem coordinates parallel processing streams to minimize hold times between medication addition and subsequent operations. For example, the system may synchronize post-processing medication addition with packaging operations to minimize exposure time.

[0411] In some embodiments, the system comprises a medication compatibility analyzer configured to assess interactions between multiple medications and food components. In some cases, the analyzer evaluates potential chemical interactions, pH effects, and stability impacts when multiple medications are combined. In some instances, the analyzer determines improved addition sequences to prevent adverse interactions. For example, the system may separate acidsensitive medications from acidic food components by adding them at different stages.

[0412] In some embodiments, the system comprises a bioavailability optimization subsystem configured to enhance medication absorption. In some cases, the subsystem analyzes food-drug interactions to identify improved delivery matrices. In some instances, the subsystem adjusts food composition or processing parameters to enhance drug bioavailability. For example, the system may incorporate specific lipids or emulsifiers to improve absorption of lipophilic medications.

[0413] FIG. 20 shows an example of a system 20000 for personalized pet food production, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In this case, the system may comprise an input sources block 20001 configured to receive multiple ingredient types (e.g., meats, fish, dry or liquid ingredients), as well as any optional medicines, supplements, or other edible additions that provide a health benefit. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the input sources block 20001 may include testing equipment for chemical or microbiological analysis and foreign object detection, helping ensure only safe materials proceed. In some cases, the system 20000 may include an initial processing block 20002 operatively connected to the input sources block 20001, which may be configured for meat dicing, ingredient preparation, and weighing or mixing operations. In some cases, the system 20000 may comprise a primary processing block 20003 that performs thermal treatments (e.g., steam cooking or fermentation) with automated temperature control, allowing certain heat-sensitive or customized ingredients to bypass full heat exposure if required. In some cases, the system 20000 includes a packaging block 20004 configured for portion control, vacuum sealing, meal labeling, and other packaging-related tasks, with lot coding or batch tracking capabilities. Additionally, the system 20000 may comprise a final processing block 20005 equipped for pasteurization, high-pressure processing (HPP), and metal detection, helping confirm product safety before the finished food is released for freezing or shipping. A medicine addition block 20006, shown with dotted lines, indicates that the edible additions (e.g., medicines, supplements, nutraceuticals, etc.) may be introduced at various points (including but not limited to the primary processing block 20003 or the final processing block 20005). In some embodiments, these additions may be introduced at any stage, such as during initial processing 20002, between processing operations, or even after packaging, depending on the stability requirements of the active components. In some cases, the system 20000 may also be in communication with a veterinary practice or system, thereby allowing the retrieval of individualized dosing schedules or prescription data to support personalized pet diets. Finally, a process optimization block 20007 may coordinate operations, track equipment usage, and maintain recipe-specific parameters across the system 20000, ensuring both efficiency and flexibility.

[0414] FIG. 21A - FIG. 21B show an example of a multi-stream pet food production system 21000, which may include multiple parallel lines configured to handle different types of ingredients and preliminary operations. In some embodiments, ingredients are received, tested, and held to confirm compliance with vendor specifications (e.g., micro analysis, chemical composition, foreign object checks). Once released, they enter depalletizing stations where downtime is automatically monitored to prevent extended exposure to ambient temperatures. [0415] As shown, the system 21000 may handle frozen meats 21001 (such as pig hearts, pork livers, and other animal tissues) requiring thawing or block-breaking followed by dicing to specific dimensions. A visual or mechanical screening (e.g., sieves or vision systems) ensures that the diced meat 21001 meets size specifications. In certain embodiments, this diced meat is then subjected to an initial cooking step at or around 165 °F with automated monitoring of time, temperature, agitation, and pH for both quality and pathogen reduction (a validated kill step). In many cases, the product is transferred to a surge or holding tank maintained at about 160 °F to keep the meat within safe temperature limits. Downtime auto-monitoring may track any delay to minimize microbial growth.

[0416] In parallel, liquid, or dry ingredient lines 21002 may process powders, dry mixes, broths, or other non-meat components. These lines may include a hydration step where powders are blended with water or broth under time-temperature-pH control, followed by a partial cooking phase in the 165-200 °F range. As with the meat stream, agitation and automated temperature logging help ensure that the mixture reaches the correct parameters for safety and consistency. A hoi ding/ surge tank at about 160 °F may be used to keep the liquid-dry mixture ready for the final compounding stage.

[0417] In some cases, optional supplements, or medications 21003 may be introduced at one or more junctures, provided temperature or pressure conditions are appropriate (to avoid degrading sensitive APIs). This allows for customization of formulations based on dietary or therapeutic needs, and may involve per-pet mini-batches that are weighed, dispensed, and recorded automatically.

[0418] Ultimately, these parallel streams converge in a weighing, blending, or mini -batch station 21004, where ratio control ensures the correct amounts of meat, hydrated dry mixes, and any supplements are combined. Automated fill-weight checks and temperature monitoring occur here as well. From this station, material may proceed to filling or further finishing operations, maintaining 160 °F as needed to protect against microbial hazards prior to sealing.

[0419] FIG. 21B continues the pet food production process of system 21000 by showing downstream operations such as pouch filling, sealing, inspection, and final shipment. In some embodiments, filling lines 21007 portion out the product into single-meal pouches, performing multiple fill operations (e.g., a first fill of meat, second fill of liquid/dry mix, and a final fill of temperature-sensitive APIs). Each fill step may be a Control Point for accurate dose (in grams/milligrams) and temperature maintenance, with automated data recording of fill weights and dwell times.

[0420] After filling, pouch sealing occurs under controlled dwell pressure, time, and temperature. A laser or inkjet coding station may apply traceability codes or date/lot numbers. Seal scanning and other quality checks (e.g., metal detection, foreign object detection) may follow, with automated reject mechanisms to divert non-conforming pouches for further review or disposal. In some scenarios, the system 21000 records seal verification data in real time to ensure consistent packaging integrity. [0421] A high-pressure processing (HPP) stage 21006 may be used as a non-thermal microbial reduction step, often in addition to or in place of post-packaging steam cooking. When postpackaging steam cooking is employed (e.g., 165-185 °F at the pouch center), it is generally a validated FDA HACCP kill step. Following any thermal processing, a rapid cooling step (e.g., below 40 °F) helps prevent spore outgrowth or microbial multiplication.

[0422] The system 21000 may then label or package 21008 the pouches, including application of nutritional data and lot numbers. Case erection, packing, and sealing can also be automated, with weigh checks to confirm correct counts per case. Quality checks 21009 — such as final metal detection, seal scanning, or weight verification — occur prior to palletizing 21010. In some configurations, freezer storage may follow, either as inventory buffering for subscription demands or to stabilize the product. Shipping logistics then handle direct distribution to individual pet owners — for example, monthly shipments of a pet’s entire meal plan.

[0423] This broad yet detailed approach illustrates how the system 21000 can integrate multiple parallel ingredient lines, optional medication dosing, post-packaging thermal treatments, and HPP into a unified framework. Validated hold times and temperatures at each stage — along with automated monitoring, vendor-provided COAs, and in-house testing — help ensure product safety, consistency, and traceability.

[0424] In this way, FIG. 21A emphasizes upstream material handling, thawing, dicing, cooking, and ingredient convergence, while FIG. 21B highlights downstream packaging, high-pressure or thermal processing, labeling, and shipment. The system 21,000 may provide a range of operational modes, from gentle heating for sensitive components to higher-temperature cooking for robust microbial reduction. Each temperature setting, dosing strategy, or holding condition can be tailored to diverse formulations — providing the production of various pet food products with consistent quality and safety. All numeric temperatures, times, or other parameters in the figures are illustrative and non-limiting; the system 21,000 may be configured for broader or narrower operating envelopes as desired.

[0425] FIG. 10 shows an example of a system 10,000. In this case, the system 10,000 may be configured to produce individualized pet food products and may automate workflow steps including cooking, pasteurizing, high-pressure processing (HPP), and vacuum sealing. In some instances, system 10,000 may also manage prescription data, allowing precise per-meal formulation of drugs and supplements. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the system 10,000 may receive prescription details from external veterinary systems, thus enabling a machine-learning model to determine unique meal plans for each pet. In some instances, this real-time customization may reduce certain unwanted byproducts (such as advanced glycation end-products) by adjusting cooking and handling parameters.

[0426] As illustrated in FIG. 10, one or more protein storage containers 10,001, 10,021 may be configured to hold raw or frozen meats, which form the primary protein source for these individualized meals. In some instances, containers 10,001, 10,021 may include chilled or frozen compartments, ensuring controlled temperature to maintain product quality. In some embodiments, container 10,001, 10,021 may store multiple types of proteins (for example, poultry, beef, or fish), and the system 10,000, 10,021 may selectively dispense each protein type according to the pet’s specified nutritional plan. The multiple containers 10,001, 10,021 may store different types of proteins for variation of nutrients or flavor.

[0427] In some cases, one or more dry and liquid ingredient container 10,002, 10,022 may be configured to store additional base components. In some instances, container 10,002, 10,022 may hold powdered or liquid nutrients, such as oils, grains, or vegetable extracts. In some instances, container 10,002, 10,022 may dispense these ingredients in predetermined ratios, which can vary from one meal to another depending on nutritional objectives or dietary restrictions.

[0428] In some instances, a medicine/nutrients container 10,003 may be configured to store prescribed medications or nutraceutical additives used for treating or supplementing a pet’s diet. In some instances, container 10,003 may keep these items at specific temperatures to preserve potency and shelf life. In some cases, the dosage for each additive may be determined by the system 10,000 through a machine-learning model that factors in the pet’s feeding schedule, body weight, health status, and ongoing veterinary prescriptions.

[0429] In some cases, a processing unit 10,009 may receive streams of ingredients from a plurality of containers 10,001, 10,002 for processing the protein. In some instances, processing unit 10,009 may provide initial mixing, grinding, or temperature conditioning. In some instances, downstream dispensing units 10,010 and 10,011 may then portion the mixed content. The system may comprise a plurality of dispensing units 10,010 and 10,011 and each dispensing unit may receive ingredients from multiple containers. For example, a first dispensing unit 10,010 may receive different types of proteins and a second dispensing unit 10,011 may receive different non-protein ingredients such as a dry vegetable 10, 002 and liquid mixture 10, 022.

[0430] In some cases, metering stations 10,012 and 10,014 may measure and verify the amount of each ingredient to ensure alignment with the individualized prescription. In some instances, a conveyor system 10,014 may further move these portioned meals along the production line. [0431] In some embodiments, a cooking vessel 10,004 may thermally process the portioned meals. The system may comprise one or more cookers 10,004, 10,024. For instance, one cooker 10,004 may be for receiving and cooking all non-protein ingredients and one cooker 10,024 may be for receiving and cooking protein ingredients. In some cases, the cooker may also function as a mixture to mix the received ingredients. The unique manufacturing process may allow for cooking at a lowered temperature to beneficially produce food with lower amount of AGE. For example, the cooking temperature may be about 165°F. In some embodiments, the cooking temperature is at least about 82.5°F. In some embodiments, the cooking temperature is at most about 247.5°F. In some cases, the cooking temperature may lie between about 82.5°F and about 247.5°F. In some instances, the cooking temperature may be about 165°F. Alternatively, a higher temperature of about 200°F may be used. In some embodiments, that means a temperature of at least about 100°F and at most about 300°F, or anywhere in the range between them. These ranges are exemplary and non-limiting; actual cooking conditions may vary based on the type of protein, ingredient sensitivity, or desired texture. If certain medications or supplements are sensitive to heat, they may be introduced after the cooking step to preserve efficacy. The cooked protein and cooked non-protein may then be transported to a metering pump or weighing station 10,031 to be portioned and dispensed into each individual meal package. The medicine/nutrients 10,003 may be added at the cooker/mixer 10,004 or optionally added after the cooking process.

[0432] In some instances, the system 10,000 may include a vacuum sealing unit 10,005 configured to seal each meal package within protective pouches after cooking or ingredient addition. In some cases, sealed pouches may then be directed to a pasteurizing unit 10,006. In some embodiments, the system 10,000 may also employ high-pressure processing (HPP) 10,007, which applies elevated pressure to reduce microbial load without raising temperature. In some instances, the controller 10,008 may determine whether to perform pasteurizing or HPP first, or which method is more suitable for a specific recipe or medication load.

[0433] In this way, the system 10,000 integrates containers 10,001, 10,002, 10,003, the processing unit 10,009, dispensing units 10,010 and 10,011, the cooking vessel 10,004, the sealing unit 10,005, and the optional pasteurizing 10,006 or HPP 10,007 steps in a flexible workflow. In some instances, the system 10,000 may generate daily or weekly meal sets tailored to each pet’s nutritional or medicinal requirements, and the controller 10,008 may log data regarding each meal for further refinement.

[0434] Fermentation process begins as soon as the liquid ingredient is mixed with other ingredients (e.g., at operation 5008 in FIG. 5) or at the storage or dispenser 10,011 in FIG. 10. As described elsewhere herein, the fermentation process may last throughout the subsequent process until the fixture is cooked or the bacteria is killed. The fermentation process may not require additional hardware components or additional operations in the system. [0435] In alternative embodiments, the system may comprise a fermentation vessel. In some cases, the fermentation vessel may comprise integrated pH control mechanism. In some instances, the at least one integrated pH control mechanism comprises a sensor array configured to monitor acidity in real-time. In some cases, the at least one fermentation vessel comprises at least one temperature control jacket. In some instances, the at least one temperature control jacket comprises a water circulation system for maintaining an internal fermentation temperature of about 70 °F to about 115 °F. For example, the at least one fermentation vessel may be configured to maintain a stable environment conducive to lactic acid bacteria growth. As an example, the fermentation process may begin once any low-pH gravy, fermentate, or similar third ingredient is added to the mixture in the fermentation vessel, allowing the system to lower pH and inhibit bacterial spoilage prior to cooking.

[0436] Variations in cooking temperature, pressure, medication addition timing, or batch scheduling may be employed to accommodate different recipes or treatment requirements without limiting the general scope of the inventive system.

[0437] FIG. 11 shows an example of a system 11,000 representing an overall manufacturing line layout for producing individualized pet food products in an automated workflow. In this example, the system 11,000 may comprise high pressure processing (HPP) units 17,000 configured to provide post-packaging microbial reduction without subjecting active medications or supplements to high temperatures that may degrade their efficacy. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the HPP units 17,000 may be situated at one end of the layout so that sealed packages can be treated efficiently after upstream processing and packaging steps. In some instances, the HPP units 17,000 may receive sealed pouches from other components in the system 11,000, thereby ensuring a controlled transfer of products destined for high pressure treatment.

[0438] In some cases, cooking vessels 14,002 may be configured to thermally process raw or partially mixed ingredients before those ingredients move downstream. These cooking vessels 14,002 can perform various cooking or heating processes, such as steaming, boiling, or controlled thermal treatment. In some implementations, the output of the cooking vessels 14,002 may consist of fully cooked meal portions, whereas in other variations, the cooking process may be partial, allowing later steps to further adjust the formulation (for example, to preserve the integrity of heat-sensitive supplements). A dicing & cooking station 14,000 may receive partially or fully cooked ingredients from the cooking vessels 14,002 or raw materials from storage. This station 14,000 may grind, blend, or otherwise condition the materials before transferring them to subsequent stations. The output from station 14,000 may be a uniformly mixed or prepared product stream that can be routed to further processing. [0439] Additionally, the system 11,000 may include storage and dispensing systems 13,000, which can deliver meats, dry or liquid ingredients, or veterinary-prescribed medications into the workflow at suitable junctures. In some instances, the storage and dispensing systems 13,000 may interact with the cooking vessels 14,002 or the dicing & cooking station 14,000 to introduce medications after initial cooking or blending, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of heatsensitive compounds. In some variations, the storage, and dispensing systems 13,000 may store customized supplements for specific pets and deliver them only when a particular batch requires that component.

[0440] A filling & pouching section 15,000 can receive the partially or fully prepared product from upstream stations and place it into pouches or containers. In some instances, the filling & pouching section 15,000 may also perform vacuum sealing, inert gas flushing, or other sealing techniques to enhance shelf life. The sealed packages may then be passed to the HPP units 17,000 or further processing as needed.

[0441] In some embodiments, the system 11,000 may comprise pasteurization & chiller equipment 16,000 configured to perform heat-based microbial reduction on sealed products, either before or alongside HPP treatments. In some cases, the pasteurization & chiller equipment 16,000 works in tandem with the cooking vessels 14,002 to meet microbial standards while preserving drug efficacy. The pasteurization process may be adapted based on the type of medication or supplement included, thus providing flexibility in the thermal exposure of each product batch.

[0442] In some embodiments, a packaging station 18,000 may group and arrayed sealed pouches for final distribution, and a finished product & loading dock 19,000 facilitates shipping or storage of completed batches. In this way, the system 11,000 integrates HPP units 17,000, cooking vessels 14,002, a dicing & cooking station 14,000, storage and dispensing systems 13,000, a filling & pouching section 15,000, pasteurization & chiller equipment 16,000, packaging 18,000, and a finished product & loading dock 19,000 to enable flexible, per-pet customized food production. By allowing medications or supplements to be introduced at various stages, this layout supports multiple process flows that help maintain ingredient integrity, meet safety standards, and provide individualized formulations for different pets.

[0443] FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of an incoming loading dock layout 12,000 for receiving and handling raw materials or packaging supplies in a pet food manufacturing facility. A pallet storage section 12,001 is arrayed adjacent to pallet transfer equipment 12,002, which may invert or re-position palletized loads to expedite unloading and staging for subsequent processing operations. By centralizing these operations at the loading dock, the system ensures smooth integration of inbound meats, dry /liquid ingredients, or prescription components that will eventually enter the broader manufacturing line. Although the layout 12,000 shows one possible configuration, alternative dock designs, additional equipment (such as automated pallet movers or conveyor interfaces), and varied storage capacities may be employed without deviating from the overall manufacturing and medication integration concepts described in previous figures. [0444] FIG. 13 shows a non-limiting example of a frozen and dry storage area layout 13,000 used in a pet food manufacturing facility. The freezer storage sections 13,001 are configured to hold temperature-sensitive protein ingredients (e.g., frozen meats), while dry storage areas 13,002 accommodate powder-based or low-moisture components. Material handling equipment 13,003 allows for efficient movement of these ingredients from storage to various processing stations, helping maintain separation between different ingredient types while still ensuring quick access for recipe formulation or medication integration as described in prior figures. Although the layout 13,000 shows one possible arrayed, alternative configurations, expanded freezer capacities, or automated retrieval systems may be employed without departing from the core principles of segregated storage and streamlined manufacturing flow.

[0445] FIG. 14 shows a non-limiting example of a dicing and cooking equipment layout 14,000 within a pet food manufacturing facility. Protein dicing equipment 14,001 is positioned to handle raw ingredients (such as frozen meats), preparing them to the desired size specifications before they move to cooking vessels 14,002. The material handling equipment 14,003 helps route diced ingredients into the cooking stage, maintaining appropriate temperature controls and process flow. This arrayed allows for sequential or partially overlapping operations, so both dicing and cooking may be coordinated in real time. Additionally, the layout provides the flexibility to introduce supplemental ingredients — such as liquids, powders, or medications — at various points in the cooking process, aligning with the broader system’s goal of producing customized, petspecific formulations without imposing a rigid or single-path procedure.

[0446] FIG. 15 illustrates a non-limiting example of a filling and pouching area layout 15,000 within a pet food manufacturing facility. Filling stations 15,001 are configured to dispense prepared food mixtures into appropriately sized portions, while medication addition stations provide the precise incorporation of prescribed pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compounds on a per-meal or per-pet basis. Pouching equipment then packages each portion into sealed containers, preserving both the nutritional and therapeutic elements of the product. By positioning medication addition in close proximity to final sealing, the layout supports controlled dosing and prevents cross-contamination with earlier process operations. This arrayed thus ensures that individually tailored pet meals may be produced and packaged efficiently without compromising overall cleanliness or requiring a rigid, single-path manufacturing flow.

[0447] FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limiting example of a pasteurizer and chiller arrayed 16,000 in a pet food manufacturing facility. A pasteurization unit 16,001 is configured to apply controlled thermal treatment to sealed pouches or product batches, reducing microbial loads while preserving nutritional and medicinal integrity for formulations that may include temperaturesensitive medications. Downstream, a chiller 16,002 lowers the product temperature to a safe range — either to inhibit bacterial growth or to prepare pouches for subsequent processing operations such as high-pressure pasteurization (HPP) or storage. By situating the pasteurizer 16,001 and chiller 16,002 in close proximity, the layout 16,000 provides a continuous, efficient workflow, supporting the broader system’s goal of delivering individualized, per-pet meals with verified food safety and consistent dosage handling.

[0448] FIG. 17 shows a non-limiting example of a high-pressure processing (HPP) arrayed 17,000 in a pet food manufacturing facility. An HPP unit applies elevated hydrostatic pressure to sealed pouches or containers, providing an alternative microbial reduction step that does not rely on high temperatures. This approach helps preserve temperature-sensitive nutrients or medications that may degrade under prolonged heat, making it particularly suitable for individualized pet meals containing specialized supplements or prescriptions. Optional loading and unloading conveyors 17,002 may be incorporated to streamline product flow, allowing freshly packaged or pre-pasteurized items to enter and exit the HPP chamber efficiently. By situating HPP alongside the cooking, pasteurizing, and cooling stages, the layout 17,000 ensures that per-pet formulations may achieve both microbial safety and ingredient efficacy, meeting the broader system’s goal of delivering customizable pet food with minimal compromise to drug stability or nutritional content.

[0449] FIG. 18 shows a non-limiting example of a packaging area layout 18,000. In this section of the facility, filled pouches or containers — potentially containing specialized medications or supplements — are inspected, labeled, and grouped for storage or shipping. Various packaging equipment 18,001 may facilitate case packing or bundling of individualized pet meals, while labeling stations 18,002 apply batch codes, nutritional details, or prescription information. Conveyors 18,003 may transfer sealed products to nearby palletizing or loading zones, ensuring smooth transitions from final processing to distribution. By positioning the packaging area 18,000 near quality-control rooms and other key facility spaces, the system accommodates last- minute labeling updates, dosage verifications, or supplementary checks without introducing operational bottlenecks. This arrayed thus supports efficient, high-throughput handling of customized pet food pouches while maintaining quality and safety standards.

[0450] FIG. 19 presents a non-limiting example of a finished product loading dock layout 19,000. This area is dedicated to handling and dispatching fully packaged, per-pet meal pouches — potentially including prescription dosages or customized nutritional profiles — out of the facility. A pallet staging section 19,001 provides space for organizing and labeling pallets, while overhead roll-up doors 19,002 or similar access points may facilitate efficient loading into transport vehicles. By situating this loading dock 19,000 near the packaging and final processing zones, the system streamlines the transition from production to shipment, ensuring that temperature-sensitive or medication-enhanced meals maintain proper storage conditions until they leave the facility. Such an arrayed provide quick, reliable distribution to pet owners or veterinary clinics, further supporting the personalized, high-quality standards described in preceding figures.

Computer systems

[0451] The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. FIG. 8 shows a computer system 8000 that is programmed or otherwise configured to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein). The computer system 8000 may regulate various aspects to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein) of the present disclosure, such as, for example, to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein). The computer system 8000 may be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device. The electronic device may be a mobile electronic device.

[0452] The computer system 8000 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 8001, which may be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 8000 also includes memory or memory location 8003 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 8007 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 8004 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 8005, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 8003, storage unit 8007, interface 8004 and peripheral devices 8005 are in communication with the CPU 8001 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 8007 may be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 8000 may be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 8006 with the aid of the communication interface 8004. The network 8006 may be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 8006 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 8006 may include one or more computer servers, which may provide distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 8006, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 8000, may implement a peer-to-peer network, which may provide devices coupled to the computer system 8000 to behave as a client or a server.

[0453] The CPU 8001 may execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which may be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 8003. The instructions may be directed to the CPU 8001, which may subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 8001 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 8001 may include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[0454] The CPU 8001 may be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 8000 may be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0455] The storage unit 8007 may store files, such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. The storage unit 8007 may store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 8000 in some cases may include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 8000, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 8000 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0456] The computer system 8000 may communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 8006. For instance, the computer system 8000 may communicate with a remote computer system of a user ((e.g., to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-provided device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user may access the computer system 8000 via the network 8006.

[0457] Methods as described herein may be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 8000, such as, for example, on the memory 8003 or electronic storage unit 8007. The machine executable or machine readable code may be provided in the form of software. During use, the code may be executed by the processor 8001. In some cases, the code may be retrieved from the storage unit 8007 and stored on the memory 8003 for ready access by the processor 8001. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 8007 may be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 8003.

[0458] The code may be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code or may be compiled during runtime. The code may be supplied in a programming language that may be selected to provide the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0459] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 8000, may be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code may be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.

“Storage” type media may include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may provide loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server.

Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical, and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0460] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, may comprise one or more of, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0461] The computer system 8000 may include or be in communication with an electronic display 8009 that comprises a user interface (UI) 8008 for providing, for example, to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein). Examples of UFs include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

[0462] Methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm may be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 8001. The algorithm may, for example, is configured to assist in the process for preparing a pet food (e.g., according to any of the methods described herein).

[0463] While preferred embodiments of The present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It may be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for manufacturing a pet food, the method comprising:

(a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient from a dry or liquid source, wherein the third ingredient comprises a fermentation component selected from a dry fermentation, a liquid fermentation, a pediocin-containing culture, or a lactic acid bacterial starter;

(b) mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient to create a mixture;

(c) fermenting the mixture in (b) to create a fermented mixture, wherein fermenting the mixture comprises combining the mixture with pediocins or a pediocin-producing culture to abate growth of harmful bacteria;

(d) steaming the fermented mixture and pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture; and

(e) processing the pasteurized mixture with a high-pressure process to produce the pet food that has a shelf-stability at room temperature of greater than 40 days.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising steaming the fermented mixture at a temperature to raise an internal temperature of the fermented mixture to about 165°F.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising steaming the fermented mixture for at least 1 minute at a temperature no higher than 240°F.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising pasteurizing the fermented mixture for at least 1 minute at a temperature no higher than 240°F.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising pasteurizing the fermented mixture for approximately 15 minutes.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein steaming the fermented mixture raises the internal temperature to at least 165°F over a period of approximately 30 minutes.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising steaming the fermented mixture at a temperature between about 208°F and about 216°F.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising pasteurizing the fermented mixture at a temperature between about 208°F to about 216°F.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising pasteurizing the fermented mixture at a temperature between about 211°F to about 213°F.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising dicing, slicing, or chunking the first and/or second ingredient into a predetermined size.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second ingredient is freeze dried.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the third ingredient is processed into a gravy mixture.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising chilling the pasteurized mixture prior to the high pressure process in (e).

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising vacuuming and sealing a package of the fermented mixture prior to (d).

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising vacuuming and sealing a package of the pasteurized mixture after (e).

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing metal detection on the fermented mixture.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising steaming the pasteurized mixture after the high-pressure process to further reduce bacterial counts.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein fermenting the mixture comprises a pickling fermentation that produces lactic acid bacteria.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising freezing the pasteurized mixture.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the shelf-life stability at room temperature of greater than 60 days results from the method operations of claim 1.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the pet food comprises a total number of bacteria below 6 log CFU/g.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pet food comprises a total number of bacteria below 3 log CFU/g.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the pet food comprises a shelf-life pH between about 5.0 pH units to about 6.5 pH units.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the pet food is suitable for consumption by any canine.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the pet food is suitable for consumption by any feline.

26. The method of claim 1, further comprising fermenting the mixture at a temperature between approximately 165°F to approximately 185°F.

27. The method of claim 1, further comprising fermenting the mixture for approximately 20 minutes to approximately 30 minutes.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-pressure process in (e) is performed at a pressure of about 500 MPa to about 700 MPa for a duration of about 1 to 5 minutes.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein pasteurizing the pasteurized mixture occurs for between approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.

30. A method for preparing a pet food, the method comprising:

(a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient comprising a fermentation component;

(b) fermenting the combined ingredients to reduce the pH of the mixture;

(c) steaming the fermented mixture;

(d) pasteurizing the steamed mixture; and

(e) pressurizing the pasteurized mixture to produce a pet food.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein fermenting the one or more ingredients comprises combining the one or more ingredients with pediocins to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the harmful bacteria are bacteria other than lactic acid bacteria.

33. A method for preparing a pet food, the method comprising:

(a) receiving a first ingredient from a protein source, a second ingredient from a vegetable source, and a third ingredient from a dry and liquid source for fermenting the pet food;

(b) mixing the first ingredient, the second ingredient, and the third ingredient to form a combined mixture;

(c) fermenting the combined mixture to form a fermented mixture;

(d) steaming the fermented mixture; and

(e) pasteurizing the fermented mixture to create a pasteurized mixture.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein fermenting the combined mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 165°F and a duration of approximately 25 minutes.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein fermenting the combined mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 220°F and a duration of approximately 15 minutes.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein steaming the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 208°F to about 216°F.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein steaming the fermented mixture comprises a duration of between approximately 25 minutes to 35 minutes.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein pasteurizing the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of approximately 208°F to about 216°F and a duration of between approximately 15 minutes to 25 minutes.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein pasteurizing the fermented mixture comprises a temperature of about 208°F, about 209°F, about 210°F, about 211°F, about 212°F, about 213°F, about 214°F, about 215°F, or about 216°F.

40. An automated manufacture system comprising: a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of ingredients, wherein the plurality of ingredients comprises at least protein, vegetable, and a fermentation component; a dispensing system for mixing a selected portion of ingredients received from the plurality of containers and dispensing a combination of a portioned amount of the ingredients into each of a plurality of packages, each package corresponds to a meal of a particular day; a high pressuring processing machine configured to receive a plurality of sealed packages for processing; and a controller operably coupled to the plurality of containers, the dispensing system and the high pressure processing machine and execute a set of instructions to: i) receive one or more nutritional plans associated with one or more animals and determine the selected portion of ingredients to be supplied in a batch based at least in part on the one or more nutritional plans and the plurality of ingredients, ii) determine the combination of the portioned amount of the ingredients for each of the plurality of packages.

41. The automated manufacture system of claim 40, wherein each of the one or more nutritional plans is personalized to a particular animal and each of the one or more nutritional plans comprises a nutrition goal.

42. The automated manufacture system of claim 41, wherein the nutrition goal comprises calories per day and wherein the controller is configured to determine the combination of the portioned amount of the ingredients for each meal for a particular day.

43. The automated manufacture system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of ingredients further comprises a prescription medicine.

44. The automated manufacture system of claim 43, wherein the controller is connected to a practice information management system (PIMS) via an integration agent to receive the one or more nutritional plans and/or the prescription medicine.

45. The automated manufacture system of claim 44, wherein the controller is configured to determine a dosage of the prescription medicine for each package based at least in part on a release time of the prescription medicine.

46. The automated manufacture system of claim 40, further comprising a low-temperature cooker for steaming the mixed selected portion of ingredients at a temperature no higher than 170°F thereby reducing an amount of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the food.

47. The automated manufacture system of claim 40, further comprising a pasteurizing machine for processing the plurality of sealed packages prior to processing the plurality of sealed packages by the high pressure processing machine.