WASHINGTON — The US Patent and Trademark office issued a number of patents to pet food and treat manufacturers during 2017.

Colgate-Palmolive Company, owner of Hill's Pet Nutrition, was awarded a patent for its methods to promote health in adult animals through nutrition.

Mars, Incorporated was awarded a patent for a blossom-shaped pet treat design with a series of divots or holes throughout to provide texture and detail, and another patent for its methods for producing and packaging a probiotic supplement for pets.

Nestlé Purina was awarded a patent for a multi-textured pet treat. The treat is comprised of one soft and one hard component conjoined to form a twisted stick shape.

Other patents in 2017 were issued to Royal Pet Incorporated, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; Spectrum Brands, Inc., Middleton, Wisconsin; Pet's Best Life, LLC, North Kansas City, Missouri; and TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey. 

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