This patent describes a method for producing soy proteins that are soluble in water and remain heat-stable at low pH values. The soy proteins must first be solubilized from the source using a calcium chloride solution, another calcium salt or combination thereof, or other alkaline metal compounds.

US Patent No. 10,575,538 (March 3, 2020), Schweizer, M. et al., assigned to Burcon Nutriscience Corp., Winnepeg, CA.

This design for a dog biscuit tips its hat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the city’s reigning baseball team.

US Patent No. D877,446 (March 10, 2020), Kolodzi, K. M. et al., assigned to Kim M Kolodzi and Ginny Bischel, Bonita, CA.

Ginger, a food ingredient native to southern Asia, could be useful in treating inflammatory conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders and arthritis, in dogs and cats, according to this patent.

US Patent No. 10,583,164 (March 10, 2020), Khoo, C. et al., assigned to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS.

Dried insect larvae have proven to be a viable source of protein and fat, offering other benefits for animal agriculture and pet nutrition such as sustainability. This patent describes methods for incorporating eggs from such edible insects into an animal feed formula to support the growth and health of newborn, weaning, weak or sick animals, including young pets.

US Patent No. 10,602,757 (March 31, 2020), Hu. W. et al., assigned to Bioforte Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangdong, China.

Many baked pet treat products use mould drums to shape dough into their final forms. This patent describes a method of cleaning and storing these mould drums to ensure optimal hygiene and sanitation by employing the use of a bacteriostatic substance for treatment and during storage.  

US Patent No. 10,609,933 (April 7, 2020), Verhoeven, M. J. W. et al., assigned to GEA Food Solutions, Vakel, Netherlands.

A downside of plant-based proteins can be that some have anti-nutritional characteristics, such as vicine and covicine, that disrupt their nutritional value or palatability when incorporated in pet food formulations. This patent describes a technique for extracting proteins and removing, de-activating or substantially reducing these anti-nutritional qualities.

US Patent No. 10,617,133 (April 14, 2020), Spinelli, M. A. et al., assigned to Nutriati, Inc., Henrico, VA.

This pillow pet treat design could be co-extruded, with a crunchy outer layer and softer inner layer.  

US Patent No. D880,807 (April 14, 2020), Johansson, J. et al., assigned to Mars, Incorporated, McLean, VA.

Another pillow pet treat design, this one featuring convex angles on two, opposite sides of the treat, and straight parallel edges on the other two sides.  

US Patent No. D880,808 (April 14, 2020), Johansson, J. et al., assigned to Mars, Incorporated, McLean, VA.

The third and final pet treat design patented by Mars in April 2020, this design features two curved sides, opposite and parallel to each other, and two straight parallel edges on the other two sides.

US Patent No. D880,809 (April 14, 2020), Johansson, J. et al., assigned to Mars, Incorporated, McLean, VA.

Animals that perform strenuous activities, such as working, hunting, sporting and other exercise, can experience physical or biochemical changes associated with that activity and resulting in physical exhaustion and possibly oxidative stress. This patent describes nutritional formulations for hard-working animals to minimize these physical side effects.  

US Patent No. 10,624,937 (April 21, 2020), Zanghi, B. M. et al., assigned to Nestec S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

This patent offers a method for improving the digestibility of a dog or cat food by using metabolites to modulate organic matter digestibility, dry matter digestibility, fiber digestibility, energy digestibility, fat digestibility, or protein digestibility, all while minimizing the cost of the pet food production and enhancing nutritional benefits. 

US Patent No. 10,624,370 (April 21, 2020), Middleton, R. P. et al., assigned to Nestec S/A, Vevey, Switzerland.

This is a design for a pet treat shaped like a chicken leg. The treat could be a dental chew based on the raised bumps occurring along its surface.  

US Patent No. D881,506 (April 21, 2020), Van Eyk, G. et al., assigned to Spectrum Brands, Inc., Middleton, WI.

Dental chews for pets are designed to offer oral health benefits, freshen breath and serve as an engaging treat. This patent describes an improved dental chew design, formulation and production methods to improve safety, palatability and functionality.

US Patent No. 10,631,555 (April 28, 2020), Barnvos, D. R. et al., assigned to Big Heart Pet, Inc., Orrville, OH.

A durable pet chew design by Polyshot, a partner of Red Barn Pet Products. This patent may have been applied to one of Red Barn’s recent long-lasting shaped chew offerings, Chew-A-Bulls.

US Patent No. D883,606 (May 12, 2020), Hepler, D., assigned to Polyshot Corporation, West Henrietta, NY.

This treat design takes humanization literally, depicting a hamburger with cheese on a sesame seed bun.  

US Patent No. D884,306 (May 19, 2020), Van Eyk, G. et al., assigned to Spectrum Brands, Inc., Middleton, WI.