Preparation of Petfood Gravies and Gels

Most tinned dog and cat food is based on a slurry of meat or meat derivatives and cereals. Some products also contain fish. The slurry, which may be extruded, rolled or pressed into chunks, is then mixed with a "gravy" or a higher viscosity gel, typically a mixture of starches or gums such as xanthan, guar, carageenan, locust bean, etc. in water. Other gravy ingredients could include coloring, flavor enhancers, vitamins, and minerals. A typical gravy would be manufactured as follows: * The processing vessel is charged with water. This may be cold or heated to 140 - 175°F (60 -80°C) depending on a number of processing factors. * The agitator is started; the powdered ingredients are then added. * As a mixture of gums and thickeners is often used these may be premixed with the other powdered ingredients. This aids incorporation of lighter powders and can help prevent formation of agglomerates. * The powder mix is gradually added into the vortex created by the agitator. * Mixing continues after the powders have been dispersed, to allow hydration to be completed and the desired viscosity to be obtained.