| abstract |
The present invention provides methods and products made thereby,nwherein a pre-expanded constituent, including an edible constituent, isnthermally treated to melt it, preferably in a dynamic process environment, tonproduce products ranging from high to quite low densities and from very strongnto soft to apparently dry textures. The wide range of textures enables thenprovision of food products such as low calorie, digestible and safe, longnduration pet food chews. Non-food products suitable for use in manufacturenmay also be produced. Cooking is preferably carried in an extruder, preferablynat low moisture or in the total absence of added water. The methods ofndynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including but not limited tondecreased process steps, increased throughput, decreased capital expensesnand decreased raw product cost. |