The present invention relates to a pet chew composition that is ductile and holds inclusions, such as fibers, hard components, and mixtures thereof. Any of a variety of polymeric materials can be used, as long as the resultant pet chew is sufficiently ductile and can hold the tooth-cleaning components in contact with a tooth, while a pet's teeth penetrate the polymer, or as the pet rubs its teeth on the polymer, while gnawing or chewing on the resultant pet chew.

A nutritious, flavorful, digestible animal chew made from a dehydrated sweet potato is provided. The animal chew is non-allergenic and has a striated, deeply furrowed surface to improve the oral hygiene of an animal. The animal chew is low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and contains no animal-based or synthetic products.

A dog chew made of extruded, edible material has a brush-shaped head at one end and a tail at the other. The brush-shaped head and tail are connected to the head by a shaft. The brush-shaped head is provided with segments (for example six segments) with spaces between the segments adapted to be more easily manipulated in a dog's mouth, so that smaller pieces break off when a dog bites and chews the article. Thus, the brush-shaped head may contain individual segments having an elliptical cross se...

An animal chew toy and a system are disclosed that are capable of dispensing a liquid, such as a dentifrice, to the oral cavity of an animal. The toy may comprise one of various shapes such as a ball or a bone shape. The chew toy may provide a reservoir containing a plurality of apertures that dispense the liquid when compressed. The reservoir may provide bristles to brush the animal's teeth during play. The liquid may be a solution that improves dental hygiene, such as fluoride, or in some inst...

An biodegradable animal chew made from polyesteramide and starch is disclosed. In addition, a method of forming such a biodegradable animal chew is disclosed wherein the polyesteramide component forms distinct continuous domains dispersed within a continuous starch phase.

An animal chew which is made from molded fruit chips. In a second embodiment, an animal chew which is made from a molded thermoplastic resin having fruit chips dispersed therein. In a third embodiment, an animal chew which is made from starch having fruit chips dispersed therein.

An improved animal chew comprising a low voltage battery and various conductors such that when an animal chews on the present invention an electrical circuit is formed and a micro-current flows. This micro-current has therapeutic effects on the animal's teeth and gums, and optionally, low concentrations of certain trace metals are released which similarly have beneficial results regarding the animal's oral hygiene. In addition, upon chewing, calcium ions and/or fluoride ions can be discharged. F...

A method for processing cattle hooves (38), for use as a dog chew includes the steps of cleaning (42) the hoof, removing (44) a thin portion of the bottom (24) of the hoof to minimize removal of the hoof pad (26). This is accomplished by positioning a bandsaw blade (48) adjacent a backing plate (54). The bottom of the hoof is placed against the backing plate and the hoof is moved into the bandsaw blade. This results in a relatively thin layer of the bottom of the hoof being removed, generally eq...

An animal chew toy comprising a radiopaque polymer. The radiopaque polymer may comprise a polymer that is inherently radiopaque or a polymer that has been made radiopaque by the addition of an additive that provides radiopaque characteristics. The radiopaque polymers of the present invention may be manufactured by melt processing techniques, such as extrusion, compression and/or injection molding.

A chew toy for dogs formed of a length of composite rope having an inner core defined by one or more strands of twisted threads of natural plant or synthetic fibers such as sisal or nylon, and a soft outer shell defined by a plurality of strands of soft pliable cotton threads which are twisted about the inner core. The inner core is less water absorbent that the outer shell to promote drying of toy when wetted with the dog's saliva to inhibit bacteria growth in the toy. In the preferred configur...