More appealing pet food products and their methods of preparation

Abstract

Improved pet food products containing a combination of real meat, real vegetables, real grain and pasta and container systems regarding same are presented. In an embodiment, the pet food product contains a wet dog food having the appearance of food for human consumption as found in delicatessens. Thus, the pet food product is more appealing to pet owners. The product is contained in unique packaging that provides an attractive appearance and is stackable. The packaging can also be translucent or transparent so that the pet food is visible within one or more portions of the packaging. The container system can be constructed from compounds that will protect the food product from harmful ultraviolet light and make it retortable.

1 . A method for providing a pet food having increased consumer appeal, the method comprising:
 providing pet food in the form of human delicatessen food comprising a gravy and at least two ingredients selected from the group of ingredients consisting of meat, soy, vegetables, grains and pasta; and   placing the pet food into a stackable container system comprising a container body and an easily removable, resealable lid.   
     
     
         2 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 1 , wherein the container body has at least a portion that is selected from the group consisting of translucent, transparent and combinations thereof, and wherein the pet food is visible through the container body. 
     
     
         3 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is adapted to support the container body. 
     
     
         4 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 3 , wherein the outer circumference of the lid is larger than the outer circumference of the container body. 
     
     
         5 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 1 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into a tab at a corner of the container body. 
     
     
         6 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 1 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into tabs at opposing corners of the container body. 
     
     
         7 . The method for providing pet food of  claim 1 , wherein the lid has at least one step down groove. 
     
     
         8 . A stackable container system comprising:
 a container body,   an easily removable, resealable lid attached to the container body, and   a pet food stored in the container body, the pet food comprising a gravy and at least two ingredients selected from the group of ingredients consisting of meat, soy, vegetables, grains and pasta in the form of human delicatessen food.   
     
     
         9 . The stackable container system of  claim 8  further comprising a stackable container system having a container body and an easily removable, resealable lid for containing the pet food. 
     
     
         10 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the container body has at least a portion that is selected from the group consisting of translucent, transparent and combinations thereof, and wherein the pet food is visible through the container body. 
     
     
         11 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is adapted to support the container body. 
     
     
         12 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the outer circumference of the lid is larger than the outer circumference of the container body. 
     
     
         13 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into a tab at a corner of the container body. 
     
     
         14 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into tabs at opposing corners of the container body. 
     
     
         15 . The stackable container system of  claim 8 , wherein the lid has at least one step down groove. 
     
     
         16 . A container system for pet foods, the container system comprising:
 an easily removable, resealable lid, and   a container body defining an interior for receiving pet food, the container body having at least a portion that is selected from the group consisting of translucent, transparent and combinations thereof, wherein the container system is stackable.   
     
     
         17 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the entire container body is a type selected from the group consisting of transparent, translucent and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the container system is retortable. 
     
     
         19 . The container system of  claim 16  further comprising a pet food. 
     
     
         20 . The container system of  claim 19 , wherein the pet food is visible through at least one portion of the container body. 
     
     
         21 . The container system of  claim 16  further comprising a foil covering the container body. 
     
     
         22 . The container system of  claim 16  further comprising a label surrounding the container body, wherein the label has opaque portions and transparent portions. 
     
     
         23 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the lid is adapted to support the container. 
     
     
         24 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the lid includes at least one groove. 
     
     
         25 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the outer circumference of the lid is larger than the outer circumference of the container body. 
     
     
         26 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into a tab at a corner of the container body. 
     
     
         27 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the container body has at least one relief cut into tabs at opposing corners of the container body. 
     
     
         28 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the lid has at least one step down groove. 
     
     
         29 . The container system of  claim 16 , wherein container body is so constructed and arranged as to reduce UV light from reaching the interior of the container system.