Projectile pet food

Abstract

An edible animal food projectile is provided. The projectile is compatible for being launched from a launching apparatus such as a toy gun or the like. The projectile includes an edible body made from a starch-based material consisting essentially of an expanded starch. The edible body is formed into a predefined geometry operable to receive a launching force causing temporary flight of the projectile and having a first density. A payload is embedded on or within the edible body and the payload is formed from a material having a second density greater than the first density of the edible body. The payload can be food, medicine, and the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A launching apparatus and edible animal food projectile therefor comprising:
 a launching apparatus including a launching portion;   an animal food projectile, the projectile including an edible body made from a starch-based material consisting essentially of an expanded starch, the edible body formed into a predefined geometry and having a first density; and a payload embedded on or within the edible body, the payload being formed from a material having a second density greater than the first density of the edible body; and   the edible body configured to operatively engage the launching portion of the launching apparatus and to be forcibly ejected thereby with a launching force sufficient to cause separation of the projectile from the launching apparatus and temporary flight.   
     
     
         2 . The projectile of  claim 1  wherein the launching apparatus includes a magazine adapted to hold a plurality of projectiles feeding into the launching portion of the launching apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The projectile of  claim 1  wherein the launching apparatus is supported in an articulating stand adapted to direct projectiles towards a designated feeding location for delivery of the projectiles to an animal.