29/04/2026

Pet Food Testing Moves From the Kennel and Into the Home  

Kennel-based pet food testing may have been an industry standard for decades, but Netherlands-based startup Pet Panel is making the case for why that needs to change.
  It argues that while the approach produces reliable results, these do not necessarily translate to real-world conditions. 
  Founded two years ago by Evelien Bos, a research associate in animal nutrition at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Pet Panel offers independent in-home trials designed to generate more representative data for pet food producers and ingredient suppliers.   Kennel-based testing: 'Precise but not accurate'
The central issue with kennel-based testing, according to Bos, is that the animals used are experienced testers. 
  To demonstrate the point, she explained that in a two-bowl preference test (where a pet chooses between two products), kennel animals perform reliably because they are tested routinely. 
  However, they do not represent the broader population of pets that will eventually eat the product.
  'In a kennel, you can have a very precise measurement, but it does not reflect the real-life situation,' Bos told Fi Global Insights. 'I always say it is precise but not accurate.'   Kennel-based testing fails to capture pet–owner interactions
Bos pointed to one customer who spent €200,000 on kennel-based testing, only to find that a subsequent in-home trial produced a different conclusion. The kennel data failed to predict how the product would perform with everyday pets and their owners, she explained.
  Owner behaviour is a variable that kennel testing cannot capture. In Pet Panel's trials, owner feedback has revealed cases where a pet readily consumed a product, but the owner found it unpleasant and would therefore be unlikely to repurchase it.
  "In the end, an animal can think something, but if the owner does not agree, it will not be bought again," said Bos.
  Alongside data quality is a growing ethical dimension. Bos said kennel-based testing is increasingly difficult to reconcile with the humanisation, premiumisation, and transparency expectations that now define the pet food market. 
  How a product is tested, she argued, is part of that story too.   Blind trials and a 20-animal threshold
Pet Panel conducts two types of palatability tests: a one-bowl acceptance test (yes or no) and a two-bowl preference test (A or B). 
  All trials are blinded, which means pet owners do not know the brand, composition, or ingredients of the products they receive.
  For digestibility testing, the company adds an indigestible marker to the test food and measures its concentration in both the food and faeces, allowing digestibility values to be calculated without total collection of intake and output (a practical requirement in an uncontrolled home setting).
  Modelling from Bos's doctoral research at WUR informed Pet Panel's standard of 20 animals as its minimum sample size for reliable outcomes. She explained that precision significantly improved between five and 20 animals, but flattened beyond that point. 
  The same research found that shorter test periods can produce more representative results: day one palatability data predicted day 10 outcomes, because pets that disliked a product dropped out over time, progressively skewing the remaining measurements.
  Pet owners join the panel voluntarily, receive test products free of charge, and can opt in or out of individual trials.
  'We test a lot of different products, so people don't have to participate in every test,' she said. 
  'Every week we send out [correspondence saying]: 'We have these tests this week, who wants to participate?' And if they say 'it's not a good time this week', they can skip. 
  'Some people only participate in snack tests. They don't want to change the daily foods, but they would love to have a snack test.' 
  Independent data for pet food ingredient suppliers
Pet food ingredient suppliers are among Pet Panel's most active customer segments. 
  With a growing range of ingredients entering pet food, such as freeze-dried functional yoghurt, chitosan, and even black soldier fly larvae protein, Bos said a supplier looking to sell a novel ingredient to a producer needs more than published literature to support its case.
  She explained that suppliers need independent, real-world evidence that the ingredients in their formulations are palatable, support digestibility, or deliver a measurable health benefit in the animal.
  'They need data to back up their sales and their communication,' she said. 'If they want to sell their ingredients to a pet food producer, they need a story.'
  Pet Panel operates from its own facility in Wageningen, which includes a logistics centre, laboratory, and offices. Bos said that as of March 2026, the company employs 17 people. 
  Long-term plans include international expansion. Currently, participants and panellists are sourced from the Netherlands and Belgium. 
  Pet Panel is also planning to move beyond its two core testing pillars (digestibility and palatability) into health-focused trials covering gut health, skin and coat, mobility, dental health, and urinary health, which would open a new testing route for functional ingredient and nutraceutical suppliers seeking efficacy data in companion animals. 
  With alternative formats and novel ingredients like insect-based feeds, plant-based formulations, and even functional drinks for dogs reaching Pet Panel's testing pipeline, Bos said the priority now is building the evidence base for health-focused ingredient claims. By Tessa Wiles
Source: FI Global Insights

23/04/2026

What ‘Fresh’ Really Means in Pet Food Manufacturing  

The term appears frequently in the media, on packaging, and in consumer conversations; however, "fresh" is not currently defined by AAFCO or the FDA. Because of this, products marketed as fresh can vary significantly in formulation, processing methods, packaging technologies, storage requirements, and shelf life. For pet parents and professionals alike, this can make it difficult to compare products. 
  Fresh pet food is often marketed as 'less processed,' 'gently cooked,' or 'minimally processed.' However, as with other pet food formats, processing still plays a critical role for several reasons:
  Food safety: Applying validated controls such as thermal treatments or other pathogen-reduction measures to minimize microbial risks for both pets and the people handling their food 
  Nutritional reliability: Helping ensure nutrients are digestible and bioavailable through steps such as grinding, cooking, and by neutralizing antinutrients 
  Palatability: Influencing texture, aroma, and flavor characteristics that encourage consistent consumption 
  Consumer convenience: Allowing products to be packaged, portioned, stored, and served in ways that make feeding more practical for pet owners    What Is Meant By 'Fresh' Pet Food? 
While definitions vary by company, fresh pet food is often characterized by:  
  High moisture content  Cold-chain distribution, including refrigerated or frozen storage depending on the brand's delivery model  Shorter shelf life compared to canned or dry foods due to less intensive processing and fewer shelf-stabilizing technologies 
  Fresh pet food may be sold as rolls, trays, pouches, or bulk refrigerated products, and may be formulated for complete-and-balanced nutrition or supplemental feeding. Because the term is not formally defined, two products labeled 'fresh' may be manufactured very differently. This makes it especially important to understand the underlying manufacturing processes rather than relying solely on label language. 
  To meaningfully evaluate any pet food format, it is essential to understand how it is made. This provides critical context on food safety, nutrition, and overall product quality. Let's look at a few 'fresh' processes currently utilized in pet food manufacturing.    Sous-Vide Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut in pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  Product is filled directly into pouches to the desired weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  Sealed pouches are placed in a temperature-controlled water bath and cooked for a validated time to kill harmful pathogens.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.   Finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen.  
  Figure 1. Sous-Vide Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)    Kettle-Cooked Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut to pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  The product is loaded into a large kettle to undergo cooking.  Cooked product is filled directly into pouches according to desired weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.  The finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen. 
  Figure 2. Kettle-Cooked Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)    Steamed Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut to pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  The product is cooked inside the mixer by steam injection.  Cooked product is filled directly into pouches according to target weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.  The finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen. 
  Figure 3. Steamed Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)   As illustrated in Figures 1–3, products marketed as 'fresh' or 'gently cooked' do still undergo thermal cooking steps during manufacturing to ensure safety. Because the term is not formally defined by regulators, it can apply to products made through a variety of processing approaches.   
  Fresh pet food is one of many product formats that can deliver complete-and-balanced nutrition when formulated and manufactured by experts. Kibble, canned, freeze-dried, and fresh foods all rely on science-driven formulation, ingredient selection, and process control to meet the needs of pets and their owners. By understanding the process of how pet food is made, pet parents can make more informed decisions about what type of product will fulfill both their own preferences and their pet's needs.  
  BSM Partners works across all pet food formats, including raw, frozen, 'fresh', and shelf-stable products. Our cross-functional expertise allows us to support companies at every stage of pet food development, from ingredient sourcing and supplier verification to food safety programs, process validation, and consumer education.  
  Whether evaluating pathogen reduction strategies, strengthening preventive controls, or refining how processing and safety are communicated to pet parents, our team helps ensure approaches are scientifically sound, compliant, and aligned with brand goals.  Source: BSM Partners

24/04/2026

Quality Assurance Station  

Developed in collaboration with Extru-Tech, a recognized leader in extrusion technology, our Quality Assurance Station (QAS) represents a significant leap forward in how manufacturers execute and document in-process quality checks.
  The QAS is a semi-automated measurement and reporting system that pairs cutting edge vision technology with great design to guide operators through the process of measuring product density and piece dimensions. These are two of the most critical quality indicators for extruded food and pet food products. It takes a process that has historically relied on manual measurement, individual technique, and paper-based recording, and transforms into consistent, efficient, and immediately actionable.   Implementing Vision Technology
At the heart of the QAS's dimensional measurement capability is an industrial-grade depth camera that brings precision imaging to the production floor. The development team conducted extensive accuracy testing before finding a solution that accurately measured from the required distance and incorporated an IR filter suited to the station's operating environment.
  The station software leverages Intel's existing RealSense libraries, providing a stable and well-supported software foundation. The camera connects and communicates exclusively via Ethernet.
  The vision technology delivers on two fronts simultaneously:
  Color sensor imagery captures a visual image of the product sample Dual infrared sensors provide in-depth data, enabling precise dimensional measurement of individual product pieces
  The station's software then processes this combined data to identify individual product pieces and calculate their dimensions and color values automatically, in seconds.
  Beyond dimensions, the camera captures product color and includes an image of the kibble directly in the quality report giving operators and quality managers a visual record alongside the numerical data.   Density Measurement
Bulk density is a critical quality metric for extruded products, and it's notoriously sensitive to measurement techniques. The QAS addresses this with a purpose-built approach: a consistent fall distance and a standardized method for scraping the cup are built into the station's process, ensuring that density measurements are repeatable across operators, shifts, and facilities.   Seamless Integration Into Your Quality Process
The QAS is designed to fit into your existing operation.
  The station can operate in standalone mode, where operators manually enter order and product information, or it can integrate directly with a production line via PLC connection to pull this data automatically. After samples are measured, results are pushed to the database and optionally back to the PLC.  The extruder operator immediately sees whether the sample meets specifications, right at the machine.   Additional Features
  Operator Guidance Built In: On-screen instructions walk the operator through each step of the measurement process, reducing training time and ensuring the procedure is followed correctly every time.
  Scale Check Management: Scale verification checks are prompted on-screen at the appropriate intervals, and the results are recorded to the database and included in the web report.
  Trend Visibility: Charts displayed within the application show operators whether measurements are trending up or down over time, enabling proactive adjustments.
  Timed Check Reminders: An on-screen timer and banner alert the operator when it's time to perform the next quality check. Keeping sampling intervals consistent without relying on the operator to track time manually.
  Multi-Line Capability: A single QAS station can support up to 4 production lines, making it a scalable solution for facilities of varying sizes.
  Accessible Reporting: Quality reports are available via web browser on the same network and can be exported to Excel. Making data accessible to quality managers, supervisors, and leadership without requiring specialized software or IT involvement.   The Bottom Line
Quality assurance has always been essential to food and pet food manufacturing. What's changing is the standard for how it's done. Manual, operator-dependent, paper-based processes are giving way to smarter, more consistent, and more connected systems.
  The Quality Assurance Station, developed in partnership with Extru-Tech, is purpose-built for exactly this moment. It brings the precision, consistency, and real-time visibility that modern manufacturing demands.
  Interested in learning more about the QAS or scheduling a demonstration? Contact us to start the conversation. Source: NorthWind

25/03/2026

Unleashing the Power of High Impact and Low Effort Innovation

For the commercial sector in the pet food industry, this 'silent innovation' can be an endless source of opportunities to enhance products, optimize costs, and meet consumers' changing demands. Often, innovations require little effort and have a high impact.
The Production Process as an Inspiration Source
Each stage of the production process—from ingredient selection to the final packaging—is an opportunity to innovate with little effort and high impact. By understanding the details, the commercial area can identify areas that require improvement, which are often unseen.

 Types of low effort and high impact innovation:
  Optimize grinding: Adjusting the size of ingredient grinding enhances digestibility and reduces waste. It has a substantial impact on pet health and consumer satisfaction, despite not requiring big investments.
  Modify textures: By adjusting extrusion or baking features, the kibble texture can be modified to make food more appealing, according to pets' preferences. Everything without the need for new equipment.
  Add functional ingredients: Small quantities of functional ingredients, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or antioxidants, enhance digestive health, the immune system, and coat health in pets. Adding these ingredients is easy. Accurate communication can be beneficial when commercializing products. 
  Improve packaging: Using more sustainable packaging, e.g., recyclable or biodegradable bags, can reduce the environmental impact and attract more aware consumers. This does not require major changes to the process but can positively impact the brand image. Improving the bagging percentage or resizing bags to be logistically efficient can result in considerable operational savings.
  Personalized rations: Offering food in individual rations or resealable packaging eases pet food nourishing and reduces waste—it can be made by adjusting the packaging process without modifying formulation. Revising the sales unit for retailers can balance working capital and inventory management in sales points.
Identifying Innovation Opportunities   Close observation: Visiting production plants, looking at the process, and conversing with operators—experts in subprocesses—can show improvement areas that cannot be seen from the office.
  Data analysis: Analyzing production data, consumers' requests, and buyers' comments can identify patterns and trends for innovation.
  Benchmarking: Understanding products and processes from the competition inspires new ideas and reveals which areas companies can improve.
  Brainstorming: Organizing brainstorming sessions with multifunctional equipment—from the plant to sales—results in a wide range of innovative ideas.
Benefits of Low Effort and High Impact Innovation   Continuous progress allows the company to continuously improve its products and processes without requiring huge investments. Competitive advantage drives differentiation and helps satisfy changing consumer needs. Cost reduction results in savings of materials, energy, and labor. Client satisfaction enhances product quality and consumer experience.
Conclusion
Innovation that requires little effort and high impact is a long-term winning strategy for the pet food industry. With a profound understanding of the production process, the commercial area generates a series of creative ideas that enhance products, optimize costs, and satisfy consumers' needs. In a competitive market, the key to long-term success is this silent innovation.
  By Felipe Martinez R.
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By Felipe Martínez R.

10/07/2025

Challenges in Batching in Animal Nutrition Plants

Batching is a critical process in the manufacturing of animal nutrition, impacting product consistency, efficiency, cost management, and overall quality. A proper batching 'system' (or process) ensures that raw materials are combined in the correct proportions to produce consistent, high-quality products that meet industry standards and consumer expectations. This relates to collecting and weighing all bulk, major, micro and nano ingredients and mixing them until the mix is ready for the next steps in the process.   In this whitepaper, you will learn: The Critical Role of Batching: Why batching is fundamental to consistent product quality, cost control, and operational efficiency in animal nutrition plants. Key Industry Challenges: Insights into ingredient variability, labor shortages, and manual errors that impact production in feed, pet food, and premix manufacturing.  Automation and Smart Systems: How advanced batching systems, including feeders, weighers, and control software, improve accuracy, flexibility, and traceability. Best Practices for Optimization: Actionable strategies for reducing downtime, improving mixing efficiency, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Cost of Poor Batching: A breakdown of the hidden costs - from waste and recalls to brand damage - and how proper systems mitigate these risks.   Click here to download it   Source: KSE Group

10/09/2024

Innovating together: A new development for the premix pet food industry

The customer's choice of the CS-WP solution   An American-based customer of KSE, operating in the premix industry, selected the CS-WP solution due to an urgent need to optimize space utilization in their production facility. This innovative solution enabled them to save significant vertical space, with reductions of 4 to 5 meters compared to a conventional weighing system. Additionally, the CS-WP system offers direct separation of contaminants for all raw materials, ensuring the entire facility remains free from contamination.   Another customer in Spain, a leading manufacturer in the food additive industry, has also expressed interest in the CS-WP solution because of their stringent contamination control requirements. The CS-WP system allows macro ingredients to be safely transported in dedicated containers, ensuring clean and flexible distribution to three separate mixing lines.   Exploration of market-based alternatives   The customer explored two alternative solutions. Initially, a traditional pneumatic conveying system was considered but dismissed due to hygiene issues and excessive energy consumption. The second option involved a container concept relying on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle). Ultimately, KSE's CS-WP concept emerged as the most fitting and seamlessly integrable solution, enabling the maintenance of the desired compact building height.   Future expansion and developments   The client positions the CS-WP project as the ''Next Generation Plant'', hinting at the possibility of establishing future plants based on the same concept. This marks the inaugural joint project for the Spanish customer and KSE, with aspirations to extend this concept to other facilities, thereby assuming a pioneering role in the Spanish food additive industry.   A breakthrough solution   The CS-WP emerged as a groundbreaking weighing solution within the ACT (Automatic Container Transfer) framework, renowned for its internal transport capabilities. Manufacturers are seeking space-saving solutions in their plants while aiming to achieve minimal contamination by dispensing products directly into containers. Tailored to accommodate a wide dosing range, this solution stands out for its versatility.   Intensive development process   The concept promptly resonated with our customers' needs and industry demands, particularly in sectors like premix and pet food. The development process of the CS-WP entailed tackling several design challenges, such as achieving optimal balance in the setup. With dimensions of approximately 1.5 meters x 1.5 meters and a height of 5 to 6 meters, this resulted in a column four times as tall as it is wide. This configuration posed potential tipping hazards, especially when the system was in motion while carrying weight at the top. To prevent this, rollover safeguards were implemented, and extensive testing was performed.   Another crucial aspect involved a meticulous examination of the system's extraction process. Customers typically invest in an ACT system to maintain a pristine working environment with minimal contamination. However, if dust escapes through open joints during each movement, this objective is compromised. Moreover, the extraction process must not interfere with the weighing signal during the dosing process, ensuring that accuracy is not compromised.   Following extensive consultation and collaboration with suppliers, multiple concepts were devised and executed by the mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Presently, two variants are available: one where dust from the filters returns with the product, minimizing contamination but ensuring all product accompanies it through processing, and another where dust extraction directs waste to a remote unloading point, eliminating contamination but resulting in waste. The selection between these variants depends on the customer's specific needs and requirements.   The operational phase   During the implementation phase of industrial solutions, addressing technical challenges is only part of the equation; understanding real-world usage is equally vital. Hence, KSE engages its service department from the beginning of a project to ensure that aspects, such as cleaning positions, accessibility, and installation safety are meticulously accounted for. This approach establishes a robust groundwork for a successful project, enhancing both efficiency and safety.   By: KSE Process Technology   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

25/11/2025

Increasing Efficiency in Pet Food Production - Why You Should Think About Grinding

The main challenges pet food producers face in grinding today are:
  New high fat and protein rich recipes for optimal nutrition. Demand for fine uniform texture and well looking appearance requires fine grinding.  Increased energy cost decrease margines and grinding is one of the most energy consuming process steps.   Evolving Ingredients, Evolving Demands   Modern pet food recipes incorporate a growing variety of ingredients or higher meat and bone meal content causing unique milling challenges due to higher protein, fat, and moisture content. Premium pet food recipes often contain bone meal and meat content of more than 30% and a fat level higher than 8%.
  Older hammermills struggle with these recipes, tend to clog when processing such components, leading to increased energy consumption and heat buildup. These issues not only drain more power but also degrade sensitive nutrients, compromise product quality, and necessitate more frequent maintenance.   FD 32 Pro hammer mill installed in pet food production   Fine Grinding and Extrusion Performance   Beyond the nutritional benefits, particle size has a significant impact on extrusion performance. Finer and more uniform grinding improves water absorption and starch gelatinization during the extrusion process. These factors influence the consistency, fineness, and bulk density of pet food. In addition, finer and more uniform grinding reduces wear on extrusion equipment, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
  While fine grinding offers clear advantages in terms of nutritional value and processing, it also poses a significant challenge for hammer mills. Smaller screen sizes are required to achieve finer grinding, which often results in lower throughput and higher energy consumption. In addition, the risk of screen clogging increases and more heat is generated due to longer grinding times.
  Excessive heat can break down sensitive nutrients and cause starch to gelatinize prematurely. This heat can also overheat mechanical parts and, in extreme cases, increase the risk of fire.
  Many hammer mill systems were not designed for fine grinding. Older systems were designed for coarser grinding degrees, where a medium fineness was completely sufficient. Fine grinding requires higher rotor speeds, larger screen areas, optimized air flow, and intelligent process integration. Without these prerequisites, manufacturers are faced with rising operating costs, production losses, and unnecessary losses that have a direct impact on profitability.   The FD 32 Pro: Modern Hammer Mill Made for Pet Food Producers   Tietjen new FD 32 Pro hammer mill was designed to face these challenges and is engineered to address precisely these energy and process challenges. Key innovations include:
  Expanded 4.8 m² screen area: Allows high capacity grinding to feed the new generation of extruders with only one mill. This saves investment and operational costs 
  Reduced beater-to-screen gap: Minimizes screen clogging even with high-fat ingredients
  Variable speed drives: Permit optimized rotor speed, so the mill only uses as much energy as needed for each recipe
  Impact plates & modular screens: Shorter retention time of the product in the mill and screens that fit ideally for the product allow for faster grinding with less energy 
  Quick-change beater frame system and User-Friendly Design: Large sliding doors, easy beater change, and robust construction allow for long service life, further lowering downtime.
  In sum, the FD 32 Pro is the next step in hammer mill design—a focus on energy efficiency, high-capacity fine grinding, and operational simplicity—helping pet food manufacturers turn modern processing into opportunities for sustainable, profitable growth.    0.8 mm (20 -25 mesh) screens after grinding fat and protein rich pet food recipes   Due to its large size, the FD 32 Pro mill enables pet food producers to achieve both high throughput and fine particle size simultaneously when grinding pet food formulations. The throughput of the hammer mill complies with the requirements of the newest generation of high-capacity extruders.   The FD 32 Pro can process even protein- and fat-rich recipes through a 0.8 mm screen (roughly mesh size: 20 to 25) without clogging—something most mills cannot achieve without repeated stoppages or multiple machines.   Save More Energy with an Optimally Designed Grinding System   To achieve even greater improvements and maximize both energy and production efficiency, it is essential to rely not only on the high-capacity FD 32 Pro hammer mill, but on the entire grinding system. Looking at the grinding process as a whole opens up several opportunities for significant energy savings and operational improvements. 
  Pre-crushing of coarse ingredients
By integrating a pre-crusher such as the CR900 from Tietjen, coarse ingredients (legumes or large pellets) can be pre-crushed before entering the hammer mill. The result is a more homogeneous product that requires less time in the hammer mill, reducing both residence time and heat generation.
  Optimized aspiration and product transport save energy
Correctly designed aspirations contribute significantly to increasing process efficiency in hammer mills.
  Improved product discharge
The extraction system supports the targeted removal of particles that have reached the desired fineness. Coarse components remain in the grinding chamber until they are sufficiently crushed. Insufficient extraction would also leave fine particles in the grinding chamber, resulting in reduced throughput, higher energy consumption, and unnecessary strain on the machine.
  Thermal stabilization of the ground material
During the grinding process, frictional heat is generated, which can significantly heat up the ground material. Aspiration reduces this effect, as the air flow continuously cools the material. This prevents temperature-related damage to sensitive ingredients, helps to ensure consistent product quality and minimizes the risk of dust explosions.
  The professional design and integration of aspiration is therefore a key factor for operational safety, energy efficiency and product quality in the hammer mill process.   Uniform product distribution
The feed device of a hammer mill performs several key tasks: it distributes the feed material evenly across the entire width of the mill in order to make optimum use of the impact and sieving surface, keep the wear uniform and use the drive power efficiently. For product mixtures with components of different weights and that are difficult to grind, the system automatically adjusts the feed rate—controlled by the motor load of the mill (load-dependent dosing)—so that the operating point always remains optimal. In addition, the feed system ensures the separation of foreign objects such as metal or stones to prevent damage to the mill and explosion hazards.
  It also supplies the intake air for grinding. Tietjen has developed a new DA 376 drum feeder for the FD 32 Pro, which is specially designed for the mill and the properties of pet food and aquafeed. 
  A magnet separates magnetic foreign matter, and the aspiration air is used for heavy material separation. The throughput is regulated by the speed of the drum.   Conclusion   Fine and homogeneous grinding is the key to producing high-quality premium pet food. 
  With the specially developed FD 32 Pro hammer mill, Tietjen offers a powerful solution that combines maximum grinding fineness with high throughput thanks to innovative technology and is ideal for processing demanding, fat- and protein-rich recipes.
  However, the overall system remains crucial for maximum efficiency and product quality: The optimal coordination of hammer mill, pre-crushing, aspiration, and regular maintenance results in energy-efficient operation, reduces downtime, and ensures a consistently high-quality end product. Those who rely on modern grinding technology from Tietjen and a well-designed system are ideally equipped for the pet food production in the future. By Tietjen
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

This is Tietjen
We have been developing, designing, and producing hammer mills and size reduction technology in Germany since 1959. Complex customer requirements are our specialty: from first contact to design and delivery of the optimal plant, to after sales service, we are your competent partner for all types of impact grinding. We develop your grinding solution and take care of the implementation—worldwide.  

20/11/2025

FD 24 Pro, the New Hammer Mills for the FD Pro Series

The proven characteristics of Tietjen hammer mills, such as robustness, ease of operation and smooth rotor running, have been retained and supplemented with innovative details. For example, the rotor diameter has been increased by 100 mm to achieve a higher circumferential speed of the beaters. In addition, the distance between the hammer tips and the screen has been reduced, effectively reducing clogging of the screen openings in high-fat and high-protein recipes.
In the FD 24, the grinding chamber is 1200 mm long and divided by a centre wall, making the 600 mm wide screens easy to handle. The screen area is 3.6 m² (5,580 sq in), with four screens used per chamber segment. A special screen fastening seals the screens so that no oversize particles can get into the product.

The particle size distribution can be specifically influenced towards finer structures with a narrower grain size range if impact plates are used instead of the upper screen. Additional impact zones between the screen segments create further opportunities for optimisation. This allows larger screen apertures to be used without compromising product quality–resulting in noticeable energy savings.

In operation, the FD 24 Pro impresses with its ease of maintenance and efficiency. Sliding doors on both sides of the machine facilitate access when changing screens and beaters. The beaters are changed using the proven beater frame system. The result: faster service, short downtimes and a more energy-efficient operation overall.
  Source: Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH

Contact
Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH
Marketing
Sandra Mohr
Vor der Horst 6
25485 Hemdingen
Email: pr@tietjen-original
Website: www.tietjen-original.com

26/11/2025

How to Choose a Pet Food Extruder for Your Pet Food Line

 Here is how manufacturers can choose the right pet food extrusions to produce a superior and consistent quality of pet food.   Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Food Extruder   While selecting the pet food extruder, consider the following factors:
  Production Capacity and Size
The right pet food extruder should match your production goals and expected output. Small and medium businesses may benefit from compact extruders that maintain efficiency without excessive power demand.
  However, large-scale manufacturers require high-capacity models that can handle continuous operation with consistent performance.
  Having said that, it is also a wise approach to plan ahead and choose the pet food processing equipment that not only meets current needs but also allows for future expansion as your production grows.
  Product Type and Recipe Flexibility
A flexible extruder allows you to produce a wide range of pet food types, from dry kibble to semi-moist products and specialty treats. This adaptability helps you cater to evolving consumer preferences, such as high-protein, grain-free, or functional formulations.
  A system that supports recipe customization gives your production line greater versatility and competitive strength in a dynamic market.
  Single-Screw vs. Twin-Screw Extruders
The choice between single-screw and twin-screw extruders depends on your production scale and product complexity.
  Single-screw extruders are ideal for straightforward formulations and lower production volumes. They are simpler to maintain and cost-effective for basic operations.
  On the other hand, twin-screw extruders deliver better mixing, cooking uniformity, and ingredient flexibility. They are preferred for complex recipes and high-performance production lines where precision and consistency are essential.
    Fresh Meat Injection Technology
Adding fresh meat during the extrusion process enhances both the nutritional value and flavor of pet food. This technology helps retain natural proteins, improving digestibility and taste appeal of the pet food.
  Automation and Control Features
Advanced automation and control systems in pet food extruders enable precise regulation of the extrusion process.
  Go for the pet food machines that bring features like temperature control, pressure regulation, and moisture management to ensure that the final product meets strict quality standards.
  Safety, Hygiene, and Compliance
In pet food production, maintaining hygiene is non-negotiable. The extruder must comply with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) and 3-A Sanitary Standards, which guarantee food-safe design and easy cleaning.
  A well-constructed machine prevents contamination and supports strict regulatory compliance. Smooth surfaces, tool-free disassembly, and easy washdown access are features that ensure consistent food safety during every production cycle.   Benefits of Investing in the Right Pet Food Extruder   When you invest in the right pet food extruder, it comes with the following features:
  Improved Product Quality
The right pet food extruder directly enhances product quality. It ensures every batch has a consistent texture, digestibility, and flavor that pets enjoy.
  Advanced temperature and pressure control preserve nutrients while improving the physical structure of the pellets. This consistency not only improves pet health but also helps brands maintain consumer trust.
  Cost Efficiency
Investing in the right extruder reduces waste, energy use, and operational costs. Efficient machines optimize feed conversion ratios and minimize ingredient loss during production.
  Energy-efficient systems also lower electricity consumption and extend equipment lifespan. Over time, this combination of precision and efficiency leads to a noticeable reduction in production expenses. The result is a more profitable and sustainable manufacturing operation.
  Flexibility and Innovation
A modern pet food extruder gives producers flexibility to meet shifting market demands. It allows easy adjustments to recipes, shapes, and textures without major equipment changes. This adaptability encourages innovation as manufacturers can develop new product lines or specialty diets faster.
  Competitive Advantage
High-quality extrusion technology provides you a clear competitive edge. Products made with precision-controlled extruders consistently outperform those made with outdated systems.
  This reliability helps manufacturers differentiate their brand through better nutrition, texture, and overall value.     Wrapping-Up
Choosing the right pet food extruder defines the consistency, quality, and efficiency of your production. A reliable system reduces waste, improves product texture, and ensures better nutrient absorption.
  The FAMSUN PX190 Pet Food Extruder is a strong choice for manufacturers aiming for consistent results. Its three-shaft conditioner with water-steam co-injection achieves up to 95% starch gelatinization, improving digestibility and pellet uniformity.
  It also meets strict hygiene standards and offers automated controls for stable, high-quality output. Backed by FAMSUN's global service network, this pet food extruder combines advanced performance with long-term reliability, making it a trusted solution for professional pet food production.
  Contact us today to upgrade your pet food production line!
  Source: FAMSUN

28/08/2025

JBT Marel: Transforming The Future of Pet Food Production

Hosted by JBT Marel, and powered by the expertise of Wenger, Extru-Tech®, and Source Technology, this exclusive two-day event showcases how integrated solutions bring emerging formats to life, without sacrificing efficiency, safety, or scale. 
  Pet Food Demo+ Days 2025: Emerging Trends in Action    On September 24–25, 2025, JBT Marel will host Pet Food Demo+ Days at its Customer Center in Des Moines, Iowa, with additional live-streamed sessions from Sabetha, Kansas. This exclusive two-day event, Emerging Trends & Next-Level Pet Food Processing Solutions, is designed to showcase how alternative and minimal processing methods are revolutionizing pet food production. 
  Participants will discover how integrated solutions bring emerging formats such as fresh-style meals, shreds, toppers, and air-dried treats to life, while maintaining efficiency, safety, and scalability.    Live Demos and technology in action    The event will feature live demonstrations of cutting-edge systems for meat preparation, mixing, emulsification, hot cooking, forming, extrusion, and drying. Attendees will also witness how connected solutions help producers: 
  Gain greater control and consistency  Reduce waste and improve yields  Meet sustainability and efficiency goals 
  These demos will highlight the combined expertise of JBT Marel, Wenger, Extru-Tech®, Source Technology, and 1Solution Group, underscoring how collaborative innovation drives the industry forward.    Real success stories and practical insights    Beyond technology, Pet Food Demo+ Days will present real-world case studies, such as Especially Pet Food, which showcase how processors are already scaling up, reducing waste, and improving efficiency with JBT Marel's integrated solutions. Attendees will also have direct access to specialists who understand the daily challenges of pet food manufacturing, from labor and cost pressures to sustainability targets, and will walk away with actionable strategies.    A glimpse into the agenda    Day 1 (September 24): Innovation and trends in pet food, meat preparation presentations and demos, HPP technology, forming sessions, and a product review. 
  Day 2 (September 25): Overview of extrusion-based and alternatively processed pet food products, Power Heater demos, and discussions on potential applications to close the event.    Why it matters    The shift toward alternative processing reflects a broader transformation of the pet food industry. Consumers increasingly demand nutrient-rich, minimally processed, purpose-driven foods for their pets. JBT Marel's vision is to enable producers to meet these expectations with confidence, through equipment, technology, and expertise that work seamlessly together. 
  As JBT Marel continues to power the future of pet food, Pet Food Demo+ Days 2025 stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration with industry partners worldwide. 
  For more information and book your place, visit https://cloud.go.marel.com/transform-the-future-of-pet-food-production-2025  


Source: All Pet Food

02/12/2025

Ensuring Food Safety: Kill Step and Validation in Pet Food Baking

Growth of the Pet Food Market and Rising Safety Concerns   Growing pet ownership and greater nutritional awareness have fueled strong demand for commercial pet food in recent years. More consumers now prefer 'complete and balanced' foods, prompting a wave of manufacturers entering this dynamic market. While product variety is at an all-time high, the race for novelty sometimes overshadows food safety considerations.
  For example, raw diets, once regarded as the most 'natural' choice, have faced heavy scrutiny following avian influenza outbreaks linked to pet deaths (Goodman, 2025). But contamination risks extend well beyond raw products. A review of recalls from 2003-2022 found that up to 35% of pet food recalls were caused by biological contamination, most often Salmonella (DeBeer, J. et al., 2024). This presents a particular risk to young children and older adults exposed during handling (PetfoodIndustry, 2024).
  Even baked products, which undergo high temperatures during the baking process, are not immune if processes are inconsistent. A single safety lapse can erase years of brand trust, underscoring the importance of robust food safety controls. This paper explores the design and validation practices required to ensure an effective kill step in baked pet foods.   Challenges in Achieving the Kill Step in Pet Food Baking   Baked kibble is valued as a healthier, 'humanized' alternative to extruded products, yet ensuring every piece reaches a validated kill step is not guaranteed. Common risks include:
  Cold or dead spots in ovens: Inconsistent airflow or temperature distribution can leave small kibble (5-6 mm) under-processed. Extending bake times to compensate often results in over-browning or burnt products.   Figure 1: Customer expectation of consistently baked kibble.   Excessive product piling: Loading too much product onto the belt impedes heat penetration into the inner layers as the kibbles pile up, especially in single-pass systems where the oven is the bottleneck in line throughput.
  Post-baking contamination: Poor line layout or hard-to-sanitize conveyors can re-introduce pathogens after baking.
  These risks highlight why oven design and process validation are critical for consistently achieving a verifiable kill step.   The RBS Approach to Safe and Efficient Baking   RBS addresses these challenges with a two-stage baking and drying process designed for both safety and throughput.
  Step 1: Baking
RBS convection ovens feature a centralized penthouse system with independently controlled top and bottom airflow delivered through perforated plenums (Figure 2). Operation is simple—operators only need to set the penthouse air temperature, balance the airflow, adjust the exhaust fan speed, and control bake time. This is all done on the control screen, and recipes can be stored for easy and repeatable production.   Figure 2: RBS Convection Oven with centralized penthouse. Perforated plenums for consistent airflow.   This oven design delivers uniform airflow and precise temperature control, ensuring consistently baked products every time.  The oven functionality can be validated with the Scorpion® 2 Profiling System.  The Oven Air Velocity Graph (Figure 3) generated using data collected by Scorpion 2 shows different color lines to represent the sensors' position from left side to right side of oven belt. Overlapping lines indicate that air velocity from left to right side of oven belt is highly uniform. As the sensor travels along the tunnel oven from zone 1 to zone 5, velocities are largely uniform within each zone, where each peak represents the airflow surge from perforations on the plenum surface.   Figure 3: Scorpion 2 Air Velocity Graph.
  Products are loaded in mono- or bi-layers, maximizing heat penetration and ensuring each piece receives sufficient heat. Over-stacking is avoided to prevent uneven baking between outer and inner layers. This high-temperature, short-time bake achieves the kill step while maintaining color uniformity and maximizing throughput (Figure 4).
  Figure 4: Baked kibble entering the oven in one layer to ensure efficient baking.   Step 2: Drying
Once the kill step is secured, products move into a low-temperature, long-time drying phase to gently reduce residual moisture. Dryers use the same oven airflow design principles to maintain uniformity. Depending on space and capacity needs, customers may choose:
  Single-pass oven with separate 3-pass dryer, or 2-pass oven/kiln system that integrates baking (top pass) and drying (bottom pass) into one zone. This set-up allows for a smaller footprint.
  This separation allows shorter bake times with mono/bi-layer product loading for effective kill steps, followed by multi-layer drying (typically 4-5 product layers) for efficiency (Figure 5).   Figure 5: Multi-Pass Dryer for slower drying to gently reduce residual moisture.   Validating the Kill Step   Kill Step Validation requires direct measurement of the product's internal temperature during baking. The Reading Thermal Scorpion 2 Data Logger uses temperature probes for measurement of product internal temperature during the baking process (Figure 6).  By combining this data with specific thermal tolerance coefficients (Tref, Dref, z), lethality can be calculated using the Kill Step Calculator developed by AIB International, in cooperation with Kansas State University, the American Bakers Association (ABA), and the University of Georgia, to determine if kill step is complete (Kill Step Calculator | Bakery Process | BAKERpedia, 2016). Our SV8 software can then be used to generate the kill step report. Bake time and baking temperature can be further optimized by analyzing the lethality curve generated by SV8 software.     Figure 6: Scorpion 2 R&D Kit with product probes. Product probes for measuring internal product temperature.   Figure 7: Internal temperature vs time and cumulative lethality vs time graphs as part of kill step report generated by SV8 software.   Beyond kill step validation, the Scorpion 2 can be equipped with air velocity, temperature, humidity, and heat flux sensors to better understand oven performance. The air velocity sensor and air temperature sensor arrays can be used to validate the convection oven design to ensure that air flow and temperature distribution is uniform both across and along the oven belt (Figure 8).   Figure 8: Temperature and air velocity sensor arrays for oven profiling, temperature and airflow distribution data within tunnel oven can be collected and displayed as 2D or 3D graph in SV8 software to identify cold/ hot spots in oven chamber.   Conclusion   RBS mitigates these risks with proven baking and drying solutions, paired with the Scorpion® 2 profiling system, giving manufacturers confidence that every batch meets FDA FSMA kill step requirements. With RBS, you can achieve both safety and efficiency—ensuring your products earn consumer trust and stand out in a crowded market. By Readin Bakery Systems
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References
DeBeer, J., Finke, M., Maxfield, A., Osgood, A.-M., Mona Baumgartel, D. and Blickem, E.R. (2024). A Review of Pet Food Recalls from 2003 Through 2022. Journal of Food Protection, [online] 87(1), p.100199. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100199. Goodman, B. (2025). With bird flu cases rising, certain kinds of pet food may be risky for animals – and people. [online] CNN. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/18/health/bird-flu-pet-food-cat-deaths/index.html [Accessed 12 Feb. 2025]. Kill Step Calculator | Bakery Process | BAKERpedia (2016) BAKERpedia. Available at: https://bakerpedia.com/processes/kill-step-calculator/ (Accessed: 25 February 2025). PetfoodIndustry. (2024). US pet food recalls: More than 40% due to Salmonella. [online] Available at: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15678178/us-pet-food-recalls-more-than-40-due-to-salmonella [Accessed 13 Feb. 2025].

21/08/2024

Carousel dryer/cooler from CPM's IDAH offers sustainability in petfood industry

The carousel working principle   In the carousel dryer, the product enters through a rotary valve onto the revolving trays. The Carousel system ensures a first in, first out (FIFO) principle, after nearly one revolution, the product is gently discharged and mixed into the next lower tray. This process is repeated until the product drops from the last tray into the outlet where a rotary valve prevents air leakage. The revolution means that the product undergoes the same treatment all along the decks, ensuring that the product comes out in uniform moisture. Furthermore, the multiple tumbling action gives an efficient heat exchange with the air, resulting in a low dryer exhaust air temperature.   Integrating dryer and cooler as one solution   The Carousel technology is a unique solution for both energy efficiency and precise moisture control. Optimal moisture control is made easy by using carousel technology in both the dryer and cooler. Additionally, the exhaust air from the cooler can be directed as make-up air for the drying process. Therefore, an integration of the dryer and cooler into one compact machine with a FIFO discharge principle like the carousel dryer will give an outstanding moisture control performance. Ambient air cools the product and after filtered and heated it is used as drying air for the upper section. This carousel model offers many benefits and features when compared to traditional equipment.   Improving product moisture control   Managing the temperature and moisture content of the finished product is the main task for the drying and cooling process. However, when the feed is overdried, it causes material loss, as well as extra energy consumption. When the feed is too wet, the product will have a higher risk of quality degradation and mold growth.   Due to its unique working principle, all the products in this carousel dryer will get the same heat treatment and retention time. This is combined with a unique and easy control system, along with real-time monitoring and modification of the drying parameters. The carousel dryer will give a uniform and constant moisture level that makes it easier to achieve the target average moisture, which will save energy and raw materials.   Improving energy efficiency   The drying and cooling process accounts for a significant part of the overall energy consumption. Rising energy costs and sustainability awareness regarding energy consumption have driven feed manufacturers to request further support to improve their drying and cooling functions. To maximize energy efficiency, we have to look into: Maximizing the use of warm product energy. Minimizing the amount of water evaporation. Minimizing energy loss with the exhaust air.   By using the cooling air as makeup air into the dryer, the heat energy can be reused. Also, efficient heat exchange lowers the amount of exhaust air. Low exhaust air volumes will reduce the cost needed for odor treatment.   Reducing the space required   While upgrading the production capacity of a feed mill or improving the production process, the introduction of new equipment into the facility is required and space limitations may arise. The carousel dryer is already more compact than a typical dryer.   Potential savings   A direct result of using cooling air as makeup air for the dryer is savings. If you assume that the temperature differential between the ambient and cooler exhaust air is 25°C, you save up to 30 kg/t steam. At the same time, you will reduce the amount of exhaust air by 50%, reducing odor treatment costs significantly. Getting better moisture control, for example 0.5%, is saving not only about 10 kg/t steam consumption in the dryer but, even more importantly, saving 0.5% raw materials cost and having a 0.5% higher output capacity.   For more information, contact Idah@cpm.net.   Source: CPM IDAH

09/10/2025

Technology Behind Spraying: Enhancing Nutrition in Pet Food and Animal Feed

In a wide range of industrial sectors, from animal feed to pet food processing, the efficient combination of liquids and solids is essential. Whether injecting liquid formulations into batch mixers or coating products with additives or flavour enhancers, the key lies in effectively dispersing the liquid over a broad surface area.
  This process plays a particularly important role in pet food and animal feed production, where liquids such as palatants, vitamins or nutritional additives are applied to enhance product quality and appeal.
  There are three primary methods used to achieve this liquid-solid integration: spraying, atomizing, and nebulizing. Each technique is based on distinct technologies designed to accommodate different types of liquids and application needs.
  Among these, advanced solutions such as PLP Systems' SMOG atomization technology stands out, offering highly efficient dispersion that improves palatability and consistency in the final product. OPTIMIZING LIQUID DISPERSION: SPRAYING, ATOMIZATION AND NEBULIZATION TECHNOLOGIES
SPRAYING
Is the most common method and widely used across various applications. It is suitable for liquids of different viscosities, producing relatively larger droplets, typically in the range of hundreds of micrometers in diameter. These droplets are generally more visible and can cover surfaces more thoroughly, delivering a larger amount of liquid.
  Spraying is often employed when a medium or large amount of liquid needs to be added to a batch mixer. The larger droplets tend to fall quickly due to gravity, making spraying ideal for applications where homogenous absorption of the liquid by the solid is desired.
  Spraying is mechanically generated by reducing the exit section, or 'nozzle,' and increasing the pressure in the pipeline.
  The shape of the nozzle allows for different spray patterns, including:
  Flat Fan, with angles ranging from 25° to 110° Full Cone, with angles ranging from 40° to 120° Hollow Cone, with angles ranging from 50° to 180°
  ATOMIZING
Involves breaking the liquid into very fine droplets. While it is possible to use viscous liquids, not all atomizing technologies can handle higher viscosities. The droplet size typically ranges from 10 to 300 micrometers in diameter.
  This method is used when a medium or small amount of liquid is added to a batch mixer, enhancing the homogeneity and dispersion of the product within the solid. Atomizing is also common in coating processes where even coverage of a solid surface is critical, such as in painting, food flavouring and pet food greasing.
  Different technologies are used for atomization, depending on the application and liquid properties:
  High-Pressure atomization: High pressure forces the liquid through a small nozzle, creating fine droplets.
  Ultrasonic atomization: Ultrasonic waves break the liquid into very fine droplets, producing a mist-like aerosol. This method is suitable for small amounts of liquid with limited viscosity.
  Air-Assisted atomization: Air jets break the liquid into droplets as it exits the nozzle.
  Rotary atomization: Commonly used in spray drying, coating and various industrial processes, where a spinning disc disperses the liquid, with droplet size dependent on the speed of rotation and liquid properties.
  Motorized SMOG atomization: This method, used by PLP Systems, combines rotary and air-Assisted atomization. The liquid passes through a spinning closed chamber; when the small droplets exit the nozzle, air jets further reduce the particle size. This technique is particularly useful for viscous liquids such as oils, fats, creams, hydrolysed pastes, molasses, syrups, chocolate, honey and more.
  NEBULIZING
Nebulizing produces much finer droplets, often only a few micrometers in diameter. These droplets are so small that they can remain suspended in the air as a mist or aerosol. Due to this characteristic, nebulizing is not typically used for adding liquids in mixers or coating applications. Instead, it is commonly employed for dispersing aerosols into the air for disinfection purposes.   ATOMIZING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPETIZING KIBBLES
In pet food production, palatants are typically applied post-oil coating to enhance the external flavor profile of kibbles. Achieving optimal palatability hinges on the even distribution of these viscous substances across all kibble surfaces. Traditional spraying methods often struggle with high-viscosity liquids, resulting in inconsistent coverage and potential nozzle clogging.
  To overcome these challenges, PLP Systems developed the SMOG technology. This advanced atomization system excels in spraying high-viscosity liquids onto kibble surfaces or within batch mixers, ensuring precise and uniform application.
  The SMOG XL series of sprayers is specifically engineered to handle molasses, a highly viscous liquid, across a broad range of viscosities. Achieving optimal spray quality with molasses necessitates careful control of the flow rate. As viscosity increases, the flow rate must be reduced to maintain a consistent and fine spray pattern.
    The higher is the viscosity of the molasses the less should be the flow rate in order to obtain a good quality of spray.
  Below an example of the curve trend of molasses spraying at different flow rates. This however depends on the viscosity, the temperature of molasse, the quantity of air of the blower, the type of pump used and the application.
  PLP Systems specializes in both liquids and powders, with a special focus on the pet food and feed industries. An important area for PLP is the accurate and precise handling of liquids and powder for pet food and feed production, with a specific focus on post-pellet coating and kibble palatability enhancing.
  This process involves adding micro-liquids such as enzymes, vitamins, flavors, probiotics amd yeast to the pellets, aiming to enhance their quality and oils, digest and palatants to kibbles.
  Whether you're looking to improve your current production line or explore innovative methods to increase product appeal, our technologies offer the reliability and excellence you need.
  Need more information or want to dive deeper into our systems? We're here to provide tailored solutions and answer all your questions. Call us today at +39 0523 891 629 or email us at info@plp-systems.com for a free consultation.
We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs!


Source: PLP Systems

03/09/2025

Palatability & Manufacturing: Impact on Pet Preferences

Differences Between Cats and Dogs   To begin the discussion on palatability, we must first understand our main customers: cats and dogs. The variability between these companions —their behavior, eating habits, and nutritional needs— must be considered to satisfy them and encourage pet owners to repurchase their food. Understanding what makes cats and dogs want to eat will help optimize feed manufacturing and achieve greater palatability.
  A key difference between cats and dogs is their feeding behavior. Cats are carnivores, while dogs are omnivores, which leads to different nutritional needs and formulas. For example, cats require higher levels and better quality of proteins compared to dogs. FEDIAF recommends between 18% and 25% protein for dogs and between 25% and 33% for cats, which affects the starch content in their recipes and the nutritional values of the food. These differences require adjustments in production parameters to improve palatability.
  The sense of taste in cats and dogs, although both are based on a carnivorous pattern, varies significantly. Dogs enjoy sweet and sour flavors, such as carboxylic and phosphoric acids, while cats prefer bitter flavors and are not sensitive to sweetness. Dogs generally consume large meals quickly, possibly due to their pack heritage, and tend to take the food with their teeth and crush it, preferring softer foods. On the other hand, cats eat several small meals a day, mimicking their hunting habits, and use their tongues and molars to break the food, preferring harder and drier foods.
  Finally, the sense of smell is a critical factor in palatability for both cats and dogs, with their sense of smell being much more sensitive than that of humans. Cats have twice as many sensory olfactory cells as humans, and dogs may have up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to about 5 million in humans.   Importance of Ingredients   Improved palatability begins with the proper selection of raw materials. Factors, such as protein quality, freshness, lipid oxidation, and ingredient proportions directly influence the texture and flavor of the food.
  In one trial, chicken meal and chicken liver were replaced with hydrolyzed chicken liver in a standard recipe. "Versus" tests showed a clear preference for diets that included the hydrolyzed liver, even with 5% and 10% inclusion rates. Choosing the right protein is, therefore, the first step toward higher food acceptance.   Processing: From Grinding to Drying   The initial processing stages, such as grinding and mixing, affect particle size and product homogeneity. Improper grinding can cause irregularities that negatively impact texture.
  In extrusion, starch gelatinization is critical. This process, which begins with the preconditioner, improves food cohesion. Insufficient starch content can cause kibble to disintegrate, while excess increases density. For cats in particular, kibble hardness influences acceptance: they prefer more compact products.
  A common challenge is balancing protein and fat levels in cat foods without compromising product expansion. The key is adjusting ingredients to achieve both the appropriate nutritional profile and an attractive texture.   Coating Optimization   Coating is one of the most decisive steps to achieve superior palatability. It is done by applying fat and liquid and/or powdered palatants. Fat, used at levels from 1% to 15%, serves nutritional functions and acts as an adhesive base for palatants. However, fat alone is not enough to ensure high acceptance.
  Liquid palatants (1% to 4%) enhance aroma and are more used in dog foods, where higher moisture and softness are sought. On the other hand, powdered palatants (0.5% to 3%) add flavor and moisture control, being common in cat foods, which require low moisture content and high protein levels.
  To maximize coating effectiveness, it is recommended to apply fat first, then the liquid palatant, and finally the powder. This ensures better adhesion and homogeneity.   Technical Factors of Coating   Nozzles: The diameter and pressure of the nozzles affect coating quality. Very low pressure generates large droplets that do not disperse well, while excessive pressure produces a mist that can be lost in the air. Proper positioning and spacing ensure uniform coverage.
  Mixing: In batch systems, the mixing direction influences homogeneity. Mixing from the outside inward improves palatant distribution, while the opposite creates clumps. Optimizing this process enhances the sensory experience of the food.
  Types of applicators: Batch applicators allow greater control, better homogeneity, and adjustments per batch, ideal for super-premium products. Although slower and more expensive, their efficacy in palatability terms makes them preferable in high-end segments. In contrast, continuous applicators are faster and more economical but may have lower precision.   Conclusion   Understanding the unique needs and behaviors of cats and dogs is fundamental to optimizing the palatability of pet foods. Given their distinct feeding habits, nutritional requirements, and sensory preferences, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. 
  The manufacturing process, from grinding to drying, plays a crucial role in determining the texture and palatability of the final product. Proper starch gelatinization, precise mixing, and controlled extrusion and drying processes are essential to achieve the desired consistency and flavor of the food. Each stage must be carefully adjusted to maintain the integrity and appeal of the product, responding to the specific preferences of cats and dogs. Coating, one of the most critical stages to improve palatability, requires careful ingredient selection and application techniques. By optimizing fat and palatant use and ensuring both efficient application and homogeneous mixing, it is possible to develop a much more attractive product.
  In conclusion, improving the palatability of pet foods involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses ingredient selection, precise manufacturing processes, and effective coating techniques. By addressing these factors, we can ensure that both cats and dogs receive foods that satisfy their flavor preferences.


By Maïlys Le Thiec - Kemin Nutrisurance
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/12/2023

Countdown to Pet Food Conveyor Launch: Starting Up On Time and With Confidence

To move delicate pet food products or powders, most processors do extensive homework before purchasing a tubular drag cable conveyor to ensure that it meets their needs in terms of function and price. After the purchase, the conveyor must be expertly assembled and tested to ensure smooth production startup and continued performance. The challenge is that the typical third-party contractors installing various plant systems might need to become more familiar with specialized pet food conveyors and, thus, are more prone to make costly errors. A more prudent choice is using the OEM's team of experienced technicians. The OEM's experts have the advantage of designing the specialized conveyor and understanding its installation, operational requirements, and potential problem areas. 'If a tubular drag cable conveyor is installed incorrectly by a third party, it often needs to be completely pulled apart and rebuilt, which is costly and time-consuming. If the conveyor is run incorrectly, damage will occur, and components must be replaced. All this only delays startup,' says Terry Derby, Director of Parts and Field Service for Automated Handling Solutions (AHS). AHS is the service-focused subsidiary of Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has been designing, engineering, and servicing enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years and is in more than 65 countries. As a solution, pet food processors seeking superior conveyor performance from the start rely on expert-supervised installation and commissioning to ensure they will be ready to run products on time, at the necessary volumes. Today, a tubular drag cable conveyor requires considerable expertise to install. These systems gently move material through a sealed tube using a coated, flexible, stainless-steel drag cable pulled through on a loop. Solid circular discs (flights) attach to the cable, pushing the product through the tube without air.  'This type of conveyor is uniquely engineered to transport delicate materials gently. The tubes form a continuous loop that must be carefully assembled for a tight fit to ensure no misalignment or gaps between sections. While the modular components lend great flexibility to system design, each component must act in concert with the rest for proper conveyor functionality,' explains Derby. After selecting and purchasing a conveyor, the pet food processor's next step is installing it, which often requires professional assistance. Reliability Starts with Supervised Installation Whether relying on internal staff members for installation or contracting the job to an outside team of millwrights or skilled pipefitters, supervised conveyor installation can ensure proper system installation. Getting expert assistance is still essential during installation, even with the manual that has detailed instructions and QR-code links to videos for each conveyor component. 'Supervised installation is important to ensure that your system is installed properly so you don't run into maintenance problems due to an improper install,' says Derby. Derby insists that 'supervised installs are probably the most important support service we offer.' This step is often neglected when a less experienced third party performs the installation, which can escalate costs. At this point, AHS is frequently asked to complete final preparations and correct any problems before production startup, a process known as commissioning.  'When a processor brings us to their facility after declining a supervised installation, we often have to work backward for a day or two to correct issues. Having us there for supervised installation eliminates the need for correction and any idle contractors waiting on us for the repair, so it pays for itself,' says Derby. In the case of AHS, the company's technicians have logged hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on-site in various manufacturing facilities worldwide. This singular focus gives them the knowledge and expertise to streamline the installation process and prevent issues that can lead to system inefficiencies, product loss, or complete system failure. As part of the supervised installation, skilled technicians ensure the correct positioning of the conveyor's hangers and the proper torque for couplings. The system is properly cleaned to remove any metal fragments or foreign contaminants introduced during installation. In addition, the technician confirms that all conveyor inlets are in place and that all discharges are functioning. Even seemingly minor gaps or misaligned areas in the conveyor tubing can become a severe issue. 'If gaps are in the conveyor's tubes, the discs will 'catch' when crossing the joint, causing excessive wear on the cable and motor. If not corrected, this could lead to premature failure, production downtime, and added repair and replacement costs,' says Derby. According to Derby, another common wear item in tubular drag cable conveyors is sweeps, areas where the tube changes direction. He explains that sweeps are where the cable is under the most significant tension and where the discs rub inside the tube. Since sweeps show the first signs of wear, proper installation can reduce the wear and significantly prolong tube and cable life, simplifying maintenance. 'With a supervised install, processors can ensure that their conveyor is assembled correctly to enable seamless startup, reliable production, optimal output, and greater longevity for the system and its parts. Our reputation is on the line to get it right from the start,' says Derby. In addition, a supervised installation includes a full report outlining actions to correct any issues found. Due to the attention to detail, a supervised installation also preserves the standard warranty for the system's components. Of course, operators also play a critical role in conveyor performance. For this reason, having experts onsite can be one of the best ways to train the operators and maintenance crew on properly running, cleaning, and maintaining the system.    Reliable Production Requires Expert Commissioning When the installation is complete, the next step is to schedule commissioning. The average commissioning visit for a single-system installation usually lasts an entire day.  The onsite commissioning process readies the conveyor for total production and identifies any immediately correctable issues to keep the startup on schedule. At this point, the system must be installed entirely, including all mechanical and electrical components. The conveyor material must also be ready for introduction to the system. This is where a botched installation by a third party can come to light without supervised installation by the OEM. 'We are often asked to 'fix' poor installations by third-party contractors. We have had to tear whole systems apart. This frequently requires a complete rebuild and replacement of damaged parts, which adds cost, creates downtime, and delays startup,' says Derby. In the case of AHS's commissioning service, the technician conducts an inspection using a camera that runs through the entire system layout to ensure that everything is correctly assembled and ready for testing. The technician then performs a test run of the product, from the inlet feed through the sweeps to the discharge outlet, and verifies that it flows at the desired speed. 'Tailoring the conveyor to the material conveyed can require adjustments to fine-tune the process. With the commissioning, the goal is to increase efficiency, production volume, and reliability,' says Derby. He adds that 'checking the system's health' also uncovers any issues that might arise, which technicians can address to prevent production downtime. He points out that commissioning also extends Cablevey's standard warranty. As a final step in the commissioning process, the technician issues a report for the processor that documents all findings from the full-system inspection. Completing conveyor installation, commissioning, and start-up is only the start of the OEM's and processor's relationship since the system's lifespan can be decades. In addition to traveling on-site for emergency service calls, the company offers an annual service visit to conduct a detailed system inspection and address any issues, identify worn parts, ensure predictive maintenance is being conducted, and provide any additional training needed. This complete system audit aims to extend the conveyor's lifespan and prevent unexpected downtime. 'Our mission is to provide conveying equipment and ensure it performs as required, with minimal downtime and maintenance. Once a pet food processor buys a system, they become part of our family. We will continue to support them every way we can, even as their needs evolve,' concludes Derby. By Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. Source All Pet Food

27/11/2023

Mobile 'Smart Cart' Automates Food Conveyor CIP for Pet Food Manufacturers

To promote food safety and sanitary compliance, pet food manufacturers are increasingly seeking the ability to clean-in-place (CIP), an automated method of cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular drag conveyors without disassembly. Now, with the advent of mobile tools like an innovative 'smart cart' that quick-connects to any tubular conveyor and enables simple, customizable 'single button cleaning recipes,' CIP is becoming easier, faster, less labor-intensive, more repeatable, and almost fully automated. Tubular drag conveyor systems gently move product through a sealed, enclosed tube using a drag cable and circular discs pulled through on a loop, so they are ideal for delicate items. Designed to handle a variety of different forms and sizes, from kibble to seeds or pellets and nutrients, tubular conveyors maintain both quality and proper proportions. In a wet CIP process, the system is flooded with water, flushed, rinsed, cleansed, and thoroughly sanitized. Although the process is very effective, streamlining its automation and simplifying the process for all a facility's tubular drag conveyors has been a priority for leading innovators in the industry. 'The standard system required port hookups to water lines and installing piping. The processor also had to make decisions, such as which water temperatures to utilize, or whether to use a cleaning solvent - and the correct amount to add manually,' says John Adair, Engineering and Quality Director for Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has designed, engineered, and serviced enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years, and is in more than 65 countries. To simplify the wet cleaning process, Adair and his engineering team at Cablevey have developed a small, mobile 'smart cart' with integrated water line hookups that a single technician can easily take to any tubular drag conveyor in a facility. The cart is specifically designed to be a fraction of the size of similar carts on the market to facilitate mobility. When the cart is in position and connected to water lines, the CIP process is automated and controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that reduces the need for manual labor and virtually eliminates the risk of improper cleaning. 'Once it is set up, all you do is press a button, and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning,' says Adair. The smart cart is designed to store and utilize pre-programmed CIP recipes to flush various residual materials from the tubular drag cable conveyors in a facility before new production runs. The cleaning recipes enable even those with very little training to use the cart, which is helpful in today's tight labor market and allows the technician to move on to other tasks once the cleaning process begins. The use of easily executable recipes ensures a superior, repeatable clean that essentially 'error-proofs' the process. This is particularly important when the technician may be new or less familiar with the production equipment. 'Depending on the product conveyed, sometimes all you need is a wet rinse or a specific cleaning solvent. All that information is saved, so after the first cleaning, it can be automatically repeated. Just push a button to start the appropriate recipe, whether you have one conveyor running multiple products or dozens of conveyors running various products,' says Adair. To meet strict compliance standards, the smart cart also documents all critical CIP information, such as water volume and temperature, chemicals used, and cleaning time by date, in an easily retrievable data log. Since decreasing production downtime between conveyor cleanings is a priority for pet food manufacturers, Cablevey provides new capabilities with the cart that expedites the CIP process. Currently, the CIP process floods the tubular conveyor system but is not designed to clean the discs specifically. 'Operators would manually clean each disc and advance the system disc by disc when the discs had to be cleaned of particularly viscous substances,' says Adair.   Once it is set up, all you do is press a button and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning.   Now, as an option on the cart, a disc washer can be integrated with the conveyor turnaround to spray a pressurized cleansing solution on the discs. This helps to remove stickier substances that could remain after routine CIP cleaning. 'The disc washer sprays high-pressure water directly on the discs, so it acts like an automatic car wash. At the push of a button, the discs and cable are run through, and spray cleaned, which reduces CIP time and eliminates the need to manually clean the discs,' says Adair. To further reduce downtime, Cablevey also offers a new sanitary blower option. 'After the wet CIP process, a sanitary blower attachment on the smart cart can dry the discs and other parts of the system 75% faster than typical air drying,' says Adair. He points out that the faster the conveyor is cleaned and dried after a product change, the sooner it can be put back into service, which improves profitability. According to Adair, Cablevey's Mobile Smart Cart was already available since it was officially unveiled at Pack Expo, a premier packaging and processing show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September. The event featured full-scale setups of machinery in action. The company also offered traveling demo smart cars to customers in September for free so clients could test drive the units. Pet food manufacturers can now purchase the demonstration unit used in their facilities, with hands-on training available immediately. While the pet food manufacturing industry is aware that automated CIP can improve conveyor system production uptime, barriers to implementation have slowed adoption. Utilizing a mobile smart cart with integrated water hookups will help manufacturers easily implement CIP in tubular drag conveyors throughout their facilities: expediting conveyor cleaning, production changeover, and sanitary compliance. By: Del Williams - Technical writer based in Torrance - California Source: All Pet Food Magazine

21/04/2026

PAYPER Strengthens its Leadership Presenting its Bottom-Up Filling System at Interpack 2026

At the upcoming Interpack trade show (May 7–13, Düsseldorf), PAYPER will showcase its bottom-up filling system at its booth (Hall 12 – C06), a solution specifically designed to optimize the bagging of fine powdered products.

The technology, which has already been introduced in specialized technical forums, expands the company's portfolio of dosing solutions and addresses one of the most common challenges in industrial bagging: dust generation and the unstable behavior of certain products during filling.
  A common challenge in bagging powdered products
In bagging processes involving products with very fine particle sizes, it is common for air entrapment and dust generation to occur during bag filling. These situations can lead to the dispersion of airborne particles, increased vacuuming requirements, or product loss.

The bottom-up filling approach modifies traditional filling dynamics to reduce the product drop height during the dosing process. This principle improves process control and minimizes dust generation, especially for materials prone to fluidization or sensitive to aeration.
A process-oriented solution
Thanks to this configuration, the system is particularly well-suited for applications in which controlling the product's behavior during filling is a key factor.

This approach reduces dust generation during bagging and improves product stability inside the bag, helping to optimize working conditions and facility cleanliness. In addition, the system features a new chassis design that facilitates cleaning and maintenance tasks, improving accessibility and plant operations.

These topics will be discussed in greater detail during the pre-trade show technical webinar on April 22; the registration link is available on the company's website.
Technology, integration, and experience: a proven solution
In addition to this new solution, PAYPER is coming to Interpack 2026 with a proven technological offering, built on its expertise in industrial weighing—where it has established itself as a leader thanks to innovations such as its MSX weighing controller—and in the digitization of bagging lines with its all-in-one digital solution, Pulsar.

  MSX weighing controller   Pulsar
  These capabilities are part of the company's specialization in the design and manufacture of complete bagging lines, a comprehensive approach that allows it to offer solutions tailored to each customer and is one of its key competitive advantages in the market.
Growth and a vision for the future
This strategy is supported by the expansion of its headquarters in Bell-lloc d'Urgell, where PAYPER is constructing a new 8,800-square-meter industrial facility. This €6 million investment will bring the total production space at its headquarters to over 18,000 square meters, strengthening its capacity to take on larger-scale projects and meet growing international demand. Source: PAYPER

About PAYPER
Founded in 1973 and headquartered near Barcelona, PAYPER designs and manufactures state-of-the-art bagging lines for bulk solids. With more than 5,000 projects completed in over 80 countries, the company has extensive experience in sectors such as the agri-food, chemical, and animal feed industries, among others.

Its global team, made up of more than 200 professionals, provides support throughout the entire product lifecycle. In addition, PAYPER has a strong international presence with 8 subsidiaries and an extensive network of agents, ensuring responsive and efficient service worldwide.

payper.com
Marketing Department | marketing@payper.com | +34 973 21 60 40

23/03/2026

TMI and HS Automation Consolidate their International Expansion with the Launch of TMI USA Inc.  

As part of this expansion, TMI USA Inc. and HS Automation have completed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Bratcher Bagging Inc., a local company with a solid track record and recognition in the US bagging solutions market.
  This is not simply an acquisition, but a strategic integration aimed at strengthening the local market, expanding technical capabilities, and bringing greater value to the North American market by leveraging local market knowledge.   Integration of local expertise and leadership   Bratcher Bagging Inc. has built a reputation based on reliability, service, and specialized technical knowledge. The experience and product portfolio at TMI USA strengthens our operational capacity and technical support network in the country.
  In addition, Kyle Bratcher will continue to lead the team within TMI USA Inc., ensuring continuity, stability, and a smooth transition for all customers.
  This integration ensures:
  Full continuity of services and ongoing orders Ongoing support for installed equipment Expansion of technical and commercial capabilities Expansion of the portfolio of bagging and automation solutions
  With this strategic move, TMI USA expands its offering in the North American market by combining Bratcher's long-standing solutions with TMI's advanced automation technology.
  Our portfolio now includes:
  Complete automatic bagging lines Bag closing systems, robotic palletizing cells Open-mouth baggers Form-fill-seal systems End-of-line and automatic palletizing solutions
  This integration allows us to offer complete and integrated solutions for sectors such as agriculture, animal feed, chemicals, minerals, and food.   Driving automation in American industry   The industrial sector in the United States is moving toward higher levels of automation, operational efficiency, and process optimization. Through TMI USA Inc., we are prepared to accompany this transformation through:
  Specialized engineering Customized automation solutions Local commercial and technical support Innovation backed by the international experience of TMI and HS Automation
  Our goal is clear: to help US manufacturers optimize their bagging processes, reduce downtime, and improve the overall performance of their plants.   Corporate Statement   'This acquisition represents an important step in our commitment to serve the US market with greater capabilities and local expertise. The integration of our teams strengthens our platform for growth and innovation.'
Justin Hartwick, President of TMI USA Inc.   Building the future together   At TMI, we understand growth as a process based on collaboration and trust. This expansion reaffirms our long-term commitment to the North American market.
  With greater resources, an expanded offering, and consolidated leadership in the United States, TMI USA Inc. is poised to bring even more value to the industry.
  For more information, visit: www.tmipal.com Source: TMI Bagging & Palletizing