Pet Food Manufacturing and the Quality of Life
The entire manufacturing process for pet food manufacturing involves several steps. The first step in the processing cycle of pet food involves meat fermentation. The second step involves skinning (deciding whether to remove the skins or leave them on the bone). After this, the meat, skins and offal are cleaned and prepared for further processing. This includes cleaning and rinsing of containers, chopping of bones and other material, Boil drying of lower fat ingredients, Dextrose or Acidic Acidification process, and storage at ambient temperature.
The second step in the pet food manufacturing process includes the primary objective of shelf life extension. By increasing the time (in minutes) for foods to sit on the shelf before they need to be discarded, manufacturers are able to create long-term contract agreements with retailers. At this point, the entire manufacturing process is initiated. At this point, the packaging is opened and liquids are poured into containers and then into air-tight containers which are destined for shipping.
It is in the storage phase that the quality and safety of pet foods are challenged the most. Wet ingredients will often sit on the bottom shelf of retail display cases. Many manufacturers use plastic airtight containers that are designed to prevent liquid transfer during transportation. While storage of moist ingredients is less likely to occur, it does happen. In the pet food manufacturing process, meat, wet ingredients, dry ingredients and plastic packaging are all subjected to various environmental stresses and conditions that can affect product stability.
The main objective of pet food processing is to identify and eliminate common allergens, irritants and spoilage from wet ingredients before they are released into the market. Pet food manufacturing companies use a variety of methods and equipment during the wet manufacturing process. One of the most important equipment items is the moisture analyzer. This device is designed to help manufacturers determine which ingredients are stable and which have moisture levels that can cause problems during shipping or distribution. Moisture analyzers are an important tool for both the manufacturer and retailer of dry dog food products.
The other goal of cattle feed manufacturing is to produce a higher quality product at a lower cost. Companies spend a great deal of time and money on researching, developing and manufacturing good quality products. They also make use of state of the art technology and methodologies to help reduce waste. The result is a cleaner healthier product. Pet foods that pass this quality standards are more likely to lead to a higher profit margin for manufacturers.
Pet foods containing artificial flavors or colors or colorings are considered by the pet food industry to be low quality. Pet foods are made in similar ways no matter the type of pet food processing used. For example, most commercial pet foods are made with fish, poultry or pork ingredients. Pet foods that contain fruit juices, spices or other additives are considered inferior.
In May of 2021 a recall was issued for some pet food manufacturers. It was determined that a high percentage of kibble had contained mold spores. Some of the manufacturers said that they would be able to clean the problem up, but only if the kibble is thrown out. That would be a costly solution. A recall is often made when a company said they will address the issue, only to find that later they have not.
Pet Food Manufacturing continues today with the same basic goal in mind; produce safe, healthy pet foods. Companies want to produce pets that live a long, healthy and happy life. Pet foods that contain a high nutritional value, high quality ingredients and balanced nutrition are what we focus on. Making sure that these elements are met is the goal of everyone involved.