What are the post-processing steps for dry dog ​​food?

Drying and Cooling: Controlling the Core Moisture Content of Dry Food. The moisture content of the extruded kibble is approximately 20%-25%. It needs to be immediately sent to a drying and cooling machine, with the drying temperature controlled at 80-100℃ for 15-20 minutes, reducing the moisture content to 10%-12% (standard moisture content for dry food). It is then cooled to room temperature (≤5℃ difference from room temperature) to prevent the kibble from absorbing moisture. The drying temperature needs precise control; too high a temperature will cause the kibble surface to scorch and nutrients to be lost, while too low a temperature will not meet the moisture standard. Insufficient cooling will cause condensation inside the kibble after packaging, leading to mold growth. This step needs to be linked to the parameters of the dog food manufacturing machine. If the extruder temperature is too high, the drying temperature needs to be appropriately reduced to avoid double high-temperature damage to nutrients.

Flavoring and Sorting: Enhancing Palatability and Consistency. The cooled kibble needs to be flavored, commonly through oil spraying (3%-5%) and powdering. Oil improves palatability and forms a protective film on the kibble surface, reducing moisture absorption; powdering often consists of meat flavorings and mineral powders to further optimize flavor and nutrition. After seasoning, the food is screened through a vibrating screen to remove broken and deformed particles. Broken particles can be returned to the raw material silo for secondary processing in an extruder, improving raw material utilization. After screening, particle uniformity must be checked to ensure a particle size error of ≤±0.2mm. If particle sizes are inconsistent, the wear of the pet food extruder die head and the appropriate cutting speed must be investigated.

Finished Product Inspection and Packaging: Ensuring Product Safety. The screened dry food must be tested with a metal detector to ensure the absence of metal impurities. Simultaneously, samples are taken to test moisture, ash content, and nutritional components. Packaging is only permitted after meeting pet food standards. Packaging must use airtight, moisture-proof materials, include a desiccant, and clearly label the production date, shelf life, and nutritional information. Storage must be in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding direct sunlight. If excessive moisture is detected in the dry food, the drying parameters and the moisture content of the dry pet food making machine must be reviewed, and the drying time or the steam addition amount in the extruder adjusted to ensure quality meets standards.

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