Did you know the process to create a lot of the dry pet foods out there is called extrusion? Read below to find out why this process is not a good way to create pet foods…

In the extrusion process, raw materials are first ground to the correct particle size (usually the consistency of coarse flour). Grinding increases the availability of nutrients, as well as the ease with which they are processed. The ground ingredients are then mixed to create a consistent product, trying to ensuring that essential nutrients are correctly balanced in each individual piece of the finished product(unfortunately this is not the case).

The mixed dry ground materials are then extruded, a process that includes mixing, kneading, proofing (rising), shaping, rising again, and slicing. The dry mix is first preconditioned to start the gelatinization of the starches. The preconditioner very accurately measures the amount of the dry mix and blends it with the measured liquid portion that can include fat, meat products, additional water, and steam. This wet mix stays in the preconditioner for about 45 seconds. While in the preconditioner, the starch is cooked about 25%. The preconditioned food then moves to an extruder, a cylindrical multi-segmented barrel that propels, mixes, and further cooks the material, and then forces it through a die where it is cut to the desired length. The product moving through the extruder produces its own friction and heat, which then cooks the mix. The speed and friction levels can be varied depending on the formula, to ensure that the product is cooked at the correct temperature for the right length of time.

The newly formed, soft and spongy kibbles are then transferred from the extruder to the dryer where additional moisture is removed. Most kibble takes about 15 minutes to dry properly. If kibble is dried too quickly or at too high a temperature, it will be more fragile and break during handling.

The kibble then goes through a cooling process of around 7 minutes. If the kibble is too hot when it leaves the dryer and is packaged before it cools, condensation will develop, which will encourage the growth of mold or bacteria in the package.

Enrobing, the last step in the manufacture of dry pet foods, entails the addition of either liquids or powders to the outer surface of the kibble. Fat and flavor enhancers are usually added at this stage. Fat is not usually added in the mixing stage because it can disrupt starch gelatinization. Fat and flavor enhancers greatly improve taste and palatability, and are most effective when applied to the outside of the kibble.

Does this sound like food that is good for your pet to eat? Want to try an alternative? Try a raw diet, check the out here, CLICK HERE!!

{ 0 comments }