Pet Food Manufacturing: Wolfing Down the Profits - Katana MRP

Pet food manufacturing process

Contact us to discuss your requirements of pet food production line. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Regulations for US pet food manufacturers

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the AAFCO's regulations and the US Food and Drug Administration's standards. Broadly speaking, the expected safety standards from pet food are related to:

• Reliable suppliers
• Products that are free from harmful substances
• Truthful and accurate labeling
• Clear specifications regarding nutritional value, ingredients used, and technical parameters
• Proper chemical analysis and studies to confirm the nutritional content
• Compliance with low-acid canning regulations similar to those for human food

In essence, many of these regulations mirror the standards for food meant for human consumption.

Dry pet food manufacturing

The dry pet food production process typically involves cooking to remove fat from meat components. Other dry ingredients, like grains and cereals, are added, dried, and sieved to create a dry mix. This mix is then combined with wet ingredients, creating a hydrated "dough" that is cooked under pressure in an extruder. The dough is extruded into specific shapes, such as ribbons, which are then cut into required sizes like kibbles or treats. The product is dried to remove moisture, ensuring its ability to be stored without spoiling. Finally, it is placed in a revolving drum where it gets mixed with flavoring and preservatives for its final taste.

Wet pet food manufacturing

The wet pet food production process involves cooking the food within its container, such as cans. Ingredients like meat, grains, thickening agents, vegetables, and extra vitamins and minerals are carefully measured and added following the recipe and nutritional needs of the animal. The container is sealed, and the product is cooked at regulated temperatures to maintain nutritional content, taste, and shelf-life. Once cooked, the product is cooled, labeled, and stored.

Dry vs Wet Pet Food

Understanding the processes of dry and wet pet food manufacturing might make you wonder which is better. The truth is both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision largely depends on the nutritional requirements and preferences of the pets.

Advantages of Dry Pet Food

Dry pet food is easy to store and generally cheaper. It helps sharpen a cat’s teeth and keeps dogs’ teeth clean, particularly beneficial for dogs with gum problems.

Disadvantages of Dry Pet Food

It can be tougher for older pets or those with weaker jaws and teeth to chew. Its lower fat content might be insufficient for more active dogs.

Advantages of Wet Pet Food

Wet pet food contains higher moisture content, helping with hydration and certain urinary tract conditions. Additionally, many dogs prefer its taste.

Disadvantages of Wet Pet Food

Wet pet food is less effective at cleaning a dog’s teeth and spoils quickly once opened, making it harder to store compared to dry food.

Five reasons why the pet food industry has a bright and ...

Market research, discussions, and work with suppliers, B2B, and B2C customers in Europe, Asia, and the USA have identified five significant trends common to industry players globally:

1. Humanization
2. Influence of Millennials and Gen Z
3. Premiumization
4. Online sales
5. Functional recipes

These macro-trends are interconnected and offer a positive glimpse into the future of the industry, posing challenges but ultimately benefiting customers, especially pets. These trends are pivotal in establishing long-term strategies and meeting the evolving needs of pets and their owners.

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Humanization in the Pet Food Industry

The trend towards humanization involves treating pets as family members and providing them with products and services similar to those offered to humans. This major driver of the pet food industry is expected to exert considerable influence over the next decade.

Factors contributing to this trend include a growing awareness of the links between diet and pet health, leading to more selective food choices by pet owners seeking high-quality, natural, and nutrient-rich options.

One concrete proof of this change is the vocabulary used. We no longer say pet owners but pet parents.

This trend also stems from the increasing reliance on pets for therapy and emotional support. As pets become vital to their parents’ well-being, the demand for foods meeting specific needs and preferences has grown. This includes options for pets with allergies or sensitivities and those offering functional benefits like dental health support or anxiety reduction.

Humanization has impacted pet parents' budgets, as they are willing to invest more in high-quality, nutrient-rich foods. Consequently, this trend encourages investment in a broader range of products and services, from grooming and training to pet-friendly travel and specialist insurance.

Influence of Millennials and Gen Z

Millennials and Generation Z are leading the humanization trend in pet food. They see pets as integral family members and prioritize their health and well-being, influenced by social media and the ease of sharing information.

This generation relies heavily on online reviews and ratings, influencing their purchasing decisions. They also favour sustainability and eco-friendly production, leading to more natural and high-protein pet food options with real functional benefits.

Premiumization is on The Rise

Over the past five years, there's been a notable increase in premium and super-premium brands, driving the market upward. Pet parents are willing to pay more for these brands, believing they offer higher-quality nutrition with better ingredients.

A premium dog food brand may use real fresh protein as the primary ingredient rather than dehydrated protein powder. For example, Marly Dan Immunity Jerky comprises at least 60% fresh salmon pulp and natural ingredients.

Online Sales Take Off All Over The World

The surge in online pet food shopping is no coincidence. Online marketplaces offer numerous advantages, including a broader selection of products, easy price comparison, convenience of home delivery, and subscription options for regular deliveries.

• Consumers can shop online anytime, anywhere, making it incredibly convenient.
• Online buyers are "label readers," investing time in studying ingredient lists and reviews.

Functional Recipes: A Niche That Becomes Mainstream

Functional pet foods and treats are designed to provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These products address health issues or improve overall well-being with added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Examples of functional pet foods include recipes for skin and coat health, dental health, weight management, digestive health, cognitive function, joint health, allergy management, urinary tract health, heart health, and immune system support.

Marly & Dan snacks are a delicious way of thanking your pet for their unconditional love. Sweet attention and a lot of affection.

We, at Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition, work daily to meet pet parents’ expectations for quality, transparency, and functional added value in our strategy and product development.

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