Raw Material Receiving and Cleaning: Raw material receiving includes conveying equipment, magnetic separators, primary cleaning screens, metering equipment, and vertical silos. The commonly used metering equipment is a weighbridge. Small and medium-sized plants generally do not have separate feed inlets for granules and powders, while large plants have granule feed inlets and multiple auxiliary material feed inlets. Grain raw materials such as corn and sorghum enter the silo, while powders are directly fed into the discharge inlet.
Grinding: The grinder is the first step in the production line, its main function being to grind raw materials such as corn, soybeans, and meat meal. Choosing a suitable grinder can improve the utilization rate of raw materials and the uniformity of mixing. For materials with different properties, the grinder should have the ability to adjust the fineness to meet the needs of different formulations.
Mixing: The main function of the mixer is to uniformly mix the ground raw materials to ensure a balanced nutritional composition in the dog food. A scientifically formulated dog food ensures a balanced nutritional profile, and additives such as vitamins and minerals can be added to improve pets' health.
**Extrusion:** The twin-screw extruder is the core equipment in the extruded dog food production line. It extrudes the mixed raw materials through high temperature and pressure. During extrusion, starch is converted into a more digestible form, improving the nutrient absorption rate of the dog food. The resulting porous structure makes the dog food crispier, enhancing its texture.
**Drying:** The extruded dog food needs to be dried to reduce moisture and extend its shelf life. Multi-layer mesh belt dryers offer advantages such as low energy consumption and uniform drying. They can adjust airflow and temperature according to different product designs, ensuring proper drying without losing nutrients.
**Seasoning:** Finally, automatic seasoning equipment adds appropriate seasonings to enhance the product's taste and appeal. Efficient seasoning equipment ensures even seasoning without waste.
**Packaging:** The cooled feed is then packaged to become the finished product.
