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'''Dry pet foods are made by mixing dry and wet ingredients together to form a dough. In the extrusion process, the dough is heated under pressure, then pushed through a die machine that cuts the kibbles.''' Kibble size and shape varies according to the product specification. The kibbles are dried, cooled and spray coated. Some dry foods may also be produced by means other than extrusion, such as baking.

'''Dry pet foods are made by mixing dry and wet ingredients together to form a dough. In the extrusion process, the dough is heated under pressure, then pushed through a die machine that cuts the kibbles.''' Kibble size and shape varies according to the product specification. The kibbles are dried, cooled and spray coated. Some dry foods may also be produced by means other than extrusion, such as baking.

=== Ingredient Selection and Sourcing ===

=== Ingredient Selection and Sourcing ===

Many of the ingredients used in the manufacture of pet food are described as animal (or fish) derivatives or by-products. These ingredients are the parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. In dry pet foods, animal derivatives are commonly used in a meal form (such as chicken meal, poultry by-product meal) where meat and animal derivatives are cooked, the fat removed and the remaining material dried to create a dry meal). By-products may also be used in fresh or frozen form. Many of the other ingredients such as cereals, grains, and vegetables used in dry pet foods come in dry form and are milled or ground prior to mixing. A recipe is also likely to include oils and fats, vitamins and minerals required to ensure the product delivers all the essential nutrients.

Many of the ingredients used in the manufacture of pet food are described as animal (or fish) derivatives or by-products. These ingredients are the parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. In dry pet foods, '''animal derivatives are commonly used in a meal form''' (such as chicken meal, poultry by-product meal) where meat and animal derivatives are cooked, the fat removed and the remaining material dried to create a dry meal). By-products may also be used in fresh or frozen form. Many of the other ingredients such as cereals, grains, and vegetables used in dry pet foods come in dry form and are milled or ground prior to mixing. A recipe is also likely to include oils and fats, vitamins and minerals required to ensure the product delivers all the essential nutrients.

The dry mix is combined with wet ingredients, water and steam in a preconditioner, which hydrates the powders, creates a dough and starts the cooking process. The dough then enters a machine known as an extruder, which cooks the dough under pressure. At the end of the extruder the dough exits under pressure through a die plate creating ribbons of pre-specified shape that are then sliced into the pre-specified size using a rotary cutter.

The dry mix is combined with wet ingredients, water and steam in a preconditioner, which hydrates the powders, creates a dough and starts the cooking process. The dough then enters a machine known as an extruder, which cooks the dough under pressure. At the end of the extruder the dough exits under pressure through a die plate creating ribbons of pre-specified shape that are then sliced into the pre-specified size using a rotary cutter.

After extrusion and cutting the kibbles are air dried in an oven to remove moisture and then cooled. Reducing the moisture content is an important step in maintaining freshness and preventing food spoilage.

After extrusion and cutting the kibbles are air dried in an oven to remove moisture and then cooled. '''Reducing the moisture content is an important step in maintaining freshness and preventing food spoilage.'''

When baked, the dough is rolled out and cut into shapes, then baked in an oven (similar to cookies or biscuits).

When baked, the dough is rolled out and cut into shapes, then baked in an oven (similar to cookies or biscuits).

== Complementary Care and Treats Manufacturing ==

== Complementary Care and Treats Manufacturing ==

Treats for cats and dogs come in a variety of forms. In the EU, the majority are termed complementary as they are designed to complement main meal complete and balanced pet foods. In the US, the same products are generally identified as "treats" or "snacks." In either case, t hey should therefore only make up a small percentage of the daily calorie intake. Feeding recommendations on some pet food manufacturers’ products suggest feeding no more than 10% of required daily calories.

Treats for cats and dogs come in a variety of forms. In the EU, the majority are termed complementary as they are designed to complement main meal complete and balanced pet foods. In the US, the same products are generally identified as "treats" or "snacks." In either case, they should therefore '''only make up a small percentage of the daily calorie intake'''. Feeding recommendations on some pet food manufacturers’ products suggest feeding no more than 10% of required daily calories.

Here are some of the most common ways to make treats for cats and dogs:

Here are some of the most common ways to make treats for cats and dogs:

== Pet Food Safety and Quality==

== Pet Food Safety and Quality==

While each pet food manufacturer will have their own recipes, there are pet food safety standards and regulations that everyone must comply with (link to regulations page).

While each pet food manufacturer has their own recipes, there are '''pet food safety standards and regulations''' that everyone must comply with (link to regulations page).

Practical advice is also available to help veterinary professionals establish the credentials of a pet food manufacturer. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association provides a check list that helps with evaluation of the credentials of a pet food manufacturer and is a useful resource for both veterinary professionals and owners. (http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Recommendations%20on%20Selecting%20Pet%20Foods.pdf).

Practical advice is also available to help veterinary professionals establish the credentials of a pet food manufacturer. The [http://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Recommendations%20on%20Selecting%20Pet%20Foods.pdf World Small Animal Veterinary Association] provides a check list that helps with evaluation of the credentials of a pet food manufacturer and is a useful resource for both veterinary professionals and owners.

A responsible pet food manufacturer will take safety and quality very seriously and will have their own defined processes and standards that help ensure the safety and quality of their ingredients and products.

'''A responsible pet food manufacturer will take safety and quality very seriously''' and will have their own defined processes and standards that help ensure the safety and quality of their ingredients and products.

These should start with reliable suppliers and cover the whole process through to feeding the cat or dog and are likely to include:

These should start with reliable suppliers and cover the whole process through to feeding the cat or dog and are likely to include: