When it comes to pet food, the quality and ingredients in your dog‘s food can have a big impact on its overall health and wellbeing. It’s important to do your research and make sure that you purchase the best food for your pet. To help you in your quest, here is a brief overview of how dog food is made.
The process of making commercial dog food begins with selecting and sourcing the right ingredients. Most dog foods are made with animal proteins, such as beef, chicken, fish, or lamb, as well as plant-based proteins, like corn, wheat, or barley. If the food is a canned variety, then typically the ingredients are cooked, mashed, and then blended together. For dry kibble, the ingredients are usually mixed together first, before they are cooked and shaped into small pellets.
The next step in the process is adding vitamins and minerals. During this step, the food is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that help ensure that your pup is getting the nutrients it needs. After the vitamins and minerals have been added, any additional flavorings, fats, or preservatives will be added as well.
Once all of the ingredients have been added, the food is cooked. The cooking process is important, as it ensures that the ingredients are properly cooked and all of the food’s nutritive value is retained. After the food is cooked, it is shaped (if it is a dry kibble variety) and then dried. This helps to keep the food fresh, while also improving its shelf life.
The last step in the process is packaging. This is where the food is placed into bags and cans and labeled with the brand and nutritional information. If a food is a dry or canned variety, it is also usually sealed at this point, to help preserve its freshness.
Making dog food is a complex process, but one that is necessary to ensure that your pup is getting the best possible nutrition. By doing your research, you can make sure that you are choosing a food that is made from quality ingredients and is formulated to meet the specific needs of your dog.
