S. Howes

Cleaner Machines for Healthier Pets

pet food production

In the pet food production industry, having the right equipment is as crucial as the ingredients in the kibble. With a market size valued at 110.53 billion USD in 2021 and projected to grow to 163.70 billion USD by 2029, there’s no room for error. 

This blog focuses on the essential role of sanitary machinery in maintaining pet food safety. We’ll explore how regulations and smart equipment choices, like Sanimix mixers, contribute to safe and healthy pet food and even healthier pets.

The Importance of Sanitary Equipment in Pet Food Production 

In pet food production, machinery directly impacts the safety and quality of your pet’s food. From grinding raw materials to the final packaging, each stage of the process relies on equipment that must be sanitary to ensure the end product is both nutritious and free from contaminants. 

Let’s understand why using non-sanitary equipment is a risky step you wouldn’t want to take.

Risks of Using Non-Sanitary Equipment

  • Infections: Contaminated equipment can introduce harmful bacteria like Salmonella into the food product, which is especially risky for raw diets and uncooked treats.
  • Toxins: Whether naturally occurring or due to human error, toxins like botulism or aflatoxin can find their way into pet food.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Poor quality control can lead to nutrient imbalances, causing diseases like thiamine or taurine deficiency in pets.
  • Contamination risks: Animal-origin products in pet food are susceptible to contamination with pathogens like E. coli.
  • Recalls: Contaminated or deficient pet food often triggers recalls, which are costly and damaging to a brand’s reputation.

Sanitary equipment is non-negotiable in pet food production. It’s not just about meeting regulations but also ensuring the health of pets and maintaining consumer trust.

While it’s clear that regulations are in place for a good reason, they also serve as essential guidelines to safeguard both pets and businesses. Let’s look at some specific regulatory measures that govern the cleanliness and safety of pet food production equipment.

Regulatory Measures for Equipment Safety

In the pet food industry, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of production equipment is paramount. Here are some key regulations that govern this aspect.

  1. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): Requires animal food facilities to create a food safety plan, focusing on hazard analysis and preventive controls.
  2. Current Good Manufacturing Practices: Sets baseline standards for the manufacturing, processing, packing, and holding of animal food to ensure safety.
  3. European Union Regulations: Laws like ‘general food law’ and ‘feed hygiene’ set foundational EU food and feed safety principles.
  4. U.S. State-Level Regulations: States often adopt model laws from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to complement FDA regulations.
  5. Industry Associations: Groups like the Pet Food Institute and FEDIAF work towards a science-based regulatory environment for pet food.

These regulations contribute to pet food’s safety, quality, and integrity.

How Sanimix Fits into Safe Pet Food Production

Safety and cleanliness are top priorities in pet food production. S.Howes Sanimix brand mixers are designed to meet these needs, offering efficiency and high safety standards.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Uniform Mix: The S. Howes Double-Ribbon Agitator ensures a consistent blend, vital for maintaining nutritional balance in pet food.
  • Model Variety: With over 25 standard models and countless other custom-sized models, S. Howes offers flexibility, accommodating manufacturers of all sizes.
  • Durable Build: Constructed to meet food, dairy, or pharmaceutical standards, ensuring the equipment lasts longer and operates reliably.
  • Easy to Clean: Features like flanged journals, inverted bearing shelves, and formed radiused corners simplify cleaning, helping you meet Good Manufacturing Practices.
  • Full Discharge: Designed with tight tolerances for complete product discharge, reducing waste and maximizing the use of every batch.

Choosing the right equipment is a commitment to the well-being of pets everywhere. By adhering to strict regulations and opting for sanitary machinery like the Sanimix brand mixers, manufacturers can produce pet food that is as safe as it is nutritious. 

In a market where pet owners are increasingly vigilant about what their animals consume, making the right choices in production can set your brand apart.

Upgrade your pet food production with a Sanimix mixer today!