Feed pays off – how to produce animal feed

The amusing dog Reksio gnawing on old bones or the cat Filemon slurping milk are now just cartoon images of the past. Today’s pets are often true connoisseurs – accustomed to balanced blends, aromatic kibbles, or sophisticated treats. 

One thing is certain – our growing awareness of nutrition has come full circle wide enough to include our domestic four-legged companions as well. 

Most pet owners today are already aware that not every feed is equal and that its quality has a real impact on the health of our pet – the problem is that the truly good ones can cost so much that the mere thought of monthly expenses can make your head spin.

In such a situation, producing your own feed may prove to be a natural solution.

Such a scenario will work best for people working in agriculture or the processing industry – there is a high probability that they already have all the necessary raw materials close at hand. The only remaining issue is the equipment, and more specifically an extruder for the production of animal feed. 

Fortunately, TechnoMaszBud offers top-class feed production machines ;) 

So let’s take a closer look at how they work.

Where to start feed production?

1. Action plan

Before starting any production, we must define our goal.

The food extrusion machines we offer are dedicated to the production of feed for domestic and farm animals such as dogs, cats, fish, goats, and cows. As it is easy to guess, depending on the species and number of our animals, we will plan the entire process differently.

2. Raw materials

At the beginning, there is no need for complicated or hard-to-access ingredients. The basis of production consists of raw materials commonly used in agriculture and processing, such as grain flours (wheat, corn, barley), meals, bran, or protein additives. Depending on the intended use of the feed, the recipe can be enriched with fats, vitamins, and minerals, gradually adapting the composition to the needs of specific animals. 

Thanks to extrusion technology, these raw materials are not only properly processed but also disinfected, which translates into the safety and durability of the finished product.

3. Equipment

Let’s move on to TechnoMaszBud’s favorite field…

The essential device in the entire feed pressing process will be a high-quality extruder – that is, a feed production machine. Importantly, it should provide constant temperature in the working section, smooth parameter adjustment, and the ability to work with different raw materials. These are precisely the features that determine the repeatable quality of the feed and the comfort of the operator’s work.

Modern feed extruders, such as models from the ESK series, e.g. ESK 60 allow for gradual production development – from small batches for personal needs to higher efficiency for sale. Interchangeable dies make it possible to obtain feed in different shapes and sizes (from 1 to 20 mm), which is important both functionally and from a marketing perspective. Precise cutting knives, in turn, allow control over the length of the granules without the need for additional processing.

At a further stage of production development, it is also worth considering a feed coating and flavoring line, which significantly improves the quality and attractiveness of the finished product. Such equipment enables the precise application of oils, fats, vitamins, or flavor additives after the extrusion process, improving the taste of the feed, its nutritional value, and durability.

Small scale, big possibilities – the beginnings of your own feed production

For people starting their adventure with feed production, compact extruders with a capacity of several dozen kilograms per hour, such as the ESK-50 or ESK-60, are an ideal solution. 

Such a scale allows you to learn the process, test recipes, and check real market demand. Importantly, many devices – including these models – can be tested using your own raw material even before making a purchase decision – which is a great convenience for beginners. 

Why is it worth producing feed yourself?

The basic advantage of your own feed production is full control over the composition. By using your own raw materials – flours, grains, or protein additives – you can precisely adapt the formula to the needs of specific animals: dogs, cats, fish, or farm animals. 

This means not only better nutrition quality but also real savings, especially in the long term.

Equally important is the stability and safety of production. The extrusion process takes place at high temperature, which allows effective disinfection of the raw material and obtaining durable, dry feed that is easy to store. For fish breeders, an additional advantage is the structure of the granules, which remain on the water surface for up to 30 minutes – without contaminating the tank.

Is it profitable?

Yes, but… of course only with a reasonable approach. Savings on the purchase of ready-made feed, the possibility of using your own raw materials, and production flexibility make the cost of a feed pressing machine for animals pay off over time. An additional bonus is independence and the possibility of creating your own quality product – increasingly appreciated by conscious customers.

Feed production today is not only a way to reduce costs but also a chance to develop a modern, responsible business. And a well-chosen extruder becomes a solid and proven partner in this process.