Revolutionizing pet food production with texturization technology

An advanced texturization process could prevent waste and improve profit. This technology uses mechanical rotation and heating to turn emulsified meats into fibrous chunks that mimic the appearance, feel and taste of real meat – maximizing the value of byproducts or lower-value cuts and ingredients.

From by-products to premium products

A major opportunity for pet food manufacturers lies in repurposing materials that would typically be considered waste or used in low-end products – such as machine-separated meat from bones, poultry and fish trimmings, and prime cut-offs, to name a few.

Instead of being used for low-value purposes like flour, oil or biogas production, these materials can now be transformed into high-quality textured protein, unlike traditional chunks.

This is made possible by the Rotary Disc Texturizer (RDT) developed by DANA Technology, a Denmarkbased company specializing in pet food machinery.

Creating meat-like texture

The RDT leverages mechanical rotation and thermal energy to coagulate proteins and carbohydrates, creating a meat-like texture that delivers real meat’s bite, chew and elasticity.

The result is a product that maintains the natural appearance pets and their owners find appealing, making it an ideal solution for premium pet food.

Texturization relies on the rapid denaturation and coagulation of proteins within the emulsion. As the RDT applies heat and constant movement, proteins undergo structural changes that, depending on the protein type, occur between 50 and 70°C.

This precise process creates a fibrous, meat-like texture, allowing denatured proteins to aggregate and form solid chunks.

Resource efficiency to enhance sustainability

The RDT provides a practical way to repurpose by-products while promoting sustainability, by reducing the need for prime cuts usually reserved for human consumption.

This change helps create a more resource-efficient food production system and gives pet food manufacturers a stronger competitive edge in a challenging market.

Vagn Hansen, CEO of DANA Technology, explains: “Our RDT allows manufacturers to transform by-products into high-quality products that meet the growing demand for sustainability and profitability in the pet food industry – it is a way to increase profit from day one.”

As the pet food industry evolves, the RDT is leading its transformation, providing manufacturers with a powerful tool to meet market demands for sustainability, quality and profitability.