Cat Food Making Machine for Dry Cat Kibble Production
We provide high-performance cat food making machines, specializing in the production of dry kibble. Our machines deliver consistent, superior-quality pellets that are durable, easy to store, and have a long shelf life.
Capacity: Starting from 300kg/h
Suitable application: Pet food Pellet Production Plant
Dry vs. Wet Type Cat Food Extruders: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing a suitable extruder machine is one of your core considerations when investing in cat food production equipment. And the choice depends on the product type and production needs.
If your goal is standard dry cat food pellets, with an emphasis on stable production, low investment cost, and simple operation, then a dry type extruder is most suitable for small to medium-sized cat food processing plants or feed production enterprises. For high-meat formula, better moisture-retaining premium dry pellets, a wet type extruder can be considered.
Dry Type Extruder For Cat Food
Rely on mechanical squeezing and shearing to form pellets, without adding extra steam or moisture. Suitable for producing dry cat food pellets made from dry ingredients or low-moisture formulas.
≥ 300 kg/h
Capacity
$ 7,500 +
Price
Detailed Working Principle
During the dry extrusion process, raw materials are conveyed and squeezed by a screw.
Inside the barrel, they undergo mixing, plasticization, and shaping, finally producing structurally stable, dry cat food pellets.
This process has relatively low requirements for recipe moisture, features a relatively simple system structure, and offers controllable operation and maintenance costs.
Technical Parameters
| Model | DGP-90B Cat Food Machine | DGP-120B Cat Food Machine | DGP-160B Cat Food Machine |
| Output（T/H） | 0.3-0.4 | 0.5-0.6 | 0.8-1.0 |
| Main motor power（kw） | 37 | 55 | 90 |
| Feed power（kw） | 0.75 | 202 | 3 |
| Cutting power（kw） | 0.55 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| Screw diameter（mm） | 90 | 120 | 160 |
| Overall machine size（mm） | 2100*1450*1350 | 2400*1950*1600 | 3100*2650*1800 |
Scope of Application
standard dry cat food
kitten / adult cat food
general-purpose dry pet food (for cats & dogs)
high-cost-performance, mass production
Other Application
fish feed
shrimp feed
dog food
Equipment Advantages
- Low investment, easy to operate, and quick to get started.
- Stable output, ensuring long-term production efficiency.
- Excellent puffing effect, creating porous kibble that absorbs water easily.
- Pellet shape and size can be customized with different molds.
Wet Type Extruder For Cat Food
Introduces steam or a moisture conditioning system during the extrusion process. Suitable for producing dry cat food that requires high standards for pellet structure, cooking level, and consistency.
≥ 300 kg/h
Capacity
$ 7,500 +
Price
Detailed Working Principle
In the wet extrusion process, raw materials are conditioned with moisture and heat before or during extrusion.
This allows the material to be cooked and shaped in a more stable thermal environment.
Compared to the dry process, wet extrusion offers better control over pellet density, expansion, and appearance uniformity.
Technical Parameters
| Model | DSP-90B Cat Food Machine | DSP-135B Cat Food Machine |
| Output（T/H） | 0.5-0.6 | 0.8-1.0 |
| Main motor power（kw） | 37 | 75 |
| Feed power（kw） | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Conditioning power（kw） | 1.1 | 2.2 |
| Cutting power（kw） | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| Screw diameter（mm） | 90 | 135 |
| Overall machine size（mm） | 2600*1600*1900 | 3750*1980*1950 |
Scope of Application
high-meat content cat food
semi-moist, high-value-added dry pellets
premium products ( kitten / adult cat food)
mass production by businesses
Other Applications
fish feed
shrimp feed
dog food
Equipment Advantages
- High water retention and nutrient preservation: Suitable for high-protein, high-fat formulas.
- Controllable expansion: Creates uniform pellets with an excellent texture.
- Stable output: Ideal for medium to large-scale production lines.
- Supports various molds: Pellet shape and size can be easily adjusted.
Cat Food Making Machine for Sale – Key Features & Advantages
Whether you choose the dry or wet process, the machine’s own stability and suitability are always key. Below, we will explore the core advantages of our RICHI’s cat food making machine in actual production.
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Stable pellet formation, ideal for mass production
The extrusion process is consistent, ensuring that material is shaped evenly. This results in uniform pellets with a stable structure, which helps maintain consistent quality for large-scale, standardized cat food production.
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High formula compatibility – one machine, many uses
With simple adjustments to the process settings, the same machine can be used to produce dry pellets for both cats and dogs. This reduces the need for investing in multiple machines and increases overall equipment utilization.
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Food-grade hygienic design, meeting pet food standards
Key parts that touch the ingredients are made of stainless steel. The design is easy to clean, meeting strict pet food processing hygiene standards and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
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Digital control, intuitive operation
Equipped with a digital control panel, operators can easily set and adjust key parameters like temperature and screw speed. The clear interface helps keep the production process stable.
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Flexible output, supports customization
By changing the molds and adjusting the settings, you have full control over the pellet’s shape, size, and how it works with different formulas. This allows you to meet various market demands and create unique product lines.
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High automation, lowers labor costs
The machine is highly automated, requiring less human intervention. This not only keeps production stable but also effectively improves efficiency and reduces labor costs.
Cat Food Making Machine Explained — Why Every Part Counts
Every part on an extruder—like its gears, screw, heating rings, and even the cutter—is not designed by chance. They are all carefully matched as key components for the entire cat kibble production process. Knowing what these parts do and how they work together can help you produce high-quality cat food more efficiently. It also makes maintaining and upgrading the machine much easier.
Main Motor
Main Motor
- Function: Provides power for the entire extruder.
- Principle: The main motor drives the gearbox and screw to rotate, which pushes, mixes, presses, and shapes the raw materials.
- Note: Its power level directly determines the machine’s output capacity. A stable motor ensures a smooth production process and high-quality pellets.
Gear Box
Gear Box
- Function: Regulates and transfers the speed and torque from the main motor to the screw.
- Principle: Through a system of gears, it reduces the motor’s high speed but increases its turning force (torque) to what the screw needs.
- Note: The gear box ensures the screw pushes material forward evenly under high pressure. It’s a core component that keeps the extruder running stably.
Screw
Screw
- Function: Transports, mixes, and plasticizes the raw ingredients, pushing them toward the final shaping section.
- Principle: As the screw turns, it creates shear, pressure, and mixing, which heats and expands the ingredients.
- Note: The screw’s length, diameter, pitch, and shape affect the extrusion speed, as well as how much the pellets puff up and their density. It is the key part that determines pellet quality.
Barrel
Barrel
- Function: The outer shell where the screw is located. It withstands pressure and provides a controlled heating or cooling environment.
- Principle: Heaters or water jackets can be installed on the barrel to control the material’s temperature. Inside, the material is pressed into shape by the rotating screw.
- Note: The barrel must be made of durable, wear-resistant, and heat-resistant materials. This ensures the material cooks evenly without sticking to the walls or leaking out.
Heating Ring
Heating Ring
- Function: Controls the temperature of the material during extrusion.
- Principle: Heating rings wrap around the barrel, using either electricity (for dry type cat food pellet machine) or steam (for wet type cat food making machine ) to bring the material to the ideal cooking temperature.
- Note: Too high a temperature can destroy nutrients, while too low a temperature will prevent the pellets from puffing properly. The heating ring maintains a stable temperature, which is crucial for good formation and expansion.
Cutter
Cutter
- Function: Cuts the long, continuous stream of extruded material into uniform pellets.
- Principle: After the material is pushed through a die, a rotating or vibrating cutter slices it into pieces of the desired length.
- Note: The cutter’s material and blade angle affect the pellet’s appearance, surface smoothness, and consistency. Different molds and cutters can be used to produce various sizes and shapes.
Cat Food Production Line Solution——Based on the Cat Food Making Machine
The cat food making machine handles the most critical task in production: shaping the final kibble. It can operate as a standalone unit, which is perfect for small-batch or custom orders. However, it truly shines in large-scale, standardized production, where it becomes an indispensable core part of the entire line.
So, how does this machine work with other steps when you start production?
Centered around the extrusion process, it only needs to be connected with a few essential pieces of equipment before and after. This creates a clear, well-structured, and stable cat food production line.
01
Pre-processing
To check and prepare all basic ingredients (like meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, minerals, and vitamins). This includes removing impurities, sorting, using magnets to catch metal, pre-crushing large pieces, and adjusting moisture levels.
02
Crushing
Large or coarse raw materials are ground into a uniform, fine powder using special grinding equipment. The fineness can be adjusted based on the product’s recipe.
03
Mixing
The various ground ingredients are mixed together in precise ratios inside a high-speed mixer. This ensures everything is evenly blended. Sometimes, binders or water are added at this stage to help the mixture stick together.
04
Extrusion
In the extruder, ingredients are cooked under high temperature and pressure. This not only makes them safe and nutritious, but also perfectly shapes them into specific cat kibble shapes (like circles, triangles, or bones) and sizes.
05
Drying
Freshly made pellets are soft and have high moisture content. They must go through a dryer with hot air. This prevents spoilage, extends shelf life, and makes the pellets harder.
06
Spraying
This step coats the dry cat food pellets with fats, palatants (flavor enhancers), or vitamins. It restores nutrients, boosts aroma to attract pets, and gives the kibble a shiny finish.
07
Cooling & Screening
The warm, coated pellets are cooled to make them hard and stable. They then go through a sieve to remove any broken pieces or dust, ensuring only perfect pellets move forward.
08
Packaging
The finished pellets are automatically weighed, bagged, sealed, and labeled. Some advanced lines may also include extra steps like metal detection, vacuum sealing, or adding nitrogen gas for freshness.
Auxiliary Equipment in the Cat Food Production Process
These auxiliary machines are placed before and after the extruder. They handle tasks like preparing ingredients, stabilizing the pellets, and finishing the final product. This helps the whole production line run more smoothly and keep quality consistent.
Cylindrical primary cleaning screen
Production: 1-25 tons/hour
Power: 30-160 kW
Removes large impurities like stones, ropes, and debris.
Hammer mill
Grinding fineness：0.5-20mm
Rotational speed ：2980 rpm
Uses high-speed rotating hammers to crush raw materials into the desired particle size.
Paddle mixer
Effective volume ：0.5-4 m3
Mixing amount per batch ：250-2000 kg/P
Thoroughly mixes multiple raw materials and additives according to the formula.
Belt dryer
Pellet Size ：6-8mm
Mesh belt width ：0.8-1.6 m
Uses continuous conveying to evenly dry formed materials, reducing moisture content.
Vacuum spraying machine
Matching production capacity:1- 15 t/h
Batch working time: 6 min
Uniformly sprays oil or functional liquids onto pellet surfaces under vacuum conditions.
Cooler
Drying area：13-58m2
Mesh belt width ：0.8-1.6 m
Uses counter-flow cold air to cool hot pellets.
Screener
Output: 2-50 tons/hour
Screen angle ：19°
Separates qualified pellets from powder, oversized, or undersized particles.
Fully automatic packaging machine
Package range ：10-50kg/bag ( adjustable )
Packaging speed ：2-8 packs/minute
Automatically weighs, fills, and seals finished feed products.
Other Accessary Equipment
Of course, besides these core equipment, a production line also requires many “seemingly unremarkable but indispensable” accessary equipment, such as conveyors, iron removers, liquid dosing systems, and pulse dust collector.
These components are responsible for tasks like material transportation, impurity removal, uniform nutrient addition, and dust control. They effectively connect various stages—such as raw material processing, mixing, granulation, and drying—into a continuous and coordinated production system.
Without these accessories linking the different stages, not only would the smooth flow of materials be compromised, but it could also lead to reduced production capacity, decreased product stability, increased manual intervention, and higher operational risks.
Cat Food Production Equipment Case Studies
We’ve already explored the core of cat food manufacturing: the technology, the unique processes, and the key role of the extrusion line.
However, every business has unique goals. Your requirements for capacity, brand identity, and production flow are specific to you, which means your ideal machinery and process layout will also be unique.
To illustrate this, we present case studies that showcase our cat food machines in action. These practical examples provide a tangible insight into their capabilities within a live production setting.
the US
1.5-2 T/H Fish Feed & Pet Food Mill in the US
We engineered this custom, multi-purpose production line to break down market barriers, perfectly accommodating both the aquatic feed and pet food industries. Through a flexible configuration of its raw material processing, extrusion, and post-processing sections, the line can be easily switched between different products.
Capacity: 1.5-2 T/H
Application: Pet food for cat & dog
Pellet Specifications: 2-12 mm
China
2.5 T/H Pet Food Production Line in China
This is a fully automated pet food production line, configured according to the client’s capacity planning and product requirements. The client decided to build this line based on their assessment of industry trends and market potential in the pet food sector. Currently, the installation and commissioning have been completed, and the line has officially commenced operations.
Capacity: 2.5 T/H
Application: Pet food for cats, dogs, turtles
Pellet Specifications: 3-6 mm
Turkey
1 T/H Pet Food & Floating Fish Feed Production Line in Turkey
Having been engaged in aquaculture for a long time, the client noticed the rise of the local pet food pellet market during his research into the fish feed market, and thus decided to adopt a production line with a dual-purpose design.
Capacity: 1 T/H
Application: Cat food, dog food and floating fish feed
• Germany
5 t/h wet type cat & dog food extruder
• Denmark
6 t/h twin screw extruder for pet food
• Poland
10 t/h twin screw extruder to make fish, shirmp feed & pet food
• the UK
8 t/h extruder machine for aquafeed & pet food
How RICHI Plans Your Cat Food Production
In cat food manufacturing projects, different clients have varying starting points, goals, and timelines. Some prefer to begin with a single piece of cat food pellet making machine to test the market, while others plan for stable, high-volume, and branded production from the outset.
Therefore, when we plan with you, we don’t just suggest a standard machine. We create a customized system designed specifically for your production goals and your current stage in the industry.
Scenario 1: Purchase A Cat Food Extruder Machine
For clients new to the cat food processing industry, or those focusing on small-batch, multi-recipe production, starting with a single cat food extruder is often a more flexible and financially manageable choice.
RICHI focuses on several key aspects:
- Product Type: Will you produce standard dry kibble, high-meat formulas, or perhaps a dual-purpose pet food?
- Formulation Characteristics: What are the protein and fat levels, and what does this mean for extrusion stability?
- Daily Output Goal: Is continuous operation required, or will production follow peak demand cycles?
- Operational Conditions: Consider staffing levels, operator experience, and any space limitations at your facility.
By analyzing these factors, RICHI’s sales team recommends a suitable dry or wet pet food extruder model, or a more advanced twin screw extruder. This ensures stable performance at your current output level while keeping future maintenance and operational demands reasonable.
The core principle of this approach is to achieve stable, reproducible production with a lower initial investment.
Scenario 2: Purchase A Complete Cat Food Production Line
When cat food production reaches the stage of continuous supply, batch delivery, or branded operations, what truly sets companies apart is no longer the performance parameters of a single machine, but the long-term stability and controllability of the entire production system.
For these projects, RICHI focuses on the following key areas:
- Front-end Material Processing: Grind size, mixing uniformity, and recipe adaptability.
- Extrusion and Drying Match: Balancing output with moisture control to avoid bottlenecks.
- Coating and Cooling: Ensuring even application of fats/oils and palatants, and maintaining pellet integrity.
- Automation and Scalability: Building in capacity for future production increases or product upgrades.
Simultaneously, we integrate all stages into one continuous and stable process through comprehensive systems for conveying, magnetic separation, liquid dosing, and dust collection. This reduces reliance on operator experience and ensures that production remains consistently under control.
The goal of this planning is not to have more equipment, but to ensure the entire line operates stably over the long term, delivering consistent product quality.
Whatever You Need, We’re Here to Support
When you purchase our equipment, we provide end-to-end support for your entire project. Every step of the way, we are here to help.
Design
In the early stages, RICHI creates a complete process and equipment configuration plan based on your product type, capacity goals, and site conditions.
Manufacturing
All core equipment is manufactured and assembled in our own facilities under strict quality control standards. Key components are tested and inspected before leaving the factory.
Transportation
Once manufacturing is complete, equipment is properly disassembled, packaged, and crated. We arrange suitable logistics based on your location and requirements.
Installation & Commissioning
Upon arrival, RICHI provides online or on-site guidance for installation and commissioning, assisting with placement, connection, and trial runs.
Training
Before production begins, we provide targeted training for your operators, covering equipment operation, daily maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues.
After-Sales
After your line is operational, we offer continuous technical support and after-sales service. Through remote guidance, spare parts supply, and regular communication, we help you resolve any challenges that arise.
Questions & Answers
1. What’s the difference between Dry and Wet Extrusion for cat food?
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The primary distinction between dry and wet extrusion lies in the pre-processing of ingredients before they are shaped.
Dry Extrusion
This method does not introduce external steam. Instead, it relies on the mechanical energy from screws within a barrel—through compression, shearing, and friction—to generate heat, which cooks and forms the raw materials. The process structure is relatively simple, resulting in lower equipment investment and operational costs. It is well-suited for applications focused on producing standard dry cat food where production stability and cost-effectiveness are key priorities.
Wet Extrusion
In contrast, this process involves conditioning the ingredients with moisture and temperature adjustments prior to or during extrusion. This subjects the material to a more controlled thermal environment for cooking and shaping. The wet process offers significant advantages in pellet structure control, expansion uniformity, and appearance consistency. Consequently, it is better suited for manufacturing high-meat, high-protein formulas, or any premium dry cat food that demands a superior final product.
2. What equipment is required for a feed mill plant?
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Choosing the right cat food machine should be based on your own product plan and production conditions, not just by comparing equipment specs.
The factors you need to consider include: target product type (standard dry cat food or high-value-added formulas), planned output and whether continuous operation is needed, the requirements of the raw material formula on extrusion stability, as well as on-site staffing, space, and energy conditions.
After clarifying these basic needs, only then can you determine the appropriate dry or wet extrusion solution, which will ensure that the equipment runs stably and is controllable at the current stage.
3. Which clients are suitable for your cat food making machines?
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RICHI cat food making machines are suitable for clients at various stages of development and with different business models. This includes those just entering the pet food industry who focus on small-batch or multi-recipe production, as well as established processing enterprises with a stable market that require continuous, high-volume output.
Additionally, for clients in the livestock, poultry, or aquatic feed industries looking to expand into pet food, our equipment also offers excellent process compatibility.
4. Can a cat food extruder machine only produce cat food? Can it make dog food?
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A cat food making machine is not limited to producing only cat food. When process conditions permit, by adjusting the recipe, moisture, temperature, and screw parameters, and by using different dies and cutter configurations, the same machine can also be used to produce dry dog food kibble.
Since the extrusion process for dry cat food and dog food is highly similar, proper upfront planning can achieve multi-purpose use for one machine. This improves equipment utilization and reduces redundant investment costs.
5. Can your extruders produce wet cat food?
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No. Our cat food extruder is primarily designed for dry pellet production, which means it’s used to make dry cat food.
Wet cat food requires higher moisture content and special cooking and sterilization processes, which are different from the working principle of a dry extrusion machine. Therefore, our standard extruder is not suitable for directly producing wet cat food.
If you have wet cat food production needs, consider dedicated wet cat food processing equipment for making things like canned cat food.
