This is a project about belt drying machine in USA. The customer is a second-generation family business located in the American Midwest. They specialize in making all-natural, limited-ingredient dog and cat treats — products that have grown rapidly in popularity as more pet owners demand healthy, additive-free options.
This is a project about belt drying machine in USA. When you think of advanced drying technology in North America, it's easy to picture giant factories. But the reality is, many small and medium-sized businesses across the United States are looking for ways to add modern equipment piece by piece — not all at once. This is exactly what happened when a family-owned specialty pet food company in the Midwest decided it was time to upgrade their production line with a new belt drying machine.
Their goal was clear: switch from an old batch oven to a continuous mesh belt dryer that could handle the delicate drying needs of premium, grain-free pet treats made from natural meat and vegetable ingredients. This is the real story of how that single piece of equipment made a difference, and why more American processors are looking for a belt drying machine in the USA that can do the same.
Name:
Drying system
Country:
USA
Date:
2024
Capacity:
customized
Model:
DHG-500
Heating Type:
Electric heating
Power:
50 kW + 2.2 kW × 2 + 0.75 kW
Raw Material:
natural meat and vegetable ingredients
The customer is a second-generation family business located in the American Midwest. They specialize in making all-natural, limited-ingredient dog and cat treats — products that have grown rapidly in popularity as more pet owners demand healthy, additive-free options.
Their treats use fresh chicken breast, salmon, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. To keep the final product shelf-stable without chemical preservatives, they rely on careful dehydration. For years, they used two small batch ovens and lots of manual labor to dry small batches overnight.
But with demand growing, they needed to dry larger volumes with better consistency. They weren't ready to invest in a full new factory — they wanted a single, reliable, continuous belt drying machine they could connect to their existing grinder, mixer, and pellet former. That's when they turned to RICHI for help.
Drying premium pet treats is delicate work. If you over-dry, the treats get too hard and brittle; if you under-dry, they can spoil. The company needed a belt drying machine that could gently remove moisture from high-protein, high-moisture ingredients like chicken meat and salmon, without cooking them.
RICHI's engineers reviewed the customer's ingredient list and daily output target — about 2–3 tons per shift. Based on this, they recommended the DHG-500 model mesh belt dryer:
This size was perfect for fitting inside the company's existing facility, connecting smoothly with their extruder and conveyor system.
This American pet treat maker uses about 70% fresh meat and fish and 30% vegetables in its top-selling lines. Typical ingredients include:
Moisture content in raw mix can be as high as 65%–70%. The target is to gently reduce this to around 12%–15% so the treats are safe for packaging and storage, but still chewy and palatable for pets.
A batch oven did this work overnight with uneven results. Now, the continuous belt drying machine achieves the same moisture target with precise temperature and airflow control.
Before installing the RICHI belt drying machine, operators had to manually load trays, monitor drying cycles, and adjust airflow by guesswork. It was time-consuming and wasteful.
The new belt drying machine in USA changed everything:
This belt drying machine in USA project didn't just boost production — it also protected the company's reputation for quality. Premium pet treats are a growing niche in the USA, but only if they stay fresh and safe on store shelves. If moisture levels vary from batch to batch, products risk mold or breakage.
With the RICHI belt drying machine, every treat has the same consistent finish. The company has cut product returns by 30% and now supplies more independent pet stores and online retailers than ever.
Here's what changed for this small American business:
Pet food and treat processing is one of the most innovative sectors in the US food industry. From big brands to family shops, everyone needs reliable drying technology that meets food safety regulations and consumer expectations for quality.
Batch ovens still have a place for very small shops — but for any growing operation, a belt dryer machine offers unbeatable consistency and cost savings. The closed chamber design and continuous feed mean less contamination risk. Plus, adjustable settings mean processors can switch from chicken treats to veggie chews without changing equipment.
When the owner first contacted RICHI, they were surprised by how detailed the consultation was. RICHI's engineers asked for product samples, moisture test results, and even local energy costs before recommending a model.
Unlike some suppliers that push standard models, RICHI Machinery tailored the belt drying machine setup for American food safety standards — stainless steel food contact surfaces, easy clean-out panels, and smart controls with English-language support.
Delivery and installation were smooth, with remote guidance and video training for the client's operators. When minor tweaks were needed, RICHI's team responded within hours — not days or weeks.
Today, this small US business is planning to expand its treat line with new ingredients — like blueberries and turkey — and even a limited run of grain-free cat treats.
With their mesh belt dryer, they can run small test batches on the same machine. By simply adjusting belt speed and drying temperature, they can fine-tune recipes without risking a whole production run.
One piece of smart equipment — one big step forward.
This story is just one example of how an investment in a belt drying machine can help a growing American processor do more with less. Whether it’s for pet treats, dehydrated vegetables, fruit slices, or even specialty ingredients like yeast and protein powder, RICHI's mesh belt dryers, belt conveyor dryers, and continuous belt dryers are designed to handle the job.
They can run day and night, adapt to changing feedstock, and deliver consistent, safe, shelf-ready product — every time.
In a competitive market like the USA, standing still means falling behind. Adding one modern, reliable belt drying machine in USA can transform your output, your quality, and your business reputation.
If you're exploring a belt drying machine in USA for pet food, vegetable drying, biomass, or anything in between, the RICHI team is ready to help. From design and sizing to installation and service, we stand behind every machine we build — because your success is our success.
Contact us today and see how a mesh belt dryer, belt conveyor dryer, or continuous belt dryer can fit into your plant and grow with you. Let's make your next big step happen, together.
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