3-4T/H Dog Treat Extruder in Australia

Customer Profile and Purpose of Purchase

The client is an innovative pet treat producer focused on premium dog treats, selling both in retail stores and online platforms across Australia. They faced challenges producing larger-format, high-protein treats and chewable snacks that require precise cooking and shaping. Their previous single-screw extruder could not meet the texture and expansion requirements for these specialty products.

After consulting RICHI engineers, they selected the SPHS120*2 twin-screw dog treat extruder because it provides:

• Consistent product expansion and texture
• High tolerance for diverse ingredient moisture levels
• Ability to produce medium-capacity batches efficiently

The machine purchase was specifically aimed at producing dog treats while retaining their existing line for regular kibble. This strategic acquisition allowed them to expand into new product categories without major factory renovations.

Equipment Selection and Technical Specifications

For this project, the client purchased the RICHI SPHS120*2 twin-screw dog treat extruder in Australia, featuring:

• Main motor power: 110 kW
• Screw diameter: 120 mm
• Feeder power: 1.5 kW
• Conditioner power: 11 kW
• Differential conditioner power: 11 kW
• Production capacity: 3.0–4.0 tons/hour

This configuration matched the client’s production scale and allowed for flexibility in treat size and shape. The twin-screw design ensures thorough mixing, controlled cooking, and uniform expansion of various raw materials.

Raw Materials for Dog Treats in Australia

The client’s recipes utilize locally sourced and imported ingredients:

• High-quality chicken and beef meal
• Salmon meal and fish protein concentrate for omega-3 enrichment
• Whole grains (rice, oats) or grain-free starches (sweet potato, potato starch)
• Vegetables and fruit powders for added nutrition
• Fats and oils such as chicken fat or canola oil
• Vitamins and minerals tailored to canine nutritional requirements

The RICHI twin-screw dog treat extruder in Australia allows them to process both high-fat and high-moisture ingredients, critical for producing chewy, crunchy, and soft dog treats. The extruder can produce treat sizes from 6 mm to 20 mm, catering to different dog breeds and snack formats.

Production Process and Operational Benefits

The dog treat production process involves:

1. Ingredient blending: Raw materials are accurately weighed and mixed before feeding into the pre-conditioner.
2. Conditioning: The mixture is moistened with steam and water to ensure proper protein denaturation and starch gelatinization.
3. Extrusion: The twin-screw extruder conveys, kneads, and shapes the treat dough under controlled temperature and pressure.
4. Cutting and forming: Rotary or die-cut systems shape treats into specific forms (bones, sticks, or kibble-like shapes).
5. Drying: Hot-air drying reduces moisture content to safe storage levels, ensuring shelf stability.
6. Coating: Fats, flavors, or palatants are applied to enhance taste and aroma.

The twin-screw design ensures uniform heat transfer and minimal ingredient degradation, improving product consistency, reducing waste, and enhancing flavor retention.

Versatility and Additional Applications

Although primarily used for dog treats, the RICHI dog treat extruder in Australia also enables production of functional pet snacks enriched with supplements such as glucosamine or probiotics. Additionally, during low-demand periods, the extruder can process aquaculture feed for small-scale fish farms, producing floating pellets with customized nutrient profiles. This multi-function capability allows the client to maximize equipment utilization and generate additional revenue streams.

Reasons for Choosing RICHI Machinery

1. Proven Twin-Screw Technology: Offers reliable operation, precise control over cooking and expansion, and superior mixing of complex formulations.
2. Customization for Local Requirements: The extruder was adapted to match Australian voltage and power standards (415V/50Hz), ensuring safe and efficient operation.
3. Professional Support: RICHI provides remote commissioning assistance, training on recipe optimization, and ongoing technical support.
4. Energy Efficiency: Advanced heat and moisture control reduces energy consumption and operating costs.
5. Flexibility: Supports multiple product types, sizes, and textures without the need for major mechanical modifications.

Business Impact and Production Outcomes

• Production capacity increased from 1.5 T/H to 3.5 T/H for premium dog treats.
• Expanded product portfolio, including bone-shaped chews, soft bites, and grain-free treats.
• Improved consistency and quality, leading to positive consumer feedback and higher repeat purchase rates.
• Reduced downtime and waste, thanks to precise moisture and temperature control.

This investment allowed the manufacturer to expand its retail distribution across major Australian cities and initiate online sales, including export to New Zealand.

RICHI Machinery’s Ongoing Support

RICHI continues to provide support, including:

• Recipe development for new treat varieties
• Preventive maintenance programs
• Spare parts supply and installation guidance

The client has already discussed potential upgrades, including additional extruder units and coating systems, demonstrating their trust in RICHI’s technology and service.

Conclusion: Driving Growth in Australian Pet Treat Manufacturing

The dog treat extruder in Australia project exemplifies how RICHI Machinery can support pet food manufacturers in producing premium, diversified products with high efficiency and consistency. By integrating advanced twin-screw extrusion technology, precise control systems, and professional support, RICHI enables clients to meet growing consumer demand while expanding production capabilities.

This project also illustrates the extruder’s flexibility in processing specialty treats, functional snacks, and aquaculture feed, making it a versatile investment for any forward-looking pet food manufacturer.