Dog biscuits are among the most popular pet treats worldwide. However, behind every crunchy, bone-shaped treat lies a sophisticated manufacturing process that ensures consistent texture, appealing flavor, and long shelf life. Many manufacturers struggle with low output, uneven baking, or inconsistent shapes when trying to scale production. These issues often arise from improper equipment selection or poorly optimized processing lines. In this article, we will show how a professional dog biscuit production line works and how Darin Machinery’s automated solutions help improve efficiency, quality, and profitability.
A dog biscuit production line is a complete automated system that mixes, shapes, bakes, cools, and packages dog biscuits with consistent size, flavor, and texture. It typically includes a dough mixer, biscuit forming machine, rotary mold, tunnel oven, cooling conveyor, flavoring machine, and packing system, all controlled by a PLC system for precision and efficiency.
Dog biscuit manufacturers, whether starting small or operating on an industrial scale, must understand how each stage of the line contributes to product consistency and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore the full process and essential technical aspects.
Dog biscuits are made using the same equipment as human cookies.False
Dog biscuit lines use food-grade but specialized machines designed for higher hardness, lower sugar, and customized shapes suitable for animal chewing needs.
Step-by-Step Guide: Dog Biscuit Production Line Workflow
Below is a detailed, professional overview of each process stage in a modern dog biscuit production line.
1. Raw Material Preparation and Mixing
The production begins with precise weighing and mixing of raw materials — typically wheat flour, meat powder, vegetable oil, eggs, milk powder, vitamins, and minerals. Ingredients are blended in a horizontal dough mixer until a uniform dough is achieved.
| Key Parameters | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Time | 10–15 min | Depends on dough moisture |
| Moisture Content | 28–32% | Adjusted for shaping |
| Mixer Power | 7.5–15 kW | Based on capacity |
| Batch Size | 50–200 kg | Adjustable |
Tip: Consistent moisture and temperature in the dough ensure stable shaping and even baking downstream.
2. Dough Sheeting and Forming
The dough is sheeted by a roller sheeting machine to a uniform thickness (typically 3–10 mm) and then cut or molded into specific shapes (bone, heart, fish, etc.) using a rotary moulder or cutter.
| Machine Type | Function | Output Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Moulder | Shape with engraved molds | 100–300 kg/h |
| Cutting Machine | Uses cutter dies for multiple shapes | Up to 400 kg/h |
| Conveyor Width | 600–1200 mm | Based on line size |
Result: Precise shape consistency, smooth surface, and low material waste rate (<3%).
3. Baking (Tunnel Oven Section)
Shaped biscuits are conveyed into a gas or electric tunnel oven where they are baked at 160–200°C. Baking time depends on size and thickness. The multi-zone oven ensures even heat distribution and uniform coloring.
| Oven Type | Heat Source | Typical Length | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Oven | Electric heating elements | 6–20 m | 100–800 kg/h |
| Gas Oven | Natural gas/LPG | 8–24 m | 200–1000 kg/h |
Temperature Control:
- Zone 1: 160°C – Preheating
- Zone 2: 180°C – Expansion & Maillard browning
- Zone 3: 150°C – Moisture evaporation
Dog biscuit ovens usually operate below 100°C.False
Industrial tunnel ovens for dog biscuits typically operate between 160°C and 200°C to achieve desired texture and color.
4. Cooling and Moisture Stabilization
After baking, biscuits are transferred via a cooling conveyor (length 4–8 m). Proper cooling prevents condensation and mold growth. Final moisture content should be controlled between 8–10%.
| Parameter | Standard Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Time | 10–15 min | Moisture balance |
| Conveyor Speed | 3–6 m/min | Adjustable |
| Room Temperature | 20–25°C | Ideal environment |
5. Optional Coating and Flavoring
For enhanced palatability, biscuits can be sprayed with chicken oil, beef flavor, or vitamin solution using a flavoring drum.
| Flavoring Method | Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying | Rotary Drum | Uniform coating |
| Brushing | Conveyor Sprayer | Suitable for dry coatings |
| Dipping | Small batches | For artisan-style treats |
Key Point: Flavoring should occur after complete cooling to avoid oil oxidation or sogginess.
6. Automatic Conveying and Sorting System
An integrated conveyor system connects all stages — mixing, forming, baking, cooling, and packing. With PLC synchronization, operators can adjust speeds and monitor output data in real-time.
Advantages:
- Labor saving up to 70%
- Hygienic handling (no manual contact)
- Compatible with multi-shape production
7. Packing System
Finally, biscuits are packed by automatic weighing, filling, and sealing machines. Common options include pillow-type packs, stand-up pouches, or cartons.
| Packaging Type | Material | Speed | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow Pack | OPP/PE | 30–60 packs/min | Retail |
| Gusset Bag | PET/AL/PE | 20–40 bags/min | Bulk |
| Carton Pack | Corrugated Box | 10–20 boxes/min | Export |
Add-ons: Metal detector, date printer, nitrogen flushing unit for long shelf life.
Key Advantages of Darin Dog Biscuit Production Line
| Feature | Description | User Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Full Automation | From mixing to packaging | Reduce labor & improve hygiene |
| Flexible Capacity | 100–1000 kg/h | Suitable for SMEs & large plants |
| Custom Molds | Bone, heart, star, fish, etc. | Brand differentiation |
| Energy Efficiency | PID temperature control | Lower energy cost |
| Sanitary Design | Food-grade stainless steel | Easy cleaning & maintenance |
| PLC Control System | Siemens/Delta/HMI screen | Real-time data & fault alarms |
Typical Layout of Dog Biscuit Production Line
| Section | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mixer |
| 2 | Sheeter + Cutter or Moulder |
| 3 | Tunnel Oven |
| 4 | Cooling Conveyor |
| 5 | Flavoring Drum (optional) |
| 6 | Packing Machine |
Production Flow:
Raw Material → Mixing → Forming → Baking → Cooling → Flavoring → Packing → Storage
Energy Consumption & Cost Analysis
| Capacity (kg/h) | Power (kW) | Gas Consumption (m³/h) | Labor Required | Factory Space (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 35 | 3 | 2–3 persons | 80 |
| 300 | 60 | 5 | 3–4 persons | 120 |
| 500 | 85 | 8 | 4–5 persons | 150 |
| 1000 | 130 | 12 | 6–8 persons | 200 |
ROI Insight: A medium-sized 300 kg/h line can typically recover investment within 8–12 months depending on market scale and distribution efficiency.
Maintenance and Operation Tips
- Clean forming molds and conveyors daily to prevent dough buildup.
- Calibrate temperature sensors weekly for consistent baking.
- Check bearings, belts, and chain tension monthly.
- Lubricate mechanical parts as per maintenance chart.
- Replace worn-out seals or belts immediately to prevent contamination.
Expected Machine Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can the same line make cat biscuits? | Yes, by adjusting formula and mold type. |
| What is the required voltage? | 380V/50Hz three-phase (customizable). |
| Can I add fresh meat or bone meal? | Yes, but adjust dough moisture accordingly. |
| What certifications are available? | CE, ISO9001, SGS for export compliance. |
Conclusion
The dog biscuit production line is not just a sequence of machines — it’s an integrated ecosystem for safe, consistent, and profitable pet treat manufacturing. From raw material mixing to precision baking and packaging, every stage requires coordination and technical control. By adopting Darin Machinery’s automated biscuit line, manufacturers can enhance output quality, reduce costs, and accelerate their brand growth in the competitive global pet food market.
Contact Darin Machinery for Turnkey Dog Biscuit Solutions
If you’re planning to start or upgrade your dog biscuit plant, Darin Machinery provides complete turnkey solutions — from layout design, machine customization, and training to after-sales support.
📞 Jinan Darin Machinery Co., Ltd.
🌐 www.petreatsmachine.com
📧 Email: darin4@darin.cn
📱 WhatsApp: +86 156 5000 7983
Let’s build your smart pet treat factory — together with Darin Machinery, your trusted partner in pet food automation.
