Pet foods in cans, pouches, trays and similar containers are referred to as "wet”. Pet food companies are required to follow the same federal regulations for making wet pet food products that human food companies must follow for low acid foods (21
Pet foods in cans, pouches, trays and similar containers are referred to as "wet”. Pet food companies are required to follow the same federal regulations for making wet pet food products that human food companies must follow for low acid foods (21 CFR Part 113). The diagram Making Wet Pet Food illustrates the process by which products sold in cans, pouches, trays and similar containers are made.
Making Wet Pet Food
- Ingredients are brought together in a mixer. Ingredients typically include meat, poultry or fish; dry ingredients; and gravy.
- Clean empty containers (cans, pouches, trays, etc.) are filled to precise amounts to meet the weight advertised on the label.
- Lids are applied, if used, and containers are sealed.
- Sealed containers are cooked at a specific temperature for a period time to prevent spoilage during storage.
- After cooking, cans are cooled.
- Once cooled, labels are applied to containers, resulting in finished wet products.