Animal feed is the traditional application for vertical forming, filling, and sealing machines: free-flowing dry pellets, large volumes, and bag sizes ranging from 1 to 20 kg. The General Guide to Pet Food Packaging covers the broader landscape; here, we zoom in on the VFFS setup itself.
The Lineup
Above the vertical form, fill, and seal machine There is a multi-head weigher For retail sizes up to approximately 5 kg. For bags weighing 10 to 20 kg, choose a net weight system: larger weighing bins, heavier dosing, slower speed.
Speed per bag size
| Pocket-sized | Dosing device | Typical speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 5 kg retail | Multihead Weigher | 30 to 60 bags per minute |
| 5 to 10 kg | Multihead weigher, heavy-duty model | 15 to 30 bags per minute |
| 10 to 20 kg | Network System | 8 to 15 bags per minute |
The bandwidth depends on the grain shape, grease lubrication, and the smoothness of the feed—a test run with your own product is the only reliable test.
Grease and Dust: The Two Practical Challenges
Animal feed pellets contain fat that can smear pipes and load cells. A daily cleaning routine and covering the dosing unit keep accuracy within ±1%. Dust from broken pellets tends to seep into the seal seam; extraction at the filling station is not a luxury but a standard feature, as is also the case for granules in general.
Bag Types
The pillowcase is sufficient for trademarks; the block-bottom bag Stands upright on the shelf and requires a display stand with a bottom fold. For Dog food in retail displays Please read the separate guide on presentation and regulations.
Plastic Film and Sustainability
Fat migrates through the film: choose a film with a fat-category barrier. Mono-PE is recyclable and can be produced with a barrier layer on a per-project basis. Compare the options film consumption per 1,000 bags among suppliers — for large volumes, that factor carries more weight than the difference in machine price.
When a VFFS Isn't Suitable for Animal Feed
Wet food and fresh meals are not bulk goods: they are part of a Liquid and Paste Packaging Machine. For small production runs of fewer than 20 bags per minute, a semi-automatic setup is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which dosing system should I choose for 15-kg bags?
A net weighing system: larger hoppers and a heavier-duty design than a multihead weigher, with the VFFS bag-making machine mounted underneath.
Q: How do I keep dust out of the seal?
Use extraction at the filling station, adjust field dosing, and select the appropriate film based on the particle size. Check the first bags after each changeover.
Q: Can a single machine handle both retail and wholesale sizes?
Yes, within the frame range: from 1 to 20 kg requires two size ranges and a heavier version. Please specify the complete size range in the quote.
Related pages
animal feed packaging machine | multi-head weigher | VFFS for granules | block-bottom bag
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