How Is Eukanuba Dog Food Made?

Eukanuba was introduced in 1969 by Iams as a premium dog food containing chicken. According to the company, the name came out of the jazz culture of the day, and meant something that was “the tops” or “supreme.” The product is manufactured using an extrusion process similar to that used for snacks and cereals.

  1. Looking Back

    • In the 1890s, James Spratt developed a biscuit made of wheat, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood, which was the first real dry dog meal available. Spratt’s became part of General Mills in the 1950s, and was bought by Purina in 1960, just three years after the company began marketing its first extruded dog “chow.” This extrusion process is the basis for the majority of dry dog foods bought today, including Eukanuba.

    Extrusion

    • Dried meat meal is blended with cereals and other dry ingredients in a mixer. Water is added to make a dough. This is steam heated and fed through an extruder screw at high pressure and temperature. At the end of the process, the cooked dough passes through dies before being cut to size. At normal air pressure, the small pieces expand rapidly to give the final kibble size. Once cooled, the food is sprayed with fat or flavor to make it more flavorsome.

    Recipes

    • Ingredients vary throughout the product range. Puppy foods contain more protein and fat, while senior foods are lower in energy. Dry dog food contains a source of protein (usually meat), cereals, fats or oils and added vitamins and minerals.

      The main ingredients of Eukanuba Adult Maintenance food are chicken, chicken byproduct meal, corn meal, ground whole grain sorghum, ground whole grain barley, brewers rice, chicken fat, chicken flavor, dried beet pulp, dried egg product, fish meal, potassium chloride, brewers dried yeast, salt, fish and flax meal, together with added vitamins and minerals.

    Product Range

    • There are dry foods available for dogs of all ages.

      The extrusion process allows for product size to be adapted for small or large dogs, and is adaptable enough to accommodate a range of recipes using different ingredients. As a result, Eukanuba, along with other manufacturers, now makes a range of extruded products to suit all age ranges, lifestyles and many different breeds. These companies also work with veterinarians to produce prescription-only foods for a range of health problems.

    Regulation

    • In the United States, pet food is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission. Most regulations are based on the extensive work of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), who have developed ingredient definitions, labeling and nutritional requirements. These regulations are in place to ensure that products are free of harmful substances, correctly labeled and wholesome.