Pelleted Feed vs. Powder Feed: Which is Better?

In farming livestock and aquaculture animals, the type of feed affects feeding efficiency, animal health, and production costs. Traditional bulk feed, like powder or mixed feed, and pelleted feed have different features. These differences include processing methods, nutritional loss, and feeding practices.

Powder Feed vs. Pelleted Feed

Explore powder feed and the pelleted feed differences in cost, nutrition, and animal health, etc.

Ⅰ. Processing Method

• Powder Feed: Made by simply mixing or grinding ingredients. You don't need any specialized equipment, which makes the production process quick and easy.
• Pelleted Feed: Processed under high temperature and pressure using a pellet machine. The process is more complex and requires specific equipment and technology.

Ⅱ. Cost Investment

• Powder Feed: Lower production costs as no special equipment is required, making it suitable for small-scale farming.
• Pelleted Feed: It requires a higher initial investment for special machines and more energy. However, it improves efficiency over time.

Ⅲ. Feeding Efficiency

• Powder Feed: Produces more dust, which can float or settle, leading to feed waste. The average feed wastage rate is around 15%-30%, impacting animal intake.
• Pelleted feed:  Keeps a stable shape. This reduces feed loss and increases feed use by 10%-20%. Great for aquaculture and intensive farming.

Ⅳ. Nutritional Value

• Powder Feed: Nutrients can be lost due to dust and moisture. The estimated nutrient loss is 5% -10%.
• Pelleted Feed: This heat-processing method makes food easier to digest. It improves nutrient absorption by 10% -15%. This helps animals get a more balanced diet.

Ⅴ. Animal Health

• Powder feed:  Has high dust levels. This can lead to breathing problems. It raises the risk of respiratory diseases by 20% - 30% compared to pelleted feed.
• Pelleted Feed: The high-temperature process kills harmful germs. This reduces contamination by over 90%. It lowers health risks and promotes better animal well-being.

Ⅵ. Storage & Shelf Life

• Powder Feed: Highly absorbent, prone to moisture, clumping, and mold. The average storage period is 1-3 months, requiring careful storage conditions.
• Pelleted Feed: Has lower moisture content, making it resistant to clumping and mold. You can store it for 6-12 months, making it more suitable for long-term storage.

Which Feed is Right for You?

No matter if you have a small farm or a large-scale livestock operation, choosing the right feed is essential for animal health and farm productivity.Different farm sizes have different feeding needs, making it important to select the most suitable feed type.

For Small-Scale Farmers and Individuals

If you have a small farm, powder feed is a simple and cost-effective choice. It works well with basic feeding systems, is easy to handle, and keeps costs low.

However, powdered feed can produce dust, leading to waste. Its uneven nutrient distribution may also affect how well animals absorb essential nutrients.

For Large Farms and High-Demand Users

As farm size increases, pelleted feed offers more advantages. Compared to powdered feed, it improves efficiency and ensures more consistent feeding results.

• Reduces Disease Risk: The pelleting process heats feed to 80–100°C, killing harmful bacteria and parasites, which helps prevent disease.
• Minimizes Feed Waste: Pelleted feed is easier for animals to eat, reducing dust and spills. Research shows can cut waste by 5%–10% compared to powder feed.
• Enhances Nutrition and Taste: Heat processing improves the feed’s aroma and texture, making it more appealing to animals. Each pellet contains a balanced mix of nutrients in every bite.
• Simplifies Storage and Feeding: Pelleted feed is uniform in size, easy to handle, and suitable for mechanized feeding. It also has lower moisture content, reducing spoilage.

Need help choosing the right feed processing equipment? Contact us for expert advice!