Pet food manufacturers face increasing demand for high-quality, well-packaged products — especially in the fast-growing pet treats segment. From crunchy biscuits to soft chews and freeze-dried snacks, pet owners expect fresh, safe, and neatly packaged treats that reflect premium quality. To meet these expectations while maintaining high production output, many producers are turning to Multihead Weigher VFFS packaging systems.
A Multihead Weigher VFFS machine is a fully automated solution that combines precision weighing with fast pouch forming, filling, and sealing. It is designed to handle irregularly shaped and weight-sensitive products — making it ideal for pet treats. This guide explores how this system works, why it is beneficial, and what features to look for when choosing the perfect solution for your pet treat production line.
Pet treats vary in shape, size, and texture. Manual weighing or basic filling systems often struggle to maintain accuracy and consistency. The Multihead Weigher VFFS system solves this problem through:
The multihead weigher uses multiple load cell-equipped heads to detect weight instantly and combine them into the exact target portion. This precision reduces giveaway and ensures compliance with packaging regulations.
VFFS systems can produce dozens of bags per minute, significantly boosting output and reducing labour costs.
A vertical form fill seal machine ensures every pouch is uniform, tightly sealed, and visually appealing — essential for retail shelves.
These machines handle a wide range of pet treat types, including:
Soft jerky treats
Biscuit-style treats
Semi-moist chunks
Freeze-dried cubes
Chews and mixed-shape snacks
High-quality seals keep moisture and contaminants out while preserving flavour, aroma, and freshness.
Reduced product giveaway, saving costs in the long term.
High-speed automation reduces human error and increases efficiency.
Compatible with multiple packaging styles, from pillow bags to stand-up pouches.
Easy-to-clean stainless steel structure supports hygiene standards.
Programmable controls simplify product changeovers.
| Packaging Style | Best For | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Pillow Bag | Small pet treats, biscuits, bulk snacks | Fast, economical, minimal film usage |
| Gusseted Bag | Premium treats, larger portions | Better shelf presentation, increased volume |
| 3-Side Seal Sachet | Sample treat packs, small chewy snacks | Compact, ideal for single servings |
| 4-Side Seal Sachet | High-end treats, veterinary samples | Excellent sealing integrity, premium look |
When choosing a machine for pet treat packaging, consider these essential features:
High-accuracy multihead weigher with adjustable vibration settings
Automatic film centering to maintain bag appearance
Quick-release parts for fast cleaning and changeovers
Stainless steel food-grade construction
Multiple bag forming tubes for various sizes
Touchscreen HMI with recipe storage
Integration with metal detectors for safety compliance
Zipper or easy-open options for customer convenience
A Multihead Weigher VFFS system is one of the most efficient and reliable solutions for modern pet treat packaging. Its precision, flexibility, and speed make it the perfect choice for manufacturers looking to improve accuracy, reduce labour, and boost production capacity. Whether you’re packaging small chewy bites or large crunchy treats, this technology delivers consistent, professional results that meet today’s retail and e-commerce standards.
For further industry insights and packaging guidelines relevant to South Africa, you can explore the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA):
https://www.ipsa.org.za
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It’s an integrated machine that combines a multihead weigher for precise product dosing with a vertical form fill seal system that forms and seals bags automatically.
Yes. Multihead weighers are designed to handle irregular and fragile items without crushing or damaging them.
Most systems support a wide range of sizes, from small sample sachets to large family-size pouches.
The multihead weigher calculates the optimal combination of weights by measuring smaller amounts in each of its weighing heads, ensuring each bag meets the exact target weight with minimal excess.
Absolutely. It can also package nuts, snacks, confectionery, dried fruits, and many other granular or irregular products.