From Recipe to Kibble: How BESTMIX is transforming pet food production with artificial intelligence

The pet food industry is evolving rapidly. Consumers expect more variety, higher quality, and sustainably produced products. At the same time, margins are under pressure, and producers must operate more efficiently than ever. 

At BESTMIX, we see these challenges as an opportunity: to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform both new product development (NPD) and production processes in the pet food industry. 

Our journey with AI started from a simple question: 

How can we empower people to work smarter, not harder? 

The answer is taking shape today across two main domains: R&D (NPD) and production optimization. 

1. NPD – Unlocking the hidden value of historical data 

In NPD, the focus is on developing and optimizing formulations. Traditionally, this is done within the comfort zone of the nutritionist’s expertise. That approach works, but it has its limitations: it rarely ventures beyond what is already known. 

Yet, many companies are sitting on a goldmine of historical formulation data. This knowledge often goes unused, even though it may contain combinations and insights still highly relevant today. 

On top of that, external data sources such as industry trend reports, scientific papers, market analyses, can provide fresh inspiration when building new products. 

The challenge is clear: how can we unlock historical knowledge and combine it with external trends to inspire truly out-of-the-box product development? 

2. Production – The art of precision and timing 

On the other end of the spectrum lies production. In dry pet food manufacturing, extrusion is the core process.

Operators rely on skill and intuition to keep machines running within tight tolerances. 

If process parameters drift, products can go out of spec, creating rework — which is costly, time-consuming, and wasteful. 

Here, the challenge is how to support operators in making better real-time decisions to keep processes stable and reduce rework. 

To tackle these challenges, BESTMIX is integrating AI-powered applications into the BESTMIX Software solutions. 

Our vision is simple: AI should act as a smart assistant — not a replacement — for human experts. 

AI in NPD – A co-pilot for R&D 

In the NPD domain, we are building AI models that combine historical formulation data with external trend sources. This allows nutritionists to go beyond the ingredients they are familiar with, receiving suggestions for new and unexpected combinations. The AI acts as a senior R&D co-pilot, expanding creativity while leaving the final decision-making fully in human hands. 

AI in Production – A real-time decision dashboard 

Our first working prototype focuses on production. We’ve developed a real-time AI dashboard that helps operators fine-tune their production lines. The system continuously monitors key parameters and predicts when they are about to move out of tolerance. 

It then provides proactive advice — for example: 

“Increase the temperature on line A by 5°C to prevent deviations.” 

Operators can also run simulations and explore different scenarios, helping them understand which settings will minimize rework. 

The impact is powerful: less waste, higher efficiency, and potential cost savings of up to half a million euros per year. 

And just as important: operators feel supported, not replaced. 

What today begins as a prototype is just the first step in a broader transformation. 

By embedding AI into both product development and production, BESTMIX aims to help the pet food industry innovate faster, produce more efficiently, and grow more sustainably. 

For us, AI is not a hype, it’s a strategic tool. A tool that amplifies human expertise and enables better decisions than ever before. We firmly believe: The future of pet food is human and machine — together. 

The pet food industry is evolving rapidly, and manufacturers who embrace AI-powered optimization will have a significant competitive advantage. We're looking for forward-thinking partners who want to be part of this revolutionary journey. 

Whether you're interested in testing our AI system, collaborating on development, or simply learning more about how artificial intelligence can transform your production processes, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with our team to schedule a demonstration, discuss partnership opportunities, or learn more about becoming part of this groundbreaking journey from recipe design to kibble production.