Temporary packaging update for Digestion/Duck 2 kgUpdated 7 days ago
The 2 kg packaging of Digestion/Duck has encountered a production-related issue connected to kibble volume/density. This is not due to any changes in the recipe, nutritional content or product quality, but rather because the kibble currently takes up slightly more space in the bag than before. This has caused challenges when sealing the bags during production.
To ensure product quality and reliable deliveries, we will temporarily use a 1.75 kg fill amount in the current 2 kg bags until taller packaging becomes available. Below, we have gathered answers to the most common questions about the situation, kibble density and what this change means in practice.
What does kibble density mean?
Kibble density refers to the weight of the food per litre (g/L) and is one of the measurements monitored in dry food production to ensure consistent product quality. When density increases, the kibble becomes more compact and one litre of kibble weighs more. When density decreases, the kibble becomes more porous and lighter per litre.
How can density vary – isn’t it always the same?
Dry food is manufactured using a process called extrusion, where the food is cooked and pressed into shape. After heating, the food exits the machine through a nozzle into room temperature air and is cut into kibble pieces. The difference in temperature and pressure between the extruder and room air causes the kibble to expand to its intended size. If the kibble expands slightly more than intended, it becomes more porous and lighter, meaning its density decreases.
During production, factors such as how raw materials behave during heating can affect how much the kibble expands. The final weight is also influenced by how much the kibble is dried, meaning how much moisture remains in the finished product. Production has target values for kibble density, but some natural variation is always allowed.
How does this affect packaging?
In dry food packaging, the amount of food is stated in kilograms and the kibble is packed according to weight using precise scales. If the kibble density is slightly lower than normal, meaning the kibble is lighter, the same weight of kibble takes up more space in the bag. Since the bags are carefully designed for a specific volume, this difference can make sealing the packaging more difficult, which is what has happened with Digestion/Duck.
What changes in the Digestion/Duck recipe in 2025 led to the density change?
Compared to its predecessor, the Herkkä-recipe, the updated recipe and packaging introduced fresh duck meat alongside duck meal, while peas were removed from the recipe. Peas were partly replaced with fava bean starch. These changes affected the manufacturing process in a way that causes the kibble to expand slightly more than before and take up more space in the bag.
Does kibble density matter for the dog?
Small variations in kibble density have no nutritional significance. More porous kibble may be slightly larger in size, but it can also be more pleasant for dogs to chew compared to very dense and hard kibble. For example, dry food designed to support dental health is often intentionally made porous. However, the variation in density between Digestion/Duck production batches is so small that it does not cause noticeable effects.