The versatility of extrusion allows you to make a range of pet foods, including kibbles, treats, snacks, and semi-moist foods. But you can use alternative methods such as baking, air-drying, freeze-drying, cold pressing, and cold extrusion. However, most of these methods are expensive compared with extrusion and are rarely applied. But baking is trying to find its way into the market.

Baking involves a milder process for nutrients, similar to baking human food. The lower temperatures and longer residence time help preserve tastes and nutritional values better than extrusion. However, the process takes about 10 times longer, making it a more expensive production option.