Feed processing has evolved from basic grinding and mixing toward integrated technologies capable of modifying the physical, chemical and biological properties of feed ingredients. Conventional particle-size reduction, pelleting, thermal conditioning, extrusion and ensiling remain fundamental because they improve handling, reduce segregation and waste, alter starch and protein structures, and can increase nutrient availability. However, increasing feed costs, variable ingredient quality, climate-related storage risks, mycotoxin contamination and the need for higher nutrient-use efficiency are accelerating the adoption of fermentation, enzyme-assisted processing, encapsulation, nano-enabled delivery and digital quality-control systems. This review examines the transition from conventional feed processing to next-generation platforms, with emphasis on how processing can be deliberately designed to control nutrient release, detoxify anti-nutritional factors, protect sensitive bioactives and improve animal responses. Particular attention is given to solid-state fermentation, precision fermentation, exogenous enzymes, microbial bioprocessing, microand nanoencapsulation, nano-minerals and rapid non-destructive quality assessment using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and machine learning. The review also discusses feed safety, mycotoxin mitigation, sustainability, energy and water requirements, and the translational issues surrounding scale-up and regulatory acceptance. Indian applications are highlighted because crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, variable forage quality and decentralized feeding systems create a strong need for low-cost, robust processing technologies. Recent evidence indicates that fermentation can upgrade underutilized substrates and generate functional metabolites, while modern NIR and AI approaches can shorten quality-assessment time. Nano-enabled delivery may improve stability and targeted availability of selected nutrients, but safety, residue, environmental and dose-response questions remain important. The future of feed technology is therefore not a single processing method but an integrated, data-informed manufacturing system that links ingredient characterization, processing conditions, nutrient delivery, animal response and feed safety.