Packaging is one of the most important
decisions you’ll make for your pet brand.
It’s the first thing a customer sees.
It communicates your brand values.
And it has to meet the legal requirements
of your target market.
Get it wrong and you could face
rejected shipments, compliance issues,
or a product that simply doesn’t sell.
This guide covers everything small
pet brands need to know about packaging
for the US and UK markets.
Why Packaging Matters More Than Most Brands Realize
Most new brand owners focus heavily
on the product formula and underinvest
in packaging.
This is a mistake.
In a crowded market, packaging is often
the deciding factor between a customer
choosing your product or a competitor’s.
Beyond aesthetics, packaging must:
– Meet legal labeling requirements
– Protect the product during shipping
– Communicate key information clearly
– Reflect your brand positioning
A well-designed package that meets
all compliance requirements is
not optional — it’s essential.
US Market Packaging Requirements
For pet supplements sold in the US,
labeling requirements are primarily
governed by the FDA and AAFCO
(Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Required label elements:
Product identity
The name of the product and its
intended purpose must be clearly stated.
Net quantity
The amount of product in the package,
expressed in both metric and US units.
Guaranteed analysis
Minimum and maximum levels of key
nutrients, including crude protein,
crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture.
Ingredient list
All ingredients listed in descending
order by weight.
Feeding directions
Clear instructions on how much to
give and how often.
Manufacturer information
Name and address of the manufacturer,
packer, or distributor.
Any required warnings
Depending on the product, specific
warning statements may be required.
UK Market Packaging Requirements
The UK has its own set of requirements
following Brexit, governed by the
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
and Trading Standards.
Key differences from the US:
Language
All labels must be in English
for UK market sales.
Weight and measurement units
Metric units are required
(grams, millilitres, kilograms).
Country of origin
For products manufactured outside
the UK, clear country of origin
labeling is required.
Responsible person
A UK-based responsible person
must be named on the label for
products sold in the UK market.
UKCA marking
Depending on the product category,
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking
may be required.
Packaging Types and Their Pros and Cons
Choosing the right packaging format
is as important as the label content.
Pouches and stand-up bags
Pros: lightweight, cost-effective,
good shelf presence, easy to customize
Cons: less premium feel,
limited reusability
Bottles and jars (plastic or glass)
Pros: premium appearance,
easy to display, resealable
Cons: heavier, higher shipping costs
Aluminium bottles
Pros: premium and sustainable feel,
recyclable, strong brand differentiation
Cons: higher cost, more complex
manufacturing, potential leaking issues
if not properly sealed
Soft packaging (blister packs, sachets)
Pros: portion control, hygienic,
good for single-serve formats
Cons: higher per-unit cost,
more complex to produce
Sustainable Packaging
Both US and UK consumers are
increasingly influenced by
sustainability credentials.
Packaging choices that resonate well:
– PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic
– Recyclable aluminium
– Compostable pouches
– Minimal packaging design
– Refillable formats
Incorporating sustainability into
your packaging story can significantly
strengthen your brand positioning —
especially in the premium category.
Working with Chinese Manufacturers
on Packaging
Most Chinese manufacturers offer
packaging customization as part of
their OEM service.
What you can typically customize:
– Size and shape
– Material and finish (matte, gloss,
soft touch, metallic)
– Color (Pantone matched)
– Printing method (digital, screen print,
heat transfer, embossing)
– Labels and inserts
What to check before finalizing:
Ask for a physical sample of
the packaging before bulk production.
Check that seals, closures, and
pumps function correctly.
Verify that label dimensions match
your design artwork.
Test for any leaking or structural issues.
At Petriva Nutrition Labs, we test
every sample — including packaging
integrity — before it leaves China.
A leaking bottle or a poorly sealed
pouch is caught here, not when it
arrives at your warehouse.
The Bottom Line
Packaging is not just a box or a bottle.
It’s a compliance document, a brand
statement, and a quality standard
all in one.
Get it right from the start —
both legally and aesthetically —
and it becomes one of your strongest
assets.
Get it wrong and it becomes one
of your most expensive problems.
At Petriva Nutrition Labs, we help
small US and UK pet brands navigate
packaging sourcing and compliance
from China — with hands-on quality
testing before anything reaches you.
MOQ from 500 units. Samples tested
in China before they ship.
Visit petrivanutritionlabs.com