If you’re starting a pet brand,
you’ve probably come across the
terms OEM and private label.
They’re often used interchangeably —
but they’re not the same thing.
Understanding the difference can
save you significant time and money
when sourcing from China.
What is OEM?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturing.
In the context of pet products,
OEM means you work with a factory
that already has existing formulas
and products — and you put your
own brand name and packaging on them.
You’re not developing something new.
You’re selecting from what already exists,
customizing the packaging and branding,
and selling it as your own product.
Example:
A factory has an existing joint
supplement formula for dogs.
You choose that formula, create
your own label and packaging design,
and sell it under your brand name.
What is Private Label?
Private label is closely related to OEM
and is often used to describe the same process —
taking an existing product and
rebranding it as your own.
In some contexts, private label
refers specifically to adding your
branding to a manufacturer’s
existing product with minimal customization.
The terms OEM and private label
are used somewhat interchangeably
in the pet industry, but both
essentially mean:
Factory makes it. You brand it. You sell it.
What is ODM?
ODM stands for Original Design Manufacturing.
This is different.
With ODM, you’re working with a
factory to develop a product that
is unique to your brand —
a custom formula, a unique shape,
a proprietary ingredient blend.
The factory designs and manufactures
the product to your specifications,
rather than from an existing template.
Example:
You want a dog supplement with a
specific combination of ingredients
that no existing formula offers.
The factory develops the formula
from scratch based on your brief.
OEM vs ODM: The Key Differences
Cost
OEM is significantly less expensive.
The formula already exists, so there
are no development costs.
ODM involves formula development,
testing, and approval —
which adds both cost and time.
Time to market
OEM gets you to market much faster.
You skip the development phase entirely.
ODM can add 3-6 months to your timeline
depending on complexity.
MOQ
OEM typically allows lower MOQs
because the factory already produces
this product for other clients.
ODM often requires higher MOQs
to justify the development investment.
Uniqueness
OEM means other brands could be
selling a similar or identical formula.
The differentiation comes from your
branding, positioning, and marketing.
ODM gives you a product that is
truly yours — a genuine competitive
advantage if executed well.
Risk
OEM is lower risk.
The formula is proven and tested.
ODM carries more risk —
development doesn’t always go
smoothly, and you’re investing
significantly before you know
if the product will sell.
Which One is Right for You?
Choose OEM if:
– You’re launching your first product
– Your budget is under $10,000
– You want to test the market quickly
– You’re not sure yet if the
product will sell
– You want to launch within
3-4 months
Choose ODM if:
– You have an established brand
with proven sales
– You want to genuinely differentiate
from competitors
– You have a budget of $15,000 or more
– You have 6+ months before your
target launch date
– You have a specific formula idea
that doesn’t exist in the market
The Most Common Mistake
New pet brand owners often go straight
to ODM because they want something unique.
This is one of the most expensive
mistakes in pet product sourcing.
They spend $20,000+ on custom
formula development before they
know if anyone will buy the product.
The smarter approach:
Start with OEM to validate your
market and build your brand.
Once you have sales data and
customer feedback, invest in ODM
to create something truly unique.
Build the brand first.
Differentiate the product later.
How Petriva Nutrition Labs Can Help
Whether you’re starting with OEM
or ready to develop a custom ODM formula,
we help small US and UK pet brands
navigate the entire process.
We contact multiple factories,
compare carefully, and only present
options we’re genuinely confident in.
Every sample is tested by us in
China before it reaches you —
so you know exactly what you’re
getting before bulk production begins.
MOQ from 500 units.
Samples tested in China before they ship.
Visit petrivanutritionlabs.com