Pet Products Labeling: Your Guide to Perfect Pet Product Labels

If you are producing your own pet food and products, it’s essential to understand the requirements for labeling them. Just like food and pharmaceuticals for humans, these pet products must have correct labels to adhere to legal requirements and to protect your customers. Whether you’re producing private label pet products or gourmet pet meals, keep these considerations in mind as you design your pet product label. 

What Pet Product Labels Should Include

The details you will need and want to include on your pet product labels will depend on the product you sell. 

All Product Labels

Whether you are selling private label pet food or an innovative toy to keep cats active, there are a few details you’ll want to include on your label.

• Your brand logo
• Product differentiators
• Materials and ingredients

You may also consider including your brand story and mission on your label if you have ample space. These details can help conflicted pet owners connect with your products and choose your items over the competitors on the shelf.

Pet Food

Pet food labels are legally required to include specific information. If you are selling a product that pets eat, your labels should include the following:

• The name of the product
• The species for which the product is intended (i.e., cats, dogs, fish)
• Guaranteed Analysis
• Quantity statement
• All product ingredients
• Statement of nutritional adequacy
• Feeding directions
• Name and address of the distributor or manufacturer

Like humans, some pets have allergies and intolerances, and many pet owners are incredibly conscientious about their pet’s nutrition. Providing all relevant information on your pet food labels protects you from possible legal consequences and helps your end customers and the pets you all love dearly.

Pet Toys, Clothes, and Beds

If you are creating labels for pet products besides food, such as toys, clothes, beds, and more, you’ll need to specify the materials your product is made of. In addition, be sure to include any product warnings. If there are choking hazards, flammable materials, or other risks, your label should inform pet owners of these details. 

Laws and Regulations

Conducting thorough research on the laws and regulations around your specific pet product is critical. The product type will dictate which details you are legally required to include on your labels. For example, pet food labels must include accurate nutritional information, guaranteed analysis, a complete ingredient list, and more. 

Pet food is not the only type of pet product with tricky regulations around labeling! For example, suppose your private label pet products include stuffing or bedding materials. In that case, you may need to follow specific labeling guidelines. These require labels that detail the stuffing material and have a “Do Not Remove” statement, among other requirements. 

Textiles come with their own requirements, so if you make collars or pet clothing, you’ll need to include details such as fiber content. Likewise, private label pet products, from electronic ball launchers to wooden dog houses, each come with their own set of laws and regulations. Taking time for in-depth research to ensure your products and labels comply can help save your time, money, and reputation. 

Product Label Materials

Pet products are rarely handled with care. From tugging on chew toys to drooling over their food bags, pets can do a number on the packaging and labels of their products. For this reason, it’s best to stick with label materials that are durable and that resist water and oil. We recommend white BOPP or chrome BOPP, depending on your color preferences. Both are permanent labels with superb staying power, even on products that will be used around moisture, like pet shampoos. 

BOPP is a plastic label material that holds up well even when temperature fluctuations occur. It also resists stains, acids, and solvents, allowing your customers to easily read the labels on your products even after their dog has drooled all over them! Plus, this label material makes your brand colors pop and keeps your lines and fonts crisp. While white BOPP is the most common choice, chrome BOPP can deliver stunning results with the right graphic design skills. 

Examples

Browsing your local pet store or an online seller to view examples of pet product labels can help you gain inspiration for your own label design. Whether you are selling private label pet food or a fun pet clothing line, your label is likely the first interaction your target buyers will have with your brand. Use the label design process to showcase your brand assets, illustrate what makes your product unique, and appeal to your dream audience. 

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