Labeling is one of the biggest challenges facing consumer product manufacturers, and food product labeling in particular can be incredibly challenging. Every type of food product manufacturer must meet all applicable labeling regulations from the Food and Drug Administration, and that includes companies that produce pet food products.
If your company manufactures any type of pet food, you need to ensure your labels meet the applicable labeling rules. Failing to do so can not only cause significant supply chain delays and ultimately harm your brand but also potentially harm your customers’ pets.
FDA Pet Food Labeling Regulations
Americans are very discerning when it comes to their pets, and it’s essential that your pet food products provide consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions. Many of the regulations that apply to pet food labels also apply to food products intended for human consumption, but you need to be a bit more specific in some ways when it comes to food and treats for pets.
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The FDA requires that all pet food product labels include the following information:
A declaration of intended species. If your product is a dog treat, the label must indicate that it is intended only for dogs. In some cases, you may need to specify the breed or size of animal for which the product is intended.
Quantity. The label should clearly indicate the number of servings in the package, the weight of the package, and/or the number of individual treats in the package.
A guaranteed nutrition analysis. Quality and consistency are crucial in pet food production. Your label must include an accurate breakdown of the nutrients included in the product, such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture content, and other nutrients if the product claims to be a significant source of those nutrients.
Ingredients list. Like any other food product, pet foods sold commercially must include a full list of all ingredients used in the creation of the product.
A statement of nutritional adequacy. These statements are sometimes optional, but it’s good practice to describe your product as a treat if it is intended as a treat, and the same applies to full meal servings and supplements.
Feeding directions. The pet food product label should include a breakdown of how to feed the product to the intended species, such as serving size by weight of the animal or at different stages of an animal’s life.
Manufacturer and/or distributor address and contact information. The label must allow consumers to contact the manufacturer and/or distributor with comments, complaints, or concerns. This information is also mandatory for traceability purposes.
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While the amount of information your pet food product labels require may seem daunting, it is essential to ensure your labels meet these regulations if you want your brand to succeed. Century Label has more than 40 years of experience in professional product labeling. We can help you design an eye-catching and streamlined pet food product label that meets all FDA regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
