What Should Be on Pet Product Labels?

Pet product labels must include the product name, intended species, net quantity, ingredient list, guaranteed analysis (for food and treats), feeding instructions, and manufacturer info. Getting these details right isn’t just about compliance—it helps customers trust your brand and understand exactly what they’re giving their pets.

Let’s walk through what to include, how to design labels that actually get noticed, and which label materials hold up best—especially when slobber and freezer burn come into play.

First Things First: What Products Count?

If you’re labeling:

Dog treats
Dry or wet pet food
Supplements or vitamins
Grooming products (like shampoo or paw balm)
Nutritional chews or dental sticks

…you’re in pet label territory. Whether your items go on pet store shelves, eCommerce platforms, or into farmers’ market bins, proper labeling is key.

What the Label Legally Needs to Include

If your product is edible or nutritional, your label must meet AAFCO and FDA standards. That’s not optional—and it helps customers feel confident in what they’re buying.

Here’s the essential checklist:

Product Name + Pet Type: “Beef Jerky Dog Treats” or “Grain-Free Cat Kibble”—clarity is everything.
Net Quantity: In ounces, pounds, or fluid ounces.
Guaranteed Analysis: For food and treats, list crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.
Ingredients List: Use plain-English names, listed by weight.
Feeding Directions: Especially for daily-use items or high-calorie treats.
Manufacturer Info: Include your business name and address.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement: For full meals, clarify whether it's “complete and balanced” and for which life stage.

Optional (but recommended) items: barcode, expiration or best-by date, and a batch or lot code.

Designing Pet Labels People Actually Notice

It’s not just about what’s legally required—it’s also about what helps you sell. The design should speak to the shopper and reflect the product inside.

Here’s how to make it work:

Photos of Real Pets: Smiling dogs or snoozing cats? Yes, please. They create an emotional connection.

Readable Fonts: Skip cursive or thin scripts. Clean, high-contrast fonts help customers absorb the info quickly.

Clear Benefits: “Grain-Free,” “Made with Real Chicken,” “Vet Approved”—just make sure it’s true.

Strong Branding: Use consistent colors, shapes, and tone across your product line to build brand memory.

Leave Room for Variables: If you’re printing expiration dates or batch codes later, design with that space in mind.

The Right Label Material Makes a Big Difference

Pet products don’t always live a gentle life. Whether they’re stored in fridges, near the dog bowl, or in a pantry, your labels need to survive handling, moisture, and time.

Best material choices:

White BOPP: Ideal for pet food and treat labels. Moisture-resistant, oil-resistant, and tough enough for freezer storage.
Clear BOPP: Offers a clean, minimalist look and lets colorful products show through.
Laminated Paper: Budget-friendly and great for dry shelf products, but not for moisture-heavy environments.
Removable Adhesives: Best for grooming or temporary-use products like trial packs.

Finish options:

Gloss: Vibrant and eye-catching.
Matte: Natural, boutique-style feel (great for organic or artisan pet brands).
Soft-Touch or Textured: Adds a premium feel, especially for supplements or premium lines.

Dog Treat Labels vs Dog Food Labels: What’s the Difference?

They may look similar, but the requirements aren’t always the same. Treats can sometimes skip the nutritional adequacy statement, but they still need ingredients, net weight, and manufacturer info.

Dog food? That’s usually a full meal—so the bar is higher for analysis and feeding guidance. Make sure you label accordingly.

Helpful, Not Hype

Your label doesn’t need to scream. It just needs to:

Tell pet owners exactly what’s inside
Help them make a quick, informed decision
Reassure them that their pet is in good hands
Stay readable and intact from shelf to kitchen (or dog bowl)

Think of your label as the quiet expert. Confident. Reliable. And yes, maybe a little bit cute.

Need Labels That Stick (and Stay)?

Pet owners want to know what they’re feeding their furry family. Your label plays a huge role in that decision. Whether you're working on your first bag of grain-free dog treats or building out a full product line, you need labels that last and look good doing it.

Take a look at our custom options for pet product labels that check all the right boxes—without peeling under pressure.

Explore custom pet product labels made for whatever’s in your bowl or bag.

Order My Pet Product Labels Now

FAQs About Pet Product Labels

What must be included on pet product labels?

At minimum: product name, net quantity, ingredient list, guaranteed analysis (for food/treats), feeding instructions, and your company info.

What’s the difference between dog treat labels and dog food labels?

Dog food labels often require more nutritional detail, including feeding instructions and adequacy statements. Treats are simpler but still regulated.

What material should I use for pet food labels?

White BOPP is the go-to for durability and moisture resistance. It’s ideal for food and treat packaging that may see rough handling or cold storage.

Can I use eco-friendly materials for pet labels?

Yes. Recyclable and biodegradable materials are becoming more popular and are a smart fit for brands that promote sustainability.

Are pet supplements labeled differently?

They can be. Supplements often fall under additional regulatory scrutiny—especially if you’re making health claims. Be sure your label stays within compliant limits.