A Simple Guide to Pet Food Packaging
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In the increasing market for luxury dog and cat food, the packaging is key. The steady expansion of the pet food market is largely due to advancements in packaging. According to Statista, the global pet food packaging market was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 16.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. This growth is driven by increasing demand for premium products, sustainable materials, and consumer-friendly designs such as resealable pouches and easy-pour containers.
Thanks to the use of unique and cutting edge technology, all of the equipment presented, from the simplest to the most automated and high performance, are designed always to guarantee that Pet Food is packaged precisely.
Shoppers have shown they are willing to pay more for sustainable pet food packaging and convenience features like handles and stay-fresh zippers. A 2022 survey by NielsenIQ found that 73% of consumers globally are willing to spend more on products with eco-friendly packaging, making sustainability a key decision factor for many pet owners. When dog lovers buy their beloved dog or cat the best food they can afford, they don’t want it to get stale or spill from an open bag. Learn how to successfully brand and rebrand dog and cat food to expand your customer base, as well as how the market is changing packaging.
Wet Vs Dry Dog Food Packaging
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Wet dog food is more expensive and complicated than dry dog food, sometimes known as kibble (a.k.a., canned food). Wet foods, on the other hand, are usually more nutritious, while canned foods are more strictly regulated. The canned pet food packaging process requires sterilization to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the container. Therefore, canned pet food is more expensive but popular. Both wet and dry dog diets have significant advantages and disadvantages, so deciding between the two is often a matter of personal preference.
Pouches allow pet owners to tear open the box with ease, re-seal it, and open it again for later usage, which is an obvious purpose behind this shift. These resealable grip-seal pouches reduce waste, especially if your pets can’t eat their food in one sitting.
Dimension | Wet Food (Cans/Aluminum Pouches) | Dry Food (Bags/Cartons) |
Common Packaging Types | Typically packaged in metal cans, high-barrier aluminum pouches, or flexible soft packaging, ensuring excellent sealing and protection. | Usually packaged in plastic composite bags, resealable zipper bags, or multi-layered cartons, which are lightweight and durable. |
Storage Conditions | Requires airtight sealing but should be kept away from direct sunlight. After opening, refrigeration is necessary (typically lasts 2–3 days). | Can be stored at room temperature. Only requires a dry environment and has a longer shelf life (usually several months). |
Packaging Costs | Higher packaging costs due to metal cans supporting high-heat sterilization and high-barrier aluminum pouches with advanced production requirements. | Lower cost due to the use of plastic composite bags or paper bags, helping to manage production and transportation expenses. |
Portability | Cans and wet food pouches are heavier, making them more suitable for home feeding and short trips but less convenient for long travel. | Lightweight packaging with handles or resealable zipper closures makes it highly portable and easy to use on the go. |
Freshness Maintenance | Canned products have excellent airtightness, and aluminum packaging blocks air and moisture effectively. However, freshness depends on cold storage after opening. | Often includes desiccants and moisture-proof designs. Resealable packaging preserves freshness after opening. |
Palatability | Wet food is highly palatable due to its moisture-rich texture and softness, making it appealing to pets that prefer wet food. | Palatability is lower than wet food. Some picky pets may dislike dry kibble, though it’s better suited for pets that enjoy chewing. |
Nutritional Content | Wet food is high in protein and moisture, making it easier for some pets to digest and providing better nutritional absorption. | Dry food is lower in moisture and typically higher in carbohydrates, which may result in a comparatively lower protein content. |
Target Audience | Ideal for pet owners who prioritize nutrition and fresh texture, typically targeting premium or customized product markets. | Suited for budget-conscious consumers who value convenience for storage and large-volume purchases, making it ideal for daily feeding needs. |
Health Effect and Convenience
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Every dog is unique in the same way that every human is. What works for one animal’s health might not work as well, if at all, for another.
Dry food is significantly more convenient than wet food. Kibble can be maintained in a resealable bag or container for months, or until the food expires; similarly, kibble can be eaten for hours in a dish. Unusually, you’ll need to clean up after your dog eats dry dog food.
Wet food, on the other hand, cannot be left in a bowl for long periods and can be messy. It’s also more difficult to keep it, especially if the container doesn’t have a resealable cover. After opening, canned food must be refrigerated and consumed within a few days following the initial serving.
Canned dog food contains a rich source of protein and is lower in carbohydrates than dry pet food products. The high water content of canned pet food helps increase pet’s fluid intake, while the ingredients in canned pet food are easier to digest. Although canned pet food is more expensive, it is very popular in the market because of its obvious effect on the nutritional growth of pets. The technology for packaging canned pet food on the market has developed accordingly. Sealing and sterilization techniques are the most important parts of the packaging process for canned pet food.
High-barrier aluminum foil pouches produced from a laminate of PET, aluminum, and LDPE provide one of the greatest barriers available in the flexible packaging market, in addition to being extremely handy. They keep pet food away from air, moisture, and odor, allowing it to last longer while still tasting good for the pets.
Types of Pet Food Packaging
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Flexible packaging materials made from flat-rolled sheet material, commonly known as “off the roll,” enable the creation of a wide range of bag shapes and sizes while also being very cost-effective. Bottles, glasses, metals, and other rigid volume containers are all utilized in almost every market for consumer items, and this packaging is an environmentally favorable alternative.
Tin Can/Jar
The metal can/tin can is the most widely used package for pet food around the world. The container is suitable for liquid and paste materials. Wet pet food contains water, so sealing and sterilization techniques are particularly important in the packaging process. And the metal can is the optimal packaging material for wet food packaging, storage, shipping, and marketing.
Pouch
The tubular pouch is a traditional flat packaging material film roll pouch design. The packing material is directed over the format tube’s shoulder, molded directly around it, and sealed along its length and bottom seam. The pouch is then filled with goods and detached from the film tube at the head (top) seam. The tubular pouch is finished!
To keep the food moist and the jelly delicious, several cat food makers now use pouches in their packaging. Some smaller and gourmet cat food producers are following suit, as pouches are very cost-effective for them and allow them to compete with the big brands.
Stick packs
Stick packs are a new style of packaging that is convenient, stylish, and pleasant. The stick pack is a pillow bag with longitudinal closure and a unique width-to-length ratio due to its design. The stick pack offers an excellent ratio of packaged food to minimum packaging material when used for portion packaging. As a result, a stick pack requires 40% less film material than a sachet of similar size.
Pet Food Packaging Design: Balancing Usability and Branding
Pet food packaging design is more than just functionality—it’s an essential touchpoint for attracting consumers, conveying brand identity, and addressing market demands. A successful design must balance aesthetics, usability, and sustainability to meet the expectations of modern pet owners.
Combining Visual Appeal with Functionality
Packaging serves a dual purpose: to grab attention on shelves and enhance usability for consumers. Designs with bold colors, pet-focused visuals, or sleek minimalism ensure visibility and highlight brand positioning. At the same time, features like resealable zippers, easy-tear openings, and sturdy handles make handling and storage effortless, catering to consumer convenience.
Focusing on Eco-Friendly Solutions
With sustainability becoming a key purchasing factor, brands are shifting toward recyclable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials. Using simple, earth-toned designs or labeling eco-credentials (e.g., “100% Compostable”) resonates with conscious consumers while reducing environmental impact. Packaging materials and designs now align with both functionality and the need to reduce a product’s ecological footprint.
Targeting Specific Audiences Through Design
Effective packaging speaks directly to its audience. High-end products often feature premium details like embossed logos or matte finishes to emphasize quality, while affordable options prioritize practicality and storage ease. For active lifestyles, compact, portable packs with resealable options fulfill the needs of pet owners during travel. Audience-centric designs ensure that packaging reinforces value and usability.
Branding Through Storytelling
Packaging is a silent brand ambassador that tells a story. Clear ingredient highlights like “Grain-Free” or “Rich in Protein” immediately communicate benefits, while unique colors, shapes, or finishes help the product stand out. By incorporating brand values such as healthiness, luxury, or sustainability into packaging, companies create strong, lasting impressions.
Driving Future Innovation
The future of pet food packaging is shaped by personalization and smart technologies. Augmented reality (AR) and QR codes are paving the way for interactive packaging, allowing consumers to access detailed product information or virtual experiences. Meanwhile, personalized packaging that reflects a pet’s name or dietary preferences adds a unique touch, strengthening loyalty and engagement.
Regional Differences in Pet Food Packaging Preferences
- North American Market: Preference for Eco-Friendly and Premium Packaging
North America accounts for over 35% of the global pet food packaging market. Consumers are increasingly focused on premiumization and sustainability, with 65% of U.S. consumers favoring recyclable or biodegradable packaging. High-barrier aluminum pouches for wet food are particularly popular for their freshness-preserving properties, and single-serve convenient packaging is highly favored among younger consumers to suit their fast-paced lifestyles.
- European Market: Eco-Friendly Trends Driven by Regulation
Europe captures approximately 25% of the global market, with packaging trends strongly shaped by strict environmental regulations. Consumers in the UK and Germany prioritize paper-based or biodegradable materials. Wet food dominates the market, with multi-pack options enjoying significant popularity. Additionally, consumers display heightened sensitivity to food-contact safety, preferring materials that comply with EC 1935/2004 standards.
- Asia-Pacific Market: Rapidly Growing Emerging Demand
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market, with an annual growth rate exceeding 7% (Statista, 2023). Consumers in China and India prefer economical, large-volume plastic composite bags, while younger, urban populations are driving demand for lightweight, portable designs. With environmental policies advancing, paper-based and biodegradable materials are beginning to gain traction in the region.
Packaging Type | North American Market Demand | European Market Demand | Asia-Pacific Market Demand |
Eco-Friendly Packaging | High demand, notably in premium segments | Regulation-driven, widely adopted | Early-stage development, growing potential |
Wet Food Cans (Premium) | Stable demand, high-barrier materials preferred | Dominates the market, multi-packs popular | Rapid growth, strong consumer interest |
Lightweight Portable Design | Single-serve packaging favored | Early adoption stage | Rapidly emerging among urban consumers |
Plastic Composite Bags (Large) | Decreasing demand | Stable, partially replaced by paper | High demand, mainstream for budget-conscious buyers |
Packaging Technologies
Source: Levapack
Flexible Packaging for Pet Food
Premade pouch packaging machines save a lot of space and are designed for high output (yield) and consistent sealing. All of the machines are fully automated and can run sporadically or continuously.
The stainless steel design, along with the latest servo motor and pneumatic technology, allows for use in demanding applications. Sealing tubular bags can be done using a variety of techniques, including heat sealing, impulse sealing, hot air sealing, and ultrasonic sealing.
Can Packaging for Pet Food
The fully automatic metal can sealing machine series may be used to seal tinplate packing cans in a variety of can factories. For example, pet food packing cans, cooking oil, paint, motor oil, and so forth. 3L-4L rectangular cans, 16L-20L conical pail and neck-in drum 18L-20L square cans, and 1-5L round cans are the most common types of metal cans to be sealed.
Conclusion
Many cat owners, as well as their beloved pets, can attest to the convenience of proper sealing of pet food. For more can sealing services, contact us, at Levapack .
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