Pets are an integral part of the family with the most popular ones being cats and dogs. These pet owners expect the same level of quality for pet food as human food. Packaging is an integral part of the product as it contains, protects, communicates information and entices purchase. Currently, pet food packaging focuses on convenience and maintaining freshness while using sustainable materials that are presented in an appealing format.
Health and wellness are top of mind for pet owners. Food and treats are customized to meet the age and health concerns of pets. Packaging plays a vital role in maintaining quality including the food’s nutritional value. For shelf-stable products, adequate barrier properties are required to ensure protection against deteriorating factors such as moisture loss or gain and oxidation. Pet food and treats can be packaged in bags, pouches, tubs and cans. Fresh pet food requires refrigeration or freezing. Although oxygen barrier is not needed, the packaging needs to be adequately sealed and be able to withstand lower temperature storage.
Driven by environmentally conscious consumers and stricter regulations, the pet food industry is looking at sustainable options while maintaining the package’s function and appeal. Practices such as lightweighting reduce the amount of material and transportation cost, thereby lowering environmental impact. Compostable bio-based materials are made from renewable resources that have lower carbon footprints. Use of recyclable and PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials promotes the circular economy by reusing existing resources. Packaging components, such as inks, adhesives, labels, closures and fitments, need to be appropriately selected to ensure the entire package is recyclable.
When switching to recycle-ready alternatives, one must also consider the impact of package change on the product’s shelf life.
The convenience factor
Consumers prefer packaging that is easy to open, reseal and store. Single-serve, portioned meals provide the convenience and portability consumers are demanding. Tamper evident feature prevents product contamination and helps earn consumer trust.
The market for premium pet food is growing and packaging is crucial to convey this exclusivity. Design elements, such as graphics, finishes, coating, embossing and foil stamping, are needed to stand out on shelves. QR codes, NFC (near field communication) and AR (augmented reality) promote digital engagement with consumers. AR-enabled packaging allows consumers to experience immersive content such as virtual tours and product tutorials. Integration of QR codes and NFC tags allows information (e.g. ingredient sourcing, feeding guides, authenticity checks or brand story) to be shared with consumers.
Increased global pet population and humanization have changed consumer expectations for the pet food industry.
Packaging provides competitive differentiation in a crowded market. Packaging can also build trust, entice the buyer, strengthen the brand and establish customer loyalty. Designing sustainable, convenient and attractive packaging to meet industry demands should not compromise the package’s functionality.
Carol Zweep is an associate with PAC Global, a not-for-profit focused on supporting professionals in the packaging industry.
This column was originally published in the Nov./Dec. 2025 issue of Food in Canada.
