Direct answer
Different products, different structures
Dry kibble, shelf-stable treats, and wet food fail in different ways. Kibble is often a moisture and freshness problem in a large bag. Treats are often a smaller pouch with a reclose. Wet food that is retorted is a different process from a dry treat pouch. Say which product you pack. Do not copy a treat pouch spec onto a retorted product.
The pet-treat industry page is a shorter starting point. This page is the spec decision. The stand-up guide covers pouch bottoms and closures if the format is a pouch.
Kibble bags
A kibble bag has to hold weight, survive handling, and limit moisture. Gusset style, film toughness, and the seal all matter along with barrier. Say the fill weight and how the bag is filled. A structure that looks right and splits at the handle or the seal is the wrong spec.
Send the current bag if you have one. If the bag is roll stock run on your line, use the roll stock spec checklist instead of a finished-bag size alone.
Treats and snacks
Treats often move to a stand-up or flat pouch. The closure is the decision: a zipper for a multi-serve tub replacement, or a tear and easy-open for a single serve. Name it. PCI can include easy-open. Confirm any zipper on the spec.
Greasy or aromatic treats may need a different barrier from a dry biscuit. Say what the treat is. Do not rely on the word treat.
Graphics and shelf blocking
Pet packaging is often heavy coverage: full-panel art, several brand colors, and small regulatory type. Count every ink. PCI prints on two Uteco 10 color presses, so one pass can carry up to ten inks. GMI is the print-quality certificate PCI holds.
High coverage still has to clear seals, zippers, and any tear. Put the dieline and the color count in the same RFQ. The color guide is how to decide you do not need all ten.
Closures and openings
Zipper, tear notch, easy-open, and a handle are separate lines on the spec. A handle changes the structure and the way the bag is carried. A zipper changes the pouch conversion. Write each one down. If the current pack has them, send the sample rather than a partial list.
Food safety for pet packaging
Ask for the food-safety certificate for the plant that will make the package, and for documents that cover the film and inks for the product. A pet food manufacturer and a packaging plant can be certified under different SQF codes. Read the scope.
PCI is SQF certified. This page does not claim a pet-food manufacturing certificate. Ask for the packaging plant's certificate and match the site. The ten-question checklist is the list to attach.
Spec and RFQ checklist
Product: kibble, treat, or wet, plus fill weight. Format: bag, pouch, or roll stock. Structure or a sample. Closure and easy-open. Handle, if any. Color count or artwork. Order quantity and annual usage. Ship-to location. The certificate you need the plant to hold.
Request a quote for the SKU
Send the pet SKU. Ask for a structure recommendation with the quote, especially if you are moving from a bag to a pouch or the reverse.
| Product | Spec pressure | Send this |
|---|---|---|
| Kibble | Weight, moisture, gusset, seals | Fill weight and the current bag |
| Treats | Pouch style and reclose | Closure, plus easy-open if needed |
| Wet or retorted | A different process from a dry pouch | The process, not the word pet food |
| Heavy art | Color count and small type | File or count, and the dieline |
Questions buyers ask
What film structure is best for pet food?
It depends on kibble, treats, or wet food, the fill weight, and the barrier the product needs. Send the product and a sample. There is no single pet food film.
Do pet food bags need a high barrier?
Some do, for moisture, oxygen, or aroma. Some do not. Say what the product has to be protected from instead of requesting a high barrier with no test condition.
What closure options work for pet treats?
A zipper for reclose, or a tear and easy-open for a single serve. Name the one you need. PCI can include easy-open. Confirm a zipper on the spec.
Can pet packaging be printed across the whole panel?
Yes, when the art, the seals, and the color count are specified together. PCI prints on two Uteco 10 color presses. Count every ink, including white.
What size bag do I need for my fill weight?
Send the fill weight and the current size if you have one. Gusset and film build change how that weight sits. Do not pick a height from a shelf photo.
See something that needs correcting? Tell Matt.