For a first conversation, at least prepare the product category, sales country or region, per-pack format, expected first order quantity and target launch date. Without these, a quote can only be a rough reference.
1. Product positioning
First clarify whether the product is a cat staple, dog staple, functional fresh food or pet treat. Each type corresponds to different formula goals, label information, testing items and production arrangements.
Also state the target life stage, usage scenario and price range. A factory should not receive only a vague "I want to make fresh food" request.
2. Target sales market
Domestic sales, cross-border e-commerce or export projects may require different labels, languages, documentation and compliance reviews. State the countries or regions planned for sale and the main channels.
3. Formula direction
A project can start from an existing product direction, or discuss customer-specified formulas, sample matching or joint R&D. For sensitive, digestive, urinary, liver/kidney and other health directions, further verification of ingredients, nutritional targets, testing data and claim boundaries is needed.
4. Packaging format
Confirm per-pack gram weight, units per box, master carton size and packaging type. Package dimensions affect filling, packaging material procurement, cartoning, logistics and the final quote.
5. Expected order quantity
The first order quantity is used to assess production scheduling, ingredient preparation and packaging material cost. For early-stage projects, state both the trial production quantity and the expected formal order.
| Information | Example | Main impact |
|---|---|---|
| Per-pack format | 50g, 100g or other | Filling, packaging materials, cartoning |
| First order quantity | In bags, boxes or tonnes | Production scheduling and cost |
| Packaging method | Customer-supplied artwork or design support needed | Sampling and launch timeline |
6. Sampling and launch timeline
State when you expect samples, when packaging should be completed, when formal production starts and the target launch date. If the formula, packaging materials or testing are not yet confirmed, allow time for these steps.
7. Required quality and compliance documentation
List the production licence, system certificates, test reports, food facility registration or export documentation you need to review. Different documents serve different purposes; system certificates or facility registration must not be written as product certification.
Project evaluation
From product information to factory evaluation
Product category, target market, format and expected quantity together affect formula, sampling, packaging and production arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask for a quote without a complete formula?
Yes. Provide product positioning, meat-source direction, format, quantity and target market first; the factory can evaluate whether to start from an existing direction or joint R&D.
Must I provide packaging design on first contact?
No. Confirm packaging type and format first; design files are refined when the project enters the packaging-material confirmation stage.
Can functional products directly promote health effects?
Not recommended without a reviewed effect claim. Confirm item by item against formula, testing data and target market requirements.
Developing a fresh pet food product?
Share your target market, product direction, format and expected volume — we will help structure a project plan.
Submit a project brief