Pet Food Label Compliance: Ingredients and Guaranteed Analysis

# Pet Food Label Compliance Guide

The label is the first thing consumers see and a top target for regulators. Many new brands design labels by feel and get hit.

What must be on the label

Per Chinese feed labeling standards:

1. Product name (complete/auxiliary, dog/cat)

2. Guaranteed analysis (crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture)

3. Ingredient list (descending by weight)

4. Net weight

5. Production date and shelf life

6. Manufacturer name and license number

7. Product standard number

Which claims are allowed

OK

• Specific protein plus percentage (must match formula)
• Grain-free: if the formula truly has no grain
• Fresh meat: if the first ingredients are fresh meat, not meat meal

Not OK

• Natural: no clear definition, cannot imply health benefits
• Hypoallergenic: cannot claim to prevent or treat allergies
• Weight management: cannot make therapeutic claims
• Any disease-related language

Guaranteed analysis

| Nutrient | Adult Dog | Adult Cat |

|----------|-----------|-----------|

| Crude protein min | 18% | 25% |

| Crude fat min | 5% | 9% |

| Crude fiber max | 5% | 9% |

| Crude ash max | 10% | 10% |

| Moisture max | 10% | 10% |

Common co-packing label mistakes

1. Ingredient order does not match actual formula

2. Fresh meat overstated when meat meal dominates

3. Guaranteed analysis does not match lab reports

4. Missing license number

5. Inaccurate translations on export labels

If you are building your brand and unsure about label compliance, Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM reviews label copy during the sampling stage to prevent complaints after launch.

FAQ

**Can I write coat beauty on the label?**

No. List the ingredient (e.g. fish oil) and let consumers decide.

**Does the co-packer design the label?**

Usually the brand provides the design; the factory reviews compliance.

**What happens if the label is non-compliant?**

At minimum, delisting and correction; fines are possible.