China Pet Food New Standards: Prescription and Freeze-dried

# China Pet Food New Standards: Prescription and Freeze-dried

China Ministry of Agriculture Announcement 976 approved two pet food standards:

• NY/T 4838: General Requirements for Complete Prescription Pet Food
• NY/T 4839: General Requirements for Freeze-dried Pet Food

Effective May 1, 2026. This is China's first dedicated standard for prescription and freeze-dried pet food.

What the standards cover

Prescription food

1. Definition: complete formula for specific health conditions

2. Labeling: target animal and usage conditions required

3. Nutrient limits: minimum and maximum values

4. Clinical validation: formula needs data support

Freeze-dried food

1. Moisture: ≤5% after freeze-drying

2. Microbes: total plate count, coliform limits

3. Ingredients: definition of fresh meat and organs

4. Labeling: freeze-drying process, rehydration instructions

Impact on co-packers

1. Prescription barrier raised — no R&D = can't make it

2. Freeze-dried QC upgraded — moisture and microbes

3. Label compliance — all labels must be rewritten

How brands should prepare

Prescription

1. Formula needs evidence — can't just write

2. Find a factory with R&D

3. Update labels before May 2026

Freeze-dried

1. Confirm factory moisture control

2. Microbial testing per batch

3. Low-humidity packaging area

Cost changes

| Item | Old | New |

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

| Prescription R&D | None | Formula validation |

| Freeze-dried testing | Spot | Per batch |

| Label revision | None | Full rewrite |

Choosing a co-packer

1. Prescription formula capability?

2. Freeze-dried moisture control data?

3. Compliance label experience?

4. Ready for May 2026?

If you are making prescription or freeze-dried products, the new standards are an opportunity and a barrier. Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM is upgrading freeze-dried QC and prescription formula systems.

FAQ

Do current products need changes?

Production after May 2026 must comply.

Does prescription need a vet?

Formula should have vet or nutritionist input.

Is ≤5% moisture hard?

Not with proper freeze-dryer and humidity control.