Packaging Tips for Pet Food & Treat Brands in the UK
Packaging Tips for Pet Food & Treat Brands in the UK
New Intro
It’s a rainy Saturday morning at your local farmers’ market. You’ve set up your stall, your best-selling dog biscuits are perfectly baked, and a customer stops to browse. They smile, pick up a pack… and immediately comment on how much they love your packaging.
That’s the moment you realise — your bag didn’t just hold the treats, it sold them.
In the UK’s fast-growing pet market, the right packaging does more than protect your product. It catches eyes, communicates your brand values, and reassures pet owners they’re buying something fresh, safe, and worth coming back for. Whether you’re selling gourmet cat treats online or natural chews at a pet expo, your packaging can be the reason a customer becomes a loyal fan.
Why Packaging Matters in the UK Pet Market
The UK pet industry is booming — with an estimated 57% of households owning a pet and pet parents spending more than ever on food, treats, and accessories. But with this growth comes fierce competition. Your packaging isn’t just about keeping kibble fresh — it’s a silent salesperson on the shelf and online.
Whether you’re selling gourmet dog biscuits at a local farmers’ market or launching a premium cat treat subscription box, smart packaging can make the difference between a one-time purchase and a loyal customer.
1. Choose the Right Packaging Material
Your material choice will affect product freshness, shelf appeal, and sustainability credentials.
- Kraft Paper Bags: Natural, rustic, and perfect for brands with an artisanal feel. Ideal for dry treats but less suited for oily products unless lined with a barrier film.
- Foil-Lined Pouches: Best for long shelf life and preserving aroma in high-fat pet foods.
- Compostable & Biodegradable Options: Increasingly popular among eco-conscious pet owners; make sure to display compostability certifications on-pack.
Tip: In the UK market, sustainability is a strong selling point — 72% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from brands using eco-friendly packaging.
2. Prioritise Resealability for Freshness
Pet owners want to keep food fresh, crunchy, and pest-free.
Consider:
- Zip-lock resealable bags for treats
- Tin-tie closures for bulk items
- Heat-sealed edges for guaranteed freshness before first use
3. Get the Size Right
Oversized packaging not only increases your costs but also risks disappointing customers if the pack looks half empty. Offering multiple sizes — trial, standard, and bulk — allows customers to choose according to their needs.
Popular UK retail sizes:
- 100–200g: Perfect for premium or trial packs
- 500g–1kg: Everyday feeding sizes
- 2kg+: Value packs for loyal customers
4. Design for Trust & Brand Recognition
Your packaging is often the first physical contact customers have with your brand. Focus on:
- Clear labelling (ingredients, feeding guidelines, best-before date)
- Pet photography or illustrations to connect emotionally
- Consistent colour schemes for easy recognition on the shelf
If you sell online, make sure your design photographs well and stands out in e-commerce thumbnails.
5. Don’t Forget UK Labelling Regulations
Pet food and treat packaging in the UK must comply with FEDIAF guidelines and include:
- Composition (ingredients)
- Analytical constituents (nutritional breakdown)
- Additives (if any)
- Feeding instructions
- Batch code & best-before date
- Business contact details
Failing to comply can result in fines or a product recall — both damaging for a growing brand.
6. Use Packaging to Tell Your Brand Story
Consumers increasingly buy from brands that share their values. Use your pack space to:
- Highlight British-made or locally sourced ingredients
- Share your sustainability mission
- Showcase charitable partnerships with animal rescues or shelters
7. Order Smart to Manage Costs
For small businesses, buying packaging in the right quantities is key. Ordering too little drives up per-unit costs; ordering too much risks wasted inventory if branding changes.
Look for UK suppliers offering:
- Low minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- Fast turnaround
- Both stock pouches and custom printed options
Final Thought
In a competitive UK pet market, packaging is more than a container — it’s a marketing tool, a freshness preserver, and a trust builder. By choosing the right materials, design, and format, your pet food or treat brand can stand out, stay fresh, and win loyal customers.
If you’re looking for eco-friendly, resealable, and customisable packaging for your pet products, Woodpecker Packaging offers a wide range of UK-stocked options with low MOQs — perfect for growing brands.
Conclusion
Pet owners in the UK have more choices than ever, but they’re also more discerning. They want packaging that’s practical, planet-friendly, and a joy to open. When you choose materials that protect freshness, designs that build trust, and formats that fit real-life pet ownership, you’re not just selling food — you’re creating a brand people remember.
At Woodpecker Packaging, we help pet food and treat brands find the perfect packaging to match their products, values, and customers. From eco-friendly resealable pouches to custom-printed designs, we offer low MOQs, UK stock, and the flexibility growing businesses need.
Because great packaging doesn’t just carry your product — it carries your story.