Are you trying to figure out the best way to package your handmade dog treats? When it comes to packaging, there are certain requirements and handy package ideas that you should know. From laws to labeling, there are quite a few things to consider.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to package your dog treats properly.

#1 Dog Treat Packaging Requirements

There are certain packaging requirements that you must meet when selling your dog treats. These include:

1. A logo and business information that clearly defines your business name, contact information, and address. This could also include your website and social media.
2. A nutritional label that includes the list of ingredients for the dog treats (from biggest quantity to small quantity)
3. A guaranteed analysis of the protein minimum guarantee, fat minimum guarantee, fiber maximum guarantee, and moisture maximum guarantee. This is required by law and many states have labs that will complete the guaranteed analysis for you.
4. Food-safe dog treat packaging, that can seal and preserve the shelf-life of your dog treats.

There are a few optional packaging options as well, including stickers that show off the treats flavor, if it’s made with organic ingredients, or if it’s grain free. Anything that you can think of that will set your treats apart, you can add as a sticker or label. Just remember that you can’t make any medicine or treatment claims (such as “This treat takes care of ticks!”).

#2 How To Package Dog Treats

How you package dog treats will depend on what you’re looking for aesthetically in your business. However, you’ll need to make sure that you’re packaging treats in food-safe packaging and containers.

Something else to keep in mind is that different treats may require different packaging. For example, dog training treats could be packaged in paper or plastic bags, but dog-friendly cookies and brownies may need to be packaged in parchment paper and then nestled in cake boxes or cookie tins.

Of course, you can always test how you package your dog treats. You can package them up and ship them back to yourself (if you plan on shipping treats) or move and shake them around after packaging. If they break or spill, you’ll know you need to switch up your pet treat packaging.

#3 Dog Treat Packaging Options

Now that you know how to package dog treats and the requirements you must meet, you can now choose your favorite dog treats and start packaging them in treat bags or other pet treats packaging. As with anything, these options will depend on how you want to package your specific treats, and what labeling requirements you need to meet in your state.

However, there are quite a few options that can get you started. Here are the best options:

• Bakery Boxes (in multiple sizes) that will help you package cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and more.
• Resealable Cello Bags, for dog treats like individual cookies, brownies, or truffles.
• Decorative tins, for fancier treats or treats that you need to ship.
• Vacuum Bags, for dog treats that need to be preserved longer term and may not have preservatives or added ingredients.
• Stand up pouch treat bags, for treats that require a little more structure or for heavier treats.

All of these packaging options can be used together or separately. You don’t have to choose just one specific box or bag, and you can use different packaging based on the dog treats that you want to sell to consumers. You can also get your bags and boxes custom printed through sites like Sticker Mule, EcoEnclose, or The Custom Packaging if you want your labeling, logo’s, and more added without needing stickers.

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Packaging Bonus Tips

Whether you decide to keep it simple, or go custom with your dog treat packaging, there are a fit more tips to keep in mind.

Always Double Check Custom Printed Packaging

One of the worst things that can happen when running your dog treat business is not having the packaging you need to ship items. And when you custom print your packaging, there may be times where it is wrong or ships late. Avoid that by double checking all packaging before getting it shipped out, and keep stock on hand as much as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Inspiration

Not quite sure what you want your bags, treats, pouches, and other products to look like? Try searching online for inspiration. Don’t steal ideas, but be inspired by them. What colors do you like? Do you like tissue paper or bubble wrap? Do you prefer certain bag sizes over others?

Take what you learn during your research, and apply it to your own packaging. Create product mockups and package your products for friends and family first to see what they think of how it all looks.

Invest In Your Brand And Materials Over Time

You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. While good packing and shipping practices are always important, you don’t need all of your materials to be perfect and branded on the first try. Over time, as your business starts making more money, you can invest in better quality items and brand your materials more.

If you allow the lack of looks keep you from starting a business, it will never be achieved. There isn’t a single brand or company that has been perfect on the first try.

Packaging Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated

Are you ready to dive into packaging and making your dog treats look pretty? These tips will help you know what to include on your packaging, the best packaging options, and how to keep your treats safe after purchase.

I’d love to help you get started!

That’s why I took everything I learned while operating my own dog treat business and created my course Diva Dog Bakery™. I wanted to teach you how to start and grow a thriving dog treat business as well!

What did you think of the article? Let me know in the comments. And if you found the article helpful, I’d love it if you shared it with friends and family.