Written by: Pet Secret Biotechnology Technical Team
Technical review: Pet Food Formulation, Production and Export Team
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Reading time: 10 minutes
“How much does private label pet food cost per ton?”
This is often the first question a buyer asks. However, a manufacturer cannot provide an accurate quotation from this question alone.
The price depends on the product type, formula, nutritional targets, animal protein sources, packaging, order quantity, testing, destination country and shipping terms.
Two products can have the same crude protein level but very different costs. One may use standard poultry meal and basic packaging. Another may use selected fresh meat, higher fat, functional ingredients and a high barrier bag.
This guide explains what information buyers should provide before requesting a private label pet food quote.
Quick Answer
To receive an accurate private label pet food quote, provide the following information:
- Destination country
- Dog food or cat food
- Dry food, wet food or treats
- Intended life stage
- Existing, modified or custom formula
- Protein and fat targets
- Preferred animal protein sources
- Functional ingredients or product claims
- Package size and packaging requirements
- Expected order quantity
- Required testing and export documents
- Preferred shipping term and destination port
- Target price and planned launch date
If some technical details are not yet available, begin with the target customer, sales channel, retail price and expected quantity. The manufacturer can then recommend a practical starting formula.
Why Is “Price per Ton” Not Enough?
Pet food is not a standard raw material with one fixed market price.
The final quotation may include:
- Formula and raw materials
- Product manufacturing
- Custom ingredients
- Testing
- Packaging materials
- Printing plates or cylinders
- Filling and packing
- Export cartons or pallets
- Inland transport
- Export handling
- Freight
- Insurance
- Destination market documents
A price per metric ton may only cover the product itself. It may not include packaging, testing, freight or import costs.
Buyers should confirm exactly what is included before comparing quotations from different manufacturers.
Read our Private Label Pet Food Cost and MOQ Guide for a more detailed explanation of total project cost.
1. Which Country Will Receive the Product?
The destination country should be the first item in your inquiry.
It affects:
- Permitted ingredients
- Product registration
- Importer requirements
- Label language
- Nutritional declarations
- Health certificates
- Testing requirements
- Customs documents
- Shipping cost
A formula that can be sold in one country may require changes before it can enter another market.
For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration requires pet food labels to include product identification, net quantity, the manufacturer or distributor, and an ingredient list. Other markets apply their own rules. See the official FDA animal food labeling guidance.
The buyer should confirm local requirements with the importer, agent or relevant authority before packaging is printed.
When requesting a quote, provide:
- Destination country
- Import port
- Importer status
- Required label language
- Known registration requirements
- Required health certificate wording, if available
If the destination country is unknown, the manufacturer cannot properly evaluate ingredients, labels, documents or freight.
2. What Type of Product Do You Need?
State the product category clearly.
For example:
- Dry dog food
- Dry cat food
- Wet dog food
- Wet cat food
- Freeze-dried treats
- Baked treats
- Dental chews
- Complementary pet food
Dog food and cat food have different nutritional needs. Dry food and wet food also use different equipment, packaging and cost structures.
You should also state the intended life stage:
- Puppy or kitten
- Adult
- Senior
- Gestation and lactation
- All life stages
If the product is intended for working dogs, breeders, indoor cats or another specific customer group, include that information as well.
A useful request would be:
We need a dry dog food for adult working dogs sold through breeder and kennel channels in Chile.
This is much clearer than:
Please send your best dog food price.
3. Do You Want an Existing or Custom Formula?
There are three common options.
Existing formula
An existing formula has already been used in commercial production. It normally offers:
- Faster project preparation
- More predictable manufacturing
- Easier sample access
- Lower development risk
- More predictable cost
Modified formula
A modified formula begins with an existing product but changes selected features, such as:
- Protein or fat level
- Animal protein source
- Functional ingredients
- Kibble size
- Product flavor
- Grain-free positioning
Fully custom formula
A fully custom formula is developed around a detailed product brief. It may require more formulation work, ingredient review, sampling and technical testing.
If you are unsure which option fits your business, read our guide to existing and custom private label pet food formulas.
Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has more than 30 commercially used dog and cat food formulas. Buyers can select an existing formula, request suitable changes or discuss a completely custom product.
4. What Protein and Fat Levels Do You Need?
Protein and fat targets have a major effect on cost and production.
A quote request should state whether the values refer to:
- Crude protein
- Crude fat
- Guaranteed minimum
- Typical production value
- Dry matter basis
- As fed basis
Most commercial inquiries use the guaranteed analysis shown on the product label. If you are copying values from another product, send the full label or product specification so the manufacturer can understand the basis of the numbers.
Higher values do not automatically mean a better formula.
A suitable product must also consider:
- Amino acid balance
- Energy level
- Digestibility
- Ingredient quality
- Palatability
- Vitamins and minerals
- Product stability
- Intended life stage
A formula can be developed to meet applicable AAFCO nutritional requirements when required by the project. However, AAFCO does not approve or certify individual pet foods. The final formula, nutritional statement and label must use accurate wording.
Read our Custom Pet Food Formula and Nutrition FAQ for more information.
5. Which Animal Protein Sources Do You Prefer?
The animal protein source can significantly affect:
- Raw material cost
- Product taste
- Product color
- Digestibility
- Marketing position
- Supply stability
- Import eligibility
Common options may include:
- Chicken
- Duck
- Beef
- Lamb
- Fish
- Rabbit
- Pigeon
- Turkey
- Mixed animal proteins
Buyers should state whether they require:
- A single animal protein
- A selected main protein
- Fresh meat
- Meat meal
- Hydrolyzed protein
- A limited ingredient formula
- Ingredients that must be excluded
A request for “high protein dog food” is not enough to calculate an accurate price. A 32 percent protein product using different protein combinations may have a very different cost.
Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. operates poultry and pigeon resources that support traceability for selected raw materials. Learn more about our Farm to Bowl supply chain.
6. Do You Need Functional Ingredients or Special Claims?
Functional ingredients can affect both the formula and the final price.
Examples include:
- Fish oil
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Taurine
- Yucca extract
- Vitamins and minerals
- Botanical ingredients
- Hydrolyzed animal proteins
State the purpose of the ingredient instead of requesting a long list without a clear reason.
For example:
We need an adult cat food positioned for sensitive digestion and coat support.
This gives the formulation team a clearer direction than:
Please add probiotics, herbs, fish oil and ten other functional ingredients.
For suitable formulas, enzymatic hydrolysis can help break proteins into smaller peptides. This can improve digestibility and effectively help reduce the likelihood of certain food-related sensitivities.
Claims must match the actual formula, ingredient levels, available evidence and destination market rules.
7. What Is Your Target Product Position?
Tell the manufacturer whether the product is intended for:
- Economy retail
- Standard retail
- Premium retail
- Super premium positioning
- Breeder channels
- Working dog channels
- Veterinary-related channels
- Pet shop chains
- Supermarkets
- Online sales
- Distributor exclusive products
The sales channel affects the formula, bag size, appearance and acceptable cost.
A breeder channel may prefer a large bag and a higher energy formula. An online premium cat food brand may prefer smaller bags, stronger visual design and a clear ingredient story.
If possible, provide:
- Expected retail price
- Distributor price
- Target factory price
- Reference brands
- Products already sold in your market
A target price helps the manufacturer recommend a formula that fits the commercial plan.
8. What Packaging Do You Need?
Packaging is a separate part of the quotation.
Provide:
- Bag size
- Number of package sizes
- Printed or plain packaging
- Preferred material
- Required barrier performance
- Zipper requirement
- Handle requirement
- One way valve requirement
- Nitrogen flushing requirement
- Outer carton requirement
- Label language
- Existing artwork status
Package sizes may include:
- Trial packs
- Small retail bags
- Medium retail bags
- Large breeder bags
- Wholesale bags
Each size may require separate artwork and a separate packaging MOQ.
High fat dry food normally needs stronger protection against oxygen, light and seal failure. The correct packaging should be selected according to fat level, shelf life, bag size and transportation conditions.
Read our Private Label Pet Food Packaging and Labeling FAQ before confirming bag specifications.
9. How Much Do You Plan to Order?
State the expected quantity for each product.
At Pet Secret Biotechnology, the standard MOQ generally starts from 5 metric tons per product or SKU.
A different formula, flavor, kibble specification or product format may be treated as a separate SKU.
For example:
| Request | Possible SKU count |
|---|---|
| One adult dog formula in one flavor | 1 |
| Adult dog and puppy formulas | 2 |
| Chicken formula and beef formula | 2 |
| One formula with 3 kg and 20 kg bags | Usually one product with two packaging formats |
| Dog food and cat food | At least 2 |
Packaging suppliers may apply a separate MOQ to each bag size and artwork version.
A buyer requesting five formulas at one ton each may not meet a five ton MOQ per SKU, even if the total order is five tons.
Provide:
- Quantity per formula
- Quantity per package size
- Expected first order
- Expected annual volume
- Whether the order will fill a full container
Expected annual volume can also help the manufacturer plan ingredients, packaging and production capacity.
10. Which Tests and Documents Do You Require?
Testing and documentation should be discussed before the quotation is finalized.
Possible requirements include:
- Guaranteed analysis
- Moisture testing
- Microbiological testing
- Batch COA
- Third party testing
- Product specification
- Ingredient list
- Health certificate
- Certificate of origin
- Export declaration
- Factory certificates
- Free sale documentation
- Destination specific registration documents
Not every project requires the same tests or documents.
The buyer should identify which documents are mandatory and which are optional. Additional laboratory work or third party testing may affect cost and preparation time.
Review our Pet Food Export Documents and Compliance FAQ before starting an international project.
11. Which Shipping Term Do You Need?
A quotation should state the requested Incoterm and named location.
Common requests include:
- EXW factory
- FOB Qingdao
- CIF destination port
- DAP named destination
These prices are not directly comparable because they include different costs and responsibilities.
The International Chamber of Commerce explains that Incoterms rules define the tasks, costs and risks of buyers and sellers during delivery. See the official ICC Incoterms 2020 overview.
When requesting a quote, provide:
- Preferred Incoterm
- Port of departure, if required
- Destination port
- Final destination
- Container preference
- Need for freight insurance
- Need for inland delivery
If you request CIF pricing, the destination port must be stated. “CIF Chile” or “CIF Europe” is not precise enough.
12. When Do You Plan to Launch?
The planned launch date affects:
- Formula selection
- Sampling
- Packaging preparation
- Testing
- Registration
- Production scheduling
- Export documents
- Shipping method
A first order normally takes longer than a repeat order because the formula, artwork and documents must be confirmed.
Do not set a public launch date until the manufacturer, packaging supplier, importer and freight provider have reviewed the schedule.
If you require samples before production, include this in the first inquiry.
Rough Estimate, Formal Quote and Final Price
Not every quotation has the same level of accuracy.
| Quotation stage | Information available | Expected accuracy |
| Rough estimate | Basic product and quantity | Useful for early planning |
| Project quotation | Formula direction, packaging and destination confirmed | Suitable for comparing options |
| Final commercial quotation | Final specification, quantity, packaging, tests and Incoterm confirmed | Suitable for contract or purchase order |
A rough estimate should not be treated as a final order price.
The price may change if the buyer later changes:
- Formula
- Meat source
- Protein or fat target
- Package size
- Order quantity
- Test requirements
- Shipping term
- Destination port
Example of an Incomplete Inquiry
Hello. I need dog food. Please send your best price.
The manufacturer still does not know:
- Which country
- Which product type
- Which formula
- Which quality level
- Which bag size
- Which quantity
- Which shipping term
The only possible answer is a broad price range or a list of questions.
Example of a Quote Ready Inquiry
We are a pet food distributor in Chile. We need dry food for adult working dogs. We are open to an existing or modified formula. Our target is 30 percent crude protein and 20 percent crude fat, with chicken as the main animal protein. We need 20 kg printed bags and plan to order 20 metric tons for the first shipment. Please quote FOB Qingdao and CIF San Antonio. We require a product specification, batch COA and available export documents. Our target launch is in four months.
This inquiry gives the manufacturer enough information to evaluate the formula, packaging, quantity, documents and freight.
Copy and Send This Pet Food Quote Request Template
Company name:
Contact person:
Website or business profile:
Destination country:
Destination port:
Are you in the pet industry:
Do you have an importer or distributor:
Product type:
Dog food or cat food:
Life stage:
Dry food, wet food or treats:
Existing, modified or custom formula:
Target crude protein:
Target crude fat:
Preferred animal protein:
Ingredients to include:
Ingredients to avoid:
Required product claims:
Reference product or brand:
Package size:
Number of package sizes:
Printed or plain packaging:
Zipper, handle or valve requirements:
Artwork ready:
Quantity per product:
Expected annual volume:
Required samples:
Required tests:
Required export documents:
Preferred Incoterm:
Expected launch date:
Target price, if available:
How Pet Secret Prepares a Private Label Pet Food Quote
Our team normally follows these steps:
- Review the buyer and destination market
- Confirm the product type and expected quantity
- Recommend an existing, modified or custom formula
- Review nutritional targets and ingredients
- Confirm packaging requirements
- Check testing and document needs
- Confirm the shipping term
- Prepare the quotation
- Arrange samples or development when required
Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. supports international OEM, ODM and private label projects with:
- More than 30 commercially used formulas
- A standard MOQ generally starting from 5 metric tons per product
- Existing and custom formula options
- An approximately 13.3 hectare poultry and pigeon farming base
- Fully enclosed automated production
- Dry pet food capacity of approximately 11,000 metric tons per month
- Siemens controlled enzymatic hydrolysis
- HACCP, ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 management systems
- Batch inspection and COA support
- Customized packaging
- Export document support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive a quote if I do not have a formula?
Yes. Provide the destination country, product type, target customer, expected retail price, package size and order quantity. The manufacturer can recommend an existing formula as a starting point.
Can you quote only by protein and fat level?
A rough estimate may be possible, but it will not be a final price. Animal protein sources, ingredients, packaging, tests and quantity also affect cost.
What is the MOQ for private label pet food?
The standard MOQ at Pet Secret is generally 5 metric tons per product or SKU. Printed packaging may have a separate MOQ.
Why is custom packaging quoted separately?
Packaging cost depends on size, material, barrier performance, printing, closures, quantity and artwork versions. These details may not be known when the product price is first calculated.
Is FOB price the same as CIF price?
No. FOB and CIF include different transport responsibilities and costs. A CIF quote must include a named destination port.
Can I request samples before placing an order?
Existing samples may be available for commercially used formulas. Modified or custom products may require paid pilot production because ingredients, formulation work, equipment setup and testing may be involved.
Should I provide my target price?
Yes. A realistic target price helps the manufacturer recommend a suitable formula and packaging option. It does not guarantee that every specification can be achieved within that price.
How long is a quotation valid?
Quotation validity depends on raw material prices, packaging, exchange rates and freight. The validity period should be stated on the quotation.
Request an Accurate Private Label Pet Food Quote
A complete inquiry saves time for both the buyer and the manufacturer.
Before requesting a final quotation, confirm the product, formula direction, package size, quantity, destination and shipping term.
If some details are still unclear, begin with your market, customer and target price. Our team can help you choose a practical starting point.
Contact Pet Secret Biotechnology and send the completed quote request template. We will review your project and prepare the next step based on your requirements.
About the Author
The Pet Secret Biotechnology Technical Team works across pet food formulation, manufacturing, quality control, packaging and export project support.
Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is an OEM, ODM and private label pet food manufacturer based in Linyi, Shandong, China. The company supports international pet food brands, importers and distributors with commercially used formulas, customized product development, automated production, private label packaging and export documentation.