The best private label dry pet food formula depends on your target customer, retail price, sales channel and product story. A lower-cost formula may suit broad retail and wholesale sales. A higher-protein formula with selected meat sources may fit a premium brand. The right choice is the formula that your market can understand, afford and buy again.
Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. currently offers five export dry food options in this comparison. They include three cat food formulas and two dog food formulas. Crude protein ranges from 24% to 34%, and crude fat ranges from 12% to 16%.
Written by: Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. International Trade Department
Technical review: Pet Food Formulation, Quality and Export Team
Last updated: September 2026
Quick Answer: Which Formula Should You Choose?
Choose the 24/14 chicken, duck and beef dog food or the 28/14 deep sea fish and chicken cat food when you need a competitive starting price. Choose the 32/15 duck and tuna dog food or the 34/16 chicken, beef and pigeon cat food for a premium high-protein range. Choose the 34/12 chicken, rabbit and pigeon cat food when you want a more distinct protein story and probiotic positioning.
A new importer or distributor should normally start with a small, clear product range. One or two well-positioned formulas are often easier to launch than many similar SKUs.
Five Private Label Dry Pet Food Formulas Compared
| Formula | Protein / Fat | Key Ingredients | Pack | Possible Market Position | 20GP FOB Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Cat Food | 28% / 14% | Chicken, fish meal and Antarctic krill oil | 1 kg | Competitive mainstream cat food | USD 16,525.49 |
| Chicken, Beef and Pigeon Cat Food | 34% / 16% | Chicken, beef, pigeon and lactoferrin peptide | 1 kg | Premium high-protein cat food | USD 21,973.49 |
| Chicken, Duck and Beef Dog Food | 24% / 14% | Chicken, duck, beef and Antarctic krill oil | 2 kg | Competitive mainstream dog food | USD 14,481.53 |
| Duck, Tuna and Cranberry Dog Food | 32% / 15% | Duck, tuna, cranberry and prebiotics | 2 kg | Premium high-protein dog food | USD 21,141.53 |
| Fresh Chicken, Rabbit and Pigeon Cat Food | 34% / 12% | Chicken, rabbit, pigeon and selected probiotics | 1 kg | Distinct premium cat food | USD 22,861.49 |
The FOB reference values are based on one 20-foot container with a 12 metric ton payload, quoted on August 30, 2026. Prices can change with raw materials, exchange rates, packaging and order details. Read the full private label pet food cost comparison for the calculation method.
Send your country and sales channel to receive a formula shortlist, or contact the export team on WhatsApp: +86 155 6218 7150.
Option 1: Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Cat Food
This complete cat food provides at least 28% crude protein and 14% crude fat. The formula uses chicken, fish meal from selected fish sources, chicken liver, flaxseed and Antarctic krill oil. Taurine is at least 0.15%.
This option has the lowest full-container cost among the three cat food formulas in this comparison. It may suit:
- importers entering a new cat food market;
- distributors that need a competitive retail price;
- pet shops and online sellers that need a clear fish-and-chicken story; and
- brands building a mainstream dry cat food range.
Its main advantage is balance. The formula has a clear ingredient story without the cost of the two higher-protein cat food options.
Option 2: Chicken, Beef and Pigeon High-Protein Cat Food
This formula provides at least 34% crude protein and 16% crude fat. It uses chicken, beef, pigeon, enzymatically hydrolyzed chicken liver, egg powder, fish oil and lactoferrin peptide. Taurine is at least 0.20%.
This option may suit:
- premium cat food brands;
- buyers that want a higher protein and fat level;
- specialty pet shops and premium online channels; and
- brands that need a strong multi-meat product story.
The formula has the highest fat level among the three cat food options. Buyers should match this nutrition profile to the intended life stage, feeding guide and local market needs.
Option 3: Chicken, Duck and Beef Dog Food
This complete dog food provides at least 24% crude protein and 14% crude fat. It uses chicken, duck, beef, enzymatically processed chicken, Antarctic krill oil, yeast and selected plant ingredients.
This is the lowest-cost full-container option in the five-formula comparison. It may suit:
- dog food distributors that need a competitive starting price;
- wholesale and broad retail channels;
- new private label dog food projects; and
- brands that want a familiar chicken, duck and beef formula.
The standard example uses a 2 kg retail bag. Other packaging requests need a separate cost and production review.
Option 4: Duck, Tuna and Cranberry High-Protein Dog Food
This formula provides at least 32% crude protein and 15% crude fat. It uses duck, tuna, chicken, egg, fish oil, cranberry, pumpkin, carrot and prebiotics.
This option may suit:
- premium dog food brands;
- specialty pet retailers;
- online channels that need a clear ingredient story; and
- buyers that want a higher-protein dog food option.
Its price is higher than the 24/14 dog food because the formula uses a different nutrition target and a wider group of selected ingredients.
Option 5: Fresh Chicken, Rabbit and Pigeon Cat Food
This formula provides at least 34% crude protein and 12% crude fat. It uses fresh chicken, rabbit, young pigeon, fish oil, flaxseed and selected probiotic strains, including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans.
This option may suit:
- premium cat food importers;
- brands that want a less common protein mix;
- specialty retail and selected online channels; and
- buyers building a distinct cat food series.
The value of this formula is differentiation. Rabbit and pigeon can help the product stand apart from common chicken-only formulas. Claims and product wording should match the final specification and local label rules.
How to Choose the Right Formula for Your Market
1. Start With the Target Retail Price
Work backward from the expected shelf price. Include the FOB product cost, ocean freight, duty, tax, local transport, distributor margin and retailer margin. A formula is not commercially suitable if the final retail price is too high for the target customer.
2. Choose a Clear Product Position
Decide whether the product is competitive mainstream, premium high-protein or a distinct specialty formula. Buyers should be able to understand the main difference in a few seconds.
3. Match the Formula to the Sales Channel
Wholesale and broad retail channels often need simple positioning and stable pricing. Specialty pet shops may accept a higher price when the formula has a clear reason for the difference. Online buyers also need ingredients and benefits that are easy to explain on a product page.
4. Keep the First Range Simple
Every extra formula, pack size or design creates another SKU. More SKUs can increase packaging work, stock risk and cash needs. A focused first range is easier to promote and reorder.
5. Check Local Rules Before Printing
The formula, product name, claims and label must fit the destination market. Complete this review before final artwork and package printing.
MOQ, Packaging and Container Planning
Pet Secret’s standard private label MOQ is generally 5 metric tons per SKU. The quotation examples use one formula in a 12 MT, 20-foot container.
- Cat food example: 1 kg × 12,000 bags;
- Dog food example: 2 kg × 6,000 bags;
- packaging: three-layer, 150 micrometre PET/AL/PE high-barrier bags; and
- trade term: FOB Qingdao.
A mixed-formula or mixed-package container needs a separate review. Send the number of SKUs and quantity for each SKU before asking for a final loading plan.
Compliance and Batch Testing
All five formulas comply with the applicable AAFCO nutrient profiles, FEDIAF nutritional guidelines and China GB/T pet food standards.
Pet Secret provides a factory Certificate of Analysis for each commercial batch. Routine checks include protein, fat, moisture, ash, microbiology and heavy metal safety screening. Full third-party nutrient testing can also be arranged when required.
How to Request Formula Samples
Standard formula kibble samples of 500 g to 1 kg are available without a product charge. The buyer pays courier freight. The courier cost may be credited against a confirmed bulk order when agreed.
To receive the most useful samples, send:
- destination country;
- company and sales channel;
- cat food or dog food;
- target retail price level;
- preferred protein and fat level;
- preferred ingredients;
- pack size;
- quantity per SKU; and
- target launch date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which formula has the lowest 20GP cost?
The 24/14 chicken, duck and beef dog food has the lowest 20GP FOB total in this comparison at USD 14,481.53. Among the cat food options, the 28/14 deep sea fish and chicken formula has the lowest total at USD 16,525.49.
Which formulas have the highest protein?
The chicken, beef and pigeon cat food and the chicken, rabbit and pigeon cat food both provide at least 34% crude protein. The duck, tuna and cranberry dog food provides at least 32% crude protein.
Can I use one of these formulas under my own brand?
Yes. These formulas can be assessed for private label use with your approved brand name, package design and destination-market label.
Can the formulas be changed?
Formula adjustments and custom development can be reviewed. Changes may affect price, samples, testing, MOQ and production time.
What is the standard MOQ?
The standard MOQ is generally 5 metric tons per SKU. Final feasibility depends on the formula, packaging and production plan.
How do I choose between the three cat food formulas?
Choose the 28/14 fish and chicken formula for a more competitive starting price. Choose the 34/16 chicken, beef and pigeon formula for high-protein and high-fat positioning. Choose the 34/12 chicken, rabbit and pigeon formula for a distinct protein and probiotic story.
What should I do next?
Send your destination country, sales channel, target price and preferred formulas. Pet Secret will recommend a short list, confirm sample availability and prepare a current quotation.
Related Formula and Product Resources
- Jungle Exploration cat food market positioning
- Jungle Power 34/25 working dog formula guide
- Jungle Exploration product specification
- Jungle Power 34/25 product specification
Request your formula shortlist and samples
Email: chongmi001@petsecret.top
WhatsApp: +86 155 6218 7150