Private label pet food cost ranges from USD 14,481.53 to USD 22,861.49 for one 20-foot container in the five dry food examples below. Each example is based on 12 metric tons of finished cat or dog food in retail bags, quoted FOB Qingdao on August 30, 2026.
The final price depends on the formula, protein and fat levels, meat sources, functional ingredients, bag size and packaging. Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. normally starts private label projects at 5 metric tons per SKU. The 12 MT figures below show a full-container calculation, not the minimum order.
Written by: Pet Secret Biotechnology Co., Ltd. International Trade Department
Technical review: Pet Food Formulation, Quality and Export Team
Last updated: September 2026
Price reference date: August 30, 2026
Quick Answer: How Much Does Private Label Pet Food Cost?
For these five Pet Secret dry food formulas, one 20-foot container with a 12 MT payload costs about USD 14,482 to USD 22,862 FOB Qingdao. The container holds either 12,000 one-kilogram cat food bags or 6,000 two-kilogram dog food bags.
The lowest example is a 24% protein and 14% fat dog food at USD 14,481.53 per container. The highest example is a 34% protein cat food with fresh chicken, rabbit and pigeon at USD 22,861.49 per container.
These are dated commercial examples, not a permanent price list. Raw material prices, exchange rates, packaging and order details can change. Buyers should request a current quotation before placing an order.
Five Real 20GP FOB Qingdao Cost Examples
| Formula | Protein / Fat | Retail Pack | Bags per 20GP | Finished Bag Price | 20GP FOB Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken, Duck and Beef Dog Food | 24% / 14% | 2 kg | 6,000 | USD 2.277 | USD 14,481.53 |
| Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Cat Food | 28% / 14% | 1 kg | 12,000 | USD 1.309 | USD 16,525.49 |
| Duck, Tuna and Cranberry Dog Food | 32% / 15% | 2 kg | 6,000 | USD 3.387 | USD 21,141.53 |
| Chicken, Beef and Pigeon Cat Food | 34% / 16% | 1 kg | 12,000 | USD 1.763 | USD 21,973.49 |
| Fresh Chicken, Rabbit and Pigeon Cat Food | 34% / 12% | 1 kg | 12,000 | USD 1.837 | USD 22,861.49 |
Request a current 20GP quotation and formula sample, or contact the export team on WhatsApp: +86 155 6218 7150.
What Is Included in These FOB Prices?
Each example includes:
- 12 metric tons of finished dry pet food;
- the selected formula and normal production cost;
- finished 1 kg cat food bags or 2 kg dog food bags;
- three-layer, 150 micrometre PET/AL/PE high-barrier packaging;
- easy-tear and resealable packaging features;
- routine factory batch testing; and
- FOB Qingdao local handling and customs clearance charges of USD 817.63 per container.
The FOB price does not include ocean freight, cargo insurance, import duty, destination tax, customs costs at the destination or local delivery after arrival. These costs depend on the destination country and shipping date.
Why Do the Five Formulas Have Different Prices?
1. Meat and Protein Sources
Chicken, duck, beef, tuna, rabbit, pigeon and fish materials have different costs. A formula with several selected animal proteins normally costs more than a basic formula.
2. Protein and Fat Levels
Protein and fat targets affect raw material use and production cost. However, a higher protein number is not the only sign of quality. The protein source, amino acid balance, digestibility and target market also matter.
3. Functional Ingredients
Ingredients such as Antarctic krill oil, fish oil, lactoferrin peptide, prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine and selected plant ingredients can add value and cost. They should support a clear product position, not make the label needlessly complex.
4. Retail Pack Size
The cat food examples use 1 kg bags. The dog food examples use 2 kg bags. A smaller bag creates more retail units per container and increases the total packaging cost.
5. Packaging Material
These examples use three-layer, 150 micrometre high-barrier bags. The structure helps protect the food from moisture, oxygen and light. Custom printing, cylinders, artwork and special bag features may create extra costs.
Which Formula May Fit Your Market?
For a Competitive Mainstream Range
The 24/14 chicken, duck and beef dog food and the 28/14 deep sea fish and chicken cat food have the lowest full-container totals in this comparison. They may suit importers and distributors that need a clear retail price and broad market use.
For a Premium High-Protein Range
The 34/16 chicken, beef and pigeon cat food and the 32/15 duck, tuna and cranberry dog food may suit brands that want stronger protein positioning and a more premium ingredient story.
For a Distinct Cat Food Range
The 34/12 fresh chicken, rabbit and pigeon formula offers a less common protein mix. It also contains selected probiotic strains. This may help a brand create a more distinct premium cat food line.
The right choice depends on your country, sales channel, target retail price and customer group. Pet Secret can compare the five formulas against your market brief before you request samples.
MOQ vs Full-Container Quantity
Pet Secret’s standard private label MOQ is generally 5 metric tons per SKU. A new formula, flavor, kibble design, pack size or product format may count as a separate SKU.
The examples in this article use one formula in a full 20-foot container with a 12 MT payload. This equals:
- 12,000 bags for a 1 kg cat food product; or
- 6,000 bags for a 2 kg dog food product.
A mixed-SKU container needs a separate production and packaging review. Buyers should confirm the number of formulas, quantity per SKU and bag size before asking for a final price.
Packaging Used in These Examples
All five examples use three-layer PET/AL/PE packaging with a total thickness of about 150 micrometres.
- Cat food: 1 kg high-barrier, easy-tear zipper bag;
- Dog food: 2 kg high-barrier, easy-tear flat-bottom bag;
- custom brand artwork and printing are available after review; and
- printing cylinder or proofing fees are paid after artwork approval.
Final packaging cost depends on bag dimensions, artwork, printing quantity, carton requirements and the number of SKUs.
Nutrition and Compliance Standards
The five quoted formulas comply with the following nutrition standards:
- AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles, as applicable;
- FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines, as applicable; and
- China GB/T 31216 or GB/T 31217 standards, as applicable.
The correct standard depends on the animal, life stage, formula and destination market. Product labels and claims must also meet the rules of the country where the product will be sold.
Quality Testing and COA
Pet Secret provides a factory Certificate of Analysis for each commercial production batch. Routine checks include crude protein, fat, moisture, ash, microbiology and heavy metal safety screening.
If a buyer needs a full third-party nutrient report, testing can be arranged through organizations such as SGS, Eurofins, CTI or PONY. The buyer normally pays this cost. A different arrangement may be discussed for stable, high-volume orders.
Sample Policy
Standard formula kibble samples of 500 g to 1 kg are available without a product charge. The buyer pays the courier cost. The courier cost may be credited against a confirmed bulk-container order when agreed in the sales contract.
Samples can help buyers check kibble size, appearance, aroma, handling and feeding response before commercial production.
Payment Terms for a New Customer
The standard first-order payment plan is:
- 30% T/T deposit after the Proforma Invoice is confirmed; and
- 70% balance before shipment or loading.
Before the balance payment, Pet Secret provides the factory quality report, finished product photos and a high-definition inspection video.
How to Get an Accurate Current Quote
Send the following information to the Pet Secret export team:
- destination country and port;
- your company type and sales channel;
- cat food or dog food;
- preferred formula or nutrition target;
- pack size and packaging style;
- quantity for each SKU;
- private label artwork status;
- required tests and documents;
- preferred Incoterm; and
- target order date.
A complete brief helps the factory confirm formula fit, MOQ, packaging cost, sample options and the current FOB price.
Request a formula recommendation, sample and current quotation
Email: chongmi001@petsecret.top
WhatsApp: +86 155 6218 7150
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private label pet food cost in China?
In these August 2026 Pet Secret examples, one 20-foot container with 12 MT of finished dry pet food costs USD 14,481.53 to USD 22,861.49 FOB Qingdao. A current price requires a confirmed formula, bag size, quantity and destination.
What is the MOQ for private label pet food?
Pet Secret’s standard MOQ is generally 5 metric tons per SKU. A separate formula, flavor, kibble, pack size or product format may be treated as a different SKU.
Does the FOB price include ocean shipping?
No. FOB Qingdao includes the product, retail packaging and agreed local export charges at Qingdao. It does not include ocean freight, insurance, import duty, destination tax or local delivery.
Can several formulas be loaded in one container?
The examples above are based on one formula in a 12 MT container. A mixed-SKU load needs a separate review of production quantity, packaging and loading.
Are samples free?
Standard formula samples of 500 g to 1 kg have no product charge. The buyer pays courier freight, which may be credited against a confirmed bulk order when agreed.
Do the formulas comply with AAFCO and FEDIAF?
Yes. The quoted dog and cat food formulas comply with the applicable AAFCO nutrient profiles and FEDIAF nutritional guidelines. They also comply with the applicable China GB/T pet food standards.
What is the next step?
Choose one or more formulas from the comparison table and send your country, pack size, quantity and target order date. Pet Secret will review the project and prepare a current commercial quotation.
View private label dry food products or start an OEM project assessment.