Dog Food Packaging in India: Trends, Regulations, and Innovations

The pet food industry in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, urbanization, and a shift toward viewing pets as family members. Dogs, in particular, dominate the market, with millions of households adopting them as companions. Amid this boom, dog food packaging plays a crucial role—not just in preserving freshness and nutrition but also in appealing to eco-conscious consumers and complying with stringent regulations. As of 2025, the Indian pet food market is projected to expand significantly, with packaging innovations addressing sustainability, convenience, and safety. This article examines the landscape of dog food packaging in India, encompassing regulatory frameworks, emerging trends, and challenges.

Regulatory Framework Governing Dog Food Packaging

In India, dog food falls under the broader category of pet food, which is primarily regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, outline requirements for materials in contact with food, ensuring they are safe and do not contaminate contents. Recent amendments, such as the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, have introduced provisions for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food packaging, marking a step toward sustainability. This allows the use of rPET for pet food containers, provided they meet extraction limits, such as 60 mg/kg for materials.

Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised standards for PET food contact materials, specifying limits for migration of substances and suitability for solid and semi-solid foods. The Indian Standard IS 11968:2019 categorizes pet foods into dry, wet, semi-moist, treats, and supplements, influencing packaging choices to maintain product integrity. Compliance with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and its Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, requires accurate labeling, including the net quantity, ingredients, and manufacturer’s details. These regulations ensure transparency, with labels often including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certifications. For imported dog foods, veterinary certificates are required to verify the safety of the products before they are allowed to enter.

Types of Packaging Commonly Used

Dog food packaging in India varies based on product type—dry kibble, wet food, or treats—and consumer preferences for convenience. Popular formats include pouches, bags, folding cartons, metal cans, and plastic bottles or jars. Stand-up pouches and resealable zipper bags are favored for dry foods due to their lightweight nature and ease of storage. These often feature multi-layer barriers to protect against moisture, oxygen, and light, extending shelf life.

For wet foods, metal cans and aluminum pouches are the dominant options, offering durability and hermetic sealing to prevent spoilage. Rigid paper containers, also known as paper cans, are gaining traction as eco-friendly alternatives, offering similar protection with recyclable materials. Custom-printed options allow brands to incorporate vibrant designs, while stock bags cater to smaller manufacturers with minimum orders as low as 100 units. Laminated multi-layer pouches are common for treats, ensuring freshness and portability.

Materials and Sustainability Trends

Materials used in dog food packaging include plastics (such as PET and polyethylene), paper and paperboard, metals, and emerging composite materials. Plastics remain prevalent due to their cost-effectiveness and barrier properties, but sustainability concerns are driving shifts. In 2025, eco-friendly options such as recyclable paper-based packaging and biodegradable films are trending, aligning with consumer demands for environmentally friendly solutions.

The global pet food packaging market, including India, emphasizes flexible packaging for its lightweight and shelf-stable qualities. Brands are adopting high-performance sustainable films that balance environmental impact with product protection. Recyclable (51% consumer preference) and biodegradable (48%) materials top the list of perceived sustainable options. In India, companies like Sonoco Asia offer paper can solutions that reduce plastic use while maintaining freshness. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.32% through 2030, fueled by these innovations.

Popular Brands and Their Packaging Strategies

Leading dog food brands in India prioritize packaging that reflects quality and convenience. Royal Canin utilizes breed-specific pouches and bags, featuring detailed nutritional labeling that emphasizes premium formulations. Pedigree offers affordable options in resealable bags and cans, focusing on accessibility. Drools, a homegrown brand, offers eco-conscious pouches made from natural ingredients, appealing to health-conscious pet parents.

Orijen and Acana feature high-protein dry foods in sturdy, recyclable packaging, while Farmina N&D utilizes innovative designs for their natural recipes. Henlo provides transparent packaging with ingredient lists, and Nutribles focuses on high-quality, filler-free options in convenient formats. These brands often incorporate zipper closures and portion-control features to enhance user experience.

Challenges in the Sector

Despite growth, challenges persist. Supply chain disruptions, especially in rural areas, hinder distribution. Balancing sustainability with cost and performance is a key issue, as eco-materials can increase expenses. Regulatory compliance, including IP hurdles like trademark infringements, adds complexity. Raw material price fluctuations, particularly for plastics, pose risks. Quality control and cold storage gaps further complicate the packaging of wet food.

Conclusion

Dog food packaging in India is evolving to meet demands for safety, sustainability, and convenience. With regulatory advancements, such as the approval of rPET, and a push toward eco-friendly materials, the sector is poised for innovation. As pet humanization continues, brands that prioritize transparent and eco-friendly packaging will thrive, ensuring healthier pets and a healthier planet.

5 FAQs About Dog Food Packaging in India

1. What regulations govern dog food packaging in India?
   Dog food packaging is regulated by the FSSAI under the 2018 Packaging Regulations, with amendments in 2025 allowing the use of recycled PET. BIS standards ensure material safety, and Legal Metrology rules mandate accurate labeling.
2. What are the common types of dog food packaging used in India?
   Common types include stand-up pouches, resealable bags, metal cans, folding cartons, and plastic jars. Pouches are popular for dry food, while cans are suitable for wet varieties.
3. Are there sustainable trends in dog food packaging in India?
   Yes, trends include recyclable paper cans, biodegradable films, and rPET. Consumers prefer eco-friendly options, driving brands toward plastic-free solutions.
4. Which popular dog food brands in India focus on innovative packaging?
   Brands such as Royal Canin, Pedigree, Drools, Orijen, and Farmina utilize resealable pouches and bags with barrier protection and clear labeling for added convenience and freshness.
5. What challenges do manufacturers face in dog food packaging in India?
   Challenges include supply chain issues, fluctuations in raw material costs, balancing sustainability with affordability, and navigating regulatory compliance.