Australia’s Pet Food Label Requirements

Pet food labelling requirements are a key consideration for Australian manufacturers when designing packaging. At Close the Loop, we believe business owners must adhere to all regulatory practices to ensure full compliance.

Like human food, pet owners deserve to know what goes into every tin, pouch, or kibble bag they buy. Accurate and compliant pet food labels are essential not only for supporting informed consumer decisions but also for building brand credibility and reducing regulatory risks. Adhering to pet food labelling standards serves a dual purpose: it protects the health of pets and shields manufacturers and retailers from legal and reputational consequences.

Australia’s Key Pet Food Labelling Regulations

Clear labelling can help prevent misrepresentation, allergic reactions, and enforcement penalties, especially in a market that places increasing emphasis on safety. With strict national regulations in place, pet food brands must ensure their packaging meets both practical requirements and legal obligations from the outset.

Pet food labelling in Australia is governed by a combination of standards and industry codes, all designed to protect animal health, ensure accurate representation, and support responsible manufacturing.

• Australian Standard AS 5812:2017 – Manufacturing and Labelling of Pet Food
  This widely adopted voluntary standard outlines the minimum labelling requirements for pet food products. It covers product naming, ingredient listing, nutritional information, feeding guidelines, and batch identification to support traceability. It ensures that the labels are truthful and clear, especially regarding nutritional claims or ingredient quality.
• Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
  Enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ACL prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in marketing. Pet food labels must accurately reflect the product’s composition, origin, and claims. All health claims and industry terms like “premium” or “organic” must be substantiated.
• Food Standards Code
  While the Food Standards Code mainly applies to human food, some ingredients used in pet treats, such as certain additives or preservatives, may still fall under its scope. If your product contains these, additional labelling requirements may apply, especially for allergens.

These guidelines help manufacturers and pet food packaging providers stay compliant, reduce the risk of recalls, and build trust with consumers.

What Needs to Be on a Pet Food Label?

To meet the pet food labelling requirements Australia mandates, packaging must include key information to ensure transparency, traceability, and safety. These requirements apply to food for dogs, cats, and other companion animals, excluding livestock and human food.

Species and Intended Use

Labels should clearly state which animal the product is made for and how it should be used. This helps avoid feeding mistakes that could affect a pet’s health. For example, terms like “kitten growth formula,” “for adult dogs,” or “rabbit maintenance pellets” help guide the right choice. Cats, for instance, need nutrients that dog food doesn’t provide. Feeding the wrong food could cause health issues over time.

Product Name and Description

The name on the label must truthfully reflect what’s inside. If a product is called “Beef & Vegetable Dinner,” it should contain a meaningful amount of both beef and vegetables and not just flavouring or traces. Misleading names can create confusion and may breach consumer law.

Ingredient Declaration

Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, using plain, recognizable names. This includes additives, preservatives, and artificial colours or flavours. For example, a dry dog food might list: “chicken, meal, rice, what, tallow.”

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Products labelled as “complete and balanced” must meet recognised nutritional standards, either by formulation or feeding trials. If not, the label should clearly state that the food is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.

Feeding Guidelines

Labels should include daily feeding instructions based on the animal’s weight, age, or life stage. For instance: “Feed 50g daily for cats weighing 2–3 kg. Adjust according to activity level.”

Best-Before or Use-By Date

Labels must clearly display a best-before or use-by date to help consumers assess freshness and avoid feeding food that may have lost its nutritional value.

Batch Code and Manufacturer Details

Each label should include a batch or lot number to support traceability. It must also display the manufacturer’s or importer’s contact information, such as an address, phone number, or website.

Allergen Information

Declaring common allergens like beef, chicken, wheat, or soy is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially if your product claims to be hypoallergenic. Clear allergen labelling supports pet health and helps owners make informed decisions.

Analytical Constituents or Guaranteed Analysis 

Labels must indicate the percentages of key nutrients, such as crude protein, fat, fibre, and moisture. These values help verify nutritional adequacy. For example: Crude Protein (min): 25%, Crude Fat (min): 12%, Moisture (max): 10%.

Avoiding Common Compliance Pitfalls

Even high-quality pet food can fall short if the label isn’t up to standard. Some of the most common compliance issues include:

• Hard-to-Read Labels: Fonts that are too small, smudged text, or poor contrast can violate readability standards.
• Outdated Ingredients: If your formulation changes, your label must too. Mismatches can mislead buyers and breach ACL.
• Unverified Claims: Terms like “organic,” “grain-free,” or “veterinarian recommended” must be truthful and supported by evidence.
• Label Damage from Packaging: If the label peels, fades, or becomes unreadable during shipping or storage, it could be deemed non-compliant, even if the content is accurate.

How Close the Loop Supports Pet Food Labelling Compliance

We help businesses meet the pet food labelling regulations Australia requires, making it easier to stay compliant and confidently bring products to market.

High-Quality Printing for Regulatory Clarity

Our printing technology ensures that all required information remains visible throughout the product’s lifecycle. 

• Smudge-resistant inks for high-humidity environments
• Readable fonts and strategic layout to avoid label overcrowding
• Options for variable data printing (Bar code, Batch numbers, or QR codes)

Compliant Materials for Long-Term Durability

Our flexible packaging materials are built to withstand handling, stacking, and climate variations. This reduces the risk of fading, tearing, or peeling.

• Multi-layer films to protect against oxygen and moisture.
• Puncture-resistant bags for heavy kibble or wet food.
• Tamper-evident seals to ensure safety and trust.

Packaging That Fits Your Product

Different pet foods need different packaging types. We offer:

• Stand-up pouches with resealable zippers for dry food.
• Vacuum packs for fresh or raw pet diets.
• Custom shapes and sizes to fit retail shelving and enhance visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

Meeting pet food labelling regulations in Australia takes time, care, and attention to detail. With the right partner, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with all the standards. At Close the Loop, our experts ensure that your packaging meets legal requirements and stands out on the shelf. We’ll help you cover everything, so you can focus on delivering safe, nutritious food to pets. Contact us at Close the Loop today!