How to Choose the Best Pet Food? A Professional Guide from Nutrition and Ingredients to OEM/ODM Manufacturing Models

1. Introduction

The modern pet food market is evolving rapidly, offering far more options than ever before. From the most common dry kibble, to highly palatable wet food, to premium raw-based pet food products, brands, ingredients, and nutritional compositions have all become increasingly diverse. However, choosing the right and most suitable pet food for your pet is not only about meeting daily nutrient intake—it also affects body condition, immunity, disease prevention, and even lifespan. For pet supplies wholesalers, pet food brands, start-up founders, and pet product suppliers, gaining a deep understanding of different pet food types and selection strategies helps build a stronger product portfolio, improve market competitiveness, and avoid many common purchasing mistakes in pet food procurement.

This article will walk you through a clear framework to understand:

• What types of pet food are available?

• How do you choose the most suitable pet food formula for your pet?

• What are the most common mistakes people make when buying pet food?

• If you want to develop pet food: should you make it in-house, or work with a professional OEM/ODM manufacturer?

 

2. What Types of Pet Food Are There?

1. Dry Food (Kibble)

Dry food is the most widely used and easiest-to-manage type of pet food. It is typically made by mixing meat meal, grains, legumes, fats, and nutritional supplements, then forming pellets through a high-temperature extrusion process. Its key advantages include a long shelf life and low moisture content (about 8–12%), which makes it less likely to grow bacteria or mold, and unlike wet food, it does not spoil quickly at room temperature. After opening, as long as moisture is avoided, it can often be stored for weeks to months without refrigeration or freezing, making it very convenient for routine stocking. In high-humidity environments such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, dry pet food is also less prone to souring, which increases its practicality. Because it produces less dust and is less likely to clog mechanisms, it is also ideal for long-term use in automatic feeders.

Since the ingredient and processing costs are generally lower than canned food, raw diets, or freeze-dried products, factories can mass-produce dry food efficiently, resulting in more stable pricing. This makes it particularly suitable for multi-cat or multi-dog households, pet hotels, breeding facilities, and rescue organizations that need to keep large quantities in stock over the long term. For wholesalers, developing OEM dry food also enables faster expansion of pet food SKUs with strong cost efficiency and flexible supply. In addition, kibble has a certain hardness that provides basic abrasion, which may help slow down tartar buildup. Some brands even design special shapes—such as cross, hexagon, or S-shaped kibbles—to enhance the cleaning effect. While it does not replace tooth brushing, dry food is indeed less likely than wet food to contribute to plaque and tartar accumulation.

That said, some dry pet foods may contain relatively high levels of carbohydrates, or certain nutrients may be partially lost during high-temperature processing. Therefore, when choosing dry food, it is still important to pay close attention to protein sources and overall formula quality. Dry food also offers strong customization potential, allowing the development of functional formulas such as high-protein, hypoallergenic, grain-free, digestive support, skin and coat, joint support, and weight management. Palatability can be improved through coating with oils or adjusting the proportion of meat meal. Meanwhile, the high-temperature extrusion process can effectively reduce risks such as Salmonella, so overall food safety performance is often relatively stable.

This does not replace tooth brushing, but it is less likely than wet food to cause tartar buildup, making it a more tooth-friendly form of pet food for daily oral care.

Additional Extended Features

• Highly customizable formulas: high-protein, hypoallergenic, grain-free, digestive care, skin & coat, joint support, weight management, etc.

• Palatability can be adjusted through oil coating and the ratio of meat meal to better match different pets’ preferences.

• Stable food safety: high-temperature extrusion can effectively reduce risks such as Salmonella, making it a relatively safe pet food category.

2. Wet Food

Wet food is typically based on meat, pâté, or gravy, with a moisture content usually around 70–85%, which is much closer to natural ingredients. As a result, wet food is generally more palatable and more aromatic, making it especially attractive to picky eaters or pets with low appetite—many brands even position wet food as an “appetite booster.” One of the core values of wet pet food is hydration. This is particularly important for cats, which naturally tend to drink less water. Wet food can effectively increase daily total water intake and reduce kidney burden. It is also often recommended for pets that require extra hydration, such as those with kidney disease, urinary tract issues, or pets that are senior, have dental problems, or are recovering post-surgery and are not suitable for chewing hard kibble.

Because of its soft texture and reduced need for chewing, wet food is also easier to eat and digest, making it more friendly for kittens, puppies, senior pets, or pets with sensitive digestive systems. Specialized wet formulas designed for digestive sensitivity are common on the market (for example, using more digestible proteins and adding prebiotics). However, wet food usually comes with higher costs and stricter storage requirements. It often requires high-temperature sterilization and packaging in metal cans or foil pouches, making it significantly more expensive than dry food. Once opened, it spoils more easily and must be refrigerated and consumed within a short period. For bulk stocking or imported wet food, transportation, cold-chain logistics, and storage constraints can also increase cost pressure for wholesalers.

In practice, wet food is commonly used for “mixed feeding.” Combining it with dry food can add texture variety, improve overall intake willingness, and help cats hydrate. It is also frequently used as a “trial” option, a medication aid, or a short-term supportive choice to stimulate appetite.

Additional Extended Features

• High nutrient density, suitable for pets that need quick energy replenishment, and can be designed as functional pet food.

• Can be combined with dry food for “mixed feeding,” adding variety while increasing cats’ water intake and overall willingness to eat.

• Suitable as a supportive option for taste trials, administering medication, or boosting appetite.

3. Raw-Based Pet Food

Raw-based pet food is built on the concept of being “closer to a dog’s or cat’s original diet.” It is commonly formulated with fresh meat, bones, and organs, combined with small amounts of fruits and vegetables in carefully planned ratios. Products are typically offered as frozen raw, freeze-dried, or air-dried formats. Compared with traditional extruded kibble, raw-based pet food usually contains a higher proportion of meat, and its nutritional structure is often closer to natural prey-based intake. Many formulas use real meat chunks, organs, bones, vegetables, and berries—creating a high-protein, high-meat product profile. This strongly appeals to pet owners who prioritize “biologically appropriate diets” and are usually willing to invest a higher budget in pet food. Many raw-based products on the market reach protein levels of 35–50% or higher, which can be attractive for active dogs and cats that require more protein support. Some owners also report subjective benefits such as improved coat condition, more stable skin health, higher energy levels, and fewer allergy reactions—often associated with higher meat content and relatively simple, transparent ingredient lists.

In terms of processing technology, raw-based pet food commonly follows two premium routes. The first is freeze-drying: ingredients are typically frozen at around –40°C and then dehydrated via vacuum drying, reducing moisture while preserving flavor and nutrients close to fresh meat. The second is air-drying/low-temperature drying: moisture is reduced with a gentler drying method, producing richer aroma, very high palatability, and a texture closer to jerky or whole meat. Overall, these methods often preserve natural nutritional value better than high-temperature extrusion, which is why they are commonly used in premium pet food development.

However, the biggest challenges for raw-based pet food are cost and food safety control. Because it uses large amounts of real meat and higher-grade ingredients, costs are naturally higher and prices are typically premium. At the same time, raw or minimally processed formats require stricter microbial management, with particular attention to risks such as Salmonella and Listeria, as well as parasites and hygiene during handling. For dogs and cats, if the nutritional ratios are not precisely calculated (for example, an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio), long-term feeding may lead to bone, metabolic, or other health risks. Therefore, the key is not “the more natural it looks, the better,” but rather confirming that the product comes from a professional factory with proper food safety and process control, and that the formula is supported by complete nutritional calculations and quality testing—making it much safer and healthier long term than DIY mixes or products from unclear sources.

This Type of Food Is Especially Suitable For:

Cats and dog breeds that need a raw-meat-based diet
Pets with food sensitivities that require hypoallergenic diets
Pet owners willing to invest a higher budget in pet food choices
Pets whose owners prefer grain-free, low-starch, and no artificial additives

 

3. How to Choose High-Quality Pet Food?

Choosing pet food is not something you can decide simply by brand name or price. Instead, it should be approached from two major dimensions: “your pet’s needs” and “product quality.” The following selection guide covers three aspects: your pet’s conditions, the ingredient list and nutrition label, and the capabilities of the supplier and factory.

1. Choose Based on Your Pet’s Conditions (Age, Breed, Weight, Health Status)

Pets have different nutritional needs across life stages, physical characteristics, breeds, and lifestyles. These differences directly affect which type of pet food formula you should choose.

Key Selection Points by Age (Kitten/Puppy, Adult, Senior)

Choosing by Breed

Choosing by Weight and Lifestyle

Choosing by Health Status (Very Important)

2. Read the Ingredient List and Nutrition Label

The ingredient list is the “soul” of pet food quality. Only by understanding ingredients and nutrition labeling can you judge whether a pet food is truly suitable for your pet.

Key Points for Cat Food

Cats are obligate carnivores, so the first priority when choosing cat food is whether the proportion of animal-based protein is sufficient. The higher the animal protein content, the closer it aligns with cats’ natural physiological needs—and it usually means the amino-acid profile and absorption efficiency better match feline metabolism. In contrast, if plant protein is too high, not only is its bioavailability lower, but it may also increase metabolic burden on the urinary tract and kidneys over time, making it unsuitable as the main protein source in cat food. Another critical nutrient that must not be overlooked is taurine. Cats cannot synthesize taurine on their own and must rely entirely on dietary intake. Taurine is closely linked to satiety regulation, heart function, and retinal health. Long-term deficiency may cause irreversible health damage, so high-quality cat food typically clearly indicates taurine levels.

In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA and EPA) are also important for cats. They help maintain healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and improve allergy-prone conditions—especially beneficial for cats with sensitive skin or poor coat quality. Finally, an appropriate amount of dietary fiber is also essential in cat food. It supports digestive motility and helps pass hairballs, making it a key nutritional design for long-haired cats or cats prone to hairballs.

Key Points for Dog Food

Dogs are omnivorous-leaning animals, so “nutritional balance” should be the core principle when planning daily diets—rather than assuming a single nutrient is better the higher it is. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, tissue repair, and immune function. Adequate, high-quality protein helps dogs maintain a healthy body condition and strong resistance. Fat is the primary energy source for dogs. For highly active dogs or working dogs, a moderately higher fat ratio helps support energy expenditure and endurance, and can also improve palatability. Beyond protein and fat, an appropriate amount of dietary fiber should not be overlooked. Fiber helps promote gut motility, supports digestion, and maintains a balanced intestinal microbiome—especially important for dogs prone to constipation or digestive sensitivity. In addition, essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are closely related to skin health, coat shine, and overall immune function. With proper intake ratios, they can help reduce inflammation and improve dry, itchy skin and coarse coat conditions. Only by achieving a good balance among protein, fat, fiber, and essential fatty acids can you build a stable, healthy, long-term diet that truly matches dogs’ physiological needs.

Small-Animal Diets (e.g., Guinea Pigs, Rabbits)

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C, so daily diets must include additional vitamin C supplementation. Otherwise, deficiency symptoms may occur, affecting immunity and joint health. As typical herbivores, guinea pigs also require high-fiber formulas and sufficient hay intake to maintain gut motility, tooth wear, and overall digestive function—both of which are core requirements that must not be ignored in daily care.

Ingredients and Misconceptions to Avoid

Unspecified meat meals (e.g., “meat meal” without naming the animal source)

Excessive fillers (too much corn meal or wheat flour)

 Artificial colors (not related to nutrition)

Artificial flavors (attractive but not nutritious)

A truly good pet food formula should be:

•  Clear about ingredient sources
•  High in animal protein
•  Not dependent on artificial additives

3. Choose Qualified Pet Food Suppliers

Beyond focusing on the formula and appearance of the product itself, choosing a reliable pet food factory and supplier is equally critical for ensuring quality and long-term safety. A trustworthy pet food factory typically complies with multiple international food safety and quality management standards. For example, it may pass SGS third-party testing to ensure raw materials and finished products meet safety requirements; implement ISO 22000 food safety management systems, which indicates systematic control over overall processes; and adopt HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) to effectively prevent potential risks during production. If exporting to the United States, FDA registration is often a basic requirement. Compliance with AAFCO nutrition standards relates directly to whether the pet food meets complete nutritional needs for dogs and cats. For the European market, higher-level certifications such as BRC or IFS also reflect a stronger level of reliability in food safety, hygiene, and process management.

On the ingredient side, transparency often directly reflects the overall quality level of pet food. High-quality pet food suppliers clearly label the actual source of animal protein—for example, distinguishing “chicken meal” from “poultry meal”—rather than using vague terms. They also disclose origin, supplier information, and batch traceability mechanisms so brands and consumers can track sources. In contrast, formulas that use unclear meat meals or rendered by-products without proper explanation often carry higher risk in raw-material quality and control. The clearer the ingredient information and the more complete the traceability system, the more trustworthy the product becomes overall.

In addition, clear and complete formula labeling is also a key indicator of professionalism. A qualified and responsible pet food product should clearly state crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and key nutrition values such as calcium and phosphorus ratios, enabling owners to evaluate whether it matches their pets’ needs. It should also list additives in full rather than summarizing them vaguely as “nutritional additives.” For dogs and cats with allergies, clear labeling of common allergens (such as chicken or gluten) is also very important. Overall, the clearer the labels and the more transparent the information, the more a pet food factory and supplier demonstrates commitment to quality, responsibility, and long-term trust.

Additional Factors for B2B Purchasing (Important for OEM/ODM)

Supply stability: Can the factory ensure long-term supply?
Production capacity: Can it scale volume? Can it handle peak seasons?
MOQ (minimum order quantity): Is it suitable for new brands or large-scale brands?
Lead time: How fast can it ship? Is scheduling flexible?
Quality control capability: Is there QC/QA, retain-sample policies, and COA testing?
OEM/ODM support: Including formula development, packaging design, and brand customization, etc.

 

4. Common Mistakes When Choosing Pet Food

1. Not Adjusting Food Based on Age

One of the most common basic principles owners overlook is adjusting formulas based on a pet’s age. Metabolic needs differ significantly across life stages: puppies and kittens need high protein, high energy, and DHA for brain development; adult dogs and cats focus on maintaining body condition and should avoid excessive calories; and senior pets often need lower calories and additional nutritional support due to increased kidney and joint burden. If food is not chosen by age—for example, feeding adult food to a puppy—it may lead to insufficient growth or digestive strain. Feeding kitten food to a senior cat can increase kidney pressure. The best approach is to choose pet food according to AAFCO/NRC life stage standards and adjust every 6–12 months based on weight and metabolic changes.

2. Not Adjusting Diet After Illness (Not Coordinating With Disease Management)

After a pet becomes sick, many owners do not adjust the diet at all. Issues such as kidney disease, digestive sensitivity, obesity, and skin allergies require specific nutritional directions aligned with veterinary advice. Pets with kidney disease need low phosphorus, low protein, low sodium, and increased moisture intake. Digestive sensitivity benefits from easy-to-digest or hydrolyzed protein formulas with prebiotics. Overweight pets need low fat, low calories, and higher fiber for satiety. Pets with skin allergies often need single-protein formulas such as salmon, duck, or lamb, or hydrolyzed protein diets. Many owners assume “sticking with the same food is fine,” which can slow recovery. Diet adjustments after illness usually require at least 2–4 weeks of observation, which is a core part of dietary management.

3. Blindly Chasing Expensive Hype or “Pretty Ingredient Lists”

Some owners blindly pursue expensive pet foods or formulas marketed with “premium ingredients” such as cranberries, blueberries, salmon oil, or chia seeds, even though the actual inclusion levels may be too low to produce meaningful nutritional improvement. Some people believe the higher the price, the better, or the more “fancy” the ingredient list sounds, the more nutritious it must be. In reality, what truly matters is whether the nutrition analysis meets “Complete & Balanced” standards and how the pet actually responds—such as coat shine, stool quality, and healthy body condition. Nutrient absorption and formula completeness always matter more than a good-looking ingredient list.

4. Looking Only at the Brand, Not Ingredient Sources and Processing (Ignoring Supply-Chain Transparency)

Brand recognition matters, but what truly determines pet food quality is the supply chain behind it. Many international pet food brands are actually produced by OEM factories. Therefore, the real quality drivers are ingredient traceability, batch testing, process management, and whether the manufacturer meets standards such as HACCP/ISO/SGS/AAFCO, and whether it can provide COAs or batch records. Attractive packaging does not guarantee ingredient safety. When choosing pet food, prioritize brands with transparent supply chains, clear labeling, and traceability.

5. Not Choosing Based on a Pet’s “Constitution” and “Lifestyle”

Ignoring individual differences and selecting food only by brand or price. Activity level, coat type, skin sensitivity, neuter status, and tendencies toward soft stools all affect nutritional needs. For example, indoor cats can easily become overweight if fed high-calorie diets. Long-haired cats may develop dry coats and heavy shedding if Omega-3 and Omega-6 are insufficient. The ideal approach is to observe multiple indicators such as stool, energy level, and coat condition, then choose a formula that matches the pet’s lifestyle. For special conditions, consult a veterinarian.

6. Switching Food Too Fast—Causing Diarrhea or Soft Stools

Switching pet food too quickly often causes diarrhea or soft stools. A correct transition should start with 25% new food on days 1–3, then gradually increase to 50%, 75%, and fully switch after day 10. For sensitive pets, the transition may require 14+ days. “Replacing everything at once” is one of the most common causes of digestive issues.

7. Believing “One Food for Life” Is Enough

Nutritional needs change with age, body condition, seasons, activity levels, and health status. If diets are not adjusted over time, pets may become overweight, nutritionally imbalanced, develop poorer coat condition, or experience digestive decline. It is recommended to check body condition every 6–12 months and discuss with a veterinarian whether dietary adjustments are needed.

 

5. Should You Make Pet Food In-House or Use Contract Manufacturing?

The biggest advantage of making pet food in-house is that the brand can fully control the formula, cost, and production process—from ingredient ratios to final texture—based on its own philosophy. In-house production also offers high flexibility, enabling small-batch testing to quickly validate market response and refine positioning. For companies seeking unique differentiation or aiming to build core proprietary technology, this can be very attractive. However, in-house production requires huge investments, including facility construction, drying equipment, sterilization technology, and quality control systems—often costing millions or even tens of millions in upfront investment. More importantly, the brand must bear all food safety risks independently. Complete staffing is required, including nutritionists, veterinarians, R&D personnel, and testing workflows. Without large production volumes to spread fixed costs, unit production costs can also rise significantly.

In comparison, outsourcing to OEM/ODM manufacturers can greatly reduce initial investment. Brands do not need to build their own pet food factory, and can instead leverage existing equipment, mature processes, and professional teams to enter the market. Many contract manufacturers also provide ready-to-use formulas, allowing brands to launch new products quickly or customize formulas as needed. Professional factories are usually familiar with regulations, labeling, and quality control, helping brands avoid common pitfalls—especially suitable for start-ups or companies aiming to speed up time-to-market. That said, outsourcing also has limitations. The most common challenges include MOQ restrictions that make small-batch testing difficult, and higher customization usually requires longer lead times and larger order volumes.

How Should You Choose? (Guiding the Reader)

You can ask yourself three questions:

1. Does my brand require extensive customization for pet food?

2. Do I have the capability to承担 regulatory compliance, testing, and food-safety responsibilities?

3. How quickly do I want my pet food products to launch?

If you’re not sure, it’s recommended to start with OEM/ODM manufacturing to test the market, and consider building your own production line later.

 

6. Conclusion: Why Choose Acepet?

Whether you are a pet food brand, a start-up founder, or planning to develop a private label, choosing the right manufacturing partner can determine a product’s success or failure.

As a well-known Taiwan-based pet supplies wholesale factory, pet product factory, and OEM pet supplies supplier,
Acepet’s advantages include:

• More than 80 years of brand heritage

• Hundreds of patents and 600+ in-house products, including a diverse range of pet supplies and pet-food-related accessories.

• In-house factory with complete equipment and stable quality.

• One-stop OEM/ODM support—from design and mold development to packaging—also enabling cross-category cooperation with pet food brands in the future.

• Extensive experience working with international brands (Europe/US, Japan, Southeast Asia).

If you would like to learn more about pet treats, pet supplies, and accessory products that can be bundled with pet food listings in the future, please visit Acepet to explore our full product range. Click here to view all Acepet products.