The freshness of pet food is closely connected with the nutrition, taste, and safety offered to a pet every single day. When oxygen, moisture, or light is allowed to reach kibble, treats, or freeze-dried meals, nutrients are broken down, and flavour is lost within a short period. Pet food freshness is protected through several layers of design behind every bag, pouch, and box on the shelf. From barrier films to a resealable zipper, each element of pet food packaging is designed with one goal in mind: freshness is preserved from the manufacturing line to the food bowl. In this guide, the strategy and design behind reliable pet food packaging is explained in detail.

Oxygen And Moisture Affect Pet Food Freshness

Fat oxidation and rancidity are triggered when oxygen exposure is allowed to reach the surface of kibble or treats, and an oxygen barrier is required to slow this process down. Mold and bacterial growth are encouraged by trapped moisture inside a bag, and a moisture barrier is therefore built into most flexible pet food bags and stand-up pouches. Dry pet food and pet treat packaging are both affected in this way, which is why oxygen and moisture control are treated as the starting point of any reliable design.

Barrier Materials Used In Pet Food Packaging

A high-barrier packaging structure is formed by combining PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and BOPP film into a single laminated film, and airtight packaging is achieved as a result for the protection of the product. Aluminium foil laminate and metallized film are added to the middle layer of many barrier films, and oxygen and moisture transmission is reduced to a minimum through this construction. Only food-grade materials are approved for direct contact with dog food packaging and cat food packaging, in line with Canadian food-contact standards. 

Resealable Features Maintain Long-Lasting Freshness

Freshness is maintained across multiple servings when a resealable zipper is fitted along the top of a bag, and repeated opening and closing is handled without the barrier being broken. Side gusset bags and stand-up pouches are both fitted with this type of closure, and an airtight seal is re-formed each time the zipper is closed. Kraft pet food bags and flexible pet food bags alike are designed around this feature, so that freshness is not lost after the first use.

Light Protection Prevents Nutrient Loss

Vitamins and fats are degraded when UV protection is not built into the film, which is why light protection is added through opaque or foil-lined layers. Metallized film and aluminium foil laminate are commonly chosen for this purpose, since direct sunlight and artificial light are both blocked before they reach the food inside. Pet treat packaging that is stored near a window or under store lighting is protected from this kind of nutrient breakdown through the same barrier films used for oxygen and moisture control.

Odour Control And Aroma Retention

The aroma of the food is locked inside the bag, and outside smells are kept out, through an aroma barrier that is engineered into the film structure. Odour protection is treated as a separate requirement from oxygen and moisture control, since a different layer of the laminate is usually responsible for holding aroma in place. Airtight packaging and heat sealing both play a role here, as a fully sealed edge is what keeps the scent of dry pet food, treats, and freeze-dried meals from escaping.

Shelf Life Extension Through Proper Packaging

Shelf life is extended significantly through the combination of an oxygen barrier, a moisture barrier, and light protection working together in one structure. Nitrogen flushing and modified atmosphere packaging are also applied to some product lines, through which oxygen is removed from inside the bag before it is sealed. A longer expiry date is achieved as a direct result of this material selection, rather than through any change to the food itself.

How To Design Pet Food Packaging

The design of pet food packaging is guided by both function and shelf appeal, and several features are typically built into a well-designed bag or pouch:

• Tear notch and window pouch: easy opening is offered through a tear notch, while the visibility of the product is improved through a window pouch cut into the front panel.

• Matte finish and gloss finish: a premium look is achieved for the presentation of the product, whether a matte finish or a gloss finish is chosen for the outer layer.

• Tamper-evident seal: consumer trust is protected when a tamper-evident seal is applied at the point of manufacture.

• Heat sealing: an airtight closure is formed through heat sealing, which is applied to stand-up pouches, kraft pet food bags, and flexible pet food bags alike.

A final packaging structure is selected according to the type of product, storage needs, and freshness requirements. Learn More

“Customers will occasionally buy products not because they want them but because of how they are presented to them.” — James Clear 

Canadian Regulations And Certifications For Packaging

Pet food packaging that is sold across Canada is required to meet clear legal standards before it is placed on a store shelf. Under Section B.23.001 of Division 23 of the Food and Drugs Act, any substance that is transferred from a package to its contents in a way that is harmful to a consumer is prohibited. The Safe Food for Canadians Act (S.C. 2012, c. 24) and the accompanying Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SOR/2018-108) are followed for traceability, food-grade materials, and manufacturing standards across the country. Bilingual labelling in English and French is required under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, and this requirement is met by most dog food packaging and cat food packaging sold in Canadian pet stores.

Sustainable And Recyclable Packaging Options

A shift toward recyclable packaging and sustainable packaging materials is being made by a growing number of pet food brands across Canada, without any compromise being made on the protection of the product. Packaging waste reduction is achieved through mono-material packaging, in which a single type of film is used instead of multiple bonded layers, so that the structure is more easily recycled at the end of its life. Post-consumer recycled content is incorporated into many kraft pet food bags, and store drop-off recycling is offered for flexible film pouches in several Canadian municipalities. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements are followed by manufacturers across most provinces, under which the cost of collection and recycling is placed on the brand rather than the consumer.

Conclusion

The freshness of pet food, from the first opening to the last, is protected through a careful combination of barrier films, resealable features, and Canadian food-contact standards. Oxygen, moisture, light, and odour are all kept away from kibble, treats, and freeze-dried meals through high-barrier Custom Packaging that is designed with the needs of the brand and requirements of the brand in mind. As sustainability is given more importance across the packaging industry, recyclable and mono-material solutions are being adopted without freshness being placed at risk. A well-designed bag is, in the end, one of the most important tools through which the trust of a pet owner is earned and kept.

Universal Packaging Advances Gravure Printing Capabilities In Toronto

Gravure printing capabilities in Toronto are being advanced by Universal Packaging, that continues its nationwide expansion of printing capabilities, with the latest version being the BOBST MASTER RS 6003  gravure press, being introduced in Toronto. The launch also includes other printers: the HP Indigo 200k and Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 machines, which are used for specialized flexible packaging solutions, including custom mylar bags. The same technology will soon be introduced in other states of Canada. Driven by continuous innovation, the gravure printing technology of universal packaging was upgraded from the BOBST Nova RS 5003 in 2024 to the BOBST Vision RS 5003 in 2025 and then to the BOBST MASTER RS 6003 in 2026, where multi-colour printing is carried out at speeds of up to 600 m/min with a web width of up to 1500 mm on film, paper, laminate, and aluminum foil substrates with solvent-based and water-based inks.

"Our continued expansion across Canada brings us closer to customers, with advanced printing technology supporting flexible packaging solutions and ongoing growth," said Daniel James, Managing Director of Universal Packaging. In relation to this development, William Crooks, Designer at Universal Packaging, added, "The upgraded digital printing process is designed for greater consistency in presentation across formats."

"Strengthening manufacturing in the country means strengthening our economy, support for our workers and our prosperity for generations to come," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry. With Toronto now established as a new location, Mississauga operations are expected to continue in parallel, and further locations are planned to follow soon. Access to custom mylar pouches is extended for customers across additional Canadian regions.

FAQs

What is high-barrier packaging?

High-barrier packaging is a term used for film structures that are built with an oxygen barrier, moisture barrier, and light protection layer. Multiple materials such as PE, PET, and BOPP film are combined in this type of structure.

How is freshness maintained once a bag is opened?

Freshness is maintained through a resealable zipper that is closed tightly after each use. Storage in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, is also advised for the protection of the product.

What materials are used in dog food packaging and cat food packaging?

Kraft pet food bags, stand-up pouches, and flexible pet food bags made from food-grade materials are commonly used. Aluminium foil laminate and metallized film are often added for extra barrier strength.

Are there Canadian regulations for pet food packaging?

Yes, pet food packaging sold in Canada is governed by Division 23 (Section B.23.001) of the Food and Drugs Act, along with the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations. Bilingual labelling is also required under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.

Is pet food packaging recyclable?

A growing number of options, including mono-material packaging and recyclable film structures, are offered across Canada. Post-consumer recycled content and store drop-off recycling are also used by several brands as part of packaging waste reduction efforts.

Where can custom pet food packaging be ordered in Canada?

Custom pet food packaging, including stand-up pouches, kraft pet food bags, and screen and UV printed designs, is offered by Universal Packaging and Printing Shell. Quotes and samples are provided directly through their websites.