Can you manufacture the recipe exactly as we request?

Yes, it is possible to produce your requested recipe. However, if certain ingredients are not in stock, new procurement may be required, which tends to increase the unit cost. Alternatively, we can adjust the formulation using existing ingredients to match your target recipe as closely as possible. This approach often allows for smaller production lots and helps keep the unit cost down.

What about the quality of raw materials used in overseas OEM production?

Our OEM partners source ingredients from reliable suppliers selected under strict quality management standards. Many key ingredients are procured domestically in each production country. Formulations are designed in line with international nutritional standards such as AAFCO, ensuring both safety and strong nutritional value.

What kind of manufacturing facilities do overseas OEM manufacturers have?

Our partner OEM manufacturers are continuously upgrading their facilities in line with modern requirements, including foreign-object detection systems and equipment capable of handling fresh meat. There are OEM manufacturers in multiple countries that can process fresh meat. We also work to ensure thorough quality control and traceability in case any quality issue occurs.

What is the quality control system at overseas OEM factories?

Our OEM products undergo quality checks at multiple stages, including incoming inspection of raw materials and in-process inspections during manufacturing. Product specifications are also set based on international nutritional standards such as AAFCO to ensure safety and consistent quality. In addition, we conduct regular quality audits and continuous improvement activities to further enhance product quality.

How long does it take from inquiry to completion of the final product?

Considering factors such as recipe adjustment, sample review (if available), laboratory analysis, packaging production lead time, factory visits, and confirmation of logistics flow, it may take approximately 6–12 months . That said, we have delivered products in 3–4 months in urgent cases based on past customer needs.

How long does it take from order placement to delivery?

In general, it takes about 1–2 months . However, timelines can vary depending on the selected OEM manufacturer and seasonal production capacity, so we recommend placing orders with sufficient lead time.

Pet Food OEM Development Costs: How to Deliver High Quality While Keeping Costs Down

The pet food market continues to expand, and more brands are entering the space to meet increasingly diverse consumer needs. In this environment, OEM manufacturing—where a trusted partner develops and produces products on your behalf—is an attractive option for many pet food companies, especially those that do not operate their own factories.

That said, OEM development comes with challenges, including selecting the right manufacturing partner and managing cost transparency. In particular, keeping product costs under control while maintaining high quality is critical.

In this article, we explain the typical costs involved in overseas pet food OEM development—and practical ways to reduce costs without compromising quality.

What Is Pet Food OEM/ODM?

Pet food OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to products that are manufactured under another company’s brand name and sold as that brand’s products.

In other words, the manufacturer produces pet food not under its own brand, but under the brand of the client (your company). In many cases, the client decides the manufacturing requirements and formula, and the manufacturer produces the product according to those requirements.

This means you can develop and sell your own branded pet food even if you do not own a manufacturing facility.

OEM Manufacturing Challenges Becoming More Complex

1. Differentiation is difficult due to concentration in domestic OEM

Because production is concentrated among domestic OEM factories, many brands end up using the same factories and similar recipes.

Many domestic OEM factories are not accepting new projects.
Lack of differentiation leads to price competition.
OEM factory limitations restrict ingredient sourcing options.

2. Suez Canal risks from over-reliance on European OEM

Over-reliance on European OEM always comes with supply chain risk.

Lead times can exceed 45 days due to shipping delays.
Freight costs can surge (up to 3×) due to geopolitical risk.
Delays increase out-of-stock situations and missed sales opportunities.

3. Lack of export infrastructure after domestic success

Production systems designed only for domestic sales create major barriers when expanding overseas.

Complex regulatory and labeling requirements in each country.
Domestic OEM factories may not have the export certifications required (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
Difficulty finding reliable local distribution partners.

Key Issues OEM Development Must Solve

Cost optimization

Move away from high domestic OEM cost structures and secure cost competitiveness while maintaining quality.

Stable supply chain

Build stable ingredient procurement and production systems that are not vulnerable to geopolitical disruption.

Product differentiation

Establish a foundation for product development that delivers uniqueness and added value that works in both domestic and overseas markets.

Solution: Leverage a Pacific-Rim OEM Network

Thailand

Perspective	Rating
Quality	★★★☆☆
Cost	★★★★☆
Lead Time	★★★★★

One of the world’s leading pet food exporting countries.
Flexible ingredient selection.
Well-suited for high-volume production at relatively low cost.
Extremely short shipping time (approx. 13–15 days).
Fast development enables easy SKU expansion.
Proactive in automated foreign material contamination controls.

Recommended for: Highly flexible recipe design

【ペットフード輸出大国タイ】製品開発や受託生産OEMサポート事業

Australia / New Zealand

Perspective	Rating
Quality	★★★★★
Cost	★★★☆☆
Lead Time	★★★★☆

Premium ingredients and clean production environments.
Australia: relatively cost-effective / New Zealand: slightly higher cost.
Standard shipping time (approx. 15–30 days).
Australian-origin brands are well-recognized in Japan.
New Zealand-origin brands are highly regarded globally.
Lower flexibility in ingredient selection.

Recommended for:
Natural & clean positioning; export-ready for multiple countries

オーストラリアでのドッグフードOEM製造がもたらすメリットと競争優位性

ニュージーランドでのドッグフードOEM製造がもたらすメリットと競争優位性

Canada

Perspective	Rating
Quality	★★★★☆
Cost	★★★★☆
Lead Time	★★★☆☆

Advanced food safety control under CFIA.
Competitive for standard/common ingredients.
Longer shipping time (approx. 30–40 days).
Rich lineup of functional superfoods.
Easier to capture and reflect the latest trends.

Recommended for:
Natural environment and safe agricultural/livestock sourcing

【差別化】カナダOEMによるドッグフード製造の戦略的利点

Benefits of a Pacific-Rim OEM Approach

Completely avoids Red Sea / Suez Canal route risks.
Flexible ingredient sourcing by leveraging each region’s strengths.
Reduces the risk of ending up with the same recipes as competitors.
Strengthens BCP through diversified sourcing and production regions.

Pet Food Categories Available for OEM Development

Category	Dog Food	Cat Food
Dry food	✓	✓
Freeze-dried food	✓	✓
Air-dried food	✓	✓
Retort pouch (wet)	✓	✓
Treats	✓	✓

Through our pet food OEM support, we work with OEM manufacturers across the Pacific region to develop the above products. Each category can be produced in a wide range of formats, formulations, and nutritional profiles—and in most cases, OEM development is possible.

For example, for dog food, we can develop products tailored to different life stages such as adult, puppy, and senior, as well as products designed for specific health needs.

NZ産フリーズドライ製法ドッグフードのOEM製造

【徹底解説】NZ産エアドライ製法ドッグフードのOEM製造

Reference Cost Examples for OEM Development

Product	Unit Price	MOQ	Minimum Order Value (EXW)
Thailand dry pet food (standard)	JPY 315.5/kg	4,000 kg	JPY 1,262,000
Australia dry pet food (premium)	JPY 445.5/kg	10,000 kg	JPY 4,455,000
New Zealand dry pet food (premium)	JPY 904.5/kg	12,000 kg	JPY 10,854,000
Canada dry pet food (premium)	JPY 514.3/kg	20,000 kg	JPY 10,286,000

These figures are provided as reference only.

Our Minimum Order Value (Our Past Quotation Example)

Based on past quotations provided to customers, we have offered a minimum order value of JPY 557,600 (EXW). In this case, the manufacturing unit price equates to JPY 139.4/kg.

However, the actual cost varies significantly depending on the ingredients, formulation, and order volume. For accurate pricing, we ask that you contact us for an individual quotation.

Our Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Dry food

MOQ depends on the OEM manufacturer selected, but as a guideline, the minimum lot size starts from approximately 4 tons per order.

If you are considering smaller production volumes, please inform us in advance. We will prioritize proposing OEM manufacturers that can support smaller lots.

Other product types

Product	Unit Price	MOQ	Minimum Order Value (EXW)
Freeze-dried food	JPY 7,200/kg	600 kg/SKU	JPY 4,320,000
Air-dried food	JPY 2,600/kg	1,200 kg/SKU	JPY 3,120,000
Retort pouch (wet)	Case by case	3,000 kg/SKU	N/A

These figures are provided as reference only.

Freeze-dried, air-dried, and retort pouch products use different production lines and processes, so MOQs vary. For example, freeze-dried products typically require 600 kg per SKU, while air-dried products require 1,200 kg per SKU. In general, MOQs are determined by the volume needed to operate production equipment efficiently.

Our Strengths and Key Features

We support your product launch with extensive experience across market analysis, recipe development, packaging, logistics, and overseas coordination. Below are our five pillars that connect planning through execution and results.

1) Product Planning

Cross-analysis of market, ingredients, nutrition, and manufacturing to deliver the best solution.

Using past data, we propose a product concept that meets target pricing, palatability, and functionality—often within as little as two weeks.

Market research

Ingredient analysis

Nutrition design

Concept proposal to recipe development in as little as 2 weeks

2) Strong Recipe Development Capability

Proprietary recipe database × R&D and nutrition teams.

Many successful cases including grain-free, novel proteins, and senior functional diets.
Collaborative formulation design aligned with market requirements and each manufacturer’s development team
Coverage of AAFCO and Japan Fair Trade Council guidelines.

Rich content resources

Nutritionists & R&D teams

AAFCO/FEDIAF

Recipe development aligned with global quality standards

3) Packaging & Contract Packing Support

Packaging design that prevents oxidation and protects quality.

Deep understanding of packaging materials (e.g., zipper bags, transparent vapor-deposited barrier films, aluminum vapor deposition).
Design specifications considering oxidation, humidity, and light deterioration.

Material-optimized design

We fully understand the characteristics of a wide range of packaging materials and propose the most suitable packaging solution for each product.
　

Quality degradation prevention

Packaging specifications are carefully designed to protect against oxidation, moisture, and light, helping to maintain product quality throughout its shelf life.
　
　

Packaging line arrangement

We carefully select and arrange contract packing partners capable of advanced packaging processes, such as resealable zipper packaging and matte-finish processing.

4) Logistics & Customs Support

Eliminate “unexpected costs” with multi-forwarder and FX-linked quotations.

Proven shipping experience across four hubs: Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
One-stop support for certificates of origin, HS code declarations, and country-specific label reviews.

Global 4-hub logistics network

FX-linked quotations

Import declaration documentation support

We have achieved cost reductions of up to JPY 200,000 per 40-foot container through optimized logistics planning.

5) Smooth Overseas Coordination

We handle all negotiations with OEM manufacturers and packaging suppliers.

Bilingual staff fluent in Japanese, English, and Thai, providing real-time, zero time-difference support.
Clear visibility into project progress, allowing clients to focus on decision-making and post-launch sales activities.

Multilingual support

Zero time-difference communication

Progress transparency

Through regular progress reports and meetings, we ensure full transparency throughout the entire development process.

Overseas Pet Food OEM Development Process

Our “Overseas OEM Pet Food Support” service finds suitable OEM factories in major production countries such as Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and supports product planning, development, production, and shipping on your behalf.

Main categories we handle

Category	Dog Food	Cat Food
Dry food	✓	✓
Freeze-dried food	✓	✓
Air-dried food	✓	✓
Retort pouch (wet)	✓	✓
Treats	✓	✓

We provide comprehensive support for developing a wide range of pet food types—including dry, freeze-dried, and air-dried—based on your requirements. The following is an example of our OEM support flow:

OEM development flow

1. Hearing

First, we listen to your goals and requirements in detail. We will ask about the target pet, product purpose, desired ingredients/formulation, price range, and other specifications.

2. Planning and proposal

Based on your input, we develop and propose the most suitable product concept. We incorporate market research and trend analysis to propose a unique and competitive product that aligns with your brand.

3. Quotation and product specification sheet

Once you are satisfied with the proposal, we submit a project quotation and a product specification sheet.

4. Review of similar samples (if available)

After the product specifications are finalized, we provide similar samples if available for your review. You can confirm quality, taste, aroma, and other aspects and share feedback.

Please note that samples may not be available in some cases.

5. Packaging specification

Once the product is finalized, we move to packaging specifications. We can pack into your existing designed packaging, or we can arrange packing into plain PP bags.

Contract packing support is also available.

6. Contract and purchase order

After final packaging confirmation, we proceed with formal contracting and order placement. Manufacturing begins once the order is confirmed.

7. Production and delivery

We manage quality control and the production schedule to deliver within your requested timeline. We also provide ongoing updates on progress and quality throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can you manufacture the recipe exactly as we request?: A

Yes, it is possible to produce your requested recipe. However, if certain ingredients are not in stock, new procurement may be required, which tends to increase the unit cost.
Alternatively, we can adjust the formulation using existing ingredients to match your target recipe as closely as possible. This approach often allows for smaller production lots and helps keep the unit cost down.

Q What about the quality of raw materials used in overseas OEM production?: A

Our OEM partners source ingredients from reliable suppliers selected under strict quality management standards. Many key ingredients are procured domestically in each production country. Formulations are designed in line with international nutritional standards such as AAFCO, ensuring both safety and strong nutritional value.

Q What kind of manufacturing facilities do overseas OEM manufacturers have?: A

Our partner OEM manufacturers are continuously upgrading their facilities in line with modern requirements, including foreign-object detection systems and equipment capable of handling fresh meat. There are OEM manufacturers in multiple countries that can process fresh meat.
We also work to ensure thorough quality control and traceability in case any quality issue occurs.

Q What is the quality control system at overseas OEM factories?: A

Our OEM products undergo quality checks at multiple stages, including incoming inspection of raw materials and in-process inspections during manufacturing. Product specifications are also set based on international nutritional standards such as AAFCO to ensure safety and consistent quality. In addition, we conduct regular quality audits and continuous improvement activities to further enhance product quality.

Q How long does it take from inquiry to completion of the final product?: A

Considering factors such as recipe adjustment, sample review (if available), laboratory analysis, packaging production lead time, factory visits, and confirmation of logistics flow, it may take approximately 6–12 months.
That said, we have delivered products in 3–4 months in urgent cases based on past customer needs.

Q How long does it take from order placement to delivery?: A

In general, it takes about 1–2 months. However, timelines can vary depending on the selected OEM manufacturer and seasonal production capacity, so we recommend placing orders with sufficient lead time.