Shun NagaiWhen developing dog food, ensuring proper nutritional balance, using high-quality ingredients, and designing products that dogs truly enjoy are all essential. In this article, we introduce dog food development and manufacturing opportunities available through OEM production in Thailand.
Thailand is not only one of the world’s leading pet food exporting countries, but also a location where high-quality ingredients are readily available and production costs remain competitive. In addition, most Thai OEM factories manufacture according to AAFCO standards, giving them extensive experience exporting products to Japan.
In this article, we openly share ingredient lists for a wide range of dog food types—from premium formulas to functional diets—and explain what kind of OEM products can be developed in Thailand.
What Is Required for Dog Food Development
Understanding a dog’s nutritional needs and ensuring appropriate nutritional balance is one of the core challenges in dog food development. In addition, the use of high-quality ingredients and consideration of palatability and taste preferences are equally important. Below, we explore each of these key factors in detail.
Ensuring Proper Nutritional Balance
Maintaining a dog’s health requires a well-balanced diet. This means supplying appropriate proportions of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other essential nutrients.
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) establishes nutritional standards for dog food. In Japan, products must meet these standards in order to be labeled as “complete and balanced.”
Furthermore, it is important to work with veterinarians and nutritionists to adjust formulations according to a dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Use of High-Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients is essential for ensuring both the quality and nutritional value of dog food. Selecting fresh, nutrient-rich meats, fish, grains, and vegetables helps optimize nutritional balance and supports overall canine health.
High-quality ingredients are generally more digestible, allowing dogs to absorb nutrients efficiently and supporting healthy growth and sustained activity levels.
Palatability and Taste Preference
No matter how nutritious a dog food may be, it has no value if dogs refuse to eat it. For this reason, palatability must be carefully considered.
Product development and refinement should take into account dogs’ preferences for flavor, aroma, and texture. By combining veterinary expertise, OEM factory know-how, consumer feedback, and real-world feeding trials, manufacturers can create dog food that dogs genuinely enjoy eating.
Advantages of Thai OEM Dog Food Manufacturing
At our company, we actively propose Thailand as a manufacturing base for dog food and cat food OEM production. Below, we explain why Thailand is such an attractive option.
A Proven Pet Food Exporting Powerhouse
According to the Thai Pet Food Trade Association (TPFA), Thailand’s pet food export value exceeded 65 billion THB in 2021—an increase of 27% year-on-year—making Thailand the world’s third-largest pet food exporter.
The top export destinations for Thai pet food include the United States, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, and Australia. Demand is also growing across Asia, including India, Indonesia, and Laos.
Exports continued to grow strongly, reaching a 43% year-on-year increase by July 2022, indicating even further acceleration.
Dr. Chanintr Chalisarapong, President of TPFA, has noted that Thailand’s long experience in canned tuna production—accounting for roughly 20% of global production—has also contributed to the expansion of wet pet food manufacturing in the country.
Easy Access to High-Quality Ingredients
Approximately 95% of the raw materials used in Thai pet food production—such as fresh meat, grains, and seafood—are sourced domestically, further strengthening Thailand’s position in global trade.
Thailand’s diverse climate and geography allow for the production of a wide range of agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, and fruits. In addition, Thailand’s well-developed livestock industry provides access to fresh, high-quality human-grade meat. Its coastal geography also ensures an abundant supply of human-grade seafood for pet food production.
Cost Advantages
Thailand is known for its relatively low production costs compared with Japan and Western countries. Lower labor costs and efficient local sourcing of ingredients contribute significantly to this advantage.
For companies looking to launch new pet food products, this cost efficiency is especially attractive, as reduced manufacturing costs allow for more competitive pricing in the market.
Extensive Track Record of Exporting to Japan
Thailand is an excellent choice for pet food OEM manufacturing. Many Thai factories have extensive experience and advanced technology, enabling them to consistently deliver high-quality products. Their long track record of exporting to Japan also ensures strong quality control systems and reliable delivery schedules.
Characteristics and Types of Dog Food Manufactured in Thailand
Key Characteristics of Thai-Made Dog Food
Below are some of the main features of dog food that can be manufactured in Thailand.
Fresh Meat (Frozen Raw Materials)
Thai dog food manufacturers place a strong emphasis on using fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and other meats can be incorporated into formulations, enabling the development of dog food rich in high-quality protein and nutritional value.
Grain-Free Formulations
Grain-free dog food has become increasingly common in Thailand. Grain-free formulas exclude cereal grains such as wheat, barley, rice, and corn.
Instead, carbohydrates are typically sourced from legumes and tubers such as peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Gluten-free formulations are also available, making these products suitable for dogs with grain or gluten sensitivities.
No Artificial Preservatives or Colorants
Most Thai OEM dog food products are free from artificial preservatives and colorants (excluding essential minerals). Natural antioxidants such as mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract are commonly used, resulting in safe and health-focused products.
Premium Dog Food
Expected Benefits
- Glossy coat: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil and soybean oil support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Good digestibility: High-quality proteins and carbohydrates, combined with prebiotics (FOS), support digestion.
- Healthy immune system: Natural antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables help support immunity.
- Reduced stool odor: Dietary fiber and Yucca schidigera help reduce fecal odor.
- Joint support: Glucosamine and chondroitin support bone and joint health.
Example: Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
| Nutrition | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 30.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 15.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Ingredients:
Fresh meat (chicken, beef, salmon, tuna), meat and bone meal, brown rice, jasmine rice, soybeans, soybean meal, fish meal, chicken fat, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B-complex, C), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium), salmon oil, soybean oil, fructooligosaccharides, dried carrots, dried pumpkin, herbs, yucca, natural antioxidants (tocopherols, rosemary extract).
Weight Management Dog Food
Common Causes of Obesity
Overfeeding, neutering/spaying, lack of exercise, and genetic factors.
Obesity in dogs can lead to a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, joint pain, and arthritis.
Preventing obesity requires proper dietary control combined with an appropriate level of exercise.
Expected Benefits
- Maintains a balanced body condition by properly controlling fat content
- Maintains calcium and phosphorus balance to support bone health
- Promotes satiety and digestive health through various natural fibers
- Supports fat metabolism with supplemental L-carnitine
- Vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and lutein derived from marigold provide antioxidant benefits
Example: Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
| Nutrition | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 25.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 9.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 12.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Ingredients:
Fresh chicken meat, brown rice, cellulose, jasmine rice, hydrolyzed poultry protein, soybean meal, cassava, chicken meal, tuna meal, brewer’s yeast, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium), chicken fat, salmon oil, soybean oil, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline), L-lysine, psyllium, fructooligosaccharides, L-carnitine, natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract), dried carrots, dried pumpkin, herbs, yucca, marigold extract.
Skin & Coat Care Dog Food
Common Skin Conditions in Dogs
Fungal infections, demodicosis, atopic dermatitis, nutritional deficiencies (zinc, fatty acids, protein, vitamin A), and bacterial infections.
If left untreated, skin conditions may worsen and cause symptoms such as hair loss, unpleasant odor, itching, and sleep disturbances.
Identifying the cause, providing treatment, and preventing recurrence are all essential.
Benefits of Skin & Coat Care Dog Food
- Supports skin and coat growth with high-quality protein and essential amino acids
- Zinc and copper strengthen skin and coat structure, helping reduce hair loss
- Fatty acids help retain skin moisture and reduce inflammation and itching
- Vitamins (B3, B4, B5, biotin) promote skin cell regeneration
Example: Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
| Nutrition | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 27.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 15.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 3.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Ingredients
Fresh chicken meat, brown rice, chicken meal, jasmine rice, hydrolyzed poultry protein, soybean meal, cassava, salmon oil, soybean oil, chicken fat, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium), cellulose, brewer’s yeast, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline), L-lysine, taurine, L-threonine, turmeric, fructooligosaccharides, natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract), dried carrots, L-carnitine, dried pumpkin, herbs, yucca, marigold extract.
Urinary Care Dog Food
Causes of Urinary Issues
Nutritional imbalance, insufficient water intake, obesity, and urinary tract infections.
If urinary issues worsen, dogs may experience pain, frequent urination, or difficulty urinating. Maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy urine pH is essential for prevention.
Benefits of Urinary Care Dog Food
- Controls magnesium levels to reduce the risk of struvite stone formation
- Adjusts calcium and phosphorus balance to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate stones
- Supports balanced mineral levels and encourages water intake to reduce urine concentration and support urinary tract health
Example: Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
| Nutrition | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 24.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 14.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 3.5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Ingredients
Fresh chicken meat, brown rice, jasmine rice, hydrolyzed poultry protein, cassava, chicken meal, soybean meal, salmon oil, chicken fat, cellulose, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium), soybean oil, tuna meal, L-lysine, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline), L-threonine, DL-methionine, psyllium, fructooligosaccharides, natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract), dried carrots, L-carnitine, dried pumpkin, herbs, yucca, marigold extract.
Neutered & Spayed Dog Food
Changes After Neutering or Spaying
Hormonal changes, increased appetite, and reduced metabolic rate.
Proper dietary management and appropriate exercise can help prevent obesity and urinary stone formation.
Benefits of Neutered & Spayed Dog Food
- High protein content supports lean muscle and helps reduce fat accumulation
- Various natural fibers promote satiety and digestive health
- Controlled energy (calorie) levels help prevent weight gain
- L-carnitine supports fat metabolism
Example: Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
| Nutrition | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 30.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 15.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 10.0% |
Ingredients
Fresh chicken meat, hydrolyzed poultry protein, brown rice, jasmine rice, soybean meal, cellulose, cassava, chicken meal, tuna meal, salmon oil, chicken fat, brewer’s yeast, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium), L-lysine, soybean oil, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline), DL-methionine, psyllium, fructooligosaccharides, L-carnitine, natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract), dried carrots, dried pumpkin, herbs, yucca, marigold extract.
Our OEM Support Services
Our OEM support services assist clients by sourcing OEM factories in Thailand and overseas, and by supporting product planning, development, manufacturing, and logistics.
Main Product Categories
- Dry dog food
- Freeze-dried raw meat dog food
- Dry cat food
- Freeze-dried raw meat cat food
- Dog treats
- Cat treats
- Freeze-dried products
- Retort and shelf-stable products
We provide comprehensive support for the development of a wide range of pet food products, including dry food, retort food, and treats, tailored to each client’s needs.
Benefits of Using Our OEM Support
当社のOEMサポートを利用することで、様々なメリットが生まれます。以下に、その主なポイントを詳しくご説明いたします。
Access to a Wide Range of Proposals
By using our OEM support services, clients can choose from multiple OEM factories rather than relying on a single manufacturer. Taking into account each factory’s strengths, our partner R&D teams propose suitable product specifications and ingredient selections.
This multi-faceted approach helps achieve optimal product development.
Access to Japanese Veterinarians
We collaborate with active Japanese veterinarians and can introduce them as needed. Their professional insights into pet health and nutrition can be incorporated into product development.
Smooth Communication with Local Factories
We facilitate smooth communication with our partner OEM factories. Our support helps overcome language and cultural barriers, ensuring accurate specifications and reliable project timelines.
Logistics and Tariff Optimization Support
International trade requires careful selection of shipping methods and effective use of tariff benefits. We support these complex processes and propose efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions.
We also provide logistics support from Thailand to Japan, including introductions to freight forwarders and CIF delivery arrangements. Even clients with limited trade experience are welcome to consult us regarding import procedures in Japan.
Free Web Marketing Consultation
We also offer free web marketing consultations, working with clients to determine how new products can best be positioned in the market. With experience operating an EC site generating over 100,000 monthly page views, we provide strategic advice on online sales and advertising to support successful product launches.
Overseas OEM Development Process
Below is an example of our OEM development workflow:
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your vision, target pets, product purpose, desired ingredients, formulation requirements, and price range.
2. Planning & Proposal
Based on the information provided, we develop and propose the most suitable pet food concepts, incorporating market research and trend analysis.
3. Quotation & Product Specification Submission
Once you approve the proposal, we submit a quotation and detailed product specifications.
4. Sample Review (If Available)
If comparable samples are available, they are provided for evaluation of quality, taste, and aroma.
Note: Samples may not always be available.
5. Packaging Development
Packaging is finalized after the product is confirmed. Products can be packed in existing designed packaging or plain PP bags.
Packaging outsourcing is also available.
6. Contract & Order Placement
After final packaging confirmation, formal contracts are executed and production orders are placed.
7. Manufacturing & Delivery
Products are manufactured under strict quality control and delivered within the agreed schedule.
Progress updates and quality reports are provided throughout the process.