General / March 29, 2017
Pet food and dog treats come in all shapes and sizes – and so does pet food packaging. From small-scale stand-up pouches and cans to large plastic bags, brands (and pet owners) have more options than ever.
Choosing the best option for your product relies on several different factors including the type of pet your product is meant for and what ingredients are used to produce the product.
If your product falls under the dog treat category, here are 5 considerations to help you get started.
Compared to most pets, dogs spend a great deal of time outside the home. Whether it’s going for a walk around the neighborhood, visiting friends at the dog park, taking a ride in the car, or simply having fun in the backyard, dogs are frequently on-the-go with their owners.
Taking the above into account, dog owners tend to gravitate towards smaller and more convenient packaging when they purchase dog treats. Unlike rigid cardboard boxes, flexible packaging pouches can easily fit in most bags, purses and even pockets in some cases. This kind of portability serves as a major advantage for most consumers.
For obvious reasons, most dog owners are concerned for their pup’s safety as if he or she is a child of their own. If you’re aware of this and provide a package that poses less danger than some of the other pet treat packages on the market, you’ll have a clear advantage when consumers start making side-by-side comparisons.
Think about what type of closure system you want your package to use and be wary of sharp sides and edges that could potentially damage a dog’s mouth if left unattended.
Flexible pouches also provide an excellent canvas for displaying brand and product information right on the package including options for clear product windows, matte/sheer finishes and more.
Being able to offer complete transparency regarding nutritional facts, product size, shape, texture, etc. will help increase brand trust and customer satisfaction.
With flexible pouches, the product-to-package ratio is much higher than you’ll see among your standard rigid packaging options. Ultimately, this means flexible packaging can end up being more cost-effective for your business than inflexible alternatives like cardboard boxes and metal cans.
This also benefits consumers since the larger product-to-package ratio gives pet owners more dog treats in a smaller and more convenient package.
Aside from standing out on the shelf, protecting your product from environmental factors is just as important, if not more. Layered laminate structures and high-barrier packaging options utilize diverse materials to ensure that the contents of your package remain fresh and protected from unwanted oxygen and moisture.
These materials also protect your package from physical harm including punctures and other damage that can occur during the packaging and transportation process. And lastly, flexible pouch materials can also fulfill any sustainable packaging solutions your brand or product desires.
To learn more about how Eagle Flexible Packaging can support your pet food packaging efforts, partner with us today!