Why Thailand is a pet-food powerhouse
Thailand exports over $2.9B of pet food annually, ranking #3 globally. The same tuna, chicken, and rice supply chain that feeds humans also feeds the world's cats and dogs — with Thai Union, Charoen Pokphand, and dozens of independent co-packers in Samut Sakhon, Chonburi, and Nakhon Pathom running lines for Petco, Chewy, Pets at Home, and every European private label.
Categories that move volume
| Category | FOB Bangkok | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Wet cat food 85g pouch (tuna base) | $0.18–$0.28 | 1 x 40'HC |
| Wet cat food 400g can | $0.65–$0.95 | 1 x 40'HC |
| Freeze-dried chicken cat treats 25g | .20–$2.00 | 3,000 pouches |
| Chicken jerky dog treats 100g | .40–$2.20 | 5,000 pouches |
| Dental dog chews (rice/tapioca based) | $0.35–$0.75 / stick | 2,000 cartons |
| Dry kibble (fish/chicken) 15 kg | $22–$34 | 1 x 40'HC per SKU |
Compliance is the whole game
- USA: FDA CVM + AAFCO nutritional profile. Prior notice on every shipment. Some states (CA, NY) require additional registration.
- EU: DG SANTE approval of the establishment. Only factories on the approved third-country list can export. Ask for the establishment number.
- UK: post-Brexit approval separate from EU list.
- Australia: DAFF permits + IRA — cat food faces stricter rules than dog food.
- Middle East: Halal for meat inputs; UAE MOCCAE registration.
MOQ reality
- Wet food: 1 x 40'HC per SKU is the floor. Retort lines don't run short.
- Freeze-dried treats: far more flexible — 3,000–5,000 pouches per SKU realistic.
- Kibble: 1 x 40'HC per formula.
Landed cost — private-label wet cat food to USA
- 40'HC = ~72,000 pouches of 85g @ $0.22 FOB = 5,840
- Ocean freight Laem Chabang → LA: $3,000
- US duty (HTS 2309.10) 0%: $0
- Broker + FDA prior notice: $400
- Drayage + warehouse: $900
- Landed: ~$20,140 → $0.28 / pouch vs $0.60–.20 US shelf
What separates a top-tier co-packer
- HACCP + BRCGS Pet Food v3 certified.
- Retort validation documented per pouch/can format.
- Nutritional analysis issued by SGS or Eurofins, not in-house.
- Traceability to fishing vessel (for tuna-based cat food).
FAQ
Which Thai establishments can export pet food to the EU?
Only those on the DG SANTE approved third-country list for petfood-processing plants (BOM code TH). Ask for the establishment approval number before you sample.
Can I get grain-free formulas?
Yes — chickpea, tapioca, sweet-potato bases are all available at MOQ. Note the FDA's DCM investigation history if you sell in the USA.
What's the lead time?
45–60 days for wet food; 30–45 for freeze-dried treats; 60–75 for a fully custom kibble.
Is Thai pet food competitive vs Vietnam and China?
Yes on wet cat food (Thailand's tuna advantage) and freeze-dried; Vietnam is catching up on dog jerky; China dominates rawhide.
Want a vetted, EU/USDA-listed pet food co-packer shortlist? Talk to TUSKO.