Packaging homemade dog treats to sell requires careful planning and preparation to ensure the treats stay fresh, look appetizing, and meet any legal requirements. Proper packaging is key for successfully selling homemade goods.
Choosing Packaging Materials
When selecting packaging materials for homemade dog treats, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Food safety – Packaging should be food-grade and not leach chemicals into the treats. Plastic, glass, and foil are common options.
- Airtight seal – The packaging should seal tightly to lock in freshness and prevent treats from drying out.
- Display – Packaging should allow customers to easily see the treats inside. Clear plastic, cellophane, or custom printed bags work well.
- Portion control – If selling treats individually or in multi-packs, the packaging should make portioning easy.
Some popular packaging choices for homemade dog treats include:
- Plastic containers or bags
- Glass jars
- Cellophane bags
- Foil pouches
- Cardboard boxes
Food Safety and Labeling
Proper food handling, sanitation, and labeling are crucial when packaging items for sale to ensure the health and safety of pets. Some tips include:
- Work in a clean environment and sterilize all equipment and surfaces
- Wash hands thoroughly before preparing treats
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Package treats promptly in airtight containers
- Label with the product name, ingredients, weight, expiration date, storage instructions, and contact info
- Include feeding guidelines based on dog size
Check your local laws and regulations for cottage food businesses. Many areas require special licensing, inspections, or packaging labels for selling homemade pet treats.
Designing Appealing Packaging
Packaging should catch a buyer’s eye and convey what the treats are. Consider the following design elements for homemade dog treat packaging:
- Use custom bags or stickers with your logo or brand name
- Print labels with appetizing photos of the treats
- Choose packaging colors and materials that represent your brand image
- Include cute graphics, shapes, or wording related to dogs
- Add decorations like ribbons, sealing stickers, or rubber stamps
For example, a packaging style might include:
- A clear cellophane bag showing bone-shaped treats
- A custom sticker with your logo and treat flavor
- A ribbon for hanging on display racks
Packaging Operations
When packaging treats for commercial sale, you’ll need to develop efficient systems and procedures. Tips for streamlined packaging include:
- Package treats in bulk using assembly line methods
- Invest in equipment like sealers, funnel fillers, and label dispensers
- Create batch sheets for weighing, bagging, and labeling identical batches
- Use conveyor systems to move packaged items
- Design workflow stations for each packaging step
Store packaged inventory properly by:
- Sealing boxes with tape for shipment
- Using cold storage like refrigerators or freezers if needed
- Labeling boxes with product codes for easy identification
- Rotating stock using FIFO (first in, first out) methods
- Protecting treats from pests, light exposure, or other damage
Order Fulfillment
Get your packaged treats into customers’ hands in good condition by:
- Choosing durable shipping boxes, insulation, and packing materials
- Using ice packs in summer months
- Securing bottles or jars upright to prevent leaks
- Sealing boxes securely with tape
- Labeling boxes with shipping address, order numbers, and fragile warnings
Track shipments and inventory levels closely when selling treats online or wholesale. Automated order fulfillment software can help streamline the packaging and shipping process.
Conclusion
With careful planning and preparation, homemade dog treats can be packaged for retail sale successfully. Prioritize food safety, quality ingredients, and appealing packaging to tempt buyers. Develop efficient packaging workflows and practices. Pay close attention to labeling laws and handling guidelines. With delicious treats and smart branding, your homemade dog treats can stand out on store shelves and bring joy to pups and their owners.