Pet Food Labelling in Canada: Key Requirements for US Suppliers
An essential element of regulatory compliance in any product sector is ensuring labels meet the specific requirements of the country where products are sold and clearly communicate intended use. This holds true for pet food entering Canada, where bilingual labelling and adherence to federal and provincial regulations are mandatory.
Responsible parties must ensure labels are accurate, not misleading, and provide all information necessary to support informed consumer decisions and appropriate product use.
Regulatory Frameworks
· Federal: Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods; Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA) and Regulations; Competition Act; Food and Drugs Act (FDA)
· Provincial: Quebec’s Bill 96 (comprehensive French-language requirements)
Mandatory Labelling Elements
· Common product name and net weight (metric units)
· Ingredient list in descending order by weight
· Feeding instructions (unless for intermittent or supplemental use or under veterinary direction)
· Guaranteed analysis (minimum crude protein /fat; maximum crude fibre/moisture)
· Nutritional adequacy statement with intended life stage
· Statement of purpose when formulated for special dietary use
· Storage instructions, best before date and lot code
· Bilingual labeling for all text on package (font size must be consistent between languages)
Adhering to these requirements reduces enforcement risk, prevents recalls, and builds consumer trust—key foundations for long-term success in the Canadian pet food market.
