Last updated: 9 July 2026•6 min read•By Antilia Tec Pack R&D
What packaging does pet food need?
It depends on the product. Dry kibble and treats need an oxygen, moisture and fat barrier to stop the fats going rancid and to keep aroma — the palatability signal that makes pets eat. Wet food is filled and then retort-sterilised in the pouch, so it needs a heat-stable, high-barrier laminate that survives 121°C. Grease resistance and strong seals matter for both.
How is dry pet food packaged?
Dry kibble and treats are packed in barrier pouches or bags — typically quad-seal or side-gusset formats for larger pack sizes, and stand-up pouches with resealable zippers for retail. The film must resist grease from the fat coating and keep oxygen and moisture out so the product stays palatable through the bag's in-use life after opening.
How is wet pet food packaged?
Wet and semi-moist pet food is packed in a retort pouch and sterilised in the sealed pack. The laminate — usually PET/aluminium/CPP — must withstand retort temperatures and pressure while delivering a total oxygen and moisture barrier for ambient, multi-month shelf life. See the retort packaging guide for the process detail.
Pet food packaging by type
| Type | Main need | Typical pack | BARRIXA™ grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | Fat, oxygen & moisture barrier, grease resistance | Quad-seal / side-gusset bag | PRO |
| Treats | Aroma retention, moisture control | Stand-up pouch (resealable) | PRO |
| Wet food | Retort-stable, full O₂/moisture barrier | Retort pouch (PET/Al/CPP) | ULTRA |
| Premium / high-fat | Extended oxygen protection | High-barrier pouch (+ N₂) | PRIME |
Which BARRIXA™ grade should pet food use?
Use BARRIXA™ ULTRA for retort wet food that needs a total barrier and heat stability, BARRIXA™ PRIME for premium high-fat dry products where extended oxygen protection matters, and BARRIXA™ PRO for standard kibble and treats. Explore the film options in High-Barrier Films and the retort format in Retortable Pouches.
Design your pet food pack
Kibble, treats or wet food — matched to your line.
Tell us your product, fat content and whether it's retort-processed and our R&D team will recommend the structure and BARRIXA™ grade.
Talk to an Expert →Frequently asked questions
Why does dry pet food need a barrier bag?
Kibble is coated in fats that go rancid when exposed to oxygen, destroying palatability. A barrier bag keeps oxygen and moisture out, and a grease-resistant film stops the fat weakening the seals.
How is wet pet food kept shelf-stable without refrigeration?
It is filled into a retort pouch and sterilised in the sealed pack at around 121°C. The high-barrier, heat-stable laminate then keeps oxygen and moisture out for ambient, multi-month shelf life.
What is a retort pouch for pet food made of?
Typically PET / aluminium / CPP — an outer print/strength layer, an aluminium barrier layer, and a heat-sealable inner layer that withstands retort sterilisation.
Which BARRIXA grade is best for pet food?
BARRIXA™ ULTRA for retort wet food, BARRIXA™ PRIME for premium high-fat dry products, and BARRIXA™ PRO for standard kibble and treats.