White Label vs. Private Label Pet Treats: What’s the Difference

The Complete Guide for Small Pet Brands, Startups & Independent Retailers

For pet entrepreneurs, choosing between white label and private label pet treats is one of the first — and most important — decisions you’ll make when launching or expanding your product line. Both options allow you to sell high-quality treats under your own brand, but they differ in cost, customization, speed-to-market, and long-term scalability.

Whether you're starting your first dog treat line or adding new SKUs, understanding these differences will help you make the smartest investment for your business.

What Is White Label in the Pet Industry?

White label pet treats are pre-formulated, pre-produced products that manufacturers sell to multiple retailers. You apply your own branding, packaging, and marketing — but the product itself stays the same.

Best For:

✔ Small brands wanting fast entry into the market
✔ Startups testing demand before committing to large minimums
✔ Retailers who want high-quality treats without the cost of R&D

Key Benefits of White Label:

• Fastest way to market — often ready to ship within days or weeks

• No formulation or development costs

• Lower minimum order quantities (MOQs)

• Proven seller — formulas are already tested and successful

• Easy to scale as you grow

Consider White Label If:

You want a reliable, cost-effective treat you can launch quickly with minimal risk.

What Is Private Label Pet Treat Manufacturing?

Private label goes a step further. You work with a manufacturer to create a semi-custom or fully custom product that is exclusive to your brand.

Best For:

✔ Growing pet treat brands
✔ Businesses wanting unique positioning or niche formulas
✔ Companies prepared to invest in higher MOQs and development processes

Key Benefits of Private Label:

• Exclusive product no one else can sell

• Custom ingredients, formats, and nutrition profiles

• Greater brand differentiation

• Ability to build proprietary SKUs for retail chains

• Higher long-term margins once scale is reached

Consider Private Label If:

You're ready to build signature products that set your brand apart — and you have the budget to support larger production runs.

White Label vs. Private Label: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Option Is Right for Your Pet Brand?

Choose White Label If You:

• Want to launch a treat line quickly

• Are working with a limited budget

• Need small MOQs to test demand

• Prefer to focus on marketing, not product development

This is typically the best path for small brands, groomers, independent retailers, and subscription boxes wanting fast, reliable supply.

Choose Private Label If You:

• Need a unique product no competitors can copy

• Have a strong brand identity (or are building one)

• Want to innovate with flavors or functional ingredients

• Can commit to larger order volumes

Private label is ideal for brands preparing to scale, pitch to larger retailers, or expand into national distribution.

Why This Decision Matters

Choosing the right approach early on impacts your:

• Startup costs

• Margins

• Brand positioning

• Timeline to launch

• Future ability to scale

The good news? Many successful pet brands begin with white label to validate demand — and transition to private label once they’re ready to build proprietary products.

How The Pet Gourmet Supports Both Models

At The Pet Gourmet, we specialize in helping small brands and independent retailers grow by offering our tried and true treats and formulation expertise.  

White Label Advantages:

• Ready-to-brand treat options in best-selling formats and proteins

• Low MOQs ideal for startups

• Fast turnaround times

• Retail-ready packaging support

Private Label Solutions:

• Custom treat formulation

• Flavor development

• Specialty formats (functional, soft, freeze-dried, limited-ingredient, etc.)

• Artwork, packaging, and brand strategy support

Whether you’re launching your first SKU or expanding your assortment, we’re here to guide you through every step — from ingredient selection to branding and distribution.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between white label and private label pet treats empowers you to make confident, strategic decisions for your brand. Both paths can be profitable — the key is choosing the one that aligns with your goals, budget, and stage of business.

Questions?  Schedule a call with us, email info@thepetgourmet.com