U.S. Pet Food Regulations: Must Know Information for Streamlined Market Entry

U.S. Pet Food Regulations: Must Know Information for Streamlined Market Entry

Entering the United States pet food market requires a fundamentally different regulatory mindset than many other jurisdictions. Unlike countries that rely on centralized product licensing or pre-market authorization frameworks, the U.S. operates on a compliance-based system. There is no single approval that permits a pet food product to be sold nationally. Instead, regulatory acceptability is determined by whether…
Read More
VHPs vs. Veterinary Drugs in Canada: What Influences Product Classification 

VHPs vs. Veterinary Drugs in Canada: What Influences Product Classification 

Product classification is often one of the most critical determinants of successful market entry, as it defines the applicable regulatory framework and, in turn, the pre-market requirements needed to demonstrate compliance. This principle applies equally to pet products. Early classification is essential to determine whether a product is a Veterinary Health Product (VHP) or a veterinary drug,…
Read More
Permitted vs. Not Permitted Pet Food Claims in Canada 

Permitted vs. Not Permitted Pet Food Claims in Canada 

Pet food claims in Canada follow a structured regulatory framework that ensures all statements on packaging, websites, and marketing materials are truthful, evidence based, and not misleading. Oversight is shared by the Competition Bureau, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Health Canada, each of which plays a different role in evaluating…
Read More
AAFCO Pet Food Standards Explained: U.S., Canada, and Europe  

AAFCO Pet Food Standards Explained: U.S., Canada, and Europe  

Pet food labels are dense with nutrition claims, life-stage statements, and references to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), yet the meaning behind those references is often unclear. Misunderstandings around AAFCO’s role are common, particularly when its name is associated with concepts such as approval, certification, or regulatory oversight that it does…
Read More
How to Notify a Veterinary Health Product (VHP) in Canada: Avoiding Delays, Rejections, and Costly Mistakes

How to Notify a Veterinary Health Product (VHP) in Canada: Avoiding Delays, Rejections, and Costly Mistakes

Veterinary Health Products, commonly referred to as VHPs, are regulated in Canada as low-risk drugs under the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations. Within this framework, VHPs are finished, ready to use products sold in a "dose” format, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, pastes, chews,…
Read More
Canadian Pet Food Import Regulations Guide

Canadian Pet Food Import Regulations Guide

Importing pet food into Canada demands rigorous oversight, meticulous documentation, and consistent traceability. Under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), finished pet food, treats, and chews destined for the Canadian market must satisfy admissibility criteria based on species, ingredient origin, processing standards, and disease-control safeguards.  These rules reflect Canada’s…
Read More
Veterinary Health Product (VHP) Labelling Requirements in Canada: What You Need to Know

Veterinary Health Product (VHP) Labelling Requirements in Canada: What You Need to Know

An essential element of regulatory compliance for Veterinary Health Products (VHPs) is ensuring that labels meet Canadian requirements and clearly communicate safe and proper use. Labels are more than a design feature; they are a primary tool to support product identification, responsible administration, and consumer confidence. In Canada, VHPs are…
Read More
Pet Food vs. Livestock Feed in Canada: What You Need to Know

Pet Food vs. Livestock Feed in Canada: What You Need to Know

For manufacturers and brand owners preparing to enter the Canadian market, one of the most critical early steps is determining whether a product will be classified as pet food or as livestock feed. This classification is not simply a formality. It defines which regulations apply, which authorities are responsible, and…
Read More
Pet Food Labelling in Canada: What You Need to Know

Pet Food Labelling in Canada: What You Need to Know

An essential element of regulatory compliance in any product sector is ensuring that product labels meet the specific requirements of the country where the products are sold and that they clearly communicate the product’s intended use. This requirement is no different for pet food products, which are also subject to…
Read More
VHP Regulations: What Manufacturers of Pet Supplements Need to Know for Successful Market Entry

VHP Regulations: What Manufacturers of Pet Supplements Need to Know for Successful Market Entry

If you’re looking to sell pet supplements in Canada, there are several critical factors to consider to ensure regulatory compliance. From notifying Health Canada about your product to ensuring accurate labelling and understanding importation regulations, entering the Canadian market requires careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the local regulatory…
Read More