IS 11968:2019, finally guided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a specification for the manufacture, packaging, labelling, and quality assurance for pet food products in India. The standard creates clarity around types of pet food products, including dry, wet, and semi-moist food that are extremely common for food for pets, such as dogs and cats, and other domesticated animals. The standard provides assurances that pet food meet minimum and stated acceptable product safety, satisfactory nutritional profile, and appropriate labelling. [1]
Pet food categorized under IS 11968:2019 which is classified by form (dry, wet, semi-moist) and function (complete or complementary). Below are the specs:
1.1 Dry Pet Food
Commonly referred to as kibble, dry pet food has the longest shelf stability and is the most widely fed pet food.
1.2 Wet Pet Food
Generally sold in cans or pouches, wet pet food has a high moisture content and is typically more appealing for certain pets.
1.3 Semi-Moist Pet Food
This category bridges dry and wet formats and often appears in soft chews or as a part of a soft-chewy diet.
1.4 Treats and Snacks
Pet treats are not meant to serve as a full nutrition replacement, yet are often used for training, reward, or a dietary supplement.
1.5 Specialized Diets
These can include therapeutic or functional food designed for specific health issues in pets, for example, allergies and renal challenges, or joint issues.
2.1. Labelling Requirements for Pet Food Products (Clause 6.2.1)
The following are mandatory submissions to be displayed on pet food labels:
These guidelines provide transparency, help ensure safety for the consumer, and consistency with the pet food regulatory environment with the larger food regulatory ecosystem in India. [3] [4]
SAMPLE IMAGE :
BRAND : BARKOUT LOUD
PRODUCT IMAGE :
2.2 Use of Additives and Preservatives
3.1 Clean Labelling
Demand for knowledge of ingredients in pet food is compelling brands to remove artificial preservatives and create simpler recipes made with identified ingredients.
3.2 Functional Pet Foods
Pet food formulations now include ingredient to provide:
3.3 Sustainability
Brands are introducing initiatives to demonstrate:
3.4 Personalized Nutrition
Recent advancements in pet care are allowing for personalized feeding options based on:
Categorizing pet food into complete and complementary allows for the following:
Summary table:
Aspect | Dry Pet Food | Wet Pet Food | Semi-Moist Pet Food | Specialized Diets |
Moisture Content | Low (≤10%) | High (60–80%) | Moderate (20–50%) | Varies (health-condition-based) |
Shelf Life | Long | Short (needs refrigeration) | Moderate | Depends on formulation |
Nutritional Content | High in protein, fiber | Easily digestible, fatty | Balanced | Condition-specific |
Preservatives | Limited, BIS/FSSAI-controlled | More for microbial safety | Allowed in limits | Specialized use only |
Health Claims | Substantiated only | Must be validated | Must be validated | Must have clinical backing |
5. Product Examples
Example 1: Dry Pet Food
Product Image:
Example 2: Wet Pet Food
Product Image:
IS 11968:2019 provides a systematic framework for categories and labeling of pet food in India. Knowing these categories such as dry, wet, semi-moist, treats and specialized diets will help in maintaining compliance and nutritional value. As the industry expands, understanding BIS standards will serve to protect safety and promote trust.
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