Dog Food Wholesale USA: A Sourcing Guide for Retailers and Distributors
The United States is the largest dog food market in the world, and US buyers face a specific set of compliance and format expectations. This guide covers what retailers and distributors sourcing for the US market need to know.
AAFCO compliance for the US market
Dog food sold in the United States needs to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy standards, and labelling needs to follow state-level feed control requirements. A wholesale supplier serving the US market should be able to provide documentation confirming AAFCO compliance for every formulation, plus support with the label review process before goods ship.
Formats US retailers expect
US shelf sets favour large-format dry kibble bags (12 lb to 30 lb+), alongside a fast-growing wet food and topper segment. Grain-free, limited-ingredient, and life-stage-specific formulations (puppy, adult, senior) are now standard shelf expectations rather than a premium niche.
Import logistics into the US
Shipments into the US move through FDA prior-notice requirements in addition to standard customs clearance. A supplier experienced in the US market will manage this documentation as part of the standard order process, rather than leaving it to the buyer to coordinate separately.
Working with Candora Petcare in the US market
Candora Petcare exports to the US alongside other priority markets, with export documentation and AAFCO-compliance support handled as part of the standard programme. Container programmes range from palletised pilot orders to full 40ft FCL shipments, with lead times of 4–8 weeks from order confirmation.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Yes, our factory partners can produce to AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards, and we support label review for the US market as part of the order process.
FDA prior notice and standard customs clearance documentation are required. We handle this as part of the standard export process for US shipments.
We supply the full range US retailers expect, from trial-size bags through large-format 30 lb+ bags, plus wet food pouches and cans.
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