Pet Food Industry Faces Its Largest Labeling Overhaul in Four Decades

The transition to the new Pet Nutrition Facts format affects everything from standard kibble and veterinary diets to treats and supplements. Although the model regulations were finalized in January 2024, a significant portion of the market has yet to begin the necessary label updates or product testing. This delay creates a vulnerability for retail chains, where unprepared suppliers risk triggering category management headaches, product returns, and inventory gaps.

Sharon Vessels, CEO of Los Angeles-based RL Labs, warns that retailers often underestimate their exposure to these labeling failures. According to Vessels, what starts as a manufacturer’s compliance oversight quickly evolves into a logistical crisis at the store level. RL Labs, which has specialized in food testing since 2005, is currently positioning its services—including nutritional panel generation and finished-product testing—to help brands navigate these requirements before the window for compliance narrows.