Which box styles work best for pet food & treat boxes? We compare the common structures and the products they suit.
Browse the full Pet Food & Treat Boxes range alongside this guide.
An overview of pet food & treat boxes
Retail and gift boxes for dog, cat and other pet treats, with space for ingredients and feeding guides. They are used by pet treat makers, pet stores, groomers and pet subscription brands, and the right choice depends on what you're packing, how far it travels and how you want it to look.
The biggest practical challenge with this category is fat content in treats, moisture and chewing-curious pets. Getting the board, coating and structure right for those conditions matters more than any finish or print effect.
You can browse every product in our Pet Food & Treat Boxes range, each made to order from 100 units.
Box styles compared
Across our pet food & treat boxes range, these structures come up again and again:
| Style | What it does well |
|---|---|
| Window tuck box | A window shows the product and lets it sell itself on the counter or shelf. |
| Gable handle box | Two top panels fold up into a built-in carry handle, so no separate bag is needed. |
| Mailer box | A roll-end mailer locks without tape, survives courier handling and opens like a present. |
| Printed mailer | A roll-end mailer locks without tape, survives courier handling and opens like a present. |
| Box with inserts | A die-cut insert holds each item in position so nothing moves in transit. |
| Lined tuck end box | A barrier lining on the inside keeps grease and moisture off the outer print. |
| Handle box | A built-in handle means customers can carry the order one-handed without a bag. |
Most businesses end up with two or three styles that cover the whole menu. Fewer styles means simpler storage and faster packing.
Types of pet food & treat boxes
Here are the products in this range and what each one is designed to do:
- Pet Treat Boxes: Window boxes with inner pouches show off treats while keeping them sealed.
- Dog Biscuit Boxes: Sturdy cartons stand up to repeated opening at treat time.
- Cat Treat Boxes: Small-format boxes suit lightweight cat treats and sit neatly on pet store shelves.
- Pet Food Subscription Boxes: Printed mailers turn a monthly delivery into something owners film and share.
- Bird Seed Boxes: Lined cartons hold loose seed without leaks through corners.
- Pet Chew Boxes: Grease-resistant board handles natural, fatty chews without staining.
Standard sizes for pet food & treat boxes
These are the sizes customers ask for most often. They are a good starting point, but every box can be made to your exact dimensions.
| Popular size | Common use |
|---|---|
| 100 x 60 x 150 mm | pet treat boxes |
| 150 x 80 x 200 mm | dog biscuit boxes |
| 250 x 200 x 80 mm | cat treat boxes |
| Custom | Any size to suit your product |
As a rule, allow 5 to 10 mm of clearance on each side of the food and more on top if it has icing, toppings or a domed shape. Too much space lets food slide around; too little crushes it or smears it on the lid.
Keeping food fresh in pet food & treat boxes
Seal treats in an inner pouch and use the box for branding, feeding guides and shelf appeal. The box should protect the food without trapping the things that ruin it.
- Use vent holes for hot, crisp or steamed food.
- Use a barrier coating or liner where there is oil, sauce or moisture.
- Use inserts where individual pieces could slide into each other.
- Store flat, unused boxes somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight. Humidity in places like Brisbane and Darwin can soften board before it is ever used.
Retail and gift boxes for dog, cat and other pet treats, with space for ingredients and feeding guides.
Understanding the cost
There's no single price for custom pet food & treat boxes, because every quote is built from a few variables:
- Quantity: the unit price falls quickly as runs get bigger, because setup costs are shared across more boxes.
- Size and board: bigger boxes and thicker or corrugated board use more material.
- Print: the number of colours, printing inside and out, and whether you need exact Pantone matches.
- Finishes: foil, spot UV, embossing and windows each add a step.
- Inserts and tooling: a new cutting die is a one-off cost for a new shape.
- Freight: boxes ship flat, but delivery to regional areas costs more than metro.
The easiest saving is to standardise sizes across your range and reuse the same dieline for seasonal artwork.
Your ordering checklist
Run through this list before you ask for a quote on pet food & treat boxes:
- Inside dimensions measured, in millimetres
- Box style chosen, or a sample to copy
- Board chosen: kraft, white or corrugated
- Grease or moisture barrier needed?
- Print colours and sides (outside, inside or both)
- Finishes, windows or inserts
- Quantity and how often you'll reorder
- Delivery address and the date you need them by
With these answers ready, a quote is quick and accurate.
Mistakes to avoid with pet food & treat boxes
Most problems with pet food & treat boxes can be traced back to a handful of decisions made at the ordering stage:
- Guessing the size instead of measuring the actual food with toppings and packaging.
- Ignoring fat content in treats, moisture, which can stain or weaken boxes that look perfect on the proof.
- Skipping the proof check: typos and phone numbers are the classic errors.
- Ordering too close to peak season. Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day fill print schedules early.
- Over-finishing a box that will be thrown away within the hour.
- Forgetting spares for mis-folds, samples and busy weeks.
A five-minute check of these points saves weeks of reprinting.
Frequently asked questions about pet food & treat boxes
What is the minimum order for custom pet food & treat boxes?
Orders start from 100 units for most styles. Larger runs lower the price per box.
Are pet food & treat boxes recyclable?
Paperboard boxes are widely recyclable in Australia when clean. Heavy food waste or plastic laminates can make recycling harder.
Can I order different designs in one run?
Often, yes, if they share the same size and board. Ask us about splitting artwork across one order.
How long does it take to make pet food & treat boxes?
Production is typically 10–15 business days after artwork approval, plus delivery time to your location.
Ready to get started?
The best pet food & treat boxes are the ones that fit the food, suit the way your team works and look like they belong to your brand. Measure carefully, choose board for the conditions the box will face, and keep the design clear and consistent.
When you're ready, see the full specification on our Pet Food & Treat Boxes page or request a free quote. We'll send a dieline and price for your exact size.
Get a price for your boxes
Send your size and quantity. We reply with a dieline and quote.