Premium raw-inspired formula ingredients designed to meet the rising demand for biologically appropriate pet treats in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom market has witnessed a structural shift in consumer purchasing criteria over the last five years. Pet ownership within the UK has stabilized at historic highs, with approximately 57% of households sharing their lives with animals. As pets are increasingly treated as integral family members, pet owners are pivoting away from ultra-processed, highly-extruded kibble toward clean-label, biologically appropriate raw diets (BARF).
However, the logistical complexity of maintaining a raw cold chain across British distribution networks presents a significant operational hurdle for retailers. Here, freeze-dried technology offers the ideal solution. It delivers all the enzymatic, nutritional, and taste-profile benefits of raw food without requiring refrigeration, boasting a shelf-life of up to 24 months.
To successfully enter the UK market, global brands must navigate complex post-Brexit import frameworks managed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Strict microbial verification for Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, and other pathogens is required. Aligning with an FDA-certified and HACCP-compliant manufacturer like Gaga Pet Food guarantees that raw materials are human-grade and pass stringent veterinary controls.
Operating a state-of-the-art facility designed to execute high-volume contract manufacturing and private labeling under rigid biological control standards.
Based in Shandong Province, China’s agricultural and marine logistics hub, Gaga Pet Food Co., Ltd. operates six high-capacity vacuum freeze-drying lines. By integrating modern food engineering with cleanroom technology, we maintain sterile production conditions from raw meat receiving to packaging.
Unlike manufacturers that prioritize domestic brands, we focus exclusively on custom manufacturing and contract processing (OEM/ODM). We avoid operating our own retail brand. This commitment guarantees that your proprietary formulations and trade secrets remain secure.
Supporting UK and European distributors through a comprehensive workflow that manages everything from formulation development to customs clearance.
UK pet owners are increasingly seeking hypoallergenic and single-source proteins (such as pure chicken, duck, or cod) to manage food sensitivities. Our manufacturing processes prevent cross-contamination by running dedicated lines for separate animal species.
By sublimating moisture at temperatures as low as -40°C in vacuum chambers, our process preserves 97% of natural vitamins, enzymes, and delicate amino acids, yielding a highly shelf-stable raw food product.
Located in Shandong Province, our facility benefits from access to premium livestock farming networks and the port logistics of Rizhao and Qingdao, helping to minimize international shipping costs.
Exporting pet food to the UK requires navigating complex animal health declarations and import licenses. Since Brexit, imports from non-EU regions are subject to the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). We prepare all necessary paperwork, including health certificates and transit declarations, to support smooth customs clearance.
Our production practices align with BRCGS and IFS principles. We maintain clean separation between raw material areas and thermal processing zones to eliminate cross-contamination risks.
Every production batch undergoes mandatory lab testing for pathogenic activity. Standard protocols require a zero-tolerance count for Salmonella in a 25g sample, along with strict Enterobacteriaceae limits, in compliance with GB health regulations.
From the moment raw ingredients arrive at our facility in Rizhao, they are assigned a unique QR-coded batch run identifier, ensuring full farm-to-shelf traceability.
We work with packaging suppliers to offer recyclable, high-barrier pouch solutions that align with the UK market’s focus on sustainability.
From dynamic domestic start-ups launching boutique lines to established multi-nationals scaling raw treats across the UK.
Launching a pet product line in the UK requires flexibility. We offer low-risk entry paths, including mixed-variety pallet shipping and stock packaging solutions, helping emerging brands test the market before committing to large volumes.
For established brands, supply chain reliability is essential. Our six advanced freeze-drying lines and automated dicing systems provide the capacity needed to keep retail shelves stocked year-round.
A structured approach to quality assurance at every stage of the freeze-dried production process.
We source raw ingredients from veterinary-approved local farms. All poultry, red meat, and seafood are inspected upon arrival to verify freshness and safety.
Ingredients are ground, blended with vitamins, and portioned. We accommodate custom recipe specifications and custom shapes.
The portioned ingredients are rapidly frozen to sub-zero temperatures, locking in cell structure and nutrients before entering the drying phase.
Under precise temperature and vacuum controls, moisture is removed from the product, reducing water activity to preserve quality without preservatives.
All dry pieces pass through metal detectors and optical inspection systems to screen out foreign objects before packaging.
Products are packed in nitrogen-flushed, high-barrier bags or jars to prevent oxidation and ensure long-term freshness.
Samples from each batch are analyzed for moisture, protein levels, and microbial counts to confirm they meet export standards.
We manage port logistics, documentation, and container loading, helping to ensure smooth delivery to UK ports.
Premium formulations and shapes available for private labeling, customized processing, and wholesale distribution in the UK.
Addressing the regulatory, physical, and logistical questions most common when sourcing custom freeze-dried pet food.
GAGA
