Pet brands are always choosing between pouch types. But when it comes to pet treats, not all bags perform the same.
Flat bottom bags offer better shelf stability and large capacity, but stand-up pouches are more affordable and flexible. The best choice depends on your product size, brand image, and budget.
I used to think one pouch fit all. Then a client asked me to compare the two types for dog treats. The insights shocked even me—and led to a smarter packaging upgrade.
What is the best packaging for pet food?
Pet treats need packaging that keeps freshness, looks great, and is easy to use.
Flexible pouches, especially stand-up and flat bottom bags, are the top choices for pet treats. They protect, promote, and preserve the product.
Both options serve pet food well. But here’s where they differ in daily use.
Protection, branding, and function combined
The best pet treat packaging must offer:
- Barrier protection from moisture, light, and odor
- Strong shelf presence for brand exposure
- Resealability to maintain freshness
- Light weight to reduce logistics cost
Rigid plastic containers are losing ground. They’re bulky, costly, and unsustainable.
What is the difference between stand up pouches and flat bottom pouches?
They look similar at first glance—but have different structures and benefits.
Flat bottom pouches offer more space and better shelf stability. Stand-up pouches cost less and are more flexible.
Let’s compare:
| Feature | Stand-Up Pouch | Flat Bottom Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Base Type | Oval or Round | Flat Rectangular Base |
| Shelf Stability | Good | Excellent |
| Filling Volume | Medium | Large |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Look | Casual | Premium |
| Sides for Printing | 2 or 3 | 5 (Front, Back, 2 Gussets, Bottom) |
Dive Deeper: Choose based on your target market
- Entry-level or trial products? Go with stand-up pouches.
- Premium lines or bulk treats? Opt for flat bottom bags.
- Need strong shelf presence in supermarkets? Flat bottom wins.
- Selling online or offering sample sizes? Stand-up is easier and cheaper.
Both types are compatible with zippers, valves, and clear windows.
How do you package homemade dog treats to sell?
Small businesses are booming in the pet treat space. But packaging can make or break your brand.
Use small-size stand-up pouches with clear windows, food-grade certification, and resealable zippers.
Dive Deeper: Start small, scale smart
Here’s what I tell all first-time clients:
🐶 Step 1: Use simple, versatile pouch sizes
Start with 50g, 100g, or 250g pouches. These work well for trial packs.
🐶 Step 2: Choose transparent or kraft finishes
People trust what they can see. Kraft and window combinations create a “natural” image.
🐶 Step 3: Customize with low MOQ options
We at IMIPAK offer low MOQs starting from 5,000 pieces per design. Perfect for small brands testing the waters.
🐶 Step 4: Label compliance
Make sure your packaging space allows for legal labels: ingredients, weight, manufacturer info, and batch code.
What materials are best for a dog treat pouch?
Material decides how long the treats stay fresh—and how your package feels in the hand.
Use multilayer laminated films like PET/PE, PET/VMPET/PE, or Kraft/PET/PE. These protect against oxygen, moisture, and odor.
Dive Deeper: Choose based on barrier needs
| Material Structure | Barrier Level | Look & Feel | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET/PE | Medium | Glossy or Matte | Dry treats, small packs |
| PET/VMPET/PE | High | Metallic, shiny | Moist treats, oily items |
| Kraft/PET/PE | Medium | Natural, premium | Organic or artisan treats |
| BOPP/Kraft/PLA | Eco-friendly | Biodegradable | Short shelf-life treats |
We recommend including a zipper and tear notch for consumer convenience.
What are the 4 C's of packaging?
The 4 C’s help guide packaging design decisions.
They are: Contain, Communicate, Convenience, and Cost.
Dive Deeper: Evaluate your packaging with the 4 C's
1. Contain
Does your pouch hold the product securely?
- Choose correct seal strength
- Use appropriate film for product weight
2. Communicate
Does it reflect your brand?
- Use matte, kraft, or metallic for different vibes
- Make sure text and logo are sharp and easy to read
3. Convenience
Can users open, close, and carry it easily?
- Add a zipper or spout
- Consider tear notches and hang holes
4. Cost
Does it fit your budget and profit margin?
- Stand-up bags cost less to start
- Flat bottom adds perceived value but is pricier
Which type of bag is the most environmentally friendly?
Sustainability is shaping the future of packaging—especially in pet food.
Recyclable mono-material stand-up pouches are currently the most eco-friendly and scalable option.
Dive Deeper: Understand environmental impact by packaging type
| Bag Type | Recyclable | Compostable | Carbon Footprint | Reuse Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Bottom (AL layer) | No | No | Higher | Moderate |
| Stand-Up (Mono PE) | Yes | No | Lower | Moderate |
| Kraft + PLA Pouch | Partial | Yes | Low | Low |
| PET/VMPET/PE | No | No | Medium | Low |
At IMIPAK, we help clients shift to PE/PE mono-material pouches, which can be recycled in most industrial systems.
We also offer:
- Paper-based stand-up pouches
- Biodegradable zipper options
- Custom printing with soy-based inks
Conclusion
Flat bottom bags look premium, but stand-up pouches offer flexibility, lower cost, and greener options. Both of the two bag types can stand straightly on the shelf.
All in all, flat bottom bag is a more and more popular trend because it is more eye-catching, but the cost will be little higher than that of stand up bag.
