When sourcing pet products - especially feeding, drinking, and chew items - material safety isn't optional. It's the foundation of your brand's credibility. But navigating the alphabet soup of certifications (FDA, LFGB, CE, REACH) and material types (silicone, PP, melamine, TPR) can be overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We'll explain what each certification actually tests, which materials are best suited for different pet product categories, and how to make informed sourcing decisions.
FDA vs LFGB: What's the Difference?
Both FDA (US) and LFGB (Germany/EU) regulate food-contact materials, but they differ significantly:
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- Market: United States
- Standard: 21 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
- Focus: Overall migration - total substances that transfer from material to food/simulant
- Testing: Uses distilled water, 8% ethanol, and food simulants at specific temperatures
- Stringency: Comprehensive but allows certain substances that LFGB restricts
LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch)
- Market: Germany, widely accepted across EU
- Standard: Section 30/31 LFGB + specific testing protocols
- Focus: Both overall and specific migration - tests for individual harmful substances
- Testing: More test simulants than FDA, including olive oil for fatty food contact
- Stringency: Generally considered more stringent than FDA, especially for silicone and rubber
Key takeaway: If your products meet LFGB, they almost certainly meet FDA. But the reverse isn't always true. For global distribution, LFGB compliance provides broader market access.
Material Guide: What to Source for Each Product Type
1. Food-Grade Silicone
Best for: Collapsible bowls, bath gloves, brushes, chew toys, slow feeders
- Temperature resistant: -40C to 230C
- Flexible, durable, dishwasher safe
- Naturally antimicrobial surface
- Available in any Pantone color
- Certification: FDA and LFGB both applicable. LFGB testing for silicone is more thorough.
Silicone is our most recommended material for pet products. It's versatile, safe, and perceived as premium by consumers.
2. Polypropylene (PP)
Best for: Rigid bowls, puzzle toys, storage containers, litter scoops
- Lightweight, rigid, cost-effective
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- BPA-free inherently (no need for "BPA-free" claims)
- Good chemical resistance
- Certification: FDA and LFGB both applicable. Widely accepted for food contact globally.
PP is the workhorse of pet product manufacturing. It's affordable, safe, and versatile.
3. Melamine
Best for: Premium feeding bowls, elevated feeder inserts
- Hard, durable surface similar to ceramic
- Excellent scratch resistance
- Heavy feel that pets prefer (doesn't slide)
- Can be molded into complex shapes
- Certification: FDA and LFGB applicable. Must be formaldehyde-free.
Melamine is ideal for premium pet bowls. It has the look and feel of ceramic without the breakability. Our Tilted Square Bowl uses food-grade melamine for this reason.
4. Stainless Steel
Best for: Premium bowls, water fountains, food storage
- Most durable option, virtually indestructible
- Naturally antibacterial
- Doesn't retain odors or flavors
- Can be electroplated for decorative finishes
- Certification: FDA and LFGB applicable. Use 304 (18/8) grade for food contact.
Stainless steel commands premium pricing but offers unmatched durability. Our Rose Gold Classic Round Bowl combines stainless steel with electroplated finishes.
5. TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)
Best for: Chew toys, grips, non-slip bases, interactive toys
- Rubber-like feel with plastic processing advantages
- Good tear resistance
- Can be over-molded onto PP or ABS for dual-material products
- Certification: FDA and LFGB applicable. Ensure phthalate-free formulation.
TPR is essential for toys that need a soft, grippy texture. Our Tri-Rotating Treat Toy uses TPR combined with ABS.
Other Certifications You Should Know
CE / EN71 (Toy Safety)
If your pet product could be classified as a toy, CE marking with EN71 compliance may be required for EU market. EN71 tests for mechanical safety, flammability, and chemical migration.
REACH (EU Chemical Regulation)
REACH regulates chemicals in all products sold in the EU. For pet products, the key concern is SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern).
How to Verify Material Claims
- Request test reports: From accredited labs (SGS, Intertek, TUV). Reports should be less than 12 months old.
- Check scope: Ensure the report covers the specific material and product type.
- Verify the lab: Check that the testing lab is accredited for the specific test standard.
- Order independent testing: For large orders, consider sending random samples to your own chosen lab.
Making the Right Choice
The "best" material depends on your product category, target market, price point, and brand positioning. Using non-food-grade materials for feeding products, or skipping certification testing to save costs, will ultimately damage your brand.
At PETOLA, all our products use food-grade materials tested to meet FDA, LFGB, CE, EN71, and REACH standards. Browse our product collection or contact us to discuss material options for your specific project.