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.