Company secures endorsement from Thailand Islamic Association and will seek Malaysian certification once standardising mechanism by authorities becomes available
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian brand is gearing to make history by producing Asia’s first halal-certified premium pet food, and it has already secured international backing to make it happen.
Pet Universe NOURISH CEO Patrick Chin said while Malaysia lacks an official certification framework under the Islamic Development Department for pet food, the company is ready to seek recognition as soon as such mechanism becomes available.
“As of now, there is no local association or authority that regulates halal certification for pet food,” Chin said.
“But our wet food line is already recognised by the Thailand Islamic Association under the Suci Embassy – a halal-equivalent certification for pet products.
Once Malaysia opens this framework, we intend to be the first to apply.”
He said the halal aspect is becoming increasingly important for Muslim pet owners who want assurance that products for their cats meet ethical and religious standards.
Chin was speaking during an interview held in conjunction with the signing of a strategic partnership between Pet Universe NOURISH and International Pet Food Company Limited (IPF) of Thailand – a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods).
The collaboration aims to transform the regional market for premium, sustainable and science-backed pet nutrition by combining Malaysia’s pet wellness expertise with Thailand’s globally recognised manufacturing standards.
The event was attended by Tengku Faizwa Tengku Razif, representing the Malaysia International Economic and Social Development Association, alongside IPF president Kitisak Limamphai and senior executives from both organisations.
Tengku Faizwa said the partnership embodied Asean’s spirit of regional unity and innovation.
“This partnership is more than a commercial alliance.
It is a commitment to quality, care and cross-border growth,” she said.
“It reflects how Malaysia and Thailand can collaborate to create high-value industries that benefit communities and economies alike.”
Chin said the partnership would enable both companies to co-develop pet food formulas that meet human-grade standards, focusing on nutritional transparency, ethical sourcing and preventative health – a concept he calls the “preventative diet” for pets.
“We aim to bridge the gap between maintenance diets and prescription diets,” he said.
“Just like humans who eat clean to stay healthy longer, our preventative diet helps pets maintain wellness before illness occurs.”
The partnership also aligns with Asean’s 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, promoting responsible innovation, ethical sourcing and regional cooperation in Asia’s rapidly growing pet care industry.
Chin said transparency remains a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy, especially in a market in which product claims are not always strictly regulated.
“We disclose everything – ingredient percentages, sources and production standards – so pet parents know exactly what they are feeding their pets,” he said.
“Every batch is tested for bacteria such as salmonella before entering the market.
We never use GMOs, colourings or fillers.
Every ingredient is fresh, raw and natural.”
He added that the company’s long-term goal is to build a trusted, premium pet food brand rooted in transparency, scientific validation and cultural inclusivity.
“We believe pets deserve the same integrity and nutrition as humans,” he said.
“If we can create the first halal-certified, science-backed pet food in Asia, it’s not just a market opportunity – it’s about trust, values and care.”
Meanwhile, Kitisak said the partnership extends CP Foods’ legacy of sustainable, human-grade production into the pet industry.
“Pets are more than companions, they are family,” he said.
“Our collaboration with Pet Universe NOURISH bridges Thailand, Malaysia and the world, setting new benchmarks in pet wellness and nutrition.
“This partnership represents a perfect alignment of values.
Their expertise in science-backed, transparent and humanised pet nutrition complements CP Foods’ capabilities in agriculture, food production and sustainable supply chains.
“Combined with Pet Universe NOURISH’s consumer insights and vision, this will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for excellence in the pet product industry.”
