The Department’s Commercial Feed Laws and the Model Pet Food Regulations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials require each package of food, snacks, or treats for pets (dogs and cats) or specialty pets (animals normally kept in a cage or tank such as hamsters, parakeets, reptiles, or fish) to have a label printed on or affixed to the package.
This includes pet foods and treats produced by a home-based business.
The minimum information that is required either on your labels or in a handout available for purchasers should include:
- Brand/Product name
- For example, “Sally’s Dog Treats”
- Species name
- You must specify the species of animal that the product is formulated for.
- For example, “dog treats” or “cat treats.”
- A picture does not meet this requirement.
- Quantity Statement
- This must be expressed as weight in US measures, followed by the metric equivalent.
- For example, “Net weight 8 oz. (227g).”
- You may also use a count.
- Ingredient Statement
- This is a continuous list of each approved ingredient using the name of the ingredient adopted by AAFCO.
- The ingredients shall be listed in descending order by predominance, separated by a comma.
- Guaranteed Analysis
- Both meals and treats require a guaranteed analysis. This should include the correct heading, consist of at least the following, and be stated in the order listed below:
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.) XX%
Crude Fat (min.) XX%
Crude Fiber (Max.) XX%
Moisture (Max.) XX%
Ash (Max.) XX%*
*Ash is not a required guarantee
Note that certain label claims such as “low fat,” “contains omega fatty acids,” or “contains probiotics,” require guarantees declaring that the content is in the product.
- Statement of Calorie Content
- The statement shall be measured in terms of metabolizable energy (ME) on an “as fed” or “calculated” basis. It shall be expressed both in terms of kcal/kg and kcal per familiar household measure or unit (such as cups, cans, treats, or pieces). The statement must be listed under the header “Calorie Content.”
- For example: Calorie Content (ME) calculated: 2500 kcal/kg; 20 kcal/treat.
- Nutritional Adequacy Statement
- A nutritional adequacy statement is required for complete and balanced meals only.
- If the product is clearly identified on the front label as a snack or treat, a nutritional adequacy statement is not required. We recommend that a statement such as “feed as a snack or treat” or “for intermittent or supplemental feeding only” be included for information purposes on the label.
- If you are making a pet food for complete nutrition of a specific life stage, or special nutritional or dietary needs, you will need to reference the AAFCO publication or the National Research Council for all of the necessary nutritional levels that must be met to make these claims.
- Manufacturer/Guarantor Information
- As the manufacturer or guarantor of the product your name and mailing address is required to be on the label. You do not need to include the street address if it can be found in a local telephone directory or internet search.
- A web address alone will not suffice.
Anyone who would like to label their product as “Made in the USA” must comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in the USA” policy.
Anyone who would like to label their product as “organic” must consult the United States Department of Agriculture, which regulates organic products. The Association of American Feed Control Officials also gives guidance.
When having your products analyzed for guaranteed analysis, you may use any lab that can perform a “crude analysis.”