United States Guide
Pet Food
Pet food may be regulated at both the federal and state levels in the United States. Federal considerations may include FDA animal-food rules, facility registration where applicable, CGMP and preventive controls where applicable, ingredient requirements, and labeling. State requirements may include product registration, feed licensing, label review, and fees. This is a major, layered topic, and this page treats it that way.
Regulatory record
- Regulatory Region
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Last Verified
- Structure reviewed 26 September 2026 — legal specifics not yet independently verified; confirm with the relevant authority
- Official Authority
- FDA (federal) and each state's feed/agriculture agency (state)
The federal layer
Federal considerations, always subject to current FDA rules:
- FDA animal-food rules: FDA regulates animal food under the federal food framework, applying to pet food in interstate commerce.
- Facility registration where applicable: Facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold animal food may need FDA registration unless exempt. See the FDA facility registration guide.
- CGMP and preventive controls where applicable: Animal-food CGMP and preventive-control rules apply to covered facilities. See the FSMA guide.
- Ingredient requirements: Ingredients used may be subject to current FDA requirements and the current ingredient definitions.
- Labeling: Federal animal-food labeling rules, including product name, net quantity, ingredient and manufacturer information.
The state layer
State requirements vary and may include:
- Product registration: Many states require pet-food products to be registered before sale in the state.
- Feed licensing: Commercial feed licensing for manufacturers and distributors in some states.
- Label review: Some states review labels before a product may be sold.
- Fees: Fees for registration and licensing exist in many states, but no amounts are stated here.
AAFCO model language is not federal law
AAFCO is not a federal regulator
AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) publishes model language and ingredient definitions, but AAFCO itself is not a federal regulator and its model language is not federal law. Many states use AAFCO model concepts inside their own rules, so the practical effect is state-by-state. Never treat AAFCO language as federal law.
One state's registration is not national
States register pet food individually; a registration in one state does not cover the country. See the interstate sales guide.
Official sources
Official sources
Regulatory disclaimer
Regulatory requirements change and may depend on product, facility, sales channel, and location. This resource is educational and should be verified with the relevant government authority before commercial operation.
Common questions
Do I register pet food with the federal government?
The federal layer is FDA facility registration and rules where they apply, not a national product registration. State product registration is a separate, state-by-state requirement.
Is AAFCO approval required?
AAFCO is not a regulator and does not approve products. Many states adopt AAFCO model concepts into their own rules; check your state.