Label editions
What is the AAFCO Pet Nutrition Facts box and does your state use it?
Verified September 7, 2026. Figures quoted from the statute, rule, fee page or form.
The 2024 edition of the AAFCO model regulations for pet food replaced the Guaranteed Analysis box with a Pet Nutrition Facts panel modeled on the human Nutrition Facts label, moved the intended use statement to the front panel, and set the calorie line inside the same box. States adopt it one at a time, most with a transition period, and several verified states still adopt an older edition or no edition at all. This page quotes the 2024 items from a state rule that reprints them and shows what each verified state adopts.
What is in the box
The Pet Nutrition Facts panel is required on all pet foods including treats. It carries the guarantees as Protein, Fat, Fiber and Moisture with minimums and maximums, the calorie content in kilocalories per kilogram and per common unit, and any additional guarantees the maker chooses to make, in a fixed layout. Feeding directions are still required only when the product is labeled complete and balanced, and a treat is labeled with the words Species Treat as its intended use statement.
The company name and address moves to a Manufactured for or Distributed by line with the business name and address, the ingredient statement stays in descending order by weight using AAFCO names, and the quantity statement stays on the front panel with the product name and the intended use statement.
Which edition your state actually enforces
A state adopts the model regulations by reference, sometimes freezing the year of the Official Publication and sometimes pointing at whatever edition is current. Two verified states name a specific older year in their statute while their rules point at the current publication, which the state pages flag as an unresolved conflict. One verified state adopts no AAFCO document at all and runs its own label list. The table below prints each state's adopted edition with its citation, and the label guide prints both item lists in full.
Which edition each verified state adopts
| State | What the state says | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | DependsNo fixed year is named; 4 TAC 61.1 adopts the last published edition of the annual AAFCO Official Publication, and no Official Publication is in the snapshot, so the operative edition cannot be read here | 4 TAC §61.1 (Definitions), introductory paragraph |
| Florida | YesTwo fixed editions, Official Publication 2019 for ingredient names (5E-3.004(1) and (8)) and Official Publication 2001 for minimum standards (5E-3.013); neither publication is in the snapshot | Fla. Admin. Code 5E-3.004(1) |
| Ohio | YesFixed editions, AAFCO Official Publication chapters 4 to 6 (2024 edition) and Feed Inspector's Manual (2020 edition); neither is in the snapshot | Ohio Admin. Code 901:5-7-01(A)(1)-(2) |
| Illinois | DependsNo fixed year is named; Illinois adopts the AAFCO definitions as published plus any amendments or supplements, and no Official Publication is in the snapshot, so the operative edition cannot be read here | 505 ILCS 30/10(b) (Rules and regulations) |
| Michigan | DependsThe act freezes the reference at the 2015 Official Publication (MCL 287.523(a)) while the 1979 rule text points instead to the current annual AAFCO publication (R 285.635.1(2)); the conflict is not resolved anywhere in the snapshot, and no Official Publication of either kind is in the snapshot | MCL 287.523(a) (Definitions) |
| Iowa | DependsNo AAFCO Official Publication year is named anywhere in the rules, so the reference is open-ended, and no Official Publication is in the snapshot, so the operative edition cannot be read here | Iowa Admin. Code 21.41.6(198), subrule 41.6(1) (Ingredients) |
| Missouri | YesTwo references, a fixed 1995 AAFCO Official Publication incorporated by reference into the pet food labeling rule (2 CSR 70-31.020) and a rolling annual AAFCO publication for feed terms (2 CSR 70-30.015); neither publication is in the snapshot | 2 CSR 70-31.020, Editor's Note, material incorporated by reference (transcribed as printed, including the "Officials Publication" typographical error) |
| Indiana | YesThe 2026 Official Publication of AAFCO, for the model bill only; that publication is not in the snapshot | IC 15-19-7-47(a) |
| California | NoneNo Official Publication year is named in the statute, in the rules or in any CDPH document; the CDPH sentence that names the publication names no edition | CDPH, Procedures for Obtaining a Pet Food Processor License or Registration, Revised (8/2025), opening paragraph, the only place any CDPH document names the AAFCO publication |
| Georgia | DependsThe statute fixes the 1992 AAFCO official publication and supplements thereto (O.C.G.A. 2-13-12(b)(1)) while the rules adopt the AAFCO definitions with no edition named (r. 40-5-1-.01(1)); no Official Publication of either kind is in the snapshot, so the operative edition cannot be read here | O.C.G.A. § 2-13-12(b)(1) |
How the adoption is written
| State | What the state says | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes4 TAC 61.1 adopts the terms and definitions of the last published edition of the annual AAFCO Official Publication; no Official Publication of any year is in the snapshot | 4 TAC §61.1 (Definitions), introductory paragraph |
| Florida | YesThe AAFCO Official Publication 2019 is incorporated by reference for ingredient names (5E-3.004(8)) and the Official Publication 2001 for minimum standards (5E-3.013); the AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations are not adopted by name, and no Official Publication of either year is in the snapshot | Fla. Admin. Code 5E-3.004(8) |
| Ohio | YesOhio Admin. Code 901:5-7-01(A) adopts by reference chapters 4 to 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication (2024 edition) and the AAFCO Feed Inspector's Manual (2020 edition); neither document is in the snapshot | Ohio Admin. Code 901:5-7-01(A) |
| Illinois | Yes505 ILCS 30/10(b) adopts the official definitions of feed ingredients and official feed terms as adopted and published by AAFCO, plus any amendments or supplements; no AAFCO Official Publication is in the snapshot | 505 ILCS 30/10(b) (Rules and regulations) |
| Michigan | YesR 285.635.1(2) adopts the AAFCO official definitions of feed ingredients and the official feed terms, and MCL 287.523(a) separately freezes the AAFCO official publication at the 2015 edition; no AAFCO Official Publication of any year is in the snapshot | Mich. Admin. Code R 285.635.1(2) (Definitions and terms) |
| Iowa | YesThe rules adopt the AAFCO official definitions of feed ingredients and the AAFCO official feed terms, and ch. 42 relies on the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles; no AAFCO Official Publication is in the snapshot | Iowa Admin. Code 21.41.1(198), subrule 41.1(1) (Definitions and terms) |
| Missouri | Yes2 CSR 70-30.010(1) adopts the AAFCO official definitions of feed ingredients and 2 CSR 70-30.015(1) adopts the annual AAFCO publication; no AAFCO Official Publication of any year is in the snapshot | 2 CSR 70-30.010(1) (Definitions and Terms), first physical line of the three-column reprint |
| Indiana | YesAAFCO ingredient names and definitions are mandatory on the label (IC 15-19-7-25.5(a)(3)) and the AAFCO Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food, as published in the 2026 Official Publication, are the standard for a label review on request (IC 15-19-7-47(a)); no AAFCO Official Publication is in the snapshot | IC 15-19-7-25.5(a)(3) (Ingredient statement) |
| California | NoCalifornia adopts no AAFCO document by statute or regulation; CDPH states only that it recognizes the AAFCO Official Publication as its reference for pet food ingredients not defined by California law, which is an agency statement and not an incorporation by reference | CDPH, Procedures for Obtaining a Pet Food Processor License or Registration, Revised (8/2025), opening paragraph |
| Georgia | YesGa. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 40-5-1-.01(1) adopts the AAFCO Official Definitions of Feed Ingredients, and O.C.G.A. 2-13-12(b)(1) names the 1992 AAFCO official publication and supplements thereto; no AAFCO Official Publication of any year is in the snapshot | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 40-5-1-.01(1) |
The 2024 items, quoted from a rule that reprints them
PF2(a) lists the required label items: product and brand name (PF3), intended use statement (PF4(a)), quantity statement, Pet Nutrition Facts (PF5), ingredient statement (PF6(a)), feeding directions (PF8), name and address (PF11), optional handling/storage (PF12).
(1) Product name and brand name, if any, on the principal display panel as stipulated in Regulation PF3; (2) A Statement specifying the intended use of the products as stipulated in Regulation PF4(a); (3) Quantity statement [...] (4) Pet Nutrition Facts or Specialty Pet Nutrition Facts as stipulated in Regulation PF5; (5) Ingredient statement
Under PF4(a)(1)D, a treat is labeled with the intended use statement '[Species] Treat' on the principal display panel.
D. “[Species] Treat” – for food products for pets or specialty pets, provided occasionally for enjoyment, training, entertainment, or other purposes, and not generally intended or represented to be a complete food or nutritional supplement;
PF5(a) requires Pet Nutrition Facts on all pet foods including treats, with guarantees for Protein (min crude protein), Fat (min crude fat), Total Carbohydrate (max), Dietary Fiber (max), Moisture (max).
Pet Nutrition Facts shall be displayed in a prominent place on the label of all pet foods (including treats, food supplements, veterinary diets, and food mixers), but not necessarily on the principal display panel.
PF8(b) requires feeding directions on dog or cat food, including treats, only when labeled as complete and balanced under PF4(b) or (c).
Dog or cat food, including treats and food mixers, labeled as complete and balanced for any or all life stages as provided in Regulation PF4(b) or PF4(c), except those pet foods labeled in accordance with Regulation PF4(d), shall list feeding directions on the product label.
PF9(a) sets the calorie determination method (modified Atwater formula or AAFCO feeding procedure) converted to Calories per familiar household unit such as treat or piece.
The statement shall be determined in terms of metabolizable energy (ME) on an “as fed” moisture basis by one of the following methods then converted to Calories (kcal) per the familiar household unit (i.e., can, measuring cup, treat, or piece): (1) By calculation [...] “Modified Atwater” formula: ME (kcal/kg) = 10[(3.5 × CP) + (8.5 × CF) + (3.5 × NFE)]
PF11(a) requires the business name and address of the manufacturer or distributor with 'Manufactured for'/'Distributed by' header when not the manufacturer.
The label of a pet food or specialty pet food shall specify the business or corporate name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. This information shall appear under the header “Manufactured for ______,” “Distributed by ______,” or any other wording that expresses the facts, if the business whose name appears on the label is not the manufacturer.
The current AAFCO OP is the 2026 edition, sold in print (Members $85, Non-Members $150) or via a digital package that cannot be downloaded; the 2025 paper copy is Members $45 / Non-Members $75.
Order the 2026 Printed OP AAFCO Digital Publication Package The AAFCO Digital Publication Package is a one-year subscription that includes digital access to: The most current AAFCO Official Publication (Cannot be downloaded) [...] Order the 2026 Paper Copy Members – $85 [...] Non-Members – $150
AAFCO hosts a free draft PDF of the Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food dated 9-28-22 (found via WebSearch, HEAD request returned HTTP/2 200 content-type application/pdf); the final Model Bill/Regulations text is inside the paid OP. Content of the draft not quoted.
Verified states on this site
This guide prints only what the verified state records support. More states are added a block at a time as they clear verification.
Questions people actually type
Do I have to switch to the Pet Nutrition Facts box now?
Only where your state has adopted the 2024 edition and its transition period has run, and the state pages print the adopted edition with its citation. A state that adopts an older edition or freezes a year still expects the Guaranteed Analysis box. A maker shipping into several states with different editions usually follows the newer layout only once every destination state accepts it.
Is the calorie statement new?
No. The older model text already required a calorie content statement on dog and cat food under the heading Calorie Content, in kilocalories per kilogram and per common unit, though several verified states never adopted that particular rule. The 2024 edition moves the same information inside the Pet Nutrition Facts panel and fixes its position.
Where can I read the 2024 model text for free?
The Official Publication is sold rather than posted, but the model regulations are reproduced in full inside the administrative code of at least one state, and AAFCO hosts a free draft of the pet food model regulations. The federal guide on this site quotes the items from those sources with their citations.
Keep reading
DogTreatLicense is an informational reference about state commercial feed laws as they apply to people who make and sell pet treats in the United States. It reprints instrument names, fees, thresholds, label items and citations from state statutes, rules, fee schedules and agency forms, together with the date each state was last verified. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and fees and rules change. Confirm with the state feed control office before you register or sell.
Questions about this page go to the state feed control office first. Our terms explain what this site is and is not. See also privacy.