Label guide
Verified September 7, 2026. Figures quoted from the statute, rule, fee page or form.
Two model label formats are live at the same time. The older one is built around a Guaranteed Analysis box. The newer one, from the 2024 Official Publication, replaces that box with Pet Nutrition Facts and puts an intended use statement on the front of the bag. Which one applies to you depends on the edition your state adopted, so this page prints both and then prints what each verified state adopts.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials publishes model regulations for pet food. AAFCO does not regulate anyone. It says so itself: it does not approve, certify or endorse animal feed or pet food, and it does not review a company label. States do that, under their own feed laws.
Most states adopt a version of the model. The version matters. States that adopted the older text ask for a Guaranteed Analysis box and a nutritional adequacy statement. States that adopted the 2024 edition ask for a Pet Nutrition Facts box and an intended use statement such as Dog Treat on the principal display panel. A state can also adopt the ingredient definitions from one edition and the label format from somewhere else entirely.
The Official Publication itself is sold rather than posted. The model text is readable for free where state rules reprint it, which is how the quotes on this page were read.
The principal display panel is the panel a buyer sees on the shelf. Across both editions it carries the product and brand name, the species the food is for, and the quantity statement. In the 2024 edition the species line becomes an intended use statement, and for a treat that statement is the species followed by the word Treat.
Everything else can sit on the information panel: the guarantees, the ingredient statement, the name and address, the feeding directions where they are required, and the calorie statement.
The exceptions are narrow, and they are not the same in both editions. Under the older text a dog or cat food clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a snack, treat or supplement does not need the nutritional adequacy statement. Feeding directions are required only where a product is labeled as complete and balanced.
Nothing else is waived. The guarantees, the ingredient statement, the quantity statement, the species designation and the name and address stay. In the fetched Maryland calorie rule there is no treat exception at all, and the 2024 edition applies its Pet Nutrition Facts box to all pet foods including treats.
The one carve-out that goes further is for chews made of animal parts. AAFCO puts hide, hooves, ears, pizzles and similar products outside registration and labeling while no nutritional claims are made. It also says jerky-type meat treats are not in that group: they are full pet food, and they have to be labeled everywhere and registered in states that run a small package listing.
Federal package rules in 21 CFR part 501 apply to every packaged animal food whatever the state does. A statement of identity on the principal display panel. Ingredients by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. A net quantity declaration on the principal display panel. Type no smaller than one sixteenth of an inch unless an exemption applies.
FDA puts it plainly: pet food labeling is regulated at two levels, and many state rules are based on the AAFCO model.
PF2(a)(1) referencing PF3 (2024 OP version, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(1) (pre-PFLM)
(1) Product name and brand name, if any, on the principal display panel as stipulated in Regulation PF3;
No treat or snack exception is recorded for this item.
PF2(a)(2), PF4(a)(1)D (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(2) (pre-PFLM)
(2) A statement specifying the species name of the pet or specialty pet for which the food is intended, conspicuously designated on the principal display panel;
For a treat, as the model text puts it:
Treats use the intended-use statement "[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 (PF4(a)(1)D, Alabama reprint).
PF2(a)(3) (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(3)
(3) Quantity statement, as defined in Section 3(s) of this Act and Regulation 3(a)(8) of the Model Regulations, by weight (pounds and ounces, and metric), liquid measure (quarts, pints, and fluid ounces, and metric) or by count, on the principal display panel;
No treat or snack exception is recorded for this item.
COMAR 15.18.09.06 B(1) (pre-PFLM 'Expressions of Guarantees'); PF2(a)(4) and PF5(a),(a)(3)A (2024 OP, Alabama reprint)
(a) minimum percentage of crude protein; (b)minimum percentage of crude fat; (c) maximum percentage of crude fat, if required by (Section .12); (d) maximum percentage of crude fiber; (e) maximum percentage of moisture; and (f) additional guarantees shall follow moisture.
For a treat, as the model text puts it:
None. 2024 OP PF5(a): "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." (Alabama reprint)
PF2(a)(5) referencing PF6(a) (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(5) and .07
(5) Ingredient statement as stipulated in Regulation PF6(a);
No treat or snack exception is recorded for this item.
COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(6) and .09 D (pre-PFLM); 12 KAR 3:039 §3 (Kentucky); Minn. R. 1510.2560 subp. 3; 2024 OP folds this into PF4 intended use/claims
(6) A statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose if required under this regulation;
For a treat, as the model text puts it:
Maryland .09 D: "Dog and cat food labels shall include a statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose of the product except when the dog or cat food is clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a “snack”, “treat” or “supplement.”" Kentucky 12 KAR 3:039 §3: same wording with "snack," "treat," or "supplement." Minnesota 1510.2560 subp. 3: "...except when the dog or cat food is clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a "snack" or "treat.""
PF2(a)(6) referencing PF8 (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(7) and .10 A (pre-PFLM)
(a) All pet foods and specialty pet foods shall bear feeding directions consistent with the intended use statement on the principal display panel. (b) 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) ... shall list feeding directions on the product label.
For a treat, as the model text puts it:
Required only when labeled complete and balanced. 2024 OP PF8(b): "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." Maryland .10 A: "Dog or cat food, including snacks or treats, labeled as complete and balanced for any or all life stages ... shall list feeding directions on the product label. ... Feeding directions shall, at a minimum state, “Feed (weight/unit of product) per (weight only) of dog (or cat)”. The frequency of feeding shall also be specified." Note PF8(a) (2024 OP): "All pet foods and specialty pet foods shall bear feeding directions consistent with the intended use statement on the principal display panel."
PF2(a)(7) referencing PF11(a) (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(8)
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.
No treat or snack exception is recorded for this item.
COMAR 15.18.09.11 A (pre-PFLM PF9); PF5(a)(2) and PF9(a) (2024 OP, Alabama reprint)
A. Dog and Cat Labels. The label of a dog or cat food shall bear a statement of calorie content and meet all of the following: (1) The statement shall be separate and distinct from the “Guaranteed Analysis” and appear under the heading “Calorie Content”; (2) The statement shall be measured in terms of metabolizable energy (ME) on an “as fed” basis and shall be expressed as “kilocalories per kilogram” (kcal/kg)
For a treat, as the model text puts it:
No snack/treat exception appears in the fetched Maryland .11 A text ("The label of a dog or cat food shall bear a statement of calorie content"); 2024 OP PF5(a) applies Pet Nutrition Facts, which carries the Calorie statement, to all pet foods "including treats". PF9(a) converts to Calories per familiar household unit "(i.e., can, measuring cup, treat, or piece)".
PF2(a)(8) referencing PF12 (2024 OP, Alabama reprint); COMAR 15.18.09.04 B(9) lot number (state addition)
(8) Handling and Storage Instructions may be displayed as stipulated in PF12.
No treat or snack exception is recorded for this item.
The principal display panel of a food in package form shall bear as one of its principal features a statement of the identity of the commodity.
Ingredients required to be declared on the label of a food [...] shall be listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight on either the principal display panel or the information panel in accordance with the provisions of § 501.2 .
The label of a food in packaged form shall specify conspicuously the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. [...] The statement of the place of business shall include the street address, city, state, and ZIP Code; however, the street address may be omitted if it is shown in a current city directory or telephone directory.
The principal display panel of a food in package form shall bear a declaration of the net quantity of contents. This shall be expressed in the terms of weight, measure, numerical count, or a combination of numerical count and weight or measure.
All information appearing on the principal display panel or the information panel pursuant to this section shall appear prominently and conspicuously, but in no case may the letters and/or numbers be less than 1 ⁄ 16 inch in height unless an exemption pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section is established.
| State | AAFCO text adopted | Edition | What a treat is excused from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | yes: 4 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 | conditional: no 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 | conditional: a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat on the principal display panel, as part of the designation required by 4 TAC 63.2(k), needs no statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose (4 TAC 63.2(o)); nothing else is waived, and feeding directions are in any case required only for a dog or cat food labeled complete and balanced (4 TAC 63.2(q)) 4 TAC §63.2(o) (Label Format and Labeling) |
| Florida | yes: the 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) | yes: two 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 | none: no Florida label rule carves a treat out of any label item; the only treat exemptions in the chapter are from nutrient sampling and from mycotoxin sampling, which are compliance duties and not label items Fla. Admin. Code 5E-3.003(4)(b)1.d. |
| Ohio | yes: Ohio 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) | yes: fixed editions, AAFCO Official Publication chapters 4 to 6 (2024 edition) and Feed Inspector's Manual (2020 edition); neither is in the snapshot | unknown: no treat carve-out appears in ORC 923.43 or in any of the seven rules of Ohio Admin. Code ch. 901:5-7; the model snack-or-treat carve-out from the nutritional adequacy statement that the other states in this block carry sits in the AAFCO Official Publication chapters 4 to 6 adopted by 901:5-7-01(A)(1), and that publication is not in the snapshot; separately, ODA guidance says chews, bones, toys, hooves, ears, animal bones, ligaments, snouts and pizzles are not covered by the law at all ODA "What to Look for on a Pet Food or Treat Label", Exemptions section, page dated March 09, 2026 (agency guidance, not law) |
| Illinois | yes: 505 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) | conditional: no 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 | conditional: a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat, as part of the designation required on the principal display panel by 8 Ill. Adm. Code 200.130(k), needs no statement of nutritional adequacy (200.130(o)); nothing else is waived 8 Ill. Adm. Code 200.130(o) (Label Format and Labeling), Subpart B: Pet Food |
| Michigan | yes: R 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) | conditional: the 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 | none: neither MCL 287.525 nor Regulation No. 635 carves a treat out of any label item, and Michigan requires no nutritional adequacy statement for a treat carve-out to attach to; MDARD guidance states only that treats require a guaranteed analysis and are not intended to be nutritionally complete MDARD Pet Food and Treats page, "What's the difference between pet treats and pet food?" |
| Iowa | yes: the 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) | conditional: no 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 | conditional: a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat, as part of the designation required on the principal display panel by 21.42.2(10), needs no statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose (21.42.2(14)) and, not being labeled complete and balanced, owes no feeding directions either (21.42.2(16)); the guaranteed analysis, the ingredient statement, the quantity statement, the name and address, the species designation and the small-package registration all still apply Iowa Admin. Code 21.42.2(198), subrule 42.2(14) (Label format and labeling) |
| Missouri | yes: 2 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 | yes: two 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 | conditional: a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat, as part of the designation required on the principal display panel by 2 CSR 70-31.020(11), needs no AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement (2 CSR 70-31.020(15)) and, not being labeled complete and balanced, owes no feeding directions either (2 CSR 70-31.020(17)); separately, MDA treats rawhides and bones as outside the state labeling requirements altogether unless the label or advertising lists feed ingredients or claims nutritional value 2 CSR 70-31.020(15) (Pet Food Label Format and Labeling), first physical line of the three-column reprint |
| Indiana | yes: AAFCO 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) | yes: the 2026 Official Publication of AAFCO, for the model bill only; that publication is not in the snapshot | conditional: a dog or cat food clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a snack or treat needs no statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose (IC 15-19-7-25.7(c)) and, not being labeled complete and balanced, owes no feeding directions either (IC 15-19-7-25.8(a)); nothing else is waived, and OISC requires the intended use, Treat, Snack or Supplement, on the front of the label IC 15-19-7-25.7(c) |
| California | no: California 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 | none: no 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 | unknown: 17 CCR 19025 and Cal. Health & Safety Code Article 5 were both read in full and neither carves treats or snacks out of any label item, and California imposes no nutritional adequacy or complete and balanced statement for a treat carve-out to attach to; but the section that would carry exemptions, 17 CCR 19015 Exemptions, is not in the snapshot Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 113095 (Misbranding), the delegation of exemptions to department regulation |
| Georgia | yes: Ga. 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) | conditional: the 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 | conditional: a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat, as part of the designation required on the principal display panel, needs no statement of nutritional adequacy (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 40-5-8-.02(15)) and, not being labeled complete and balanced, owes no feeding directions by rule either (r. 40-5-8-.02(17)); the GDA brochure separately instructs treat makers to include feeding instructions, which is agency guidance rather than the rule Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 40-5-8-.02(15) |
| State | Required label items | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | yes: product and brand name required (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(2)); species designation required, the words dog food or cat food or a similar designation conspicuously on the principal display panel (4 TAC 63.2(k)); quantity statement required, in English and SI units (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(3), 4 TAC 61.22(8)(A)); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed pet food order (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(4), 4 TAC 63.2(c)); ingredient statement required by common or usual name, and failure to list ingredients in descending order by predominance by weight may be misleading (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(5), 4 TAC 63.5(b)); nutritional adequacy or purpose statement required except on a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat (4 TAC 63.2(o)); feeding directions required only for a dog or cat food labeled complete and balanced (4 TAC 63.2(q)); calorie content statement required (4 TAC 63.9(a)); guarantor name and principal address required (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(1)); precautionary statements required as a warning statement and directions for use for each medicine, drug, mineral, vitamin, antibiotic or antioxidant in the feed (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(7)) | Tex. Agric. Code Sec. 141.051(a)(1)-(5) (Labeling of Commercial Feed) |
| Florida | yes: product and brand name required (Fla. Stat. 580.051(1)(c)); species designation not required by Florida statute or rule, since the pet food rule 5E-3.010 was repealed 6-1-95 and no pet-food-specific label chapter replaced it; quantity statement required as an accurate statement of the net weight (580.051(1)(a)); guaranteed analysis required (580.051(1)(e)); ingredient statement required by the common or usual name of each ingredient, using AAFCO Official Publication 2019 names (580.051(1)(f), 5E-3.004(1)); nutritional adequacy statement not required by Florida statute or rule; feeding directions not required by Florida statute or rule; calorie content statement not required by Florida statute or rule; guarantor name and principal address of the registrant required (580.051(1)(b)); precautionary statements not separately required, though precautions and directions for use may appear on the reverse side of the label (5E-3.005(1)); date of manufacture or expiration required only where the department requires it by rule, which today is ratite feed only (580.051(1)(d), 5E-3.005(3)); all information required by the federal Food and Drug Administration is required in addition (580.051(1)) | Fla. Stat. 580.051(1) (Labels) |
| Ohio | unknown: the seven general commercial feed items of ORC 923.43(A) are readable and are product and brand name (A)(2), quantity statement as net weight of contents (A)(1), guaranteed analysis (A)(4), ingredient statement by common name of each ingredient (A)(5), guarantor name and principal address of the manufacturer or distributor (A)(3), directions for safe and effective use of any feed containing a drug and any other feed the director requires (A)(6) and precautionary statements the director determines necessary (A)(7); but the pet-food-specific items are not answerable from this snapshot, because Ohio Admin. Code 901:5-7-01(A)(1) adopts chapters 4 to 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication 2024 and that publication is not in the snapshot, and because ORC 923.43 is amended by House Bill 433 effective October 6, 2026 with the amended text not in the snapshot; ODA guidance separately lists a purpose statement naming the species and a calorie content statement for pet food and treat labels, neither of which is in the statutory list | Ohio Rev. Code Sec. 923.43(A)(1)-(3) (Label information), effective July 27, 1990 |
| Illinois | yes: product and brand name required on the principal display panel (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(2), 8 Ill. Adm. Code 200.130(a)); species designation required, the words Dog Food or Cat Food or a similar designation conspicuously on the principal display panel (200.130(k)), with the word snack or treat added when the product is intended for that use; quantity statement required as net weight on the principal display panel (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(1), 200.130(a)); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed order crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(3), 200.130(c)); ingredient statement required by AAFCO name and definition, or by common or usual name where none exists, in order of predominance by weight (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(4), 200.160(b)); nutritional adequacy statement required except on a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat (200.130(o)); feeding directions required only for a commercial feed containing drugs and for other feeds the Director determines necessary (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(6)); calorie content statement not required by Illinois statute or rule; guarantor name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor required (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(5), 200.130(d)); precautionary statements required as the Director determines necessary (505 ILCS 30/5(a)(7)) | 505 ILCS 30/5(a) (Labeling) |
| Michigan | yes: product and brand name required (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(ii), R 285.635.3(a)); species designation required, the words dog food or cat food or a similar designation conspicuously on the principal display panel (R 285.635.3(h)); quantity statement of the contents required on the principal display panel (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(i), R 285.635.3(a)); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed order (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(iii), R 285.635.3(c)); ingredient statement required by the common or usual name of each ingredient, using AAFCO official definitions (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(iv), R 285.635.10(1)); nutritional adequacy statement not required by Michigan statute or rule, R 285.635.3(i) instead barring an unqualified complete or balanced claim unless the product meets nutrient requirements set by a recognized authority or passes testing; feeding directions required only for a commercial feed containing drugs and for other feeds the director requires by rule (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(vi)); calorie content statement not required by Michigan statute or rule; guarantor name and principal mailing address required, exactly as it appears on the licence (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(v), R 285.635.3(b)); precautionary statements required as the director determines by rule (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(vii)); Michigan additionally requires drug statements where a drug product is used (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(viii)) and a date of manufacture, processing, packing or repacking or a lot code (MCL 287.525(1)(a)(ix)) | MCL 287.525(1)(a)(i)-(iii) (Commercial feed; label; information) |
| Iowa | yes: product and brand name required (Iowa Admin. Code 21.41.2 item 1 with 41.3(1)); species designation required, the words Dog Food or Cat Food or a similar designation on the principal display panel (21.42.2(10)), and a purpose statement is separately required on the general feed label (21.41.2 item 3 with 41.3(3)); quantity statement required (21.41.2 item 8); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed pet food order (21.41.2 item 4, 21.42.2(2)); ingredient statement required as feed ingredients (21.41.2 item 5 with 41.3(5)); nutritional adequacy or purpose statement required except on a dog or cat food prominently identified as a snack or treat (21.42.2(14)); feeding directions required only for dog and cat foods labeled as complete and balanced (21.42.2(16)); calorie content statement not required as such, though 21.42.7 governs a calorie content claim when one is made; guarantor name and principal mailing address required (21.41.2 item 7 with 41.3(7), and 21.42.2(3) adds street, city, state and ZIP); precautionary statements required with directions for use (21.41.2 item 6 with 41.3(6)); a drug statement is required if a drug is used (21.41.2 item 2 with 41.3(2)) | Iowa Admin. Code r. 21.41.2(198) (Label format), the whole eight-item principal display panel list |
| Missouri | yes: product and brand name required (Mo. Rev. Stat. 266.170(1)); species designation required as the intended species (MDA guide item 2, 2 CSR 70-31.020(11)); quantity statement required (MDA guide item 8); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed pet food order (266.170(1)(b), 2 CSR 70-31.020(3)); ingredient statement required (MDA guide item 5); nutritional adequacy statement required except on a product prominently identified as a snack or treat (2 CSR 70-31.020(15)); feeding directions required only for dog and cat foods labeled as complete and balanced (2 CSR 70-31.020(17)), which a plain treat is not, although the MDA guide lists feeding directions without that condition; calorie content required as MDA guide item 4; guarantor name and principal mailing address required (266.170(1)); precautionary statements required with directions for use where the general feed label rules require them | MDA "Guide to Making and Selling Pet Food & Pet Treats", Pet Food Label Contents slide |
| Indiana | yes: product and brand name required on the principal display panel (IC 15-19-7-25.4(a)(1) with 27.5); species designation required, the species of pet or specialty pet conspicuously designated on the principal display panel (25.4(a)(2)); quantity statement required on the principal display panel (25.4(a)(3)); guaranteed analysis required (25.4(a)(4) with 29.5); ingredient statement required, ingredients identified by AAFCO name and definition (25.4(a)(5) with 25.5); nutritional adequacy or purpose statement required except when the dog or cat food is clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a snack or treat (25.4(a)(6) with 25.7(c)); feeding directions required only for dog or cat food labeled as complete and balanced (25.4(a)(7) with 25.8(a)); calorie content statement not required by Ind. Code ch. 15-19-7; guarantor name and address of the manufacturer or distributor required (25.4(a)(8) with 28.2); precautionary statements not separately listed in 25.4(a), the drug and warning requirements sitting elsewhere in the chapter; OISC additionally instructs treat makers to put the intended use, Treat, Snack or Supplement, on the front of the label | IC 15-19-7-25.4(a)(1)-(8) (Pet food and specialty pet food label requirements), sliced plain-text extract |
| California | yes: product name required (CDPH 8676 label guidelines, Cal. Health & Safety Code 113095(c)(1)); species designation required, the words dog food or cat food or a similar designation conspicuously on the principal display panels (17 CCR 19025(a)); quantity statement required as an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents (113095(c)(2), CDPH 8676); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed order crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture (17 CCR 19025(b)); ingredient statement required, all ingredients in descending order by weight (113070(c), CDPH 8676); nutritional adequacy statement not required by California statute or rule; feeding directions not required by California statute or rule; calorie content statement not required by California statute or rule; guarantor name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor required (113095(c)(1), CDPH 8676); precautionary statements not separately required by California statute or rule | CDPH 8676 (7/2025), page 1, Pet Food Label Guidelines |
| Georgia | yes: product and brand name required (O.C.G.A. 2-13-8(a)(2)); species designation required, the words Dog Food or Cat Food or a similar designation conspicuously on the principal display panel (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 40-5-8-.02(11)), which the GDA brochure states as Dog Food, Cat Food or Dog Treat; quantity statement required as net weight (2-13-8(a)(1)); guaranteed analysis required in the fixed pet food order (2-13-8(a)(3), r. 40-5-8-.02(3)); ingredient statement required by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight (2-13-8(a)(4)); nutritional adequacy statement required except on a product prominently identified as a snack or treat (r. 40-5-8-.02(15)); feeding directions required by rule only for dog and cat foods labeled as complete and balanced (r. 40-5-8-.02(17)), which a plain treat is not, although the GDA brochure instructs treat makers to include feeding instructions; calorie content statement not required by Georgia statute or rule; guarantor name and principal mailing address required (2-13-8(a)(5), r. 40-5-2-.01(1)(g)); precautionary statements required with adequate directions for use (2-13-8(a)(6)-(7), r. 40-5-2-.01(1)(d) and (1)(h)) | O.C.G.A. Sec. 2-13-8(a)(1)-(3) (Labeling) |
This guide prints only what the verified state records support. More states are added a block at a time as they clear verification.
The model list runs to eight required items plus optional handling and storage instructions: product and brand name, the species or intended use statement, the quantity statement, the guarantees, the ingredient statement, the nutritional adequacy statement where it is required, feeding directions where they are required, and the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. The calorie statement is carried inside the guarantee block in the newer edition and as its own heading in the older one.
Under the older model text, no, as long as the product is clearly and conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a snack, treat or supplement. That wording is reprinted in the Maryland, Kentucky and Minnesota rules we read, and it is the wording several verified states carry in their own rules. It excuses the adequacy statement and nothing else.
No. AAFCO states that it does not regulate, approve, certify or endorse animal feed or pet food and does not review an individual company label. The state feed control official has that authority. Where a state runs a label review, that review is the state acting, not AAFCO.
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.
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