Missouri Department of Agriculture
What has to be on a dog treat label in Missouri?
Verified September 7, 2026. Figures quoted from the statute, rule, fee page or form.
In Missouri a dog treat is pet food, and its label follows the state's commercial feed labeling rules rather than the human food rules. The table below lists each label item with the citation it was read from, then the order of the guaranteed analysis and what a product identified as a snack or treat is excused from. Label filing in Missouri: it depends, there is no pre-approval step, but a paper copy of each label is filed with the product registration listing, and the state may request copies of labels and labeling at any time to determine compliance.
What the Missouri label has to carry
| Item | What Missouri says | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Required label items | YesProduct 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 |
| Guaranteed analysis | YesA guaranteed analysis is required on every commercial feed label (Mo. Rev. Stat. 266.170(1)(b)); on a pet food label the guarantees run in the order crude protein minimum, crude fat minimum, crude fiber maximum, moisture maximum (2 CSR 70-31.020(3)) | Mo. Rev. Stat. Sec. 266.170(1)(b) (Labels) |
| What a treat is excused from | DependsA 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 |
| AAFCO text adopted | 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 |
| AAFCO edition | 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) |
| Label goes in with the filing | DependsThere is no pre-approval step, but a paper copy of each label is filed with the product registration listing, and the state may request copies of labels and labeling at any time to determine compliance | Product Registration Listing MO 350-0664 (8-19), products column heading |
The guaranteed analysis, in the state's words
The guaranteed analysis stated in such terms as the director by rule determines is required to advise the user of the composition of the feed
The laboratory side of these guarantees, and what a test costs, is on the guaranteed analysis guide linked below.
What a treat is excused from in Missouri
(15) The label of a dog or cat food (other than
How the label reaches the state:
PRODUCTS (LIST PRODUCT NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON THE LABEL)
The federal package rules that apply on top
- The principal display panel must bear a statement of identity as a principal feature.
- Ingredients must be listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight.
- Label must conspicuously give the name and place of business of manufacturer, packer or distributor, with 'Manufactured for'/'Distributed by' qualifier when not the manufacturer; street address, city, state, ZIP.
- The principal display panel must bear a net quantity declaration in weight, measure, count or combination; solids in avoirdupois weight.
- Required information must be at least 1/16 inch high unless an exemption applies (small packages under 10 sq in may use 3/64 inch).
More for Missouri
Missouri questions on this topic
Do dog treats need a guaranteed analysis in Missouri?
Yes. A guaranteed analysis is required on every commercial feed label (Mo. Rev. Stat. 266.170(1)(b)); on a pet food label the guarantees run in the order crude protein minimum, crude fat minimum, crude fiber maximum, moisture maximum (2 CSR 70-31.020(3)). Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. Sec. 266.170(1)(b) (Labels).
Does a treat need a nutritional adequacy statement in Missouri?
It depends. 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. Source: 2 CSR 70-31.020(15) (Pet Food Label Format and Labeling), first physical line of the three-column reprint.
Does Missouri review my label before I sell?
It depends. There is no pre-approval step, but a paper copy of each label is filed with the product registration listing, and the state may request copies of labels and labeling at any time to determine compliance. Source: Product Registration Listing MO 350-0664 (8-19), products column heading.
Which AAFCO edition does Missouri follow for labels?
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. Source: 2 CSR 70-31.020, Editor's Note, material incorporated by reference (transcribed as printed, including the "Officials Publication" typographical error).
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.
Read the terms before you rely on any figure here.