Office of the Texas State Chemist
What has to be on a dog treat label in Texas?
Verified September 7, 2026. Figures quoted from the statute, rule, fee page or form.
In Texas 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 Texas: it depends, a label for each product must be submitted with the small-package registration (4 TAC 63.8(b)) and new guarantors submit labels of all products (Form LA 0198 Section 2); there is no pre-market approval step, and written label review on request is free to a licensed facility (4 TAC 61.29(a)).
What the Texas label has to carry
| Item | What Texas says | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Required label items | YesProduct 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) |
| Guaranteed analysis | YesA guaranteed analysis of nutrients is required on every commercial feed label (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(4)); on a pet food label the guarantees run in the fixed order crude protein minimum, crude fat minimum, crude fiber maximum, moisture maximum, with additional guarantees following moisture (4 TAC 63.2(c)) | Tex. Agric. Code §141.051(a)(4) (Labeling of Commercial Feed) |
| What a treat is excused from | DependsA 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) |
| AAFCO text adopted | 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 |
| AAFCO edition | 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 |
| Label goes in with the filing | DependsA label for each product must be submitted with the small-package registration (4 TAC 63.8(b)) and new guarantors submit labels of all products (Form LA 0198 Section 2); there is no pre-market approval step, and written label review on request is free to a licensed facility (4 TAC 61.29(a)) | 4 TAC §63.8(b) (Registration of Pet Foods in Packages of Five Pounds or Less) |
The guaranteed analysis, in the state's words
(4) the guaranteed analysis of nutrients in the feed, listing a maximum or minimum quantity determinable by laboratory methods of protein, fat, fiber, and other components of commercial 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 Texas
The label of dog or cat food, other than one prominently identified
How the label reaches the state:
All labeling information shall be submitted with the registration of
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 Texas
Texas questions on this topic
Do dog treats need a guaranteed analysis in Texas?
Yes. A guaranteed analysis of nutrients is required on every commercial feed label (Tex. Agric. Code 141.051(a)(4)); on a pet food label the guarantees run in the fixed order crude protein minimum, crude fat minimum, crude fiber maximum, moisture maximum, with additional guarantees following moisture (4 TAC 63.2(c)). Source: Tex. Agric. Code §141.051(a)(4) (Labeling of Commercial Feed).
Does a treat need a nutritional adequacy statement in Texas?
It depends. 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)). Source: 4 TAC §63.2(o) (Label Format and Labeling).
Does Texas review my label before I sell?
It depends. A label for each product must be submitted with the small-package registration (4 TAC 63.8(b)) and new guarantors submit labels of all products (Form LA 0198 Section 2); there is no pre-market approval step, and written label review on request is free to a licensed facility (4 TAC 61.29(a)). Source: 4 TAC §63.8(b) (Registration of Pet Foods in Packages of Five Pounds or Less).
Which AAFCO edition does Texas follow for labels?
It depends. 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. Source: 4 TAC §61.1 (Definitions), introductory paragraph.
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.