For pet treat entrepreneurs
Homemade dog treats aren’t cottage food.
Your state has a whole other rulebook.
Pet treats follow feed and pet-food rules. Start with the states where you plan to sell, then confirm registration, testing, and labeling requirements with the relevant regulator. Keep your research, label drafts, and deadlines in one workspace.
Made with care. Planned with evidence.
Your recipe is the beginning.
Before your first sale, bring the recipe, packaging, production location, and selling plans to the right state official. Those details determine the questions you need answered.
Review your state and productFrom your recipe to a reviewed business plan
AAFCO-informed label drafts
Organize ingredients and label information in a draft. Confirm ingredient names and required statements with your regulator; use laboratory results to substantiate nutrient guarantees.
State feed-law research
Start with state-specific references for registration, licensing, and labeling. Your home state and the states where you sell may have different requirements.
Registration reminders
Record permit and registration deadlines in your compliance workspace. Set reminders around the dates your regulator provides.
What pet treat founders actually need to know
- Ask your state feed control official whether your product and home production setup need registration or a license.
- Determine which states you will sell into before researching product registration and fees.
- Confirm ingredient names, nutrient guarantees, and label statements before printing packaging.
- A recipe estimate does not replace the evidence needed to support your product's guaranteed analysis.
- Keep application approvals, testing records, and renewal deadlines together in your business records.
Start with the source
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) develops model rules; state officials decide what applies in their jurisdiction. AAFCO recommends laboratory analysis to establish nutrient guarantees when a complete, accurate formulation system is unavailable.
Make your next step a clear one.
Choose your state and pet treat category to explore the available references. Confirm your product and selling plans with a state feed control official before selling.
Check my stateEducational guidance, not legal advice or product approval. Requirements and fees can change; verify current rules with the regulator.