If a product is offered on a website, it is being offered into distribution in Minnesota, thereby requiring a license, along with registration or tonnage fee reporting. There are no additional requirements to sell your pet treats directly to consumers (in-person, online, through the mail, etc.) or to stores that will then resell them. However, if you choose to distribute your product in other states, you must determine each individual state’s requirements, as each state has its own set of feed regulations. Products registered as cottage food may be sold online, but they must either be picked up in person by the customer or personally delivered by the cottage food producer.
The State of Minnesota has the authority to inspect any facility operating within the state that qualifies for a feed license. A firm cannot opt-out of inspections.
The State of Minnesota has the authority to inspect any facility operating within the state that qualifies for a feed license. A firm cannot opt-out of inspections.
We recommend doing a search for testing labs that routinely analyze pet foods. Minimally, you should request crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and moisture. Ask the lab to determine the calorie content with a calculation specific to pets. Contact the lab you have chosen for directions on preparing and shipping your sample.
We recommend doing a search for testing labs that routinely analyze pet foods. Minimally, you should request crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and moisture. Ask the lab to determine the calorie content with a calculation specific to pets. Contact the lab you have chosen for directions on preparing and shipping your sample.
Use of the term, “organic” is allowed on pet food labels if the program and labeling requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program are met. These requirements can be found on the USDA National Organic Program website.
Use of the term, “organic” is allowed on pet food labels if the program and labeling requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program are met. These requirements can be found on the USDA National Organic Program website.
You may label your product as human-grade if it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Guidelines for “Human Grade” Claims. You may be asked to provide documentation to support your claim, as outlined in the guideline. This guideline can be found in AAFCO’s Official Publication which can be purchased on the AAFCO website under the “Publications” section. Copies of the AAFCO Official Publication are also available for public viewing at the Minnesota State Law Library located inside the Minnesota Judicial Center (25 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155).
You may label your product as human-grade if it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Guidelines for “Human Grade” Claims. You may be asked to provide documentation to support your claim, as outlined in the guideline. This guideline can be found in AAFCO’s Official Publication which can be purchased on the AAFCO website under the “Publications” section. Copies of the AAFCO Official Publication are also available for public viewing at the Minnesota State Law Library located inside the Minnesota Judicial Center (25 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155).
