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Category 20 of 25 · Hawaii

Pet Food/Treats

Dog & Cat Treats, Raw & Baked Pet Food

HDOA Commercial Feed Registration Required
Does not apply
Human cottage exemption
HDOA feed registration
License
HDOA Plant Industry
Agency
HRS Ch.147
Law

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ What's Covered

  • Baked, dehydrated, or raw pet treats/food registered as a commercial feed with HDOA before sale
  • Products labeled per AAFCO model regulations (guaranteed analysis, ingredient list, feeding directions, species statement)
  • Selling direct at markets, online, and wholesale once properly registered and labeled
  • Working with a co-packer or licensed kitchen for raw/frozen pet food requiring cold-chain handling

✕ Needs More

  • Assuming Hawaii's human-food cottage exemption (HAR 11-50) covers pet treats — it does not; pet food/treats fall under a separate HDOA Commercial Feed Law framework (HRS Ch.147)
  • Selling pet treats without registering the product/facility with HDOA's feed program
  • Making unapproved health claims ('cures allergies,' 'prevents disease') on pet food packaging
  • Skipping AAFCO-standard guaranteed-analysis labeling, which most retailers and the state expect even for small-batch producers

How to Get Compliant

A

Register with HDOA's Commercial Feed program

Pet food and treats sold in Hawaii must be registered under HRS Chapter 147's commercial feed law — this is separate from the human cottage food exemption.

B

Label to AAFCO standards

Include a guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fiber, moisture), full ingredient list, species designation (dog/cat), feeding directions, and manufacturer info.

C

Handle cold-chain products correctly

Raw or frozen pet food needs proper refrigeration/freezing throughout transport and sale, tracked separately from any human-food cold-chain plan.

Quick Reference

Sales ChannelRequirementNotes
Baked/dehydrated treatsHDOA commercial feed registrationNot covered by human cottage exemption
Raw or frozen pet foodHDOA registration + cold-chain planExtra handling scrutiny for raw products
Wholesale to a pet storeHDOA registration + standard AAFCO labelRetailer may request lab-verified guaranteed analysis
Online sale, in-stateHDOA registration + standard labelSame registration applies regardless of channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my cottage food permit to sell dog treats?
No — Hawaii's cottage food exemption is for human food only; pet treats need separate registration under HDOA's Commercial Feed Law.
What is a 'guaranteed analysis'?
A required label panel listing minimum/maximum percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture, per AAFCO model standards most states (including Hawaii) expect.
Do I need lab testing for my treats?
Many producers do lab-verify the guaranteed analysis to meet registration/label accuracy expectations — check current HDOA feed program requirements.
Can I sell raw pet food at a farmers market?
Yes, if registered with HDOA and handled with proper cold-chain equipment to keep the product safely frozen or refrigerated.

Printable Checklist