Michigan direct-to-consumer compliance guide, 2026

Pet Food/Treats

Every pet food or treat seller needs an MDARD commercial feed license; cottage law covers only human food.

Feed License Required

YesWhat's covered

  • Pet treats and food made by a licensed firm
  • Treats that are not nutritionally complete, with guaranteed analysis
  • Licensed distributors whose name is on the label
  • Sales at markets and online by licensees

NoNeeds a different path

  • Selling pet food or treats without a feed license
  • Using the cottage food exemption for pets
  • Treats without a guaranteed analysis
  • Claims that a treat is complete and balanced without meeting standards

Three compliance steps

  1. A

    Develop a compliant label

    Follow MDARD and AAFCO label rules. Treats need a guaranteed analysis but not complete nutrition.

  2. B

    Apply for the commercial feed license

    Submit the Commercial Feed Manufacturer/Distributor application with label proofs. The fee is $25 (packages 5 lb or less) or $100.

  3. C

    Report and renew

    File the annual inspection and tonnage fee report. A $50 late fee applies on late applications.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Pet food and treat salesMDARD license required to sellMDARD
License fee$25 for packages of 5 lb or less; $100 otherwiseMDARD
Late fee$50MDARD
LabelGuaranteed analysis; label proofs with first applicationMDARD
Cottage exemptionApplies to human food onlyMDARD
FederalFDA animal food rules and AAFCO model labelingFDA / AAFCO

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell treats at a farmers market?

Yes. A license is required to sell pet food or treats.

Can I use my home kitchen?

Check with MDARD feed staff; cottage exemptions do not apply.

How much is the license?

$25 for packages 5 lb or less, $100 if any package is larger.

Printable checklist