Missouri Direct-to-Consumer Guide 19 of 24
Pet Food/Treats
Dog and cat foods, treats and chews
Licensed Facility Required
AAFCOModel label standard
MDACommercial feed program
0Cottage coverage for pet food
ClaimsDrug claims are barred
What is covered, and what needs a different path
Covered
- Pet treats from a registered feed operation
- AAFCO-style labeled foods
- Dry treats with ingredient statements
Needs a different path
- Cottage food kitchens as pet food source
- Unlabeled products
- Claims to treat disease
Three compliance steps
ARegister with MDA
Commercial feed generally requires registration or licensing; confirm with MDA.
BLabel to AAFCO model
Product name, guaranteed analysis, ingredients, net weight, name and address.
CSource ingredients safely
Use feed-grade or human-grade ingredients with records.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Pet treats | Commercial feed rules | MDA |
| Label | AAFCO model format | MDA / AAFCO |
| Raw meat treats | Extra safety obligations | FDA / MDA |
| Claims | No treat-disease claims | FDA |
| Sales tax | Retail sales are taxable; Missouri sales tax license, state plus local rate | MO DOR |
FAQ
Is pet food a cottage food?
No.
Do I need registration?
Likely; confirm with MDA.
Who sets the label format?
AAFCO model, adopted by states.
Printable checklist
- Contact MDA feed program
- Draft AAFCO label
- Source ingredients
- Skip disease claims
- Keep batch records
- Register for sales tax