This regulation outlines the essential practices for producing safe food for animals, focusing on good manufacturing processes, hazard analysis, and preventive controls. It establishes guidelines that companies must follow to ensure the safety and quality of animal food. Compliance with these guidelines helps prevent contamination and ensures that animal food products are safe for consumption.
Requirements
Implement current good manufacturing practices
Conduct hazard analysis and establish preventive controls
Maintain records related to manufacturing processes and safety
Comply with supply-chain program requirements
Why it matters
Adhering to these regulations reduces the risk of product recalls and protects consumer trust.
Pet food and animal feed manufacturers and sellers
Pet food labels are heavily regulated at both federal and state levels and must comply with CFR Title 21 and state-specific feed laws. Labeling includes not just the physical label but all communications about the product across media, and compliance depends on context—what works in small print may violate rules in large print.
Requirements
Labels and labeling claims are regulated under federal CFR Title 21 and state feed laws
Compliance is context-dependent and varies by font size, prominence, and media type
State regulatory officials (not AAFCO) approve or reject labels for distribution in their state
AAFCO provides model regulations and checklists but does not certify, approve, or review individual company labels
Why it matters
Non-compliant labeling can result in your product being rejected for distribution in a state or subject to enforcement action by state regulators.
All pet food and pet treat sellers using product labels
Pet food labels must include eight required items that communicate product information to consumers. Three items (brand/product name, species intended for, and quantity) must appear on the front of the package; the remaining five can go on the front or back. All descriptive or non-required information on labels must be truthful and not misleading.
Requirements
Eight specific required items must appear on the label
Three items must be on the front (Principal Display Panel): brand/product name, species intended for, quantity statement
Five remaining items may appear on front or back/side panels
All descriptive or non-required label information must be true and not misleading
Why it matters
Incorrect or incomplete pet food labeling violates federal regulations (21 CFR) and state laws, which can result in product rejection, delisting, or enforcement action.
Pet food and treat labels must include eight specific required items and cannot include false or misleading information. Any descriptive or non-required information added to the label must be accurate and truthful.
Requirements
Include all eight required label items on pet food and treat packaging
Ensure all label information is truthful and not misleading
Follow specific requirements for each required item
Do not make false or misleading claims in any descriptive information
Why it matters
Non-compliant labeling can result in product delisting, legal liability, and damage to your seller reputation; regulatory violations in pet food are actively enforced.
All pet food manufacturers and sellers labeling pet food products
Pet food labels must follow specific naming rules based on how much of an ingredient is in the product—for example, "Beef Dog Food" requires a minimum percentage of beef, while "Dog Food with Beef" has different requirements. Labels must include eight required items total, but if you only use a front label, all eight must go there; if you use front and back labels, only three items (brand/product name, species, and quantity) must appear on the front.
Requirements
Ingredient names in the product name must follow percentage-based rules (e.g., "Beef" vs. "Beef Recipe" vs. "with Beef" have different thresholds)
Three items must appear on the front label (PDP): brand and product name, species intended for, and quantity statement
Five remaining required label items may appear on the back or side of the package
All eight required items must appear on the front if no back label is used
Why it matters
Improper ingredient naming or label placement can result in regulatory non-compliance, product recalls, and loss of shelf space or sales.
You must clearly label your pet food with the species it is meant for, such as including it in the product name like "Beef Dog Food." The way you name ingredients in the product name depends on how much of those ingredients are in the food and what words you use.
Requirements
The intended species must be clearly stated on the label.
Ingredient names can be part of the product name.
The naming rules depend on the percentage of the ingredient.
Use specific descriptors according to ingredient content.
Why it matters
Proper labeling ensures compliance with regulations and helps consumers make informed choices.
All pet food sellers listing products on TikTok Shop or promoting pet food products
Pet food labels must display a net weight or volume statement in both U.S. and metric units on the lower third of the front of the package. Product names must clearly show which ingredient they feature and how much of that ingredient is actually in the product, with different naming rules depending on whether it's "Beef Dog Food" (high percentage), "Recipe" or "with" (moderate percentage), or "Flavor" (low percentage). The species the food is intended for (dog, cat, etc.) must be clearly visible on the front panel.
Requirements
Net weight/volume statement must appear on lower third of front panel in both avoirdupois (lb/oz) and metric units
Product name rules depend on ingredient percentage: "Beef" = high percentage, "Beef Recipe" or "with Beef" = moderate percentage, "Beef Flavor" = low percentage
Species name (dog, cat, etc.) must be prominently displayed on the front panel
Why it matters
Incorrect labeling can result in product delisting, legal action, or consumer complaints; clear labeling builds customer trust and ensures regulatory compliance.
All pet food products subject to AAFCO labeling requirements
Pet food labels must display a Guaranteed Analysis section that shows the percentage of key nutrients (protein, fat, fiber, and moisture) in the food. You must list these nutrients in a required order, using specified units, and marked as minimum or maximum depending on the nutrient type. If you make any health or nutritional claims on the label (like "high in calcium"), you must also provide guarantees for those nutrients.
Requirements
Minimum percent of crude protein and crude fat must always be listed
Maximum percent of crude fiber and moisture must always be listed
Additional nutrient guarantees required if claims are made about those nutrients on the label
Guarantees must be listed in a specific order, using specified units, and designated as minimum or maximum per nutrient type
Why it matters
Compliance with Guaranteed Analysis requirements ensures your product meets labeling standards and protects you from regulatory action or product delisting.
Pet food manufacturers and TikTok Shop sellers listing pet food products
Pet food labels must list ingredients in order from highest to lowest weight, using approved AAFCO names or common names. Labels also require net weight/volume in both pounds/ounces and metric units on the lower third of the front panel, plus a guaranteed analysis showing the minimum protein and fat content and maximum fiber and moisture levels.
Requirements
List ingredients by weight percentage (highest first) using AAFCO-defined or common names
Use only GRAS, approved food additives, or AAFCO-sanctioned ingredients
Display net weight/volume in both avoirdupois (lb/oz) and metric units on lower third of front label
Include guaranteed analysis showing minimum crude protein and fat, maximum crude fiber and moisture percentages
Why it matters
Non-compliant pet food labels can result in product delisting, legal penalties, and consumer safety issues that damage seller credibility.
Pet food manufacturers and sellers listing products under AAFCO labeling standards
Pet food labels must include a statement confirming the product is complete and balanced for specific life stages (growth, reproduction, adult maintenance), unless it's clearly marked as a snack, treat, or supplement. You must also list the percentage of key nutrients (protein, fat, fiber, and moisture) in a section called Guaranteed Analysis, plus any other nutrients your labeling claims to contain.
Requirements
Nutritional Adequacy Statement required unless product is conspicuously labeled as snack, treat, or supplement on the front of the package
Guaranteed Analysis must always list minimum crude protein and fat, and maximum crude fiber and moisture
Any nutrient claims made on the label (e.g., "High in calcium") require supporting guarantees in the analysis
Voluntary nutrient guarantees may be included beyond the required minimums
Why it matters
Non-compliance with AAFCO labeling standards can result in product seizure, fines, or being banned from sale—and consumers rely on this information to make informed purchase decisions for their pets.
All pet food manufacturers and sellers, particularly those labeling products as complete and balanced for any life stage
Pet foods labeled as complete and balanced must include feeding directions showing the amount per weight of pet and how often to feed. Treats are exempt from this requirement unless they're labeled as complete and balanced. All ingredients must be listed by weight in the order they appear in the final product, using only safe or approved ingredients with proper AAFCO names or common names.
Requirements
Complete and balanced pet foods must include feeding directions stating amount per pet weight and feeding frequency
Treat products don't require feeding directions unless labeled as complete and balanced
Ingredients must be listed by weight in order of predominance (highest to lowest) as formulated
Only GRAS, approved additives, or AAFCO-sanctioned ingredients are allowed; use correct AAFCO-defined names or common names
Why it matters
Non-compliance can result in product delisting, regulatory action, or consumer safety issues; proper labeling builds trust and ensures legal product sales.
All pet food and pet treat manufacturers and distributors, including those using contract manufacturers
Pet food labels must display the manufacturer's or distributor's name and location as the guarantor of the product. You can omit the street address only if your company is listed in the local phone directory, but you must always show city, state, and zip code. If someone else manufactures the product for you, you must clearly indicate that relationship using the words "manufactured for" or "distributed by."
Requirements
Display manufacturer or distributor name and location on the label as product guarantor
Always include city, state, and zip code; street address may be omitted only if company is in local phone directory
Use "manufactured for" or "distributed by" language if a third party manufactures the product for you
Why it matters
Clear identification and accountability information is legally required on pet food labels; missing or incorrect manufacturer/distributor information can result in labeling violations and product rejection.
All pet food and pet treat manufacturers creating labels
Every pet food label must include a "guaranteed analysis" that tells buyers what nutrients are in the product. At minimum, you must guarantee the minimum amounts of protein and fat, and the maximum amounts of fiber and moisture—unless your product is only vitamins/minerals, in which case you only need a moisture guarantee. Any nutrient claims you make (like "high in calcium") require you to guarantee those nutrients too.
Requirements
Minimum guarantees required: crude protein and crude fat
Maximum guarantees required: crude fiber and moisture
Test at least two batches of each product variety to account for batch-to-batch variation
If you make nutrient claims on the label, you must guarantee those specific nutrients
Vitamin and mineral-only supplements need only a moisture guarantee
Why it matters
If your product fails to meet the guarantees you declare on the label, regulators can take enforcement action against your product, so testing multiple batches and setting realistic, achievable guarantees is critical to staying compliant.
Pet food manufacturers and sellers listing products subject to AAFCO nutritional labeling requirements
This table shows reference nutritional values for crude fiber content in pet food on both an as-fed (AF) and dry matter basis. The data appears to be sample measurements used to establish baseline nutritional labeling standards for pet food products.
Requirements
Crude fiber must be measured and reported as part of pet food nutritional labels
Values should be calculated on both as-fed and dry matter bases
Typical crude fiber ranges from approximately 2.9–4.5% on as-fed basis and 3.1–3.9% on dry matter basis (based on sample data)
Moisture, ash, crude protein, and crude fat must also be measured alongside fiber content
Why it matters
Accurate crude fiber labeling is required by AAFCO regulations; incorrect or missing values can result in non-compliant product listings and potential enforcement action.
Pet food manufacturers and suppliers following AAFCO nutritional labeling standards
This rule appears to define statistical thresholds for pet food nutritional testing, using standard deviation measurements to establish acceptable variation ranges in nutrient composition. The "Average +/- 2 SD" notation indicates that nutritional values must fall within twice the standard deviation of the average, which is a common quality control method.
Requirements
Nutritional test results must fall within Average +/- 2 Standard Deviation range
Standard deviation values are provided for different nutrients (1.28, 1.26, 0.54, 0.62, 0.18)
Statistical variation must not exceed the specified tolerance limits for compliance
Why it matters
Failing to meet these statistical thresholds could result in product non-compliance, labeling violations, or product recalls if nutritional content doesn't match advertised claims.
Pet food manufacturers and sellers listing products subject to AAFCO nutritional labeling standards
This rule establishes acceptable ranges for pet food nutrient content based on statistical variation from average values. Manufacturers must ensure their formulations fall within the specified minimum and maximum limits, with the "Average +/- 2 SD" (Standard Deviation) notation showing the acceptable variance band around target nutrient levels.
Requirements
Nutrient levels must stay within the Min/Max range specified for each nutrient
Formulations should center around the stated average value with acceptable variation of ±2 standard deviations
Testing and documentation must demonstrate compliance with these numerical ranges
Products failing to meet minimum or exceeding maximum values are non-compliant
Why it matters
Pet food products that fall outside these nutrient ranges will fail AAFCO compliance and cannot be legally sold; this directly affects your ability to list and sell pet food products on the platform.
Pet food manufacturers and TikTok Shop sellers listing pet food products
Pet food labels should guarantee minimum levels of protein and fat, and maximum levels of fiber, moisture, and ash to meet nutritional standards. These percentages represent the baseline nutritional profile that manufacturers commit to on their product labeling.
Requirements
Minimum 22% crude protein guarantee
Minimum 12% crude fat guarantee
Maximum 5% crude fiber guarantee
Maximum 10% moisture guarantee
Maximum 3.5% ash guarantee (optional on labels, but commonly reported)
Why it matters
Failing to meet these guaranteed nutritional minimums and maximums can result in regulatory violations, product recalls, and damage to seller reputation and customer trust.
All sellers and creators offering animal food or pet food products
The FDA defines "labeling" for animal food products broadly to include all written, printed, or graphic materials on the product, its packaging, or accompanying it—such as promotional brochures, testimonials, and product information sheets. Animal food labels must contain information that describes the product and provides details necessary for consumers to understand it.
Requirements
All promotional materials, brochures, pamphlets, testimonials, and product information sheets count as "labeling" under FDA law
Labels must describe the product and include necessary details for consumer understanding
Written, printed, or graphic matter on containers, wrappers, or accompanying the product is subject to labeling requirements
Why it matters
Non-compliant labeling can result in regulatory action, product seizure, or sales suspension on TikTok Shop, as the FDA enforces strict standards for all materials promoting pet food products.
All sellers offering animal food and pet food products
Pet food and animal food products must include clear labeling with essential product information and safety details. The label must cover not just the physical package but also any promotional materials, information sheets, or accompanying documents. Your labeling must meet federal FDA requirements, plus any additional rules set by individual states.
Requirements
Proper product identification
Net quantity statement on label
Name and place of manufacturer or distributor
Complete ingredient listing
Compliance with state-specific labeling laws in addition to federal requirements
Why it matters
Non-compliant labeling can result in product removal from sale, regulatory action, and damage to seller credibility; sellers must verify state requirements where they distribute products.
All animal food and pet food product labels sold in the United States
Pet food and animal feed labels must list all ingredients by their common or usual name—the everyday term that describes what the ingredient actually is—in order from most to least by weight. Most ingredient names are defined by AAFCO (a standard-setting organization), but some broad category names like "grain products" or "animal protein products" are allowed without further specificity.
Requirements
Ingredients must be listed by their common or usual name in descending order by weight
Common or usual names must accurately identify or describe the basic nature and characterizing properties of the ingredient
AAFCO-defined names in its Official Publication are acceptable as common usage names
Collective category names (e.g., "grain products," "animal protein products") are exempt from listing specific common names if they meet CFR requirements
Labels must also comply with individual state labeling and registration laws
Why it matters
Mislabeling ingredients or using vague terms risks product seizure, state registration rejection, and customer trust issues in a market where pet owners increasingly scrutinize ingredient sourcing.
Sellers offering animal food or pet food products with labels
If you make claims on an animal food label that it cures, treats, prevents, or mitigates disease—or changes how the body works in ways beyond basic nutrition—the FDA will treat it as a drug, not food. Drug claims require special FDA approval before they can appear on your label.
Requirements
Do not claim the product cures, treats, prevents, or mitigates disease
Do not claim it affects body structure or function beyond nutritive value, aroma, or taste
Drug-like claims require FDA new animal drug approval before labeling
Comply with both federal requirements and individual state animal food labeling laws
Why it matters
Unapproved drug claims can result in label non-compliance, product seizure, or enforcement action; proper labeling is essential to avoid regulatory violation.
Pet food manufacturers and TikTok Shop sellers listing pet food products
Pet food labels must list all ingredients by their common or usual name (the everyday term that describes what the ingredient actually is) in order from most to least by weight. The FDA reviews specific health claims on pet food labels—like "maintains urinary tract health" or "hairball control"—to make sure they're supported. The FDA doesn't recommend specific products or give pet health advice; that's between pet owners and their veterinarians.
Requirements
List all ingredients by their common or usual name (not scientific or obscure names)
Order ingredients from highest to lowest weight
Use AAFCO-defined ingredient names where available
Health or wellness claims (e.g., "supports urinary health") must be FDA-reviewable and substantiated; do not make veterinary or medical treatment claims
Why it matters
Mislabeling ingredients or making unsupported health claims can result in FDA enforcement action, product removal, and damage to your seller reputation.
Pet food sellers and manufacturers listing dog and cat foods with label claims or marketing materials
Pet food labels cannot make disease claims or health structure/function claims unless the product has been approved as a new animal drug by the FDA. Any claim that the product cures, treats, prevents, or mitigates disease—or changes body function beyond basic nutrition, taste, or aroma—may trigger FDA review as a drug rather than food. Health claims like "maintains urinary pH" are specifically scrutinized.
Requirements
Cannot claim the product cures, treats, prevents, or mitigates any disease without new animal drug approval
Cannot make implied or expressed claims about affecting body structure/function beyond nutritive value, aroma, or taste
Health claims (e.g., "maintains urinary health," "reduces urinary pH") are subject to FDA review and may require new animal drug approval
Labels must avoid language establishing disease-related intent
Why it matters
Unauthorized disease or health claims can result in your product being classified as a new animal drug, leading to listing removal, seizure, or enforcement action if not properly approved through the FDA drug process.
All pet food sellers and manufacturers, including those selling canned pet foods
The FDA requires all pet food to be safe, made in clean facilities, free from harmful substances, and labeled truthfully—just like human food. Canned pet foods have additional requirements to follow low-acid canned food processing standards.
Requirements
Pet food must be safe to eat and produced under sanitary conditions
Must contain no harmful or unsafe substances
Labels must be truthful and accurate
Canned pet foods must follow low-acid canned food processing regulations
Why it matters
Non-compliance can result in FDA enforcement action, product recalls, and loss of ability to sell pet food products.
All pet food sellers and manufacturers, especially those selling canned pet food products
The FDA requires all pet food to be safe, made under clean conditions, free from harmful substances, and labeled accurately—just like human food. Canned pet foods have additional strict processing requirements to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
Requirements
Pet food must be safe to eat and contain no harmful substances
Production must follow sanitary conditions
All labels must be truthful and accurate
Canned pet foods must comply with low-acid canned food processing regulations (21 CFR 113)
Why it matters
Violations can result in product seizure, legal liability, and loss of selling privileges; compliance is non-negotiable for any pet food listing.
All pet food manufacturers and distributors selling in the U.S.
The FDA regulates pet food to ensure all ingredients are safe and properly labeled. Common ingredients like meat and grains don't need advance approval, but vitamins, minerals, preservatives, and colorings must either be Generally Recognized As Safe or have FDA approval. Pet food labels must clearly identify the product, list net quantity, manufacturer info, and all ingredients in order by weight.
Requirements
Ingredients must be safe; common ingredients (meat, poultry, grains) are pre-approved, but additives, vitamins, minerals, and colorings require GRAS status or FDA food additive approval
Labels must include product identification, net quantity, manufacturer/distributor name and address, and all ingredients listed by weight from most to least
Specific health claims (like "maintains urinary tract health") require supporting data and FDA approval
States may have additional labeling requirements beyond FDA standards
Why it matters
Selling pet food without compliant ingredients or labeling violates federal law and can result in product seizure, legal penalties, and loss of consumer trust.
Pet food manufacturers and distributors subject to FDA and state regulatory oversight
The FDA and state regulators inspect pet food facilities to ensure products are made safely and won't be contaminated. If a facility isn't following the rules, the FDA first asks for voluntary fixes, but can escalate to warnings, recalls, or legal action if needed.
Requirements
Facilities must manufacture, process, pack, and hold pet food in ways that prevent contamination or adulteration
FDA conducts risk-based inspections prioritizing facilities with compliance concerns, hazardous products, or long time since last inspection
Non-compliance triggers voluntary corrective action requests first, followed by warning letters, recalls, or suspension of facility registration if needed
Pet food labels must include product identification, net quantity, manufacturer/distributor name and address, and ingredient list ordered by weight
Why it matters
Failure to meet manufacturing and labeling standards can result in FDA enforcement actions including mandatory recalls, facility registration suspension, and legal penalties that disrupt your business.
Pet food manufacturers and facilities that are out of compliance with FDA regulatory requirements
When the FDA finds that a pet food facility isn't following regulations, it first asks the facility to voluntarily fix the problems. If the facility doesn't cooperate, the FDA escalates to enforcement actions like warning letters and other legal tools to force compliance.
Requirements
FDA first encourages voluntary corrective actions to achieve compliance
If voluntary compliance fails, FDA uses progressive enforcement including advisory actions (regulatory meetings, untitled letters, warning letters)
Facilities must respond to FDA compliance requests or face escalated enforcement
Why it matters
Ignoring FDA compliance issues can result in warning letters and enforcement action that disrupt your business, so addressing problems voluntarily early is far preferable to facing formal regulatory action.
Pet food manufacturers and sellers listing dog and cat food products, including raw meat formulations and foods making health or therapeutic claims
This is a regulatory reference collection from the FDA covering pet food manufacturing, labeling, and safety standards. It includes guidance on irradiation techniques, health claims for cat food, raw meat product standards, and disease-related labeling claims for dog and cat food diets.
Requirements
Follow FDA irradiation standards if using irradiation in pet food production
Support health claims (like "reduces urinary pH") with documented protocols
Comply with raw meat food manufacturing and labeling requirements if selling raw pet foods
Do not label or market pet food diets as diagnosing, curing, treating, or preventing diseases without proper authorization
Why it matters
Pet food listings and labeling must comply with FDA regulations or risk removal, legal action, and loss of selling privileges.
Pet food manufacturers and sellers offering jerky treats, raw pet food diets, and processed animal feed products
This section provides FDA guidance and safety information about jerky pet treats and raw pet food diets. It links to reports on risks including pentobarbital contamination, toxic metals, and raw food safety concerns, along with regulations on irradiation as a processing method.
Requirements
Be aware of FDA safety concerns regarding raw pet food diets and pentobarbital contamination in dog food
Understand trace metal and toxic element limits in commercial pet food
Review FDA guidance on irradiation as an approved processing and handling method for pet food
Consult "How to Start an Animal Food Business" guidance if entering the pet food industry
Why it matters
Selling non-compliant pet food—especially products with contaminants like pentobarbital or toxic metals—can result in FDA enforcement action, product recalls, and liability for pet harm.
Invite-only TikTok Shop sellers listing fresh and frozen packaged food products including meat, seafood, dairy, cheese, baked goods, prepared meals, beverages, and pet food
Fresh and frozen packaged food products (meat, seafood, dairy, baked goods, prepared meals, beverages, and pet food) can only be sold on TikTok Shop if you're invited by your Account Manager. You must provide proof of FDA registration, submit food labeling documentation, and handle all products with proper temperature control and cold chain management to maintain food safety and quality.
Requirements
Only invited sellers can list these products—contact your Account Manager for eligibility
Submit FDA registration proof and food packaging/labeling documentation
Use Seller Shipping to fulfill orders and maintain validated cold chain when required
Ensure all products, packaging, and labeling comply with federal food laws (FDA, NLEA, Fair Packaging and Labeling Act)
Why it matters
Without proper FDA registration, documentation, and cold chain management, your listings will be rejected or removed, and you may lose your ability to sell food products on the platform.
TikTok Shop sellers applying to sell live plants, including nursery sellers and resellers
To sell live plants on TikTok Shop, you must pass category qualification by submitting specific documents that prove you're qualified to sell them. The exact documents required depend on whether you're a nursery seller or a reseller. Live plants are also subject to TikTok's Restricted Products Policy, so you must comply with both policies.
Requirements
Nursery sellers must submit documents like a nursery license, quarantine compliance agreement, and phytosanitary certificate (if selling interstate)
Resellers must submit a legible purchase invoice from a US-based supplier showing the supplier's details and plant description
Both seller types must provide plant photos showing all sides and any labeling/plant tags
All documents must be current (not expired) and include the establishment's name and address
Why it matters
Without proper category qualification, your live plant listings will be rejected and you won't be able to sell these products on the platform.
To sell shelf-stable food and beverages on TikTok Shop, you must pass a qualification process and submit proof of your ability to sell these products. You're responsible for ensuring all products, packaging, and labeling comply with federal food and labeling laws, and you must provide accurate product information including compliance with claims like "gluten-free" or "sugar-free."
Requirements
Pass category qualification and submit required documentation through the Qualification Center
Ensure products comply with federal laws: Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
Provide complete and accurate product information for all listings
Cannot sell meat from non-USDA-approved sources, infant formula, FDA-unapproved additives, homemade foods, or products in non-durable containers
Why it matters
Failure to qualify or maintain compliance risks rejection of your listings and account restrictions; federal regulators and TikTok actively enforce food safety rules.
