Magnifying glass Magnifying glass White cross White cross
Magnifying glass Magnifying glass White cross White cross

Animal feed regulations & tonnage reporting – USA

Animal feed, which includes food for dogs, cats and other pets, is regulated at the state level in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Each state has its own procedures for registering products, product renewals, labeling requirements, and collection of tonnage fees based on sales.

FDA animal feed regulations

The FDA’s Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) oversees the animal feed industry through the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The law requires that animal food is safe for consumption, prepared under sanitary conditions and properly labeled.

Safety: FDA guarantees the safety of animal feed by requiring that the ingredients used are either generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by qualified experts, are FDA approved feed additives, as regulated in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or are listed in AAFCO’s uniform ingredient definitions.

Production conditions: FDA, under the authority of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), requires that manufacturers of all animal feeds, including pet foods and ingredient manufacturers, be in compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. 

Product labels: Animal feed labels are the primary source of information for consumers purchasing products. States are tasked with reviewing and approving labels and product claims to ensure that they accurately describe the feed and contain no misleading information. These products include anything made for ingestion by animals, including meals, treats and snacks, supplements, nutrient-added waters and edible chews.

TSG's product registration and maintenance services

With TSG’s full product registration and maintenance services, our regulatory experts will monitor your product’s status and prepare and submit the documentation required to register and renew animal feed in all 50 US states. Our services include:

  • Label reviews to ensure compliance with state regulations
  • Preparation and submission of new product registrations
  • Renewals maintenance and tonnage reporting
  • Assistance with feed additive petitions
  • Assistance with GRAS Notifications and Self-Affirmations
  • Assistance with AAFCO New Ingredient Definitions
  • Providing guidance on regulatory changes that may impact product registration

Need help complying with state regulations for animal feed?

Why TSG

TSG provides companies with high-quality regulatory and scientific consulting services. We aim to understand our clients' goals and objectives, learn the scientific and technical aspects of projects and anticipate compliance challenges to plan a strategic path forward. TSG's team of experts is deadline-focused, responsive and committed to professionalism. We have the utmost respect for the confidentiality of our work, strong project management skills, and take great measure to cultivate long-term partnerships with clients.

Our professionals

Our team of regulatory consultants help clients with all aspects of animal feed regulations, as well as animal drugs and pesticide products. Leslie Patton and Shannon Bryant-Spas have over 30 years’ experience in the registration and ongoing compliance of animal feed and animal health products.

Meet our consultantsarrow pointing rightarrow pointing right

Animal feed regulation - frequently asked questions

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), is an independent organization that provides guidance to feed control regulators and the industry, works to develop uniform standards, laws, and enforcement policies in animal feed production, labeling, distribution, and sale across the states.

Each state has different requirements regarding the information needed. Some states will want quantity and gross sales (USD) not only by state, but also by city, county, and package size. The states then assess a fee based on the amount sold and each state calculates these fees differently. Even if no sales have been made, a report of zero sales is still required. Additionally, each state has a unique schedule for tonnage reporting. Some are monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, and some are a combination of different schedules. While it can be a complex process, TSG operates a comprehensive tonnage reporting service, ensuring that deadlines aren’t missed. Each month we will notify you of the reports that are due that month, and we will let you know what period each report is for and how the state will require that data (i.e. by city, county, etc.).

 

It is important to submit sales and other information on time as some states will impose late fees, even if there are no sales made. Our comprehensive tonnage reporting service and monthly reminders help ensure information is submitted timely and accurately.

Generally, a product and/or distributor must be registered and/or licensed in every state into which the product will be sold. For online sales, registration in all states can be the most appropriate approach. TSG’s consultants are experts in helping you navigate the complex regulatory landscape of animal feeds.

Useful information

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Professionalsarrow pointing right

Our regulatory specialists and scientists address all aspects of product registration and ongoing compliance. Read more about the individuals who make up our multi-disciplinary teams.

Marketsarrow pointing right

We work in various different markets, including agriculture, industrial, consumer and medical.

Contact us