Standardized service

Pet Treats Label Review (AAFCO/FDA)

U.S. pet food labels must satisfy both FDA federal rules and state requirements generally based on the AAFCO model regulations. We check every mandatory element of your label, deliver an action-point report and a suggested draft, and reduce the risk of detention and warning letters.

RegulatorFDA CVM + states

PrerequisiteArtwork or Word copy

First roundAbout 2 weeks

DeliverableAction points + suggested draft

On this page

What this service is

At the federal level, pet food labeling is governed by the adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, administered by FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). At the state level, most states adopt the AAFCO model pet food regulations, which set specific requirements for product names, guaranteed analysis, and nutritional adequacy statements.

FDA does not approve labels before marketing; it samples products once they are on the market. Non-compliant labels lead to detentions and publicly posted warning letters, so a third-party label review before launch is standard risk control.

FD&C Act §402 & §40321 CFR Part 501AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations

Who needs it

Manufacturers and brand owners of pet treats, chews, and pet food destined for the U.S.

Companies with existing labels that need a compliance check before entering the U.S. market

Businesses asked by U.S. customers, importers, or platforms for label compliance confirmation

Prerequisites and sequence

Provide the final (or near-final) label artwork; a Word text version is acceptable if no artwork exists.
Have the full formula, target species, and life stage defined.
If the product contains animal-origin ingredients, confirm whether a USDA APHIS import permit is needed in parallel — label review and permits do not replace each other.

Who holds regulatory responsibility

Label compliance rests with the manufacturer or distributor named on the label. We provide third-party review findings and correction recommendations; you confirm and adopt the final label.

Materials we need from you

Label artwork (AI/PDF/image) or text copy (Word)

Full ingredient list in descending order by weight

Guaranteed analysis data (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, etc.)

Target species and life stage, plus feeding directions

Manufacturer/distributor name and address

Process

01
Check identity elements: product name, intended species, net quantity
02
Review ingredient statement ordering and ingredient naming
03
Verify the guaranteed analysis and nutritional adequacy statement
04
Review feeding directions, responsible-party naming, and country-of-origin marking
05
Issue an action-point report with corrections marked on the existing label
06
Provide a suggested draft label and re-review your revised version

Deliverables

A label review action-point report

Your existing label annotated with required corrections

A suggested draft label for your designer to follow

Timeline

The initial review takes about two weeks; each re-review of a revised label takes a minimum of three business days. Overall timing depends on how quickly corrections are implemented.

Scope

What we provide

Element-by-element check of mandatory label information
Ingredient naming and claims compliance assessment
Action-point report and suggested draft label
Re-review of the corrected label

What is not included

Graphic design and artwork production
Laboratory testing behind the guaranteed analysis (can be arranged separately)
State feed registration or tonnage reporting obligations (assessed separately where applicable)

What usually follows

APHIS VS Permit Pet Food IOR

Common pitfalls

Assuming FDA pre-approves labelsFDA does not review labels before marketing; it samples products once they are on the market. Non-compliant labels lead to detentions and publicly posted warning letters — catching problems after launch costs far more than a pre-launch third-party review.

Missing the guaranteed analysisUnder the AAFCO model regulations adopted by most states, pet food labels must carry a guaranteed analysis (minimum crude protein and fat, maximum fiber and moisture, etc.). Missing or mis-formatted entries are common findings and must be confirmed per product type.

Treating label review as a substitute for an APHIS permitProducts with animal-origin ingredients may also need a USDA APHIS import permit, and neither replaces the other. Passing label review without checking permit applicability can still get the shipment refused at the port.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

Does FDA approve my label in advance?

No. FDA does not pre-approve labels; it verifies them on a sampling basis after products reach the market. Non-compliance results in detention or warning letters published on FDA's website — which is why a pre-launch third-party review matters.

Is a guaranteed analysis mandatory?

Under the AAFCO model regulations adopted by most states, pet food labels must carry a guaranteed analysis (e.g., minimum crude protein and crude fat, maximum crude fiber and moisture). The exact elements vary by product type and are confirmed during the review.

Can a review guarantee FDA clearance?

No one can offer a hundred-percent guarantee given the nature of regulatory compliance. A systematic check against the mandatory requirements substantially reduces the risk of detention and warning letters.

Can you review text copy without artwork?

Yes. A Word file is sufficient — we identify all mandatory information and provide a suggested draft. Graphic production still needs to be done by your designer.

Related services

Pet Food Facility RegistrationAny facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds pet food for U.S. consumption must register with FDA and obtain an 11-digit registration number. A D-U-N-S Number and a U.S. agent are required first; we handle the full registration.Pet Food FSVP ReportFSVP requires U.S. importers to perform hazard analysis, supplier evaluation, and verification for each foreign supplier–product combination and to keep complete records. We build the FSVP file and deliver the verification report; scope is priced per product.Pet Food IORExporters without a U.S. entity can appoint a U.S.-based Importer of Record (IOR) to clear customs. We review entry elements, file the customs entry, and coordinate FDA release so pet food enters U.S. commerce compliantly.

Disclaimer

This is a third-party label review and does not constitute FDA endorsement or legal advice. Compliance responsibility rests with the manufacturer/distributor named on the label.