AskHACCP: What Do Livestock Producers Need to Know Before Launching a Pet Food Brand?

At AgriForaging Food Safety, we’re seeing more and more livestock producers interested in expanding into the pet food space — and for good reason. The pet food market is booming, and for those already raising animals, it can feel like a natural extension of your operation. 

But before you jump in, it’s important to understand that pet food is not a casual side hustle — it’s a highly regulated product category, with its own set of licensing, labeling, and compliance requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of the key food safety and regulatory steps you’ll need to follow to legally bring your pet food to market:

1. Start With Your Slaughter Setup

If you're raising and processing your own animals, the first regulatory hurdle is determining your slaughter method. Are you operating under Custom Exempt, State Inspection, or USDA FSIS Inspection?

This matters because most pet food pathways are blocked if you're using Custom Exempt processing. If you’re working with USDA- or state-inspected meat, there are legal routes to market — but you’ll need to build them strategically. That’s where AgriForaging can help.

2. Understand Pet Food as Its Own Regulatory Category

Even if you’re already licensed to sell meat or food for human consumption, pet food requires its own licensing through your state’s feed control or animal health division. You’ll also need to register each product you plan to sell and have your labels approved—before you go to market.

3. Licensing and Registration Are Mandatory in Most States

Whether you're producing 50 pounds or 5,000, most states require:

• Facility licensing

• Product registration

• Application fees
  

This isn’t something you can test casually at a farmer’s market — it’s regulated like animal feed and taken seriously by regulators.

4. Labels Must Meet AAFCO Standards

Pet food labeling isn't a DIY process. States typically require:

• Guaranteed analysis

• Ingredient listing

• Species designation (dog, cat, etc.)

• Company contact info
  

Labels often need pre-approval, and you can’t legally sell your product until it’s accepted. AgriForaging can assist with creating compliant, AAFCO-aligned labels from day one.

5. Expect Tonnage Reporting Fees

Many states require producers to report how much pet food they sell — sometimes quarterly, sometimes annually — and pay tonnage-based fees. Even small, local sellers may fall under these rules.

6. Be Cautious with Byproducts

Thinking of using liver, bones, or other offal? Those parts must come from animals processed under USDA or state inspection. Plus, some states prohibit or restrict certain byproducts in pet food altogether.

7. Raw Pet Food Means Heightened Scrutiny

Planning a raw or minimally processed product? Be prepared for:

• Pathogen testing requirements

• Sanitation and handling controls

• Mandatory packaging statements about raw risks
  

This product category is growing, but so are the regulatory expectations.

8. Build a Food Safety Program — Even If It’s Not Required

Technically, FDA doesn’t require a HACCP plan for pet food. But in reality, state regulators and insurance providers increasingly expect to see:

• GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices)

• SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

• Recall plans and traceability systems

At AgriForaging, we encourage all clients to build these foundations early. It’s a smart move for long-term growth.

9. Cross-State Sales Add Complexity

Selling online? Shipping across borders? Each state has its own registration rules, and interpretations vary. Multi-state compliance is doable—but it requires planning, patience, and paperwork.

10. Confirm Your Suppliers Are Compliant

Sourcing trim or bone from another facility? Not all USDA or state-inspected processors are cleared to sell byproducts for pet food. Make sure your supplier is registered and legally approved to provide ingredients.

11. Talk to Your State Before You Start

Before you invest in packaging or production, contact your state feed control or animal health office. Building relationships with your regulators can prevent costly delays and help clarify what’s allowed in your state.

AgriForaging: Your Compliance Partner from Animal to Shelf

Pet food is a high-potential growth opportunity — but only if it’s built on a solid regulatory foundation. AgriForaging Food Safety is here to help you navigate every step of the process, from slaughter compliance to multi-state registration. Whether you're going local, regional, or national, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.

Ready to explore your pet food idea? Let’s talk strategy. Contact us today to get started.