I have a grocery store/deli and my customers are asking me to prepare pet foods for them in my store.  Do I need a special license to do this?

Generally, yes. Anyone manufacturing and/or distributing pet food in Michigan must first obtain a Commercial Feed License from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  If you combine any ingredients (meats, trimmings, produce, or any other food) to make a food for pets, you are a commercial feed manufacturer.

This brief Q&A is intended to give you a brief overview of the requirements and show you where to find more detailed information.

Who needs a license?

A commercial feed license must be obtained by anyone who manufactures commercial feed in Michigan.  The manufacturing of animal feed, including pet food, is not covered by any food establishment license that you may already have from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Commercial feeds include any type of food (complete foods, treats, nutritional supplements, etc.) for almost any animal, including dogs and cats.

Firms that prepare pet food in their place of business must obtain a Commercial Feed License.

If a firm only distributes products manufactured by other companies who are themselves licensed in Michigan and whose name and principal mailing address appear on the product labels, it does not need a Commercial Feed License.

Are there any fees involved in order to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan?

A $25.00 license fee is required for all or any part of each calendar year.

In addition to the annual license fee, all license holders are required to report the amount of feed manufactured or distributed in Michigan and to pay a tonnage-based inspection fee of 13¢ for each ton of that feed, or fraction thereof.

Additional information:

• Michigan Commercial Feed License Application and Requirements

• Animal Feed Label Requirements
• Biannual Reporting and Inspection Fee Requirements