Manufacturers and distributors of commercial feed and feed ingredients intended to be used as animal feeds, including pet foods, are regulated by the state of Michigan.

Each physical location manufacturing feed in Michigan is required to obtain a Michigan Commercial Feed License.

Every licensee must submit tonnage reports and tonnage-based inspection fees once a year.  Licensees will file one annual report for July 1 - June 30 each July.

An excellent resource on how to start a pet food business. This site includes licensing, labeling, reporting, and testing information.

Feed labels allow consumers to choose products that meet their needs, contain necessary information to determine nutritional content and tell the buyer how to use the product properly.

Every commercial feed label must show the complete name and principal mailing address of the licensee, exactly as it appears on the license. Use these scenarios to determine if more than one license is needed.

No- the Cottage Food Law applies to human grade food only. In order to make and sell pet treats, you will need to have a feed license.

If you have reason to believe that a livestock or companion animal problem may be feed related, or that illegal practices relating to feed may have taken place, you are encouraged to contact the MDARD Toll Free number, 1-800-292-3939, to file a complaint.

For questions pertaining to Commercial Feed license applications, application status, tonnage or tonnage reporting forms.

MDARD staff inspect, sample, and analyze commercial feed to determine whether that commercial feed is in compliance with the Commercial Feed Law and the rules promulgated under the Act.

If a feed manufacturer adds antibiotics or other drugs to any of the feeds it produces, whether for the treatment or prevention of disease, or as an aid in promoting animal growth or feed efficiency, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) periodically conducts a special ...

FDA is informing consumers of steps they can take to help prevent foodborne illness, including Salmonella-related illness, when handling pet foods and treats. Pet food and treats, like many other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial contamination. During calendar year 2007, 15 ...