Cat food label requirements
Cat food follows the same federal and state label framework as dog food, with the species designation set to cat and a nutrient profile tuned to feline needs. The label elements are identical; the substance behind the nutritional-adequacy claim is cat-specific.
The required elements
| Element | Source |
|---|---|
| Product name + "Cat Food" designation | 21 CFR 501.4 / 501.18 |
| Net quantity of contents (dual units) | FPLA / 16 CFR 500 |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 21 CFR 501 / state feed law (AAFCO model) |
| Ingredient list (descending by weight) | 21 CFR 501.4(a) |
| Nutritional adequacy statement | State feed law (AAFCO model) |
| Feeding directions | State feed law (AAFCO model) |
| Calorie content statement | State feed law (AAFCO model) |
| Manufacturer / distributor identity | 21 CFR 501.4 / FPLA |
| Prop 65 (California only) | 27 CCR 25603 |
The cat-specific part: the nutrient profile
Cats are obligate carnivores, and the recognized cat nutrient profiles reflect that — for example, taurine is an essential nutrient for cats and is commonly guaranteed on complete cat foods. When you claim "complete and balanced" for a cat food, you substantiate it against the cat nutrient profile (or feeding trials for cats), not the dog profile. The label statement names the life stage just as for dogs. How the nutritional adequacy statement works →
Guaranteed Analysis for cat food
The four standard guarantees are the same — crude protein (min), crude fat (min), crude fiber (max), moisture (max) — and many cat foods add guarantees such as taurine (min) or moisture for canned products. As always, these are your figures, placed verbatim. Guaranteed Analysis explained →
Canned vs. dry
Canned cat food is mostly water, so its as-fed protein percentage looks far lower than a dry food's even when the dry-matter protein is similar — that is a Guaranteed-Analysis reporting effect, not a labeling error. Declare the moisture maximum accurately; for canned products it is high by nature.
Build your cat food label
Choose "Cat" in the free formatter, set the product type (complete food, treat, or supplement), and enter your figures. It lays out the identity, net weight, Guaranteed Analysis, ingredients, the right nutritional-adequacy or feeding statement, feeding directions, calories, and your business line — each cited to the governing rule.
Format your pet food label for freeFree requirements checklist + preview of the exact compliant copy — no signup.Frequently asked questions
What does a cat food label need?
The same elements as dog food, with a "Cat Food" species designation: product identity, net quantity, Guaranteed Analysis, ingredient list, a nutritional-adequacy or intermittent-feeding statement, feeding directions, a calorie content statement, and manufacturer identity. Add a Prop 65 warning if you sell into California.
How is a cat food nutritional adequacy statement different from a dog’s?
The structure is the same, but a complete-and-balanced cat food is substantiated against the cat nutrient profile (or cat feeding trials), reflecting feline needs such as taurine. The statement still names the life stage it covers.
Why is canned cat food protein so low on the label?
Canned food is mostly moisture, so the as-fed crude protein percentage looks low next to dry food. On a dry-matter basis the protein can be comparable. The Guaranteed Analysis is reported as-fed, which is why the numbers differ.
Do I supply the Guaranteed Analysis numbers?
Yes. The crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and any added guarantees come from your formulation or lab analysis. LabelClear is format-only and places your numbers verbatim without calculating or verifying them.
Informational only — not legal advice. Verify against the current governing standard before printing. LabelClear generates text from published rule data and does not guarantee regulatory approval.