It is Vermont law that all pet related food products sold in Vermont must be registered and labeled according to Vermont Pet Food Regulations (regulation guidelines and language can be found here and here, while more information about Vermont's Pet Food Program can be found here).
All pet food products are required to have a guarantee analysis label on each package. This analysis includes crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture. If products are sold in New York state, ash testing is required by New York, as well as the aforementioned tests. Each different product or recipe needs to be analyzed, even if only one ingredient differs.
The guarantee analysis can be done at any feed laboratory of the manufacturers choosing. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Feed and Fertilizer laboratory also conducts guarantee analysis for a fee.
Fee Schedule
- Sample preparation $10
- Crude Protein (combustion method) $15
- Crude Fat (acid hydrolysis method) $15
- Crude Fiber (Ankom method) $10
- Moisture (135° C oven method) $9
- Ash (muffle furnace method) $5
- VT total analysis $59
- NY total analysis (if selling there) $64
Pet Food Sampling & Submission:
Samples can be submitted by mail, Fed Ex, or in person at the laboratory. Samples should be at least 3 ounces in weight, contained in a zipper bag or original packaging, and each product/recipe be packaged separately. Please include Pet Food Label Guarantee Sample Submission Form and check made out to “VT Agency of Agriculture” for the full amount with your samples. Samples can be sent to:
Vermont Agricultural and Environmental Laboratory
ATTN: Pet Food Testing Program
163 Admin Drive,
Randolph Center, VT 05061
