08/30/2025
I get a lot of people with very good intentions who want their homemade pet foods or treats on the shelves at Purrs McBarkin’. I admire that passion—it comes from love. But in South Carolina, good intentions alone aren’t enough.
Here’s why:
South Carolina’s Cottage Food Law was created for human foods like cookies, jams, or breads. It does not apply to pet food or treats.
Under the South Carolina Commercial Feed Act, every dog or cat food, topper, or treat is classified as commercial feed. That means:
• Each product must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) before it can be sold
• Labels must meet strict rules—ingredients, guaranteed analysis, net weight, and manufacturer information
• Products are subject to inspection, and even home kitchens may be inspected if there’s a complaint or safety concern
And it doesn’t stop there. If I ever sold unregistered products at Purrs McBarkin’:
I could face fines and enforcement actions from the SCDA
My business license and reputation could be put at risk
And most importantly, your pets’ safety could be compromised
That’s why the SCDA also makes many surprise visits to my store—and I welcome it. Those inspections prove that every product I carry is registered, labeled correctly, and safe.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about red tape—it’s about pets. Where and how food is made matters. Inspections matter. Registration matters. Because your dog or cat deserves more than “made with good intentions.” They deserve safe, transparent, and legal products you can trust.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0gvbGbqwDo
The Consumer Protection Division of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture put together this video about Feed Safety.
