COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Inspection and Consumer Services Division 
Rules for Pet Food Under the Colorado Feed Law, Sections 35-60-101 through 
115, C.R.S. 
8 CCR 1202-7 
Part 3. Label Format and Labeling 
3.1. Pet food and specialty pet food shall be labeled with the following information prescribed in this 
Part: 
3.1.1. Product name and brand name, if any, on the principal display panel as stipulated in Part 
4; 
3.1.2. The species of pet or specialty pet for which the food is intended conspicuously 
designated on the principal display panel; 
3.1.3. Quantity statement, as defined in Sectio n 35-60-102(18), C.R.S., of the Colorado Feed 
Law, on the principal display panel; 
3.1.4. Guaranteed analysis as stipulated in Part 5; 
3.1.5. Ingredient statement as  stipulated in Part 6.1; 
3.1.6. A statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose if required under Part 8; 
3.1.7. Feeding directions if required under Part 9; and 
3.1.8. Name and address of the manufacture r or distributor as stipulated in Part 12 .; AND 
3.1.9. T HE DATE OF MANUFACTURE , PROCESSING , PACKAGING , OR REPACKAGING OR A CODE 
THAT PERMITS THE DETERMINATION OF THE DATE .  
3.2. When a pet food or specialty pet food enclosed in an outer container or wrapper is intended for 
retail sale, all required label information shall appear on the outer container or wrapper. 
3.3. A vignette, graphic, or pictorial representation on a pet food or specialty pet food label shall not 
misrepresent the conten ts of the package. 
3.4. The use of the word “proven” in connection wi th a label claim for a pet food or specialty pet food 
is not permitted unless the claim is substantiat ed by scientific or other empirical evidence. 
3.5. No statement shall appear upon the label or l abeling of a pet food or specialty pet food which 
makes false or misleading comparisons between that product and any other product. 
3.6. A personal or commercial endorsement is permi tted on a pet food or specialty pet food label 
provided the endorsement is not false or misleading. 
3.7. A statement on a pet food or specialty pet f ood label stating “Improv ed”, “New”, or similar 
designation shall be substantiated and lim ited to six- (6) months production.  
 
 
 3.8. A statement on a pet food or specialty pet food label stating pr eference or comparative attribute 
claims shall be substantiated and limited to one (1) year production, after which the claim shall be 
removed or re-substantiated. 
3.9. Storage and handling information statements 
3.9.1. Products containing raw frozen meat and /or poultry for animal consumption must bear a 
statement, “Keep Frozen”, displayed in a pr ominent manner on the principal display 
panel. 
3.9.2. Products containing raw frozen meat and/or poultry for animal consumption must 
conspicuously bear the following statement under a heading “Handling guidelines for safe 
use” on the outside of the immediate container: 
Some raw food products may contain bacteri a that could cause illness if mishandled. 
Follow these instructions for safest use. 
1. Keep frozen until ready to use. 
2. Thaw in refrigerator or microwave. 
3. Keep raw meat and poultry separate from  other foods. Wash working surfaces, 
utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and 
any other items that touch or contact raw meat or poultry with hot soapy water. 
4. Refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard.  
Part 18 . Statements of Basis, Speci fic Statutory Authority and Purpose 
18.4. A DOPTED FEBRUARY 10, 2016-  EFFECTIVE MARCH 30, 2016 
THE COMMISSIONER 'S AUTHORITY FOR THE ADOPTION OF THIS PERMANENT RULE AMENDMENT IS SET 
FORTH IN SECTION 35-60-109(1),  C.R.S. 
THE PURPOSE OF THIS RULEMAKING IS TO : 
1. A DD PART 3.1.9  TO INCLUDE THE REQUIREMENT OF THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE , PROCESSING , 
PACKAGING , OR REPACKAGING OR A CODE THAT PERMITS THE DETERMINATION OF THE DATE TO BE 
INCLUDED IN THE LABEL . 
FACTUAL AND POLICY BASIS 
THE FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUE PERTAINING  TO THE ADOPTION OF THIS PERMANENT RULE AMENDMENT IS 
AS FOLLOWS : 
1. T HE DATE OF MANUFACTURE , PROCESSING , PACKAGING , OR REPACKAGING OR A CODE THAT 
PERMITS THE DETERMINATION OF THE DATE AS REQUIRED IN SECTION 35-60-106(1)( G), C.R.S.,  IS 
BEING ADDED TO THE RULE SO THAT THE RULE WILL CONTAIN THE COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR 
LABELING A PET FOOD PRODUCT .