Michigan: Celebrate National Pet Month with MDARD's Pet Food Safety Tips

[Commonground]

Department or Agriculture
May 30, 2025

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds Michiganders to maintain safe pet food practices as we wrap up National Pet Month this May.

MDARD offers the following safety tips for handling your pet's food:

1. Don't use your pet's feeding bowl to scoop food. If the bowl is dirty, you can contaminate the entire container of pet food. Instead, use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon or cup.
2. Always follow any storage instructions on pet food bags or containers.
3. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food or treats. This is the most important step to prevent illness. Occasionally, pet food can become contaminated with germs. Pets and people have gotten sick from foodborne illness outbreaks tied to pet food. Washing hands before handling your pet s food keeps your pet safe; washing them after handling the food keeps you
4. When possible, store pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and away from reach of young children.

The MDARD Animal Feed Program (AFP) inspects and licenses animal food and treat products manufactured and sold within the state. Anyone who makes animal feed, pet food, or treats must follow state and federal rules to ensure product safety and effectiveness. The AFP also reviews product labels to prevent deceptive labeling practices and investigates reports of animal deaths or illnesses where feeds may be implicated.

Learn more at MDARD's pet food and treats web page.

​https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/abou...al-pet-month-with-mdards-pet-food-safety-tips