The U.S. regulatory landscape for pet food is shifting, and manufacturers and ingredient suppliers may want to start paying attention now. Dana Brooks, CEO and president of the Pet Food Institute (PFI), will address those changes head-on during her session at Petfood Forum 2026 on Tuesday, April 28, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Brooks' presentation will examine the federal Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative and the ripple effects it's expected to send through the pet food supply chain. At the center of the discussion is the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) review process, a pathway that ingredient suppliers have long relied upon for product approval, either through self-GRAS determinations or formal GRAS notifications. Increased scrutiny under MAHA raises questions about whether those pathways will remain viable, said Brooks.
The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine is already reviewing both the GRAS and food additive petition processes, and Brooks said that review could alter approval mechanisms and timelines — ultimately affecting how quickly new pet food products and ingredients reach the marketplace.
"Pet food manufacturers will bear the costs and experience the most significant impacts resulting from MAHA policies and congressional actions, making proactive engagement and preparation essential," noted Brooks.
Change is coming
Her core message for attendees is straightforward: change is coming, and the industry's response will matter. "We must innovate, modernize and adopt an updated regulatory framework that builds on decades of science while incorporating new technologies and advanced research," she said, adding that the industry's ability to adapt responsibly will determine its long-term credibility and success.
Looking ahead, Brooks anticipates that the FDA is likely to gain expanded authority over ingredient approvals and labeling. She also sees significant growth in direct-to-consumer sales on the horizon — a shift that could affect retailers, state regulatory oversight, and traditional production models over the next five years.
Brooks' session, "The changing U.S. regulatory landscape for pet food," takes place Tuesday, April 28, at Petfood Forum 2026.
Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials show dates are April 27-29, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. To register or stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.
