March 21, 2026
The United States (U.S.) cat food market is projected to reach $21.94 billion in 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.32% to reach $28.43 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Tennessee sellers entering this market must register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and pay the $15 registration fee to their county or city clerk for each retail location. Cat food is excluded from Tennessee’s reduced 4% grocery tax rate and is subject to the standard 7% state sales tax rate, plus applicable local taxes of up to 2.75%.
A 23% national increase in cat ownership during 2024, combined with Tennessee’s sustained population growth past the 7 million mark, has expanded the state’s cat food retail footprint across both specialty and mass-market channels. Tennessee’s cat food market reflects broader national trends: cat ownership in the U.S. increased by 23% in 2024, with approximately 49 million U.S. households now owning at least one cat, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2025 Dog & Cat Report. Tennessee’s population surpassed 7 million and continues to grow, driving sustained demand for pet food across urban centers such as Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Premium and functional cat food, including grain-free, freeze-dried, and veterinary-therapeutic formulations, commands a growing share of shelf space in Tennessee specialty retailers, with online channels expanding quickly alongside brick-and-mortar locations.
Federal regulations govern key aspects of the cat food market nationwide, including Tennessee. Cat food sold in Tennessee must comply with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes cat-specific nutrient profiles covering two life stages: growth and reproduction (for kittens and pregnant or lactating cats) and adult maintenance. Manufacturers claiming a product is “complete and balanced” must substantiate that claim through laboratory analysis meeting the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles or by passing an AAFCO feeding trial. Tennessee has adopted the Federal FD&C Act as state law. In October 2024, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issued final guidance permitting continued commercial use of ingredients listed in the 2024 AAFCO Official Publication, providing regulatory certainty under 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 501.
The AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement printed on a cat food label is the single most reliable indicator that a product meets minimum dietary standards for a specific feline life stage, and Tennessee buyers who check this statement first can narrow their options quickly. Verifying that the retailer holds a valid Tennessee business license and is registered to collect sales tax provides additional assurance. Under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104, sellers are prohibited from misrepresenting product quality, making false ingredient claims, or using deceptive practices in commerce, violations carry civil penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 per incident. If you suspect a seller has engaged in deceptive conduct, file a complaint at tn.gov/consumer. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement on a cat food label indicates whether the product meets minimum dietary standards for a specific life stage, and Tennessee buyers can cross-reference any brand’s ingredient sourcing and recall history through the FDA’s pet food recall database at fda.gov/animal-veterinary.
Top Cat Food Providers in Tennessee
Hollywood Feed — Memphis (Collins Street)
- Address: 434 Collins St, Memphis, TN 38112
- Phone: (901) 452-2474
- Website: https://www.hollywoodfeed.com
- Description: Hollywood Feed was founded in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950s and built its reputation on knowledgeable, personalized service for pet owners. The Collins Street location carries a curated selection of natural and holistic cat food brands, with team members completing more than 40 hours of annual nutrition training. Hollywood Feed offers a 100% price-match guarantee on identical merchandise and emphasizes American-made, minimally processed cat food formulations that align with contemporary premium-feeding trends.
Petco — Memphis (Poplar Avenue)
- Address: 3468 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
- Phone: (901) 323-5535
- Website: https://www.petco.com
- Description: Petco’s Midtown Memphis location on Poplar Avenue offers one of the broadest in-store cat food selections in the region, spanning economy through super-premium price tiers including dry, wet, freeze-dried, and veterinary-therapeutic formulations. The store carries national brands alongside Petco’s own Whole Hearted and JustFoodForDogs lines, and staff can assist shoppers in identifying products that meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards for their cat’s life stage. Full-service grooming and training programs are available alongside pet food and supply purchases.
Agri Feed Pet Supply — Knoxville
- Address: 5716 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921
- Phone: (865) 584-3959
- Website: https://agrifeedpetsupply.com
- Description: Established in 1976, Agri Feed Pet Supply is the largest locally owned and operated pet supply retailer in East Tennessee, serving Knoxville-area cat owners for nearly five decades. The Middlebrook Pike store carries an extensive range of dry, wet, and raw cat food brands suitable for every life stage, and knowledgeable staff are available to help buyers evaluate ingredient labels and nutritional adequacy claims. A second location at 10420 Kingston Pike, Suite C provides additional coverage across Knox County.
Pet Supplies Plus — Chattanooga
- Address: 3901 Hixson Pike, Suite 137, Chattanooga, TN 37415
- Phone: (423) 226-1016
- Website: https://www.petsuppliesplus.com
- Description: Pet Supplies Plus in Chattanooga’s Hixson Pike corridor offers a wide assortment of cat food brands at competitive price points, covering dry kibble, wet pate and shredded formulas, freeze-dried raw, and specialty therapeutic diets. The store format is designed for ease of navigation, making it straightforward for cat owners to compare AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements, ingredient lists, and guaranteed analyses side by side. Grooming services and pet supplies are available alongside the food selection, and the store accepts a broad range of payment methods for shopper convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to sell cat food in Tennessee?
Any business selling cat food in Tennessee as tangible personal property must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and obtain a business license. A minimal activity license is required for businesses with gross receipts between $3,000 and $100,000; a standard business license applies above $100,000. Sellers must also pay a $15 registration fee to their county or city clerk for each business location.
What sales tax rate applies to cat food in Tennessee?
Cat food is taxed at Tennessee’s full state sales tax rate of 7%, plus local tax of up to 2.75%, for a maximum combined rate of 9.75%. Pet food does not qualify for the reduced 4% grocery rate that applies to human food and food ingredients intended for home consumption. Retailers must collect and remit the appropriate tax through the Tennessee Department of Revenue, for filing resources and rate information, visit tn.gov/revenue.
What does the AAFCO statement on a cat food label tell me?
The AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirms that a cat food product has been formulated to meet the nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for a specific life stage, either growth and reproduction (kittens and pregnant or lactating cats) or adult maintenance. Products without this statement may be intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Buyers should always verify this statement before purchasing any cat food intended for daily feeding, see TCA § 47-18-104 for Tennessee’s prohibition on misrepresenting product quality.
Are there veterinary cat food lines available in Tennessee?
Yes. Veterinary-therapeutic cat food, formulated to manage conditions such as kidney disease, urinary tract issues, obesity, and allergies, is available through select specialty retailers and veterinary clinics across Tennessee. These products are regulated under the same FDA and AAFCO framework as standard cat food, but labeling may include drug-adjacent health claims that require veterinary authorization.
How do I find the best natural or grain-free cat food in Tennessee?
Start by looking for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement and confirming the first listed ingredient is a named protein source, such as chicken, salmon, or turkey. Independent specialty retailers in Tennessee, including Agri Feed Pet Supply in Knoxville and Nooga Paws in Chattanooga, employ trained staff who can help identify grain-free, limited-ingredient, and raw-diet options. For broader consumer guidance on evaluating pet food labels and ingredients, visit petfoodlabels.fda.gov.
What can I do if a Tennessee cat food seller made false product claims?
Under TCA § 47-18-104, it is unlawful for any Tennessee seller to misrepresent the quality, composition, grade, or characteristics of goods sold to consumers. If a cat food retailer falsely described a product’s AAFCO rating, fabricated ingredient information, or made misleading health claims, you have the right to file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. The Consumer Protection Act of 1977 also allows consumers to pursue a private cause of action and recover damages in court.
Can I return cat food purchased in Tennessee, and what protections apply to defective pet food?
Unopened bags and cans of cat food in original sealed packaging are generally returnable within 30 days at Tennessee pet supply and grocery retailers with a valid receipt, though some retailers accept returns of opened dry cat food if a significant portion remains and the buyer has the receipt. Opened wet cat food, refrigerated cat food, and raw cat food diets are non-returnable due to perishability and food safety concerns. Manufacturer warranties do not apply to cat food as a consumable product, but most major cat food brands maintain satisfaction guarantee programs that offer a refund or replacement if the buyer contacts customer service with proof of purchase. Cat food that is subject to an FDA or manufacturer recall must be returned or disposed of according to the recall instructions, and the manufacturer is required to provide a full refund. Tennessee buyers should register for recall alerts at fda.gov/animal-veterinary and check the FDA pet food recall list before feeding any product that has been stored for an extended period. Report suspected pet food contamination to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at (615) 837-5100.