Animal by-products in dog food: what you should know

"Poultry by-products," "meat meal," "animal fat": on a bag of dog food, these words can be unsettling. What do animal by-products in dog food really mean? And what does rendering have to do with it? No panic and no judgment: here are simple explanations to help you read labels with more confidence and make an informed choice.

What is rendering?

Rendering is the processing of animal parts that aren't used for human food. These materials are cooked, then separated into two main types of products: fats and protein-rich meals.

The process has been around for a long time. It makes use of materials that would otherwise go to waste. It's governed by health and safety rules, and cooking is part of what makes these materials safe.

Some of these products end up in animal feed, including some dog foods. It's not a hidden scandal, but it's a good reason to know how to read a label.

Animal by-products in dog food: what it means

The word "by-product" has a bad reputation, but it covers very different things.

• Good-quality organ meats. Liver, heart or kidneys are often considered by-products, simply because people eat little of them. Yet they're nourishing foods that dogs enjoy.
• Less specific mixes. Other materials can be grouped under a general term. Quality can then vary from batch to batch, and it's hard to know what's really in the bag.

So the real issue isn't the word "by-product" itself. It's how specific the label is.

How to read the label

Look for the animal species

An ingredient that names the animal is clearer than a general term. Compare:

• "Animal protein" or "meat meal": you don't know which animal it comes from.
• "Chicken meal," "pork liver," "salmon oil": the species is named, so you know what your dog is eating.

This is also very helpful if your dog is sensitive to a protein, like beef or chicken. Without the species, there's no way to avoid it.

Check the start of the list

Ingredients are generally listed from most to least by weight. The first few give you a good idea of what the recipe is built on.

Read the guaranteed analysis

It shows protein, fat, fibre and moisture. It doesn't tell the whole story about quality, but it lets you compare two products of the same type.

Look for "complete and balanced"

For a main food, look for a statement that it's complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. A treat doesn't need to be: it complements meals.

Should you avoid "meal" and "bone meal"?

Not necessarily. An animal meal is a dried, ground ingredient. When the species is named, like "chicken meal" or "beef bone meal," you know what it is. The real concern is a lack of detail.

What about Anivéra?

We apply the same rule to our products: every ingredient is named on the package. Our gourmet biscuits, for example, clearly state their protein source, like sockeye salmon or pork liver. Our natural dehydrated treats in carrot, banana or apple contain just one ingredient. And our functional treats list all their ingredients, including those in the base, like chicken liver powder and beef bone meal.

The bottom line

Not all animal by-products in dog food are something to run from. What matters is knowing what's in the bag. Look for a named species, check the first ingredients and the "complete and balanced" statement. To choose your dog's main food, especially if they have special needs, your veterinarian can guide you.

Frequently asked questions

Are by-products always poor quality?

No. Organ meats like liver or heart are nourishing. The problem mostly comes from vague terms that name neither the species nor the part of the animal.

How can I tell if my brand uses rendered products?

The label doesn't always say so directly. General terms like "meat meal" or "animal fat" are a clue. If in doubt, write to the manufacturer: a transparent brand will be happy to answer.

Is a by-product-free food always better?

Not necessarily. Quality depends on the recipe as a whole. Balance and a good fit for your dog matter more than a single word on the label.