As a pet owner, you want to feed your dog the best possible nutritious food that can support them live a happy and healthy life. When you visit the market, you see a lot of commercial dog food options labeled “Chicken Meal” as the first and main ingredient. Most pet owners might know what a chicken meal is, and why a chicken meal is used in dog food.
However, beginners might not be aware of what it means or what parts of chicken comprise a chicken meal. Also, they might want to know if it is safe in dog food besides what is chicken meal in dog food. So, this Pet Life Expert’s guide will help you decide whether it is safe or should be avoided in pet food.
What is Chicken Meal in Dog Food? | Definition
For concerned pet parents, chicken meal is completely safe in dog food. Chicken meal is said to be the remaining chicken parts that are left after the meat (animal’s muscle tissue) is removed. These chicken parts can be grounded or rendered or dried flesh, skin, and bones.
Chicken meal or “lamb meal” is a high-quality concentrated food that is the ultimate source of protein and nutrients that dogs need. What is chicken meal in dog food made of, find here:
- Liver
- Spleen
- Lungs
- Neck
- Feet
How is Chicken Meal Different than Chicken?
Knowing the difference what is chicken meal in dry dog food and raw chicken is crucial. Although chicken meal and chicken are essentially the same thing, there’s a minor difference. A chicken meal can simply be the meat flesh on a chicken’s body either rendered or dried, while chicken is not like that.
Chicken is often found in wet dog foods because it still has moisture content. while chicken meal is preferred in dry dog foods because it is dried. When we talk about its taste and nutrition chicken meal is no different than simple chicken, however, chicken meal maintains the kibble stability.
Is Chicken Meal Safe for Dogs?
Chicken meal, by all means, is the safe choice for dog food. That’s because this food was accepted by AAFCO as the best and most nutrient-rich ingredient in dog food. There’s no need to be concerned about the presence of chicken meal in dog food when purchasing it for your puppy.
However, a pet owner must consult a veterinarian when it comes to getting the proper amount of food to serve your dog. That’s because, continuous ingestion of chicken meal more than specified amount may or may not affect your dog’s health.
Why Is Chicken Meal Used in Dog Food?
Since it is an ingredient in most commercial dog food products, pet owners might want to know why it is the first or sometimes main ingredient. Here are some of the prominent benefits explaining what is chicken by product meal in dog food and why is chicken meal added to most dog food.
High Protein Content
Chicken meal in dog food offers a concentrated protein amount, which is essential for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall heart health. Meat meal helps provide the right protein concentration.
Nutrient Density
Another good thing about a meat meal is that it is nutrient-rich and provides different essential amino acids that are best for your pup’s health. Also, it contains vitamins and minerals vital for maintaining strong bones and skin coat.
Safe & Quality
To ensure your dog’s health and nutritional integrity, this chicken meal food goes under strict guidelines and follows all the rules of AAFCO, ensuring that you are adding a safe product to your dog’s diet.
Accurate Protein Percentage
Chicken has 29% protein and 63% water. Added as a main ingredient, the dog food might still contain other items like whole grain/corn. Hence, the protein content on the label can be misleading. If chicken isn’t turned into a chicken meal first, your pup may not be getting the labeled amount of protein.
Cost-effective
Compared to fresh meat, meat meal is the most suitable and highly affordable dog food option available in the market. Hence, it is a highly budget-friendly choice for pet food manufacturers.
Easy to Store & Ship
One of the best aspects of the chicken meal is that it is easy to store, ship, and mix it in any of the wet or dry dog foods, particularly, when you purchase it in the dry and powdered form. Mixing it into any pet food can instantly enhance the flavor.
Meets AAFCO Standards
The most intriguing and approachable fact about this product is that it is recognized by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Per their review, you can serve this food fearlessly to your dog for health.
How to Identify High Quality Chicken Meals in Dog Food?
Many “fish”, “lamb”, and “beef” dog food recipes basically rely on the chicken meal as it is serving as the most prevalent ingredient in dog food. That’s the reason why, you should look at each of the dog food product labels when making a purchase. Make sure to practice the following things to have peace of mind about investing in high quality dog food.
Specification
When buying a product, look for the specificity of the ingredient name “chicken meal”. Avoid products with terms like “meat meal” “fresh meat” or “poultry meat” as they might contain different protein sources.
Quality Ingredient
Have a close look at the other ingredients in that food to check whether it has lamb, beef, or fish. Never invest in food items with chicken by-products that might not be nutrient-rich or can be of low quality.
Avoid Fillers
Wheat, soy, and corn are the most common fillers which must not be the part of products you are buying. Even if you purchase a product with filler, it must not be included in the excessive amount of food.
AAFCO Statement
A product approved by AAFCO in terms of nutritional adequacy can win the trust of people. That’s because, it will certainly meet all the requirements of nutrition a dog food must contain to thrive best.
Consider Manufacturer
Researching about the manufacturer is another positive thing for customers that helps them know the sourcing of the product. After checking their sourcing resource, you can be sure of the quality of the product.
Summing Up
What is chicken meal can be the most general question in the mind of most pet owners because it’s been an essential part of many dog food products. Chicken meal along with many essential ingredients like lamb, beef, chicken, and fish is a highly concentrated source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is necessary to have a proper check about the product label before purchase. Also, ensure that it meets the nutritional needs of AAFCO to keep the diet and health balance of your pup.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Potential Health Risks If a Dog Consumes Too Much Chicken Meal?
Excessive consumption of chicken meal by dogs can lead to obesity, nutritional imbalances, pancreatitis, potential allergies, weight gain, and chicken protein sensitivities.
How Does the Sourcing of Chicken Meal Affect Its Quality?
Chicken meal sourcing majorly influences food quality with numerous factors including nutrition, animal welfare, processing methods, and overall safety and quality.
What Alternatives to Chicken Meal Are Available In Dog Food?
Some of the main alternative ingredients for chicken meal dog food are Lamb, Beef, Duck, Rabbit, Salmon, Turkey, Egg, Venison, Fish, and Yogurt which pet owners can think of investing in.
