In dog food, the term “meal” refers to a rendered product that is made from animal by-products, including the flesh, skin, and bones of the animal. This process involves cooking the animal parts at high temperatures to remove moisture and fat, resulting in a concentrated source of protein.
For example, “chicken meal” would be made from chicken parts that have been cooked down and rendered, leaving a dry, powdery substance that retains much of the protein content. This contrasts with whole meat, which contains a higher moisture content and typically has less protein by weight.
Using meal in dog food can be beneficial for several reasons:
Higher Protein Concentration: Because it is rendered and moisture is removed, meal can provide a higher concentration of protein compared to whole meat.
Cost-Effectiveness: Meals can be more economical than using whole meat, making it a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods.
Nutritional Consistency: Meals can offer a more consistent source of nutrition, as the rendering process helps to standardize the nutrient content.
Quality of Ingredients: The term “meal” does not inherently indicate poor quality; however, the quality can vary depending on the source of the meat and the rendering process used. Higher-quality brands often specify the source of the meal (e.g., “chicken meal” from high-quality chickens).
It’s important to read the ingredient labels carefully to understand the quality and source of the meal used in dog food, as it can vary significantly between different brands and products.