What is Chicken Meal in Dog Food? The Truth About This Controversial Ingredient

Chicken meal is a common ingredient found in many commercial dog foods. But what exactly is chicken meal? Is it good for dogs or should you avoid it? In this article we’ll dive into the details of chicken meal and provide a clear explanation of what it is and whether it belongs in your dog’s diet.

What is Chicken Meal?

Chicken meal is made from chicken meat and skin that has been rendered – meaning it has been cooked down to remove most of the moisture, The rendering process leaves chicken meal with a much higher protein concentration compared to fresh chicken

On average, chicken meal contains about 300% more protein than fresh chicken in terms of volume. It contains around 70-80% protein whereas fresh chicken only contains about 18% protein.

During the rendering process, chicken is ground up and cooked at high temperatures to remove excess fat and water. What’s left is a dry, concentrated protein powder that is then used as an ingredient in dog food to boost the protein content.

The high protein percentage makes chicken meal an efficient way to add a concentrated protein source to kibble and canned dog foods

How is Chicken Meal Made?

To understand chicken meal, it helps to understand how it is made:

• Chicken by-products like skin, bone, and connective tissue are collected and ground up into a slurry.

• The slurry is cooked in industrial cookers at temperatures between 220-270°F.

• During this rendering process, the majority of moisture and fat is removed.

• What’s left after cooking is chicken meal – a dried, protein-dense powder.

• The powdered chicken meal can then be added as an ingredient to dog food formulas to increase the protein content.

Essentially, chicken meal is a rendered and condensed version of chicken that makes it easy for pet food manufacturers to add concentrated animal protein to their products.

Is Chicken Meal Good for Dogs?

Chicken meal can be a nutritious ingredient for dogs when sourced responsibly. Here are some of the benefits of chicken meal:

• Excellent source of protein – Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and chicken meal can provide concentrated, bioavailable protein that supports canine health.

• Natural source of glucosamine – Chicken meal contains natural levels of glucosamine which supports joint health.

• Rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus – These minerals are important for bone health in dogs.

• Palatable ingredient – Most dogs enjoy the flavor of chicken. Chicken meal retains much of the taste dogs love.

• Safe if processed properly – Responsibly sourced, quality chicken meal is perfectly safe for dogs when processing standards are adhered to.

• Cost effective ingredient – Using chicken meal allows manufacturers to include high-quality animal protein in a cost effective way, keeping dog food prices down.

When sourced from reputable suppliers and processed safely, chicken meal can be a healthy addition to dog food. Many premium dog food brands use it as a key ingredient in their recipes.

What’s the Difference Between Chicken Meal and Fresh Chicken?

There are a few key differences between fresh chicken and chicken meal:

• Moisture content – Chicken meal contains only about 10% moisture whereas fresh chicken is about 70% water.

• Protein concentration – Chicken meal is much higher in protein, averaging between 65-80% protein while fresh chicken is only about 18% protein.

• Process – Chicken meal undergoes rendering at high heat to remove moisture and fat while fresh chicken does not.

• Price – Chicken meal tends to be a more budget-friendly ingredient than fresh chicken.

• Use in pet food – Chicken meal is used solely in pet food. Fresh chicken is primarily used for human consumption.

While both provide excellent protein nutrition, chicken meal has less moisture and is more concentrated and shelf-stable than fresh chicken.

Potential Concerns About Chicken Meal

There are some common concerns surrounding the use of chicken meal in dog food:

• Quality of ingredients – Low quality chicken by-products like feathers, heads, and feet can legally be used in chicken meal. Ensuring high-quality inputs is key.

• Safety risks – Poor quality control during processing could potentially lead to pathogen contamination or toxic build up. Reputable manufacturers follow stringent safety protocols.

• Nutrient changes – High heat rendering may damage proteins or reduce digestibility and bioavailability compared to fresh chicken. Impact can be minimized by careful processing.

• Sourcing – Some chicken meal may come from spent hens or chicken unfit for human consumption. When sourced responsibly, this isn’t a concern.

While these concerns are valid, choosing a high-quality brand that sources and processes chicken meal properly minimizes any risks or downsides.

Signs of Quality Chicken Meal in Dog Food

To identify quality chicken meal on a dog food label, look for:

• Specific meat source – The name should specify poultry or chicken meal, not generic “meat meal”.

• First few ingredients – It’s listed in the first 2-3 ingredients, indicating it’s a major component.

• Single protein source – No mixes like “chicken and turkey meal”. Single protein meals are higher quality.

• Reputable brand – Stick to brands with high standards for ingredient sourcing and processing. Avoid unknown brands.

• No added hormones or antibiotics – Hormones and antibiotics are prohibited in chicken meal used in pet food.

When sourced from reputable suppliers and manufactured properly, chicken meal can be a healthy and valuable ingredient in dog food. Focus on quality brands and specific labeling when choosing recipes with chicken meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken meal the same as chicken by-product meal?

No, chicken meal and chicken by-product meal are different. Chicken meal is made from clean chicken flesh, skin, and bone while chicken by-product meal can contain organs and other parts.

Is chicken meal bad for dogs?

Chicken meal is perfectly safe for dogs when sourced properly and processed by reputable pet food companies. Make sure it comes from a trusted supplier.

Does chicken meal have feathers or poop in it?

No, by definition chicken meal does not contain feathers, heads, feet or fecal material according to AAFCO guidelines. Only clean chicken meat and bone can be used.

Is chicken meal high in protein?

Yes, chicken meal is very high in protein, averaging between 65-80% protein by volume, compared to only 18% in fresh chicken.

Is fresh chicken better than chicken meal?

Fresh chicken may be more palatable and digestible for some dogs. But chicken meal provides a very concentrated source of quality animal protein. Both can have a place in dog food when used properly.

The Verdict on Chicken Meal

When sourced from quality suppliers and processed safely, chicken meal can be a healthy, protein-packed addition to dog food. While fresh meats like chicken may be more appealing, chicken meal offers a more affordable concentrated protein source.

Focus on high-quality brands that properly source and handle chicken meal in their pet food products, and it can be a valuable ingredient. Chicken meal has gotten a bad reputation among some pet owners, but the reality is it can provide quality nutrition when used responsibly.

At the end of the day, every dog is different. Some do well with chicken meal while others seem to do better without it. Monitor your own dog for signs of intolerance. Otherwise, don’t be afraid to feed quality foods containing chicken meal.