Chicken Meal
Also known as: Poultry Meal, Dried Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken
Overview
Chicken meal is a concentrated protein source made by rendering chicken — removing water and fat to create a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense ingredient. It typically contains 65-70% protein, making it a more concentrated protein source than fresh chicken (which is ~70% water).
How Chicken Meal Works
The rendering process involves cooking chicken at high temperatures to remove moisture, fat, and kill pathogens. The result is a dry, protein-rich powder that is then incorporated into kibble. Because it is already dehydrated, chicken meal contributes more protein per gram to the final product than fresh chicken listed as the first ingredient.
Benefits
- • High protein concentration (65-70%) — more protein per gram than fresh chicken
- • Cost-effective protein source for manufacturers, keeping product prices accessible
- • Shelf-stable ingredient that maintains nutritional value
- • Provides essential amino acids dogs need for muscle maintenance and growth
Side Effects & Cautions
- • Quality varies significantly between manufacturers — some use lower-quality parts
- • Some dogs with poultry sensitivities may react to chicken meal
- • Less whole-food than named fresh meat sources
- • The rendering process can reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients
Who Should Use Chicken Meal
Dogs requiring high protein intake; adult dogs without poultry allergies; budget-conscious owners looking for quality protein.
Who Should Avoid It
Dogs with confirmed poultry allergies; owners prioritising minimally processed diets.
Recommended Concentration
15-30% of dry dog food formulas
Scientific Evidence
2 peer-reviewed studies cited. All links lead to PubMed abstracts.
Rendered poultry meals provide adequate protein digestibility (>80%) for canine nutritional requirements.
Chicken meal showed amino acid digestibility coefficients above 85%, meeting AAFCO requirements for adult dog maintenance.
Top Chicken Meal Products We've Reviewed
Meat Boost Complete Dry Food Free Range Chicken for Adult Dogs- 10 Kg
Nature's Variety
Wellness CORE Original 10 kg, Chicken & Turkey – Dry Dog Food for Medium Breeds, Grain-Free, Natural, Hypoallergenic, Protein-Rich, High Meat Content, Supports Optimal Energy & Lean Body
Wellness CORE
Forthglade Dry Dog Food, Cold Pressed (6kg), Hypoallergenic and Grain Free Dog Food, Duck & Vegetables, Natural Senior, Adult and Puppy Meal, Vet Approved For Good Gut Health
Forthglad
Scrumbles Turkey Dry Dog Food 7.5kg
Scrumbles
Wellness CORE Ocean 10 kg, Salmon & Tuna – Dry Dog Food for Medium to Large Breeds, Grain-Free, Natural, Hypoallergenic, Protein-Rich, High Fish Content, Supports Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat
Wellness CORE
Meat Boost Complete Dry Food Norwegian Salmon for Adult Dogs - 10 Kg
Nature's Variety
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Turkey and Sweet Potato, 10kg
Pooch & Mu
Pooch & Mutt - Primal High Protein Grain Free Dry Dog Food (Small Sized Kibble), Lamb And Ostrich Flavour, 1.5kg
Pooch & Mu
Pooch & Mutt - Primal High Protein Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Wild Boar Flavour, 1.5kg
Pooch & Mu