Meat By-Products
Also known as: Animal By-Products, Animal Derivatives, Meat and Animal Derivatives
Overview
Meat by-products is a controversial ingredient in dog food referring to non-rendered parts of slaughtered animals other than meat — including organs, blood, and bone. While some by-products (liver, heart) are nutritionally valuable, the vague labelling means quality is highly variable between manufacturers.
How Meat By-Products Works
By-products are the parts of an animal not typically consumed by humans in Western countries. These can include liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen, blood, and bone. Organ meats like liver and heart are actually nutrient-dense, but the term also covers less desirable parts. The key concern is transparency — 'meat by-products' without specifying the animal source or parts used makes it impossible to assess quality.
Benefits
- • Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney) are extremely nutrient-dense
- • More sustainable — utilises parts of the animal that would otherwise go to waste
- • Can provide essential vitamins and minerals not found in muscle meat alone
- • Often makes dog food more affordable
Side Effects & Cautions
- • Highly variable quality — no way to know exactly what parts are included
- • Vague labelling ('animal derivatives') hides the actual ingredients
- • May include parts with low nutritional value
- • Dogs with specific protein allergies cannot safely eat unspecified by-products
- • Quality depends entirely on manufacturer standards
Who Should Use Meat By-Products
Dogs without food sensitivities who tolerate the food well; budget-conscious owners choosing reputable brands that specify their by-product sources.
Who Should Avoid It
Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities; owners prioritising transparent ingredient labelling; dogs on elimination diets.
Recommended Concentration
5-30% of dog food formulas; often the primary protein source in budget foods
Scientific Evidence
2 peer-reviewed studies cited. All links lead to PubMed abstracts.
Poultry by-product meal showed adequate protein digestibility when processed correctly, though quality varied significantly between sources.
EU regulations permit broad categorisation of animal-derived ingredients, allowing significant variation in composition under the same label term.
Top Meat By-Products 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
AATU Adult Dog Food Wet Tins - Variety Pack (6x400g) - Grain Free Recipe with No Artificial Ingredients - Good for Low Maintenance Feeding. (Packaging may vary).
AATU
COOKHOUSE 100% Natural & Complete Luxury Wet Dog Food - 15 x 100g - Chicken Breast with Vegetables & Rice - Fillets in Jelly
COOKHOUSE
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
Forthglade Wet Dog Food Variety Pack (12 x 395g Trays) - Grain Free & Hypoallergenic Dog Food, Adult 1 Year+, Chicken, Chicken with Liver & Turkey, Vegetables, Stomach Sensitive, Natural Ingredients
Forthglad
Meat Boost Complete Dry Food Norwegian Salmon for Adult Dogs - 10 Kg
Nature's Variety