Meat By-Products

Slaughter and meat cutting leave organs and other parts outside the main meat cuts. Pet food makers use this stream as an animal ingredient. Unlike a meal, meat by-products are not rendered before use.^3,4,6

1. 01 // Source Slaughtered mammals The generic label permits parts from cattle, pigs, sheep or goats without naming the species.
2. 02 // Process Parts separated Organs and other permitted parts are collected apart from the muscle cuts sold as meat.
3. 03 // Process Contents removed Stomachs and intestines qualify only after their contents have been removed.
4. 04 // Output Unrendered parts The parts enter pet food production without first being cooked and dried into meal.

1. 01

   Supplies animal protein

   Organs contribute protein to the recipe. The amount and amino acid balance depend on which parts enter the blend, so judge the finished food's nutritional information.^1,2,9

2. 02

   Uses the slaughter stream

   Meat cutting leaves usable parts outside the main cuts. Selling them for pet food gives that material a market and manufacturers another source of animal ingredients.⁶

3. 03

   Fits wet food production

   Canned food makers blend animal ingredients with water and other ingredients, then seal and heat the cans. Unrendered parts fit that process.^3,7

How much The ingredient list gives meat by-products' rank by weight, but does not publish their percentage in the recipe.⁴

1. Critics say

   The generic name hides which mammal supplied it

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   AAFCO permits the generic name for parts from cattle, pigs, sheep or goats. The label does not identify which of those 4 supplied the ingredient or disclose its mix of parts. Other mammal species must be named.^3,4

2. Vets say

   Organ by-products give dogs useful protein

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   A beef liver product lists 66.3% protein on a dry matter basis. A dog feeding trial tested diets with several animal ingredients, but did not isolate the exact generic ingredient on this label.^1,9

3. Critics say

   Meat by-products are just filler

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   One permitted organ, beef liver, is listed at 66.3% protein on a dry matter basis. Such tissue contributes nutrients. The valid criticism is that the generic name reveals neither the species nor the blend.^3,4,9

4. Owners say

   The ingredient includes roadkill, hooves and dead pets

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   AAFCO's standard covers parts from slaughtered mammals and excludes hooves. The generic name applies without a species declaration only to cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. It does not authorize roadkill or pets.^3,4,5,6