Are By-Products Bad for Dogs?

By-Products and Your Dog’s Health

Providing your dog with a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do for him. You can start by selecting a dog food that supplies him with the nutrients, including vitamins and energy he needs. Commercial dog foods that include healthy by-products offer your dog a complete and balanced source of energy and nutrition. By-products are the co-product of food ingredients, including portions of an animal that are less commonly used in the U.S. human food supply, but which can provide important nutritional benefits.

Healthy By-Products

Purina® dog food diets are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition. They contain nutritious high-quality by-product ingredients that contribute to nutritional value of a pet food. These nutritious sources can provide essential amino acids, calcium, and other important minerals and vitamins. Poultry by-product meal, for example, contains 60% to 70% protein and is highly digestible.

Selecting High Quality By-Products

The by-products we choose to use in Purina^® dog foods meet the careful guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and they must meet our stringent criteria for nutrient content, production, and quality assurance. These valuable ingredients are sourced from non-rendered, clean parts derived from animals and poultry.

Understanding the nutritional needs of your dog is important. To learn more about the nutritional requirements of your dog, read our nutrition philosophy.