What Are Meat By-Products in Dog Food?

What are meat by-products in dog food? Meat by-products in dog food are the ingredients left over from human food production after the meat is removed. They can include things like meat trimmings, lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys from the non-rendered, clean parts of an animal. Purina dog foods never include parts like feathers, hide, hooves, or intestinal contents.

Are Meat By-Products in Dog Food Healthy for Dogs?

Yes! Every ingredient we use in our dog food plays an important role in providing your dog with the complete and balanced nutrition he needs to thrive. Your dog can’t get all of the nutrients he needs from meat alone, and meat by-products are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats — plus essential vitamins and minerals.

Are Meat By-Products in Dog Food Safe for My Dog to Eat?

Yes! The meat by-products we choose to use in Purina dog foods meet the careful criteria established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and they also meet our own strict safety guidelines. Not only are meat by-products in dog food an important source of key nutrients your dog needs to thrive, but they also allow us to responsibly use safe and nutritious ingredients that may have otherwise gone to waste.

Want to learn more about our commitment to safety and nutrition? Click here to read more about the steps we take to monitor the quality and safety of your dog’s food.