What is chicken meal?

Chicken Meal: A Common Pet Food Ingredient

Chicken meal is a dry rendered product of chicken tissues, including bone, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. It's a common ingredient in pet food, particularly dog and cat food, and serves as a concentrated source of protein and minerals.

What is it? Chicken meal is produced by cooking chicken parts at high temperatures to remove most of the water and fat. This process concentrates the remaining protein and minerals into a dry, shelf-stable powder.

Key Features:

• High Protein Content: Chicken meal typically contains a higher protein percentage than whole chicken due to the removal of water and fat. This makes it a valuable ingredient for pet food formulations aiming for high protein levels.
• Source of Minerals: Chicken meal is a good source of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health.
• Rendering Process: The rendering process involves cooking the chicken parts under high heat and pressure.
• Regulation: Chicken meal production is regulated to ensure safety and quality.

Why is it used in Pet Food?

• Cost-Effective Protein Source: It is often a more affordable source of protein compared to whole chicken meat.
• Concentrated Nutrition: The rendering process concentrates the nutrients, making it a nutrient-dense ingredient.
• Increased Shelf Life: The dry form increases the shelf life of the ingredient and the final pet food product.

Important Considerations:

• Quality Variations: The quality of chicken meal can vary depending on the source and processing methods.
• Ingredient Labeling: Pet food labels should clearly identify if chicken meal is used and its position in the ingredient list (higher up the list means a larger proportion in the food).