What Is Blood Meal in Dog Food? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
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View 2 More +You’re looking at the ingredients of your dog’s favorite dry food and come across this word: blood meal. What is it exactly? Will your beloved pooch benefit from it, or is it a potentially dangerous ingredient?
The term "blood meal" found in the ingredient lists of certain brands of dry dog food refers to a dried animal blood ingredient produced from slaughter by-products. It is processed into a high-protein ingredient used in some animal feeds and pet foods. Blood meal is high in protein, but it may be relatively low in certain essential amino acids, so it is typically used alongside other protein sources in balanced diets. Blood meal used as a garden fertilizer can be hazardous if dogs ingest it, but that does not mean blood meal listed as an ingredient in a complete and balanced dog food is inherently toxic.
So now you're probably confused! Don't worry; we dug deep into the facts to bring you more information about blood meal, so you can make a more informed decision about feeding your dog any foods containing this ingredient. Let's dive in!
What the Pet Poison Helpline Says About Blood Meal
Pet Poison Helpline classifies blood meal and bone meal as potentially hazardous to pets, but that’s primarily when these types of organic "products" are used as fertilizers. Indeed, the blood meal typically used by gardeners is an excellent organic fertilizer because it contains a high level of nitrogen (often around 12%). Also, since it is dried, ground, and derived from animal blood, this product is palatable to some dogs and cats, which can increase the risk of ingestion.
Unfortunately, if your dog ingests a large amount of it, they could suffer from gastrointestinal problems, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Iron toxicity
- Intestinal obstruction due to clumping of ingested material
The bottom line is that if you use blood meal as a fertilizer in your garden and you suspect that your pet has ingested it, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What the FAO Says About Blood Meal
The FAO of the United Nations states that animal products such as blood meal, meat and bone meal, poultry meal, and feather meal are sources of protein and amino acids, and some may also contribute vitamins and minerals depending on the specific ingredient and processing method. In addition, these rendered products are generally easy for animals to digest. However, the nutritional value of these ingredients depends on sourcing and processing quality, which can affect digestibility and nutrient availability.
These factors make them commonly used ingredients in pet food in the United States and many other countries around the world. These products can therefore be added to the diets of a wide range of animal species, including dogs and cats, when included in nutritionally balanced formulations. In the United States, pet foods should meet AAFCO nutrient profiles or feeding trial standards to be labeled as complete and balanced.
That said, although modern rendering processes can kill many pathogens, contamination can occur afterward. Still, considerable advances in feed mill technology for the heat treatment and pasteurization of foods greatly reduce the risk of contamination. Blood meal and other animal by-products used in pet food must meet regulatory standards (such as those established by AAFCO and the FDA in the United States) in order for harmful bacteria to be minimized, and the digestibility of the product to be increased.
It is also important to note that the inclusion level of blood meal in dog food can vary by formulation. Popular pet food brands typically list organ, tissue, and bone meal as the most common animal by-products in dry dog food. In wet foods, most of the by-products come from animal organs, including livers, kidneys, and spleens.
Which Dog Food Brands Have Blood Meal on Their Ingredient List?
Blood meal used as an ingredient in dog food is not generally associated with digestive problems in healthy dogs when included in a complete and balanced diet, and may serve as a source of protein, although its nutritional quality and amino acid balance can vary compared to other protein sources. Using this product as an organic fertilizer, however, could lead to gastrointestinal issues if your pet ingests a significant amount.
Although it’s not strictly necessary, if you want to avoid blood meal in your pup's diet at all costs, here is a list of dog food brand recipes to avoid:
- Victor® Hi-Pro Plus
- Real Dog Food: Puppy
- Kronch Grain free
- Redpaw Power Edge 32K
- K9Natural™ Hoki & Beef Feast Freeze Dried
Final Thoughts
You want to give your furry best friend the best nutrition that they deserve, and navigating the sea of information out there isn't always easy. Blood meal is an ingredient that may raise a few eyebrows, but several pet food brands include it in their products. Like with any other ingredient, they must follow strict federal regulations to ensure that their products meet the established safety and nutritional standards. However, if in doubt, you can always choose dog foods that do not contain blood meal and ask your veterinarian for advice.
Featured Image Credit: 279photo Studio, Shutterstock
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A biologist and science writer, Genevieve has a special fondness for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos, which has inspired her to volunteer and work at wildlife rehabilitation centers in countries like Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. Now living as a Canadian expat in Argentina, she enjoys the sight of horses and cows outside her home office window every morning. Genevieve is the proud owner of three rescue dogs—Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi—and a lively kitten named Furiosa. She finds happiness and fulfillment in sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of animals with others.
