Do you know what’s in your dog’s food? Like, what’s really in there? If you’ve never put much thought into what you feed your pup, the nutritional labels on dog food might seem like jargon-loaded headaches. Fortunately, if you’ve ever wondered about the use of lamb meal and similar ingredients, you can rest easy because meat meals are nutritious for dogs.

Meat Meals: What Are They?

Meat meals are an end product after meat has been rendered, dehydrated, and ground to make a powder. They are a source of animal protein and are commonly used in pet foods. Meat meal must not contain added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide, manure, stomach, or rumen contents. This means they are usually derived from the meat and organs of animals that are less popular for human consumption, such as offal, or cuts of meat not used in human food production. Rendering is the process of separating the protein and fat content of meat.

If a product states that it contains a named, specified meal, such as lamb meal, it must be made from lamb. It cannot contain another protein type. The broader term “meat meal” is more open to interpretation, and that is why we recommend specified meat meals.

Specific meat meals tend to have higher-than-average protein content because they are essentially concentrated protein. By removing the water, the amount of protein per ounce increases.

Are Meat Meals Safe for Dogs?

Meat meals are safe for dogs to eat. They are a source of protein that provides vital nutrients to our canine companions. Using meat products not used in human foods due to personal preferences increases the sustainability of dog foods.

Is Lamb Meal Healthy for Dogs?

Lamb meal can be a healthy ingredient for dogs, provided that your dog does not have an allergy to lamb or have other special dietary needs. It is a useful way to increase the protein content of food and often will help keep the price of the end product down.

Summing Up

We hope that we’ve put your mind at ease regarding the safety of lamb meal. It is a common ingredient in dog foods and is often used in foods for pups with sensitive skin. Ultimately, what ingredients you are looking for in your dog’s dinner comes down to personal preference.

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock