Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Is Lamb Meal in Dog Food? Is It Good for Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts

Lamb meal in a black container

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.

divider dog faces oct 2024

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?

labrador retriever puppy eating food from bowl outdoors
Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock

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.

divider dog faces oct 2024

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.

Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

200+ Popular & Unique Miniature Pinscher Names

Finding the perfect name for your new Miniature Pinscher can be a tough decision; you will be saying this name a lot, after...

BIXBI Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary One of the best ways to keep your dog out of the vet office is to offer them a species-specific, nutritionally...

250+ Popular & Unique Great Pyrenees Names

Big, white, and fluffy are the obvious adjectives to describe the majestic Great Pyrenees. But if you want to go beyond those basic...

350+ Cute Dog Names for Your Adorable New Pup

So, you’ve found the cutest dog in the world, and you’re pretty sure you’ll be best friends for life. All you need to...

More related

Akita Malamute Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Akita Malamute Mix is a hybrid breed that combines the Malamute with either the Japanese or American Akita, although the American Akita...

When to Take a Puppy to the Vet for the First Time? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

You’ve just gotten a new puppy, so life is grand, but what happens next? After the excitement over having a new furry friend...

150+ Japanese Dog Names With Meanings: Traditional & Unique Ideas

Whether you’re bringing home a Japanese dog breed or have a cultural interest in Japan, choosing a Japanese name for your dog can...

Calendula for Dogs: Vet-Approved Benefits & How to Use it

Calendula is a pretty common herb. It is also known as pot marigold and is often utilized in herbal medicine. On top of...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Doritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Our canine companions will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, including food snatched right from our hands or plates. But just because your dog will eat something doesn’t always mean they should eat it. There are...

Can Dogs Eat Doritos

10 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog owners everywhere know how important it is to feed their dogs the most high-quality and well-balanced diet possible. While dog food takes up the majority of a canine’s diet, it’s important to remember that treats are also fed regularly,...

dog owner giving her pet shih tzu a treat

Canidae Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary   Aimed at dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages, Canidae dog food has been around since 1996 and is one of many high-quality brands available for pets throughout the U.S.A. With its focus on sustainable and regenerative...

Dogster_Canidae Dog Food Review

12 Best Gourmet Dog Foods in 2025 – Top Picks & Reviews

We all want what is best for our canines, and premium food can be just the way to ensure that happens. Gourmet dog food options are becoming more popular as pet owners become more aware of their dog’s dietary needs,...

White fluffy dog looking at Ollie fresh dog food chicken and beef recipes on table

4health Puppy Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary 4health has several recipes of pet food available for dogs and cats. There are three dry puppy foods and one canned puppy food available from this line. Many other recipes are said to be suitable for all life...

Dogster_4health Puppy Food Review

Why Does My Dog Eat My Hair? 10 Possible Reasons (Vet-Reviewed)

Ever caught your canine companion munching on your hair and wondered why? It’s not a gourmet meal, after all. This behavior, while strange to us, is anecdotally quite common and can be attributed to various causes. From their inherent grooming...

woman carrying smiling dog

How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat? 6 Reasons a Schedule Works

As a pet parent, you worry about everything from getting your dog’s vaccines on time to how much you should be feeding him to keep him healthy and happy. Regarding feeding, there’s truly no clear-cut answer as to how much...

close up of a dog eating from the bowl

9 Best Dog Foods for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, sweet-natured companion that makes an excellent addition to the family. Unlike some small breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does well with children, is easy to train, and does not tend to...

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy hairs stand up