Meat vs meat meal and meat by product

Meat is only that animal product that are approved for human consumption

What is meat by product/ meat meal: Animal by-products classified as “inedible” and “unfit for human consumption” can and is used in pet food as meat meal or meat by-product. This is in short the rejected waste from animal processing. That will include that parts of animal unfit for human consumption, including things like hoofs, hair and feathers. Some inedible waste can be used to produce wet or dry pet food or rejected waste can be rendered into meat or poultry meal products.

What makes some by-products fit for human consumption (and others not) isn’t always a matter of what they are but also how they’re handled after slaughter. For instance animal product that is not properly handled and refrigerated but basically goes off/ become rotten cannot be sold for human consumption but they can still legally be used for and is used for making pet food.

Dead farm and zoo animals, roadkill and even euthanized pets that is all obviously rejected for human consumption is included in meat by-products and meat meal. It also includes ill and dying farm animals or animals in any way contaminated.

Some producers and promoters of dog food indeed glorify using the rejected parts of animals and rejected meat for dog food – their view if not used for dog food it will go to waste. 

Your choice whether you wish to feed your family members ( I hope you consider your dog(s) as family) MEAT or WASTE /REJECTED animal product. It should be made clear on the dog food bag whether human grade meat is used or meat meal/ meat by-product and also percentage of meat in product. If it states minimum 4% meat or minimum 7% meat, you can be sure that will be the actual amount of meat in product.

If you wish to give your fur family a dry dog food with MEAT and a product that is predominantly MEAT, Farmina is the best value for money option in South Africa. For more info, pricelist and nutritional information please contact Henk 078 065 3360 or email henk@noblesofcamelot.co.za