When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, it's essential to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the package. Don't be swayed by fancy health claims or attractive packaging—what truly matters is what's inside.
To evaluate the nutritional quality of a dog food, take a close look at the ingredients list. It's here that you'll find out exactly what goes into your pet's food and gain insight into the cooking process. The label should also indicate the proper nutrition levels for each ingredient and the life stage the product is approved for.
You may have noticed that many top-quality dog foods start with a meaty ingredient, as ingredients are listed in order of weight. Chicken meat, being a favorite among canines, often appears in dog food recipes. One term you might encounter is "chicken meal." But what exactly is chicken meal, and is it a good ingredient for your furry friend? Let's explore that in-depth.
What Kind of Chicken Meat is In Your Dog’s Pet Food?
Your pet's favorite dog food flavor is chicken, but there are different types of chicken ingredients, which can be confusing. So what's considered good and what isn't? And how does chicken meal contribute to your dog's health?
Let's break it down:
Excellent Chicken Ingredients
Fresh chicken: This is real chicken flesh, typically the muscle parts that humans consume. It's a highly digestible lean protein that can contain up to 80% moisture by volume.
Deboned chicken: This is fresh meat, a combination of flesh and skin without the bones.
Chicken meal: Chicken meal is one of the best chicken ingredients you can give your pet. It undergoes a rendering process to remove moisture and eliminate infectious agents. The result is a concentrated source of protein. Compared to fresh chicken, chicken meal provides denser nutrition.
In some recipes, chicken meal is added to provide additional nutrients and boost the protein level.
Not Recommended Meat Ingredients
When examining the ingredients list for dog food, watch out for certain terms:
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Chicken by-product: Ingredients labeled as "by-product" are generally not considered premium. They consist of parts unfit for human consumption, such as chicken necks, feathers, beaks, and undeveloped eggs. While some by-products are rich in nutrients, they can also contain undesirable components.
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Chicken by-product meal: Similar to chicken by-product, but with most or all of the moisture removed.
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Poultry meal: While not necessarily bad, it's impossible to determine precisely what kind of poultry was used in the dog food. This can be problematic if your pet has a poultry allergy.
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Meat meal: This is another vague term referring to animal flesh. Without specific information, it's unclear which animal the flesh comes from, which may not be suitable for your dog.
If these ingredients don't sound appealing to you or are unfit for human consumption, it's best to avoid them for your pets too.
Our Top Choices for Dog Foods Made with Chicken Meal
Now that you understand the benefits of chicken meal and what to avoid in pet food, you may be wondering which brands offer high-quality options. Here are our top recommendations:
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Grain Sorghum, Dried Peas
- Nutrish focuses on providing pets with real recipes and ingredients. This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient, balanced with veggies and fortified with prebiotics.
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American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
- American Journey promises only natural ingredients and never includes fillers or by-products. This recipe features deboned salmon as the main protein source and contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula:
- First 5 ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Taste of the Wild offers a range of premium dog food inspired by the diet of ancestral canines. This recipe features buffalo as the main protein, along with a variety of animal sources like lamb meal, roasted bison, roasted venison, and ocean fish meal.
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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Lentils
- Wellness takes a holistic approach to pet food, offering recipes made with real, high-quality ingredients. This grain-free formula features deboned turkey as the primary protein source, supporting muscle development and digestive health.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Blue Buffalo is committed to providing pets with the healthiest possible nourishment. This recipe features deboned chicken as the first ingredient, supported by chicken meal and a blend of whole foods. It also contains the trademark LifeSource Bits, a holistic blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Under the Sun Grain-Free Adult with Chicken:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Yellow Peas, Chicken Fat
- Under the Sun offers quality nutrition at an affordable price point. This chicken meal-based recipe provides protein and gluten-free, grain-free carbohydrates for energy. It also includes superfoods like peas and chickpeas for additional nutrients.
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Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat
- Whole Earth Farms focuses on providing wholesome, naturally nutritious foods at a great value. This recipe features protein-rich chicken meal along with gluten-free, grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes and peas. It also includes a variety of supplements for nutritional balance.
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Instinct Be Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe:
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Instinct believes in the power of raw nutrition and real food for pets. This freeze-dried, minimally-processed recipe features cage-free chicken as the main ingredient. It also includes hearty grains like brown rice and a variety of fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Meal in Dog Food
Chicken meal is not only highly nutritious but also an affordable source of protein for dogs. Compared to unrendered chicken, chicken meal contains less moisture, making it a more concentrated protein source.
Chicken meal is rich in protein, with about 65% protein content. It also contains essential nutrients like selenium, phosphorus, choline, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Additionally, chicken fat, often found in chicken meal, is a nutritious source of energy and linoleic acid, promoting healthy skin and coat.
If you're looking for a quality dog food made with chicken meal, consider one of our recommended brands. These options provide highly digestible protein and a well-balanced diet for your beloved pet.
Remember, when it comes to choosing the right dog food, always read the ingredients list and opt for products that prioritize high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Your furry friend deserves the best!
