Are Animal By-Products in Pet Food Always Harmful?

Animal by-products in pet food are a frequently discussed topic, and there are some misunderstandings. In principle, animal by-products, if they are of high quality and processed correctly, can be a useful and nutritious ingredient in pet food. They are not inherently harmful. However, it is important to understand what is meant by “animal by-products” and what quality they are.

Animal by-products include all parts of an animal that are not directly classified as meat (muscle tissue). These include organs (liver, heart, kidneys, cleaned intestines), bones, blood, but also hides and feathers. Some of these components, especially the organs, are very nutritious and provide important vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They are often even a natural part of the diet of carnivores and taste good to our dogs and cats.

Some companies avoid talking about by-products on their labels and instead list specific organs. It’s all the same thing.

Benefits of animal by-products:

• High nutrient content: Organs such as liver or heart contain essential vitamins and minerals (e.g. iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12) that are important for the health of pets.
• Avoiding food waste: By using by-products, the entire animal body is utilized, which supports sustainability in meat production.
• High protein content: Animal by-products often contain high-quality proteins that are important for pets.

Possible concerns:

Concerns about animal by-products in pet food often result from their lack of transparency and varying quality. Some manufacturers may use inferior ingredients such as low-grade connective tissue. This is reflected in the protein content and digestibility. The nutritional benefit is low. Hair, hooves, hides or intestinal contents are not suitable for nutrition and should be rejected as a feed additive.

It is crucial that the animal by-products are processed hygienically correctly. Often, packaging does not indicate which by-products are used. This makes it difficult for pet owners to assess the quality of the food. You should avoid such products.

Conclusion:

Animal by-products are not inherently harmful, but can be a valuable ingredient in pet food, provided they come from high-quality sources and are processed correctly. However, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the pet food and ensure that the ingredients are clearly declared. Products that come from unclear or inferior sources should be avoided to prevent possible negative effects on the health of the animals.