Are All "By-Products" in Dog Food Bad? The Surprising Truth.

Scan the ingredient list of a dog food, and one word is more likely to make you wrinkle your nose than any other: "by-products."

The term conjures up unpleasant images of beaks, feathers, hooves, and other unsavory bits. It’s been so effectively labeled as a "bad ingredient" by premium brands that many loving dog owners will immediately reject any food that contains it.

But what if we told you that by-products aren’t just "not bad," but that some of them are actually nutritional powerhouses for your dog? It’s time to bust this pervasive myth and uncover the surprising truth about one of the most misunderstood ingredients in the pet food industry.

 

What Exactly IS a By-Product?

Let’s start with the official definition. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), poultry by-products are the "non-rendered, clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry, such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter..."

Let's translate that. This isn't beaks and feathers. This refers to the parts of the animal that are not part of the standard muscle meat cut. Most importantly, this includes organ meats—liver, kidney, spleen, and heart.

 

The "Good" By-Products: A Nutritional Goldmine

In the wild, a wolf or coyote doesn't just eat the muscle meat of its prey. The first things they often consume are the organs, because they are instinctively aware that these parts are incredibly nutrient-dense.

• Liver: An amazing source of Vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins.

• Kidney: Rich in protein and essential fatty acids.

• Heart: A fantastic source of taurine, which is crucial for canine heart health.

When a dog food label lists "chicken by-products," it can include these highly nutritious organ meats, which are often more nutrient-dense than the plain chicken breast we might cook for ourselves.

 

The "Bad" By-Products: The Source of the Stigma

So why does the term have such a bad reputation? It comes down to two things: quality and transparency.

1. Unnamed Sources: The real red flag on a label isn't the word "by-product"; it's a vague source. A food that lists "chicken by-products" tells you the animal it came from. A food that lists "meat by-products" is a mystery. It could be from any combination of animals, and the lack of transparency is a sign of a lower-quality food.

2. Variable Quality: While by-products can include nutritious organs, they can also include less digestible parts. The quality can vary dramatically from one manufacturer to another.

 

The Verdict: Judge the Brand, Not Just the Word

So, are all by-products bad? Absolutely not. A food from a reputable, high-quality brand that uses named by-products (like "chicken by-products" or "lamb by-products") is likely using the nutritious organ meats as a valuable part of a balanced diet.

The key is to look at the whole picture. A food with a named protein or protein meal as its first ingredient, which also includes named by-products further down the list, is perfectly fine.

Ultimately, the goal is to feed your dog a diet made from high-quality, digestible ingredients. Whether you choose a food with or without by-products, you can always elevate the meal with a boost of fresh, whole-food toppers. And to make those toppers irresistible, a sprinkle of Clean Plate K9—made with only clean, human-grade herbs and spices and no by-products—adds the perfect finishing touch.

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Sources:

1. "What are By-Products in Dog Food?" American Kennel Club (AKC), akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/what-are-by-products-in-dog-food/.

2. "What is a By-Product in Pet Food?" Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/05/what-is-a-by-product-in-pet-food/.

3. "Reading Pet Food Labels." Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), talkspetfood.aafco.org/readinglabels.