Meat and bone meal

What is meat and bone meal?

Meat and bone meal is a by-product of animal slaughter and consists of crushed and dried bones with some meat and fat residues. It is often used as a source of protein or minerals in animal feed, especially dry feed. Meat bone meal can come from various animal species such as beef, pork, poultry or fish. The quality and composition of meat and bone meal can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and origin.

What are the benefits of meat and bone meal for dogs?

Meat and bone meal can have several benefits for dogs when fed in appropriate amounts and from high-quality sources. On the one hand, it can meet the protein requirements of dogs that need a higher protein intake, such as puppies, pregnant or lactating bitches or athletically active dogs. On the other hand, it can provide important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone formation and dental health. It can also improve the taste and acceptability of dog food.

What are the disadvantages of meat and bone meal for dogs?

Meat and bone meal can also have disadvantages for dogs if it is fed in excessive quantities or from inferior sources. On the one hand, there can be an oversupply of protein or minerals, which can lead to health problems such as kidney or bladder stones, joint diseases or allergies. On the other hand, there may be an undersupply of other nutrients such as essential amino acids, fatty acids or vitamins, which are only contained in small quantities in meat and bone meal. It can also be contaminated with harmful substances such as heavy metals, hormones or antibiotics from animal husbandry.

How can you recognize good meat-and-bone meal?

To recognize good meat-and-bone meal, you should pay attention to a few points:

• Origin: It should be clearly stated which animal species the meat and bone meal comes from. The more precise the information, the better. For example, "poultry meat and bone meal" is better than "meat and bone meal" or "animal by-product".
• Quality: It should come from controlled and certified farms that adhere to high hygiene and safety standards. It should also be regularly tested for harmful substances.
• The quantity: It should not be the main ingredient in the dog food, but only make up part of the total protein. It should also not appear more than once in the list of ingredients, which would indicate a splitting of the ingredients.
• Composition: The feed should have a high crude protein content (at least 50 %) and a low crude ash content (maximum 35 %). The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should also be appropriate (between 1:1 and 2:1).