How to read and understand pet food labels WHAT’S IN A NAME.

How to read and understand How to read and understand pet food labels pet food labels

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Can you guess how many Can you guess how many different brands of pet different brands of pet food there are in North food there are in North

America?America?

15,000 brands of pet food 15,000 brands of pet food exist in North America exist in North America with more being with more being developed every yeardeveloped every year

Did you know?Did you know? In the USA 46% of US homes have children, 69% In the USA 46% of US homes have children, 69%

have petshave pets

In Ontario 1.3 dogs in the household, 1.7 cats in the In Ontario 1.3 dogs in the household, 1.7 cats in the householdhousehold

82-85% of owners think that the best way to 82-85% of owners think that the best way to comfort their pet is by feeding them, followed by comfort their pet is by feeding them, followed by petting, then playingpetting, then playing

94% of people visiting their Veterinarian are 94% of people visiting their Veterinarian are expecting a diet recommendation from their visit. expecting a diet recommendation from their visit. Only 11% actually get one, or feel like they got oneOnly 11% actually get one, or feel like they got one

The pet food industry brings in $17 billion dollars The pet food industry brings in $17 billion dollars per yearper year

AAFCOAAFCO

AAFCO is an acronym that stands for AAFCO is an acronym that stands for the Association of American Feed the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This is a nonprofit Control Officials. This is a nonprofit association of state and federal association of state and federal officials that develop guidelines for officials that develop guidelines for animal feeds in regards to: the animal feeds in regards to: the production (how its made), labeling production (how its made), labeling on the packaging, and the selling of on the packaging, and the selling of it.it.

There are 51 members- 1 in There are 51 members- 1 in Canada, and 1 for each US StateCanada, and 1 for each US State

AAFCO created the min and max% AAFCO created the min and max% that are shown on pet food labelsthat are shown on pet food labels

Despite all the new research that Despite all the new research that has been happening in the pet food has been happening in the pet food industry the AAFCO guidelines have industry the AAFCO guidelines have not been changed in over 25 yearsnot been changed in over 25 years

Pet food manufacturers commonly state one of two Pet food manufacturers commonly state one of two established standards on their labels to show that established standards on their labels to show that their foods contain all the protein, fats, vitamins, their foods contain all the protein, fats, vitamins, and mineral requirements that dogs and cats need and mineral requirements that dogs and cats need to survive.to survive.

One of these standards that AAFCO has set is based One of these standards that AAFCO has set is based on the on the ““formulationformulation”” of all the nutrients cats & of all the nutrients cats & dogs are known to require to maintain health and dogs are known to require to maintain health and fitness. The other standard involves fitness. The other standard involves ““feeding feeding tests”tests” that show that the dogs and cats can that show that the dogs and cats can actually live and thrive on the productactually live and thrive on the product

Pet foods that are “Pet foods that are “formulatedformulated” have no required ” have no required testing to determine if the ingredients used are bio-testing to determine if the ingredients used are bio-available or digestible in dogs or catsavailable or digestible in dogs or cats

AAFCO does not require all pet foods to complete a AAFCO does not require all pet foods to complete a feeding trial.feeding trial.

These are litter mate puppies – both were fed foods that These are litter mate puppies – both were fed foods that met the minimal requirements by AAFCO for being met the minimal requirements by AAFCO for being

“Complete and Balanced”.“Complete and Balanced”.

READING PET FOOD READING PET FOOD LABELSLABELS Foods that are labeled with simple terms such as “Beef Foods that are labeled with simple terms such as “Beef

for Dogs,” or “Chicken Cat Food,” must contain at least for Dogs,” or “Chicken Cat Food,” must contain at least 95% of the named ingredient (not including water 95% of the named ingredient (not including water content). If the label lists two ingredients (like chicken content). If the label lists two ingredients (like chicken and liver), the combination of the two ingredients must and liver), the combination of the two ingredients must make up 95% of the total weight of the food, with the make up 95% of the total weight of the food, with the first listed ingredient being more prevalentfirst listed ingredient being more prevalent

The rule only applies to animal products; therefore, if The rule only applies to animal products; therefore, if

the label says “Lamb and Rice Dog Food,” the food the label says “Lamb and Rice Dog Food,” the food must still contain 95% lambmust still contain 95% lamb

Example: Beef Dog Food: The food must contain 95% Example: Beef Dog Food: The food must contain 95% beef by weight. The same goes for chicken, tuna or beef by weight. The same goes for chicken, tuna or any other meat in the product name. any other meat in the product name.

THE “DINNER” RULETHE “DINNER” RULE

foods with the designation “dinner” or other, foods with the designation “dinner” or other, similar qualifier must contain at least 25% (not similar qualifier must contain at least 25% (not counting water content) and less than 95% of counting water content) and less than 95% of the named ingredientthe named ingredient

Synonyms for dinner include: platter, entrée, Synonyms for dinner include: platter, entrée, nuggets and formula.nuggets and formula.

Example: Salmon cat food dinner: Contains at Example: Salmon cat food dinner: Contains at least 25% salmonleast 25% salmon

THE “WITH” RULETHE “WITH” RULE Originally this rule was created so Originally this rule was created so

that companies could highlight an that companies could highlight an extra element in the food outside extra element in the food outside the product name (such as “Beef the product name (such as “Beef Dinner — with cheese!”). But now, Dinner — with cheese!”). But now, under AAFCO rules, products can under AAFCO rules, products can have “with” in the main product have “with” in the main product name of the food, indicating that it name of the food, indicating that it contains only 3% of the “with” contains only 3% of the “with” ingredient. Read labels carefully: ingredient. Read labels carefully: “Beef Dog Food” contains 95% “Beef Dog Food” contains 95% beef, but “Dog Food With Beef” beef, but “Dog Food With Beef” only has 3% beefonly has 3% beef

Example: Cat food with Chicken: Example: Cat food with Chicken: Contains only 3% chicken or less.Contains only 3% chicken or less.

THE “FLAVOR” RULETHE “FLAVOR” RULE Chicken (or any other) Chicken (or any other)

“flavored” pet foods don’t “flavored” pet foods don’t need to contain any of the need to contain any of the ingredients that they are ingredients that they are supposed to taste like. supposed to taste like. They merely need to have They merely need to have a specific flavor that is a specific flavor that is detectable by the animal detectable by the animal for which it is meantfor which it is meant

Gourmet, Premium, Gourmet, Premium, Super, ULTRA-PremiumSuper, ULTRA-Premium

As far as AAFCO is concerned, these terms As far as AAFCO is concerned, these terms have no specific meaning and are merely have no specific meaning and are merely used as a marketing tool. Foods with these used as a marketing tool. Foods with these descriptions are not held to any higher (or descriptions are not held to any higher (or lower) nutritional standards than any other lower) nutritional standards than any other complete and balanced food productscomplete and balanced food products

COMMON TERMS TO COMMON TERMS TO WATCH FOR:WATCH FOR:

ORGANICORGANIC NATURALNATURAL HOLISTIC (HOLISTIC (not legally definednot legally defined)) HUMAN GRADE (HUMAN GRADE (not legally definednot legally defined))

Organic - USDAOrganic - USDA

> 95%

“Made with

Organics”

70% to 94%

Ingredient listed only

Organic peas, organic chicken, etc.

1% to 69%

What do “Natural” What do “Natural” and “Holistic” and “Holistic” labels mean?labels mean?

Legally, not much. Food labeled as Legally, not much. Food labeled as natural should contain few, if any, natural should contain few, if any, synthetic ingredientssynthetic ingredients

Any manufacturer can make claims Any manufacturer can make claims of “holistic” in literature and of “holistic” in literature and brochures regardless of ingredients brochures regardless of ingredients used in its foodsused in its foods

““NATURAL”NATURAL” Amanita phalloides,Amanita phalloides,Natural, but deadly!Natural, but deadly!

According to AAFCO, the term "natural" requires a According to AAFCO, the term "natural" requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations; except for added without chemical alterations; except for added vitamins and mineralsvitamins and minerals

There is no nutritional advantage known to dogs There is no nutritional advantage known to dogs and cats who are being fed a natural food. This and cats who are being fed a natural food. This is a consumer choice, not a nutritional need.is a consumer choice, not a nutritional need.

““HOLISTIC”HOLISTIC”

Not defined or regulated and Not defined or regulated and therefore is essentially meaningless. therefore is essentially meaningless. In fact, some regulators consider In fact, some regulators consider the term misleading in that it may the term misleading in that it may falsely imply therapeutic benefitfalsely imply therapeutic benefit

Therefore “Therefore “organic”organic”, “, “holistic”holistic” and and ““all naturalall natural” labels ” labels

DO NOT SPEAK TO QUALITY, DO NOT SPEAK TO QUALITY, NUTRITIONAL BALANCE, NUTRITIONAL BALANCE,

OR SAFETYOR SAFETY

““HUMAN GRADE”HUMAN GRADE”

Human-grade means that the Human-grade means that the processing plant is certified for processing plant is certified for processing human foodprocessing human food

It does not mean the food coming from It does not mean the food coming from the processing plant would necessarily be the processing plant would necessarily be something that humans would eat, something that humans would eat, though. But rather, that the though. But rather, that the ““sanitary sanitary conditions”conditions” in the plant are acceptable in the plant are acceptable for human food processingfor human food processing

““HUMAN EDIBLE”HUMAN EDIBLE” Human edible Human edible ≠ Human grade≠ Human grade Human edible must never leave the chain of Human edible must never leave the chain of

inspectioninspection

Exp. Slaughter house ►Packing house► Exp. Slaughter house ►Packing house► Supermarket, are all federally inspected and Supermarket, are all federally inspected and therefore considered human edibletherefore considered human edible

Slaughter house ► Pet food processing plant is Slaughter house ► Pet food processing plant is not federally inspected therefore not human not federally inspected therefore not human edibleedible

INGREDIENT MYTHS AND INGREDIENT MYTHS AND FACTSFACTS

MYTH:MYTH: A product contains or is made A product contains or is made from human grade ingredientsfrom human grade ingredients

FACT:FACT: Claims that a product contains Claims that a product contains or is made from ingredients that are “ or is made from ingredients that are “ human grade”, “human quality”, and or human grade”, “human quality”, and or “people foods” are false and “people foods” are false and misleading unless the entire product, misleading unless the entire product, itself, meets the federal standards for itself, meets the federal standards for food edible by people. food edible by people.

““BUYER BEWARE!!!”BUYER BEWARE!!!”A pet owner may think they are A pet owner may think they are

feeding their pet “human edible pet feeding their pet “human edible pet food” when in fact all it is, is “human food” when in fact all it is, is “human grade pet food”grade pet food”

MY PET NEEDS TO LOSE MY PET NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT WHAT FOOD DO I WEIGHT WHAT FOOD DO I

CHOOSE?CHOOSE?Under federal guidelines, pet foods labeled Under federal guidelines, pet foods labeled “low calorie” or "light”, must provide the “low calorie” or "light”, must provide the caloric content.caloric content.To be considered “low calorie”/ “light” for dog To be considered “low calorie”/ “light” for dog foods the kcals/kg of kibble must be less then foods the kcals/kg of kibble must be less then or equal to 3,100 and for cats must be less or equal to 3,100 and for cats must be less than or equal to 3,250 than or equal to 3,250 Be careful when selecting a pet food that says Be careful when selecting a pet food that says “weight control” or “weight management”. “weight control” or “weight management”. These foods may not contain less calories then These foods may not contain less calories then what you are feeding currently and therefore what you are feeding currently and therefore you will not see any changes.you will not see any changes.

INFORMATION PANELINFORMATION PANEL

nutritional adequacy statement nutritional adequacy statement guaranteed analysis guaranteed analysis feeding guidelines feeding guidelines ingredient list ingredient list manufacturer’s information manufacturer’s information

NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY STATEMENTSTATEMENT

This portion of the label verifies This portion of the label verifies that the food provides complete that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for and balanced nutrition for growing animals, pregnant and growing animals, pregnant and nursing mothers, or adults – or it nursing mothers, or adults – or it might say the product is might say the product is nutritionally adequate for all of nutritionally adequate for all of these groups (“all life stages”)these groups (“all life stages”)

Caution should be exercised Caution should be exercised when considering foods intended when considering foods intended for “all lifestages.” They may for “all lifestages.” They may contain excessive levels of some contain excessive levels of some nutrients making them nutrients making them inappropriate for adult and senior inappropriate for adult and senior pets or not enough nutrients for pets or not enough nutrients for puppies or kittenspuppies or kittens

LIFE STAGE LIFE STAGE NEEDSNEEDS

Higher protein

Higher energy

Higher calcium/phosphorus for

growth

Optimal protein

Less energy

Less Fat

Higher fiber

Moderate protein Moderate fat, Moderate vitamins, and minerals

GUARANTEED ANALYSISGUARANTEED ANALYSIS The guaranteed analysis is designed to provide consumers The guaranteed analysis is designed to provide consumers

with nutrient information about the pet foods they purchase. It with nutrient information about the pet foods they purchase. It indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat and fiber in the product to guide consumers. It is protein, fat and fiber in the product to guide consumers. It is important to remember, however, that the guaranteed analysis important to remember, however, that the guaranteed analysis is not an indication of the actual nutrient content of the foodis not an indication of the actual nutrient content of the food

The minimum guarantee gives the lowest amount of the The minimum guarantee gives the lowest amount of the nutrient in the food, not the actual amount. For example, a nutrient in the food, not the actual amount. For example, a product with a minimum guarantee of 8% fat may actually product with a minimum guarantee of 8% fat may actually contain a higher percentage. Likewise, a product with a contain a higher percentage. Likewise, a product with a maximum guarantee of 5% fiber may only contain as little as maximum guarantee of 5% fiber may only contain as little as 1%1%

Obtaining the actual nutrient content Obtaining the actual nutrient content from the manufacturer is a better way from the manufacturer is a better way to evaluate productsto evaluate products

““SOLE SOLE FOOD”FOOD”

Crude ProteinCrude Protein Min.Min. 6.0%6.0%

Crude FatCrude Fat Min.Min. 4.0%4.0%

Crude FiberCrude Fiber Max.Max. 6.3%6.3%

MoistureMoisture Max.Max. 78.0%78.0%

Guaranteed Analysis of old shoes, oil, coal and water

AshAsh Max.Max. 2.7%2.7%

A combination of ingredients such as old shoes, motor oil, crushed coal, and water meet this guaranteed analysis

which is typical for pet foods. While this example carries this thought to the extreme, exaggeration is used only to

emphasize the point.

FEEDING FEEDING GUIDLINESGUIDLINES

Limit food rewards and let your dog work for that tasty treat.

INGREDIENT LISTINGREDIENT LIST Ingredients are the delivery vehicles for Ingredients are the delivery vehicles for

nutrients and are listed on a pet food label in nutrients and are listed on a pet food label in descending order by weightdescending order by weight

Ingredients such as chicken, beef or lamb Ingredients such as chicken, beef or lamb contain more than 50% water. The high water contain more than 50% water. The high water content makes them weigh more than dry content makes them weigh more than dry ingredients such as grains, meat/poultry meals, ingredients such as grains, meat/poultry meals, minerals and vitamins, so they are listed firstminerals and vitamins, so they are listed first

““REAL CHICKEN???”REAL CHICKEN???” What is the definition of “real” ? What is the definition of “real” ? You should feel a little uneasy when you see You should feel a little uneasy when you see

pet food labels that say: pet food labels that say: ““contains REAL CHICKEN”contains REAL CHICKEN”

Have we ever had UNREAL CHICKEN in our Have we ever had UNREAL CHICKEN in our pet food? pet food?

Does “unreal chicken” taste like chicken, Does “unreal chicken” taste like chicken, too? too?

MeatMeat: Meat is the clean flesh of slaughtered animals. : Meat is the clean flesh of slaughtered animals. The flesh can include striated skeletal muscle, The flesh can include striated skeletal muscle, tongue, diaphragm, heart, esophagus, overlying fat tongue, diaphragm, heart, esophagus, overlying fat and the skin, sinew, nerves and blood vessels and the skin, sinew, nerves and blood vessels normally found with that fleshnormally found with that flesh

By-ProductBy-Product:: A A by-productby-product is a secondary or is a secondary or incidental product deriving from a manufacturing incidental product deriving from a manufacturing process. For example the following are by-products process. For example the following are by-products beet pulp, tomato pomace, vitamin E, chicken stock, beet pulp, tomato pomace, vitamin E, chicken stock, whey, lanolin, brewers yeast, bran, wheat germ, whey, lanolin, brewers yeast, bran, wheat germ, distillers grain, molasses, straw, and salt distillers grain, molasses, straw, and salt

Meat by-productsMeat by-products: Meat by-products are clean : Meat by-products are clean parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. These include lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, These include lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, and stomach and intestines freed of blood, bone, and stomach and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, or hoovesor hooves

INGREDIENT MYTHS AND INGREDIENT MYTHS AND FACTSFACTS

MYTH:MYTH: By-products are of lesser quality By-products are of lesser quality than meat.than meat.

FACT:FACT: Some by-products such as liver Some by-products such as liver offer superior palatability compared to offer superior palatability compared to meat such as chicken breast, tongue etc.meat such as chicken breast, tongue etc.

WITH EXTREMELY RARE WITH EXTREMELY RARE EXCEPTIONS, ALL EXCEPTIONS, ALL PET FOODS CONTAIN PET FOODS CONTAIN

BY-PRODUCTS!BY-PRODUCTS!

WHERE ARE OUR PET FOODS WHERE ARE OUR PET FOODS BEING MADE???BEING MADE???

Some pet food companies formulate their diet and then make it in their Some pet food companies formulate their diet and then make it in their own manufacturing plant while other companies formulate their diet and own manufacturing plant while other companies formulate their diet and then send the recipe to a 3rd party company to have it manufactured.then send the recipe to a 3rd party company to have it manufactured.

Those who formulate and make the diet in their own plant HAVE TO adhere Those who formulate and make the diet in their own plant HAVE TO adhere to strict quality control measures, checking every batch of ingredients to strict quality control measures, checking every batch of ingredients when shipped to the plant, and randomly testing the food throughout the when shipped to the plant, and randomly testing the food throughout the manufacturing process.manufacturing process.

Those who formulate BUT have a 3rd party make the diet DO NOT HAVE to Those who formulate BUT have a 3rd party make the diet DO NOT HAVE to have quality control measures in place, which can mean that ingredients have quality control measures in place, which can mean that ingredients vary between batches and therefore a consistent diet between bags is not vary between batches and therefore a consistent diet between bags is not guaranteed. And in some instances lacking essential nutrients. guaranteed. And in some instances lacking essential nutrients. 

  On the label of the pet food who will see 1 of 2 scenarios:On the label of the pet food who will see 1 of 2 scenarios:

                        either: manufactured for / prepared for: these are all 3rd parties that either: manufactured for / prepared for: these are all 3rd parties that are receiving the recipes and making it in their own facilities are receiving the recipes and making it in their own facilities

       or: manufactured by / prepared by: these are companies who are      or: manufactured by / prepared by: these are companies who are

manufacturing their own pet food manufacturing their own pet food

DETERMINING QUALITYDETERMINING QUALITY There is no way to determine the true quality of a pet There is no way to determine the true quality of a pet

food by reading the ingredient list or the guaranteed food by reading the ingredient list or the guaranteed analysis. In fact, two products that may appear to have analysis. In fact, two products that may appear to have the same guaranteed analysis might have actual the same guaranteed analysis might have actual nutrient levels that vary significantlynutrient levels that vary significantly

Individual ingredients do NOT determine the quality of a Individual ingredients do NOT determine the quality of a pet food. It’s the nutritional value of each ingredient pet food. It’s the nutritional value of each ingredient blended together that delivers a product specific for a blended together that delivers a product specific for a pet’s age or condition. The guaranteed analysis is not a pet’s age or condition. The guaranteed analysis is not a guarantee of nutritional quality – nor is the ingredient guarantee of nutritional quality – nor is the ingredient list or the presence or absence of certain ingredientslist or the presence or absence of certain ingredients

Quality matters because when you have better quality Quality matters because when you have better quality nutrients you increase the digestibility of the food which nutrients you increase the digestibility of the food which therefore reduces food volume and stool production!therefore reduces food volume and stool production!

CORN IS BAD RIGHT?CORN IS BAD RIGHT? Corn is an excellent ingredient because of the benefits it Corn is an excellent ingredient because of the benefits it

brings to the product. Corn is a highly nutritious ingredient brings to the product. Corn is a highly nutritious ingredient chosen as a source of protein (for muscle and tissue chosen as a source of protein (for muscle and tissue growth), carbohydrates (for energy), fiber, antioxidants growth), carbohydrates (for energy), fiber, antioxidants (Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, and Lutein) and linoleic acid - (Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, and Lutein) and linoleic acid - an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and a an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and a luxurious coatluxurious coat

Most grains, including corn, are poorly digested before they Most grains, including corn, are poorly digested before they are cooked. Once cooked, however, they become highly are cooked. Once cooked, however, they become highly digestible, higher then several other grains such as rice, digestible, higher then several other grains such as rice, wheat, barley and sorghum wheat, barley and sorghum

Some consumers are concerned that corn may only be filler. Some consumers are concerned that corn may only be filler. Fillers offer no nutritional value therefore corn can not be a Fillers offer no nutritional value therefore corn can not be a filler because it is a superb source of nutrientsfiller because it is a superb source of nutrients

While some individuals are concerned about allergies in pets, While some individuals are concerned about allergies in pets, corn is not a common cause of adverse food reactions. corn is not a common cause of adverse food reactions. Studies have shown that corn causes no more food allergies Studies have shown that corn causes no more food allergies than any other grainsthan any other grains

Actually only 0.01% of animals have adverse reactions to corn.

DOGS

CATS

BeefDairyWheat

LambChicken

Chicken EggSoy

93% of all canine adverse reactions to food are caused by these 7 ingredients alone.

68%of reported cases

25%of reported cases

BeefDairyFish

80%of reported cases

Grain FreeGrain Free

MYTH: Grain-free pet foods are better.MYTH: Grain-free pet foods are better.

FACT: There is no nutritional FACT: There is no nutritional foundation to support a grain free foundation to support a grain free diet, and foods that have grains are diet, and foods that have grains are just as digestible as grain-free foodsjust as digestible as grain-free foods

The term “grain-free” is misleading, The term “grain-free” is misleading, as all grain-free foods contain as all grain-free foods contain carbohydrates from other sources, carbohydrates from other sources, such as the sweet potato, which has such as the sweet potato, which has more carbohydrates than cornmore carbohydrates than corn

SUMMARYSUMMARY::

Good nutrition isn’t just about the ingredients – it’s about the right balance of Good nutrition isn’t just about the ingredients – it’s about the right balance of nutrients. nutrients.

Feeding a pet food that does not have the proper nutritional balance can lead to Feeding a pet food that does not have the proper nutritional balance can lead to a wide range of health issuesa wide range of health issues

Pet owners should look at the pet food label to see if a feeding trial was done to Pet owners should look at the pet food label to see if a feeding trial was done to support nutritional adequacy claimssupport nutritional adequacy claims

Watch out for “all life stages” foods!Watch out for “all life stages” foods!Pets should be fed according to their nutritional needs – and these needs do Pets should be fed according to their nutritional needs – and these needs do change change

Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claimseye-catching claims

If there is a question about the product, contact the manufacturer or ask an If there is a question about the product, contact the manufacturer or ask an appropriate regulatory agencyappropriate regulatory agency

““you can’t judge a book by its cover!”you can’t judge a book by its cover!”

RAW FOOD RAW FOOD DIETS?DIETS?

Raw pet food diets are controversial!! Potential risks include:•Threats to human and your pets health from bacteria in raw meat•An unbalanced diet that may damage the health of your pet if given for an extended period. Exp lack of vitamins and minerals•Potential for whole bones to choke an animal, break teeth or cause an internal puncture•No scientific proof of benefits

Meat mealMeat meal:: Meat meal is the rendered product Meat meal is the rendered product from mammalian tissues, therefore ingredients are from mammalian tissues, therefore ingredients are the same as “meat” except the water content is less the same as “meat” except the water content is less due to the rendering processdue to the rendering process

Meat by- product mealMeat by- product meal:: Meat by-product meal Meat by-product meal is the rendered by-product from mammalian tissues, is the rendered by-product from mammalian tissues, therefore ingredients are the same as “meat by-therefore ingredients are the same as “meat by-products” except the water content is less due to the products” except the water content is less due to the rendering processrendering process