The term “Meal” in conjunction with the words “beef, lamb or poultry” simply means that the meat or poultry has been ground or reduced in particle size and there has been no compromise in quality. Meal is a common ingredient in pet foods and is simply a term used for the processing of the item into a more usable form. Beef, lamb or poultry meal as a first ingredient is usually a sign of a higher quality food providing it is free from chemical preservatives.
BY-PRODUCTS
Parts of the animal not fit for human consumption. By-products can include intestines, chicken heads, duck bills, fish heads, chicken and turkey feet, hides, feathers and bone. Ingredients listed as beef, chicken and poultry by-products are not required to include actual meat. Rendered meat can be any rendered mammal meat including dogs and cats. By-Products can include diseased and contaminated slaughterhouse meat, hair, and dehydrated garbage! Obviously harmful chemical additives are often included.