what is chicken by product meal

Chicken by-product meal is a high-protein commodity used as a major component in some pet foods. It is made from grinding clean, rendered parts of poultry carcasses and can contain bones, offal, and undeveloped eggs. Chicken by-products are the less desirable parts of a chicken that remain after the meat is removed, such as the lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys. Chicken by-product meal is essentially the same as chicken by-products, only the meal is in dried form. Chicken meal, on the other hand, is dried and rendered clean meat, skin, and bone. Chicken meal is considered a higher quality ingredient than chicken by-product meal. While chicken by-products in dog food are safe and can be a source of nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats for dogs, many dogs may not tolerate them well.