Chicken meal in dog food is a highly concentrated form of chicken protein made by rendering chicken meat. It consists of clean chicken flesh, skin, and sometimes accompanying bone that has been ground, cooked at high temperatures to remove moisture and fat, and then dried into a fine powder
. This rendering process kills bacteria and results in a shelf-stable ingredient with a higher protein concentration than fresh chicken because it contains less water
. Chicken meal is used in dog food because it provides a cost-effective, protein-rich source of essential amino acids, minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and beneficial fats that support muscle growth, tissue repair, healthy skin, coat, and bones
. Unlike chicken by-product meal, which may include less desirable parts such as feet, heads, or entrails, chicken meal is made only from the clean parts of the chicken carcass (flesh, skin, and bone)
. While chicken meal is nutritious and safe for dogs, it is not the same as fresh, human-grade chicken, which may offer more digestible proteins. However, chicken meal remains a common and valuable ingredient in many commercial dog foods due to its concentrated protein content and stability
. In summary, chicken meal is rendered, dried chicken meat used in dog food to provide a concentrated, high-quality protein source essential for canine nutrition
