Pet food by-products have long been misunderstood and often criticized. For years, they’ve been cast in a negative light—portrayed as low-quality, even dangerous ingredients used only in cheap pet foods. However, the truth about by-products is far more nuanced. With proper sourcing and regulation, by-products can actually be a highly nutritious and sustainable component of your pet’s diet. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what by-products really are, their nutritional value, common misconceptions, and how to choose quality pet food that may include them.
What Are By-products in Pet Food?
In the context of pet food, by-products refer to parts of an animal that are not typically consumed by humans in Western cultures. These may include organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen, as well as other non-skeletal parts such as blood and certain bones. Importantly, the term by-product does not include things like hooves, hair, horns, or manure—these are not allowed in pet food according to strict regulatory standards.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have clear definitions and rules about what constitutes acceptable by-products. When sourced responsibly and processed correctly, by-products can be highly nutritious. In fact, many of the organ meats included in by-products are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids that are beneficial to pets.
Nutritional Benefits of By-products
One of the most overlooked facts about by-products is their high nutritional value. Organ meats like liver and kidney are nutrient-dense, containing vital elements such as:
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Iron and zinc, which support immune health and metabolism
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B vitamins, especially B12, important for energy and nerve function
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Essential fatty acids, which promote skin and coat health
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Taurine, critical for heart and eye health in cats
In the wild, carnivorous animals eat the entire prey, organs included. These parts are often consumed first because they’re the most nutritious. By-products, when properly sourced, mimic this natural diet more closely than muscle meat alone.
Moreover, by utilizing parts of the animal that would otherwise go to waste, pet food manufacturers are contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. This approach reduces waste and helps lower the environmental footprint of the meat industry.
Common Misconceptions About By-products
Many pet owners equate by-products with “fillers” or assume they are dangerous. This misconception is often fueled by marketing claims from premium pet food brands, which label their products as “by-product free” to position themselves as higher quality. But avoiding by-products doesn’t automatically make a food better.
Another common myth is that by-products come from diseased or unsafe animals. In reality, by-products used in regulated pet foods must come from animals inspected and approved for use in food products. These ingredients are cooked at high temperatures to eliminate pathogens, much like any other meat product.
It’s also important to differentiate between named by-products (like “chicken by-product meal”) and generic ones (like “animal by-product meal”). The former indicates a more traceable and likely higher-quality source, while the latter could be a mix from various species and may not meet the same standards.
How to Choose Pet Food with By-products
If you’re considering a pet food that contains by-products, here are a few tips to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality product:
Look for named sources: Ingredients should specify the animal source, such as “chicken by-product meal” or “beef liver,” rather than vague terms like “meat by-products.”
Check for AAFCO statements: This ensures the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements set by pet nutrition experts.
Understand the brand’s sourcing and transparency: Reputable brands often share information about how their ingredients are sourced and processed.
Consult your veterinarian: Every pet has different nutritional needs, and a vet can help guide you to the best food based on age, breed, health status, and activity level.
Final Thoughts
By-products in pet food may sound unappetizing at first, but they play an important role in providing balanced nutrition—especially when sourced from reputable suppliers and processed safely. They’re rich in nutrients, support sustainability, and mimic the natural diet of carnivorous animals. Rather than judging pet food by the presence of by-products alone, it’s more important to look at the overall quality, nutritional profile, and transparency of the brand. Your pet’s health depends on more than just marketing claims—it depends on real, balanced nutrition.
