Meat and Bone Meal
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Meat and Bone Meal Rendered product from mammalian tissue including bone. Source animal not specified.
What It Is
Rendered product from mammalian tissue including bone. Source animal not specified.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. chicken meal: Chicken meal is a named animal source with transparency about species. Meat and bone meal is generic mystery meat from unspecified mammals. Named meals are vastly superior for quality and consistency.
- vs. beef meal: Beef meal identifies the specific animal source, while meat and bone meal could be any mammal. Named meals provide transparency and consistency; generic meals signal poor quality and cost-cutting.
- vs. meat by products: Both are vague, low-transparency ingredients. Meat and bone meal is rendered and dried, while meat by-products are fresh but unspecified organs. Both lack transparency; named ingredients are always preferable.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Manufacturers include meat and bone meal in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:
- Cheap protein source
- Uses rendering byproducts
- Provides calcium from bone
Quality Considerations
When evaluating meat and bone meal in dog products, it's important to understand protein density, amino acid profile, digestibility, and sourcing quality. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.
Very low transparency—could be any mammal. High ash content from bone. Quality highly variable.
Potential Concerns
While meat and bone meal can be appropriate in dog nutrition, pet owners should be aware of allergies, protein digestibility, and quality variations between named and generic sources. Individual dogs may respond differently to the same ingredient based on their health status, age, and sensitivities.
We avoid generic meat meals. No way to know source or quality. Named animal meals only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is meat and bone meal safe for dogs?
Meat and Bone Meal should be used with caution or avoided. Very low transparency—could be any mammal. High ash content from bone. Quality highly variable.
What does meat and bone meal do in dog food?
Rendered product from mammalian tissue including bone. Source animal not specified. Dog food manufacturers include this ingredient to provide cheap protein source and provide uses rendering byproducts.
Can meat and bone meal cause allergies in dogs?
Any protein source can potentially trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. Signs of food allergies include itchy skin, ear infections, digestive issues, and excessive paw licking. If your dog shows these symptoms, consult your veterinarian about an elimination diet to identify the trigger ingredient.
How much meat and bone meal should be in dog food?
Quality dog foods typically list primary protein sources like meat and bone meal within the first 3-5 ingredients. The exact percentage varies by formula, but protein-focused foods generally contain 25-35% total protein for adults, and 28-40% for puppies or performance dogs. Check the guaranteed analysis rather than relying solely on ingredient order.
Related Ingredients
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