The Problem with ‘Meat By-Products’ in Dog Treats

You’ve probably seen the term “meat by-products” on the label of dog treats or food. At first glance, it might sound like extra protein or bonus nutrients—but what exactly does it mean?

The answer might surprise (and concern) you. Let’s break down what by-products really are, why they’re commonly used, and what it means for your dog’s health.

What Are Meat By-Products?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), meat by-products are the non-rendered parts of animals other than meat. This can include organs like the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and stomach—but also potentially include less nutritious parts like:

Beaks
Hooves
Feathers
Fatty tissue
Intestines (with or without contents)

And the catch? Manufacturers aren’t required to tell you which by-products are used—or what animal they come from.

Why Do Dog Treat Companies Use Them?

Simple: they’re cheap. By-products are inexpensive to source and help manufacturers hit high protein numbers on nutrition labels without the cost of high-quality meat.

For large-scale production, it’s a way to reduce waste and keep costs down—but often at the expense of nutritional quality.

Is There Any Nutritional Value?

It depends. Some organ meats (like liver and heart) can be very nutritious in moderation. But the term “meat by-product” doesn’t specify which parts are included, so you never really know what you’re feeding your dog.

That lack of transparency is a major red flag, especially for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or compromised immune systems.

The Bigger Problem: No Accountability

When a label simply says “meat by-products,” it can come from any animal species—chicken, beef, pork, or even rendered roadkill or euthanized animals from shelters in the worst cases (yes, really—this has been documented in low-end pet foods).

There are no guarantees unless the label clearly identifies the source and quality of the meat used.

How to Spot and Avoid By-Products

Read the Label Closely
Look for ingredient lists that say things like:
- Chicken by-product meal
- Animal by-products
- Meat meal (if unspecified, be cautious)
Prefer Whole Protein Sources
Choose treats where the first ingredient is a named, whole protein—like “chicken,” “beef liver,” or “salmon.”
Look for Transparency
Trustworthy brands will tell you what’s inside. If a company is vague or uses umbrella terms, that’s a red flag.

What You Want Instead

High-quality dog treats use real, whole food ingredients and clearly state the source of the protein. Look for:

Human-grade meats
Named meat meals (like “chicken meal,” not just “meat meal”)
Single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats

Your dog deserves protein that supports energy, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality—not mystery parts that may do more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

Not all by-products are automatically harmful—but the lack of transparency and quality control is where things get risky. When shopping for treats, stick with brands that are open about their sourcing and ingredients. Your dog’s body will thank you for it.