Meat and Bone Meal
Our ingredient score: 1 / 5 · Meat and bone meal, species not named · How We Score
Meat and bone meal is made by cooking and drying the bones, connective tissue and meat scraps left over at slaughterhouses, and the label does not say which animal it comes from. Because its bone content is high, it raises the mineral load of the food, especially phosphorus. Over time, too much phosphorus can make it easier for crystals and stones to form in the urine. Because part of the protein comes from connective tissue rather than muscle meat, it is less digestible and more variable in quality than muscle meat protein. Because its source and quality are unclear, it is one of the lowest-quality animal ingredients you can find on a label.
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Common Questions
Why is meat and bone meal hard for cats to digest?
Part of its protein comes from connective tissue rather than muscle meat, so its quality is lower, and how well cats digest it varies with the rendering process.
Is meat and bone meal bad for cats?
Meat and bone meal is a rendered product made from mammal tissues, including bone, and AAFCO's definition requires it to contain at least 4% phosphorus. It is a permitted pet food ingredient in the United States. The label does not have to say which mammals were used. If your cat has kidney disease, urinary stones or another medical condition, ask your veterinarian whether a food with this ingredient fits the diet.
Source: aafco.org
What is meat and bone meal in cat food?
Meat and bone meal is a dry protein powder made by rendering mammal tissue and bone. AAFCO explains that rendering uses heat and pressure to remove most of the water and fat, which leaves mainly protein and minerals. The product is then ground into even particles. Manufacturers add it to dry food as a concentrated source of animal protein, and the species behind it can change from batch to batch.
Source: aafco.org
Is meat and bone meal banned in the US?
No, not in pet food. FDA rules at 21 CFR 589.2000 bar certain proteins derived from mammal tissue, such as meat and bone meal made from cattle, from feed given to cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants. Some products, such as pure pork protein, are exempt. The rule exists to stop the spread of BSE, often called mad cow disease. It covers ruminant feed only, so meat and bone meal can still appear in cat food sold in the United States.
Source: fda.gov
Why does meat and bone meal raise phosphorus in cat food?
Bone is mostly mineral, so a meal that includes bone carries more phosphorus and calcium than one made from muscle alone. AAFCO's definition sets a minimum of 4% phosphorus for meat and bone meal. How much ends up in the finished food depends on the whole recipe, and the manufacturer can give exact mineral levels. A cat on a phosphorus-restricted diet should have its food chosen with a veterinarian.
Source: aafco.org
How does Pettings score meat and bone meal?
Pettings gives meat and bone meal 1 out of 5 and files it under its general cat food ingredient category. It appears on 9 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The low score reflects the unnamed animal source and the high bone content. Each food's page shows how the whole recipe scores overall.
How Foods With Meat and Bone Meal Compare
Meat and Bone Meal is on the label of 9 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.