If you watch pet food commercials, you’ve likely heard announcers breathlessly warn of diets containing animal by-products. So, just what are these ingredients and how dangerous are they?
Truth is, the “yuck” factor attached to by-products is merely an American — and distinctly human — convention. By-products refer to organs and entrails, like liver, bone, stomach and cleaned intestines. While we may shy away from them, they’re tasty to our dogs and cats and often more nutritious, and just as safe, as the muscle meats we find more appealing. That said, certain components — like hair, hooves, hide or intestinal contents — are strictly rejected as by-products.
Ironically, some companies avoid the stigma of “by-products” on their labels and list out specific organs instead. It’s all the same — and perfectly fine for your pet.