People blanch to see "fish meal" or "meat meal" on a pet-food ingredient panel, but meal--which variously includes organs, heads, skin, and bones--most closely resembles the diet of dogs and cats in the wild. Muscle meat is a grand source of protein, but comparatively little else.
Many pet owners are often put off by the inclusion of "fish meal" or "meat meal" in pet food ingredients. However, these products actually reflect the natural diet of dogs and cats in the wild. Meal ingredients typically consist of various animal parts such as organs, skin, and bones, which can be more aligned with a carnivorous diet than just muscle meat alone.
While muscle meat provides a significant amount of protein, it lacks many other essential nutrients. Thus, meal ingredients play a crucial role in delivering a balanced diet for pets, ensuring they receive proper nutrition that mimics their natural eating habits. This insight challenges the misconception about the quality of such ingredients in pet food.
