The Truth About Rendering

Rendering is a process used in the pet food industry to cook animal by-products at high temperatures, killing pathogens and removing moisture. This results in a “protein-rich” powder known as ‘meal,’ such as Chicken Meal or Lamb Meal. Rendering plants process everything from slaughter by-products to a variety of dead animals and meat scraps. However, rendered ingredients aren’t held to the same safety standards as human food. Sadly, pet food manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the quality of these ingredients, making it impossible for pet parents to know what is really in their pets food.(2)

What Goes Into The Vat?

Rendering facilities often take in animal by-products like bones, blood, feathers, and internal organs – parts that aren’t used for human food but find their way into pet food as “meat by-products.” 

While rendering reduces waste, the quality of the protein is questionable. Why pet parents should be concerned when rendered foods are in their pet’s food:

1. Studies show that nutrient availability in rendered by-products is lower than in fresh meat sources due to the extreme heat applied during the rendering process.(3)

2. Studies indicate that highly processed pet foods, including those with rendered ingredients, often lack bioavailable nutrients essential for energy, skin health, and overall vitality.(4)

It is ideal to feed fresh, species appropriate grass fed/grass finished balanced diets (appropriate meat, fat, bone and organ meat) over heavily processed meals. Even feeding 50% raw or fresh has been shown in clinical trials by the University Of Helsinki College Of Veterinary Medicine to lower inflammatory markers. (5) 

For pet parents who feel they must feed a processed diet, at minimum choose pet foods that are organic and list specific named meats (e.g., “chicken” or “beef”) rather than vague terms like “meat by-products” or “meat meal.” 

Their Ideal Diet Is What They Would Have Eaten In The Wild

Grass fed and grass finished freeze-dried or raw foods balanced with the right amount of muscle meat, fat, bone and organ meats have the highest nutrients and most closely resemble what pets would eat in a natural setting.

Knowledge Empowers Healthier Choices

Understanding how rendering impacts pet food quality empowers you to make better choices for your furry family members. By knowing what’s behind the label, you can make informed decisions.  Everyone wants their pet to live a long healthy life!

Learn more about how to implement a healthy lifestyle for your fur babies. Start the Empowered Pet Parent Course today, the first module is FREE: Click here for free access to Module 1.