What Are Chicken By-Products in Dog Food?

Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS next to her two dogs
By Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS
Updated: 9/27/20241-2 minutes
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What are chicken by-products in dog food? Chicken by-products in dog food are the parts of a chicken that remain after meat is removed. They can include lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys. Purina dog foods never include parts like feathers, hide, hair, or intestinal contents.

Are Chicken By-Products in Dog Food Healthy for Dogs?

Yes! Every ingredient we use in our dog food plays an important role in providing your dog with the complete and balanced nutrition he needs to thrive. Your dog can’t get all of the nutrients he needs from meat alone, and chicken by-products are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats – plus essential vitamins and minerals. Chicken by-products in dog food contain between 60 and 70 percent protein, and they’re highly digestible.

Are Chicken By-Products in Dog Food Safe for My Dog to Eat?

Yes! The chicken by-products we choose to use in Purina dog foods meet the careful criteria established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and they also meet our own strict safety guidelines. We source our chicken by-products from non-rendered, clean chicken parts.

Want to learn more about our commitment to safety and nutrition? Click here to read more about the steps we take to monitor the quality and safety of your dog’s food.

 

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