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Are chicken by-product meal and fish meal in pet treats safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years old | 17 lbs

What exactly is in chicken by product meal, and fish meal and is it ok? These are the treats I have right now and it lists chicken by product meal as well as fish meal. Please explain, thanks!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2017

By product meal contains the clean parts of the animal that are not rendered, meaning the tissues that people don't eat. This can include scraps of muscle as well as organ meats and bones. It is a nutritious source of protein and vitamins/minerals. It is also a good way to use all parts of the slaughtered animal so there is less waste.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 10th, 2017

    No, there is nothing harmful about chicken by-products at all in dog food. This refers to ground up chicken carcasses once the muscle meat is removed, and includes bones and internal organs - these are parts of the bird that dogs would naturally eat, and are an important source of calcium and vitamins.

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