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Lets Talk about Nutrition II

Updated: Oct 18




Let's Talk about Nutrition II - Fresh Meat vs. Meat Meal





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The Difference Between Fresh Meat and Meat Meal



Fresh meat in dry dog food (NOT Fresh Food) refers to unprocessed cuts of meat that have not been dehydrated or rendered into a meal before being made into kibble. It usually comes from skeletal muscle and may contain natural fat, connective tissue, and moisture. Importantly, it does not typically include bones or vague “meat ingredients.” Fresh meat is a hallmark of high-quality kibble.


This is the an example of dry dog food ingredints list with fresh fish as first ingridiant:


"fresh fish (60%), peas, chicken fat (preserved with tocopherols), chickpeas (4%), dried apples (4%), red lentils, pumpkin, salmon oil (3%), natural flavours, carrots, dried eggs shells, Lemna protein (0.5%), spirulina (0.3%), dried sea buckthorn (0.2%), dried ginger root (0.1%), dried blueberries (0.1%), dried rosemary (0.1%), dried cranberries (0.1%), dried thyme (0.1%), glucosamine (0.026%), green-lipped mussels (0.025%), chondroitin sulfate (0.016%), brewer´s yeast (source of mannan-oligosaccharides, 0.015%), chicory root (source of fructo-oligosaccharides, 0.01%), Mojave yucca (0.01%)"



Meat meal, on the other hand, is made from cooked, dried, and ground animal parts. Its main advantage is that it has a high protein concentration, since the water has been removed. However, this process often involves bones, organs, and sometimes less-defined byproducts. Because the rendering happens at high temperatures, not only are nutrients lost, but the quality of ingredients is often less transparent.


This is the an example of dry dog food ingredints list with dry Poultry as first ingridiant:


Maize, Chicken and Turkey (24% Dried Poultry and 4% Dried Turkey), Rice (27%), Chicken Fat, Linseed, Vitamins and Minerals, Fish Oil, Brewers Yeast, Dried Egg, Alfalfa, Cleavers, Marshmallow Root Powder, Celery Seed, Fenugreek, Chondroitin Sulphate (125 mg/kg), Methylsulphonylmethane (125 mg/kg), Glucosamine (125 mg/kg), Rosemary Oil .



While fresh meat contains about 70–80% water, meaning less protein per weight compared to dried meal, foods made with fresh meat usually rely less on fillers like rice or corn. Instead, they offer a higher percentage of actual meat-based protein from higher-quality sources- making the nutrition more digestible and beneficial for your dog.


Advantages of Fresh Meat Kibble


  • Higher Ingredient Quality - Fresh meat kibble starts with whole cuts of meat, whereas regular kibble often relies on meat meal rendered at high heat. Fresh meat preserves more natural amino acids, making the protein more digestible and bioavailable.

  • Gentler ProcessingFresh meat kibble is usually cooked at lower temperatures to retain nutrients and natural moisture. Standard kibble, in contrast, undergoes high-heat extrusion that destroys delicate vitamins and proteins.

  • More Real Meat, Fewer Fillers - Fresh meat kibble tends to include a higher percentage of real meat. Regular kibble often compensates with grains, corn, or legumes to boost protein levels artificially. More real meat = better protein quality for muscle growth, sustained energy, and overall health.

  • Better Taste & Digestibility - Dogs typically prefer the natural flavor of fresh meat. Fewer fillers also mean easier digestion, with less bloating and gas.

  • Fewer Artificial Additives - Many fresh meat kibble brands avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, unlike standard kibbles that rely on them for taste and shelf life.


Bottom Line

Fresh meat kibble delivers higher ingredient quality, better nutrient retention, and improved digestibility compared to standard kibble made with meat meal. While it may come with a slightly higher price tag, the superior protein sources, fewer fillers, and enhanced health benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your dog’s long-term well-being.







 
 
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