Bison meal in dog food is a processed source of concentrated animal protein. In this article, we’ll explore what bison meal is and why it’s used in your dog’s food.
Contents
What is Bison Meal?
Fresh bison, sometimes called buffalo, is an excellent source of lean protein. And bison meal is a concentrated form of this protein.
Bison is often used as a novel protein for dogs, it is typically used in premium foods and is not a common animal ingredient.
Bison meal is made by rendering bison tissues into a meat meal.
Rendering is a process that applies pressure and high temperatures. This helps to produce a concentrated and digestible protein powder to be used in animal food.
Bison meal is made from slaughterhouse waste that is not suitable for human consumption, such as offal, meat scraps, and connective or fatty tissues.
However, the raw material for bison meal production cannot include added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, or stomach contents[1].
Bison meal is a highly processed but nutritious and palatable source of animal protein that offers nutritional benefits.
Bison Meal Nutrients
Bison meal is a highly concentrated source of protein and provides many essential amino acids.
Compared to fresh bison, bison meal has a higher protein content by weight, making it the more efficient protein source in pet food.
According to AAFCO guidelines, bison meal must not exceed a Ca:p ratio of 2.2:1 to ensure a proper mineral balance in pet food[1].
This helps to guarantee that the mineral ratio in bison meal does not deviate too much from a ratio appropriate for dogs.
While fresh bison is certainly the more nutritious, fresh, and wholesome ingredient, its meat meal provides a cost-effective and concentrated source of bison protein.
Bison Meal in Dog Foods
While fresh bison may offer higher levels of certain nutrients, bison meal is still a nutritious and useful ingredient in dog food.
Bison meal is highly concentrated in protein and low in moisture, making it a popular choice for pet food manufacturers who want to provide lots of bison protein in their formula.
Using fresh bison meat as a main ingredient in dog food can result in a lower percentage of actual protein in the final product due to the naturally high moisture content of raw meat.
In contrast, bison meal has already been dried and processed, providing a much higher protein content per weight compared to fresh meat.
Furthermore, compared to using specialty meats like bison in dog food, bison meal is a cheaper option as it is a by-product made from recycled waste material.
This makes it a more affordable option for pet food manufacturers who still want to include high-quality protein in their products.
Bison meal is also more stable and easier to transport and store than fresh bison meat, making it a convenient and practical ingredient.
Overall, bison meal is an excellent source of concentrated protein that can help reduce the cost of dog food while still providing the benefits of animal protein.
Further Reading
[1] AAFCO Official Publication. Chapter 6. Free Access.