Dogs have evolved from wolves thousands of years ago and are guided by their natural ancestral diet. They have smaller digestive tracts and alot of acid in their stomachs making it the perfect system suitable to breaking down meat. For both these reasons, they are predominantly carnivores. Chicken makes an excellent substitute for red meats. A great source of protein, chicken has been linked to a variety of health benefits:
Stronger Bones and Muscles
Chicken’s lean protein is a fantastic source of amino acids. Amino acids are used by our pets to create muscular tissue, which is especially crucial as they age. According to studies, increased protein consumption has been linked to maintaining bone mineral density. Consuming chicken can lower your pet’s chances of injuries and diseases like osteoporosis by promoting healthier bones and stronger muscles.
Weight Management and Heart Health
Meals high in protein can help pets feel satiated over longer periods of time, which also supports healthier weight management. Optimum weight levels reduces heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and lipid levels. Chicken, which is a protein-rich food, can assist with weight management and lower the risk of heart disease.
It also provides essential minerals and acids to your dog.
Chicken contains glucosamine and all the essential amino acids which are required to keep your dog healthy. Glucosamine assists and supports bone health in your dog and even helps them to build lean muscle.
Nutrition
Chicken is made up of high-quality protein and doesn’t contain much fat — especially in the case of lean cuts. Beyond its rich protein content, chicken also contains, Vitamin B12, Tryptophan, Choline, Zinc, Iron and Copper.
What are the benefits of feeding Real Chicken to your dog?
Lean meats like chicken can be quite beneficial for your dog. It’s one of the most liked and widely accessible meats that can be included in your dogs’ diet. Providing your dog with a solid source of energy, it can even help them reach their daily calorie goal. Most dogs enjoy chicken and is one of the easiest proteins to digest. Easy to find and inexpensive, it makes a great constituent of pet food.
What is Chicken By-Product Meal in dog food?
Chicken meal is a powder-like substance made from leftover chicken parts and by-products. Essentially, animal by-products are parts of meat left after removing what is safe for human consumption. In other words, the parts we don’t want to use in our own food are used as the main ingredient in pet foods.
How is Chicken Meal made?
The source of the chicken meal is the most critical factor. Typically, chicken meal is made from the skin and bone of the chicken but can also include meat and other parts of the animal such as the neck, feet and intestine. It’s important to note that the parts used in chicken meal are not fit for human consumption. In some cases, the chicken meal ingredient is sourced from 4D meat, i.e meat from dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals. In such cases a whole new set of significant concerns come into play including the potential presence of foreign objects or dangerous levels of pharmaceuticals. The manufacturer saves money, but the real cost is the introduction of inferior ingredients to your dog’s diet, negatively impacting their overall health. In the chicken meal process, the parts are dehydrated and cooked at high temperatures for long periods of time. This process is referred to as rendering and separates the fat and removes water to create a concentrated protein powder that resembles corn meal, hence the term “meal.”
Is Chicken Meal bad for dogs?
While chicken meal is an approved source of protein in pet food, it does have its downfalls.
Drawbacks of Chicken Meal in dog food
Digestibility: Instead of using chicken meal, pills, or powder supplements, the healthiest option is for dogs to digest and absorb vital vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in their natural state.
4D meats are UNFIT for human consumption because they come from 4D animals. Any natural vitamins or nutrients that are left, are destroyed during the rendering process.
Artificial Nutrition: It is difficult to digest artificial nutrients. Although the chicken meal is acknowledged as an acceptable source of protein in pet food, it is unknown what exactly pets are capable of digesting and utilising.
Not a Whole Food Ingredient: The key to optimum nutrition, healthier bodies, lustrous coats, and good stool quality is digestibility.