Is Blood Meal Good for Dogs? Understanding This Protein-Rich Ingredient

Ever looked at your dog food’s ingredient list and spotted “blood meal” buried somewhere in there? If you’re like me, you probably did a double-take. Blood meal in dog food? Is that actually good for my furry friend or should I be concerned?

I’ve done some digging into this somewhat unsettling-sounding ingredient to help you understand what it is, whether it’s beneficial and if there are any risks you should know about. Let’s dive into the bloody details (pun intended) of this common dog food ingredient!

What Exactly Is Blood Meal?

Blood meal is basically a dried, powdered form of animal blood that’s been processed into a fine powder. It’s typically sourced from slaughterhouse by-products—usually cow or pig blood—that would otherwise be discarded during meat processing

Fun fact According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as much as 43% of an animal’s body weight is considered inedible for humans and would be discarded if not repurposed into products like blood meal

This powder is incredibly protein-rich—nearly 89% crude protein!—and also contains essential amino acids and minerals that can benefit your dog. While it’s commonly used as a nitrogen-rich garden fertilizer, it’s also found its way into pet food as a protein source.

Benefits of Blood Meal for Dogs

Despite its somewhat unappetizing origin, blood meal actually offers several nutritional benefits for our canine companions:

• High-Quality Protein: Blood meal contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh meat, making it an incredibly concentrated protein source.

• Essential Nutrients: It’s packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins that support your dog’s immune system and overall health.

• Easily Digestible: When properly processed, blood meal is actually quite digestible for most dogs.

• Palatability: Many dogs find the taste appealing, which can be helpful for picky eaters.

• Cost-Effective: It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other animal proteins, keeping dog food more affordable.

• Sustainable Option: By using slaughterhouse by-products, blood meal helps reduce waste from the meat industry.

• Low in Ash: Unlike some other protein sources, blood meal is low in ash content.

Common Concerns About Blood Meal

While blood meal has its benefits, there are legitimate concerns that pet owners might have:

Safety Concerns

The biggest worry many pet owners have is safety. The good news is that blood meal in commercial dog food is regulated by the FDA and must be sourced from healthy animals. The rendering process used to create blood meal kills bacteria and other pathogens, making it safe for consumption when properly processed.

However, there’s an important distinction between blood meal in dog food and blood meal fertilizer. The Pet Poison Helpline lists blood meal fertilizer as mildly toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities. This is why you should never add garden blood meal to your dog’s food or let them eat fertilizer!

Digestibility Issues

Some articles incorrectly report that blood meal is indigestible for dogs. This is an outdated assumption from when processing techniques weren’t as advanced. Modern rendering methods have significantly improved blood meal’s digestibility.

That said, some dogs with sensitive stomachs might experience digestive upset when consuming blood meal. Watch for symptoms like:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Nausea

BSE (Mad Cow Disease) Concerns

Because blood products can potentially carry BSE (mad cow disease), some pet owners worry about this risk. The FDA strictly regulates blood products in animal feeds to prevent this. While no cases of BSE have ever been reported in dogs, cats can get their own version of this disease (FSE).

As long as blood meal is sourced from healthy animals and processed according to regulations, this risk is minimal.

Blood Meal in Commercial Dog Foods

In commercial dog foods, blood meal is typically added in small amounts. It’s just one of many animal byproducts that might be included, along with organ meats, bone meal, and trimmed fat.

According to popular pet food brand Purina, the most common animal byproducts in dry dog food are organ, tissue, and bone meal. In wet food, most byproducts come from organs like liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Trends in Dog Food Containing Blood Meal

The pet food industry has seen several trends involving blood meal:

1. Grain-Free Formulas: Some manufacturers incorporate blood meal into grain-free recipes as a protein-rich alternative.

2. Limited Ingredient Diets: Blood meal appears in some limited ingredient foods for dogs with food sensitivities.

3. Organic and Natural Options: As pet owners become more ingredient-conscious, some organic and natural dog foods include blood meal as a protein source.

4. Raw Feeding: Some raw feeders include blood meal in their dog’s diet for added protein and nutrients.

5. Sustainable Options: As the pet food industry explores more sustainable ingredients, blood meal fits well because it repurposes what would otherwise be waste.

Should You Choose Dog Food With Blood Meal?

When deciding whether to feed your dog food containing blood meal, consider these factors:

Pros:

• High-quality protein source
• Nutrient-dense
• Generally safe when properly processed
• Sustainable ingredient choice
• May improve palatability for picky eaters

Cons:

• Some dogs may have digestive sensitivity to it
• Quality can vary depending on the manufacturer
• May cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs
• Some pet owners find it unappealing conceptually

Making an Informed Decision

If you’re on the fence about blood meal in your dog’s food, here are some tips:

1. Read the ingredient list carefully to understand what’s in your dog’s food.

2. Choose reputable brands with strict quality control measures.

3. Monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing food with blood meal.

4. Consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

5. Consider your dog’s individual needs and any existing health conditions.

My Personal Take

As a dog owner myself, I was initially grossed out by the idea of blood meal in my dog’s food. But after researching it, I’ve come to see it as just another protein source. After all, wild dogs regularly consume blood as part of their natural diet!

What’s most important is finding high-quality dog food from trustworthy manufacturers who source their ingredients responsibly. Whether that includes blood meal or not depends on your personal preferences and your dog’s specific needs.

What About Adding Blood Meal to Homemade Dog Food?

If you’re making homemade dog food or following a raw diet, you might wonder if adding blood meal is a good idea. Experts recommend against adding blood meal of any type—whether powdered or home-rendered—to your dog’s homemade food.

Because cases of blood meal toxicity are well-documented when consumed in large quantities, it’s best to leave the handling of this ingredient to pet food professionals who know the proper amounts to add.

The Bottom Line

Blood meal in commercial dog food is generally safe and can be a nutritious protein source when properly processed and included in appropriate amounts. The key is choosing high-quality dog food from reputable manufacturers who source their ingredients responsibly.

Remember that “processed” doesn’t automatically mean “unhealthy.” Pet food manufacturers must meet strict quality standards set by the USDA, ensuring that animal byproducts like blood meal are safe for consumption.

As with any dog food ingredient, what works for one dog may not work for another. Monitor your dog’s reaction to new foods, and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s diet.

Have you found blood meal in your dog’s food? How do you feel about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

FAQs About Blood Meal in Dog Food

Is blood meal the same as blood meal fertilizer?
No! Blood meal in dog food is processed specifically for animal consumption, while blood meal fertilizer is intended for plants and can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities.

Can blood meal cause allergies in dogs?
Yes, some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to blood meal, just as they can be to any protein source.

How much blood meal is typically in dog food?
Only trace amounts of blood meal are typically added to commercial dog foods.

Is blood meal in dog food related to mad cow disease?
While blood products can potentially carry BSE (mad cow disease), the FDA strictly regulates their use in animal feeds. No cases of BSE have ever been reported in dogs.

Can I add blood meal to my dog’s homemade food?
It’s not recommended to add blood meal yourself to homemade dog food, as incorrect amounts could be harmful.

Does blood meal make dog food more appealing?
Many dogs find the taste of blood meal appealing, which can be helpful for picky eaters.

Is blood meal more common in cheap dog foods?
Not necessarily. Blood meal can be found in both premium and budget-friendly dog foods as a protein source.