You’ve probably seen the words “chicken meal” or “fish meal” on your cat’s food bag and thought…Wait, why is there meal in my cat’s food?”
Fair question. It sounds like something we’d sprinkle on breakfast cereal but not feed our cats. But here’s the thing: “meal” in pet food isn’t a filler or mystery powder . It’s actually one of the richest protein sources cats can get.
Let’s scoop into the bowl (again!) and find out what chicken and fish meal really are, how they’re made, and why your cat’s body secretly loves them.
What on Earth Is “Animal Meal”?
Think of animal meal as a concentrated source of protein. Imagine taking chicken or fish, cooking away all the water and fat, and then grinding what is left, the pure protein, minerals, and nutrients, into a fine, dry powder. That is what a chicken meal or fish meal really is.
Sounds weird, right? But it’s actually quite clever.
Fresh chicken is about 70% water, while chicken meal has almost none. So gram-for-gram, chicken meal can have up to 3x more protein than raw chicken! That’s why pet food makers love it . They pack more nutrition into a smaller scoop.
Chicken Meal vs Fish Meal: What’s the Difference?
| Ingredient | What It’s Made Of | Why It’s Awesome for Cats |
| Chicken Meal | Rendered, dried chicken (meat, skin, sometimes bone — but no feathers or feet) | Super high protein for strong muscles, taurine, and essential amino acids. |
| Fish Meal | Whole fish or fish trimmings, dried and ground | Loaded with omega-3s for a silky coat, healthy heart, and sharp brain |
How It’s Made (and Why It’s Not Gross)
Let’s be honest , the word “rendering” doesn’t sound very appetizing. But the process is actually quite simple and sanitary. Here’s how it works:
- Cooking: Chicken or fish parts are gently cooked to remove moisture and fat.
- Drying: The cooked solids are carefully dried to eliminate any remaining water.
- Grinding: The dried material is ground into a fine powder known as meal.
- Nutrient Density: This meal is rich in protein, minerals, and natural flavor.
Preservation: Because it’s dried, it becomes shelf stable, easy to store, and less likely to spoil than raw meat.
The Truth Bomb: “Meal” ≠ “By-Product”
This is where people get confused.
“Isn’t chicken meal just another name for by-products?”
Nope. Not at all.
- Chicken Meal = Clean, cooked, and ground chicken parts (mostly meat and skin).
- Chicken By-Products = Organs, feet, feathers, necks — parts cats would eat in the wild, but not all are nutritionally equal.
- Animal Meal (vague) = Could be anything from any animal. That’s a red flag ?.
So the rule of thumb?
If the animal is named — like “chicken meal” or “fish meal” — it’s usually a good sign.
If it just says “meat meal” or “animal meal”… maybe keep that one on the shelf.
How to Read the Label Like a Pro
Next time you’re browsing cat food, check the ingredient list.
Here’s your cheat sheet:
| Label Says | What It Means | Good or Bad? |
| Chicken Meal | Specific and protein-rich | ? Good |
| Fish Meal (named species) | Transparent and nutrient-rich | ? Good |
| Meat and Bone Meal | Mixed, unknown sources | ⚠️ Meh |
| Animal Meal | Super vague | ? Avoid if possible |
If the first few ingredients are chicken meal, salmon meal, or whitefish meal, you’re probably looking at a solid formula.
Conclusion
Chicken and fish meal aren’t mystery ingredients , they’re concentrated sources of high-quality protein that help keep your cat strong, healthy, and full of energy. As long as they come from named, trusted sources, these meals are something to feel good about in your cat’s bowl.
Takeaway
“Meal” isn’t a filler : It is a protein powerhouse.
The key is knowing what kind of meal you’re looking at.
If it’s a chicken meal or fish meal from a trusted source, you can feel good knowing your cat’s food is doing its job, giving them the protein, vitamins, and fats they need to purr, play, and nap like royalty.
If your cat’s coat looks glossy and their zoomies are strong, you’re doing it right.