Why Named Meat Sources Matter More Than You Think

One of the biggest red flags on a dog food label is the phrase 'meat and animal derivatives'. This catch-all term allows manufacturers to use whatever animal protein is cheapest at the time of production, meaning the recipe can change from batch to batch without any label update.

Named meat sources like 'chicken', 'lamb', or 'salmon' tell you exactly what protein your dog is eating. This is important for two reasons: consistency and traceability. If your dog develops a sensitivity, you need to know what they've been eating to identify the trigger.

Fresh meat listed as a first ingredient sounds impressive, but remember that fresh meat contains around 70% water. Once cooked, it shrinks significantly. A food listing 'fresh chicken' first followed by cereals may actually contain more cereal than chicken in the final product. Meat meal, while less appealing sounding, is a concentrated protein source with the water already removed.

The percentage of meat matters too. UK regulations require that if a food is called 'chicken dog food', it must contain at least 26% chicken. If it says 'dog food with chicken', the minimum drops to just 4%. These small wording differences make a big impact on what's actually in the bag.

At Furra, our ratings heavily favour foods with clearly named, specific meat sources. We believe transparency in ingredients is non-negotiable when it comes to your dog's diet.