{
  "schema": "vpfd-ingredient-v1",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "attribution": "Verified Pet Food Data — https://verifiedpetfooddata.com",
  "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/ingredients/meat-and-bone-meal/",
  "generated": "2026-08-28",
  "ingredient": {
    "id": "meat-and-bone-meal",
    "display_name": "Meat and Bone Meal",
    "category": "protein-meal",
    "aliases": [
      "meat and bone meal",
      "meat & bone meal",
      "beef and bone meal",
      "lamb and bone meal",
      "poultry and bone meal"
    ],
    "stance": "neutral",
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "note": "A rendered concentrate of mammal tissue that also includes bone, giving it high mineral/ash content and lower crude protein (roughly 39-46%) than clean meat meals. Amino-acid availability varies substantially with rendering temperature and pressure — studies show good digestibility is achievable but not guaranteed across processing methods. It is an economical, nutritionally acceptable protein and mineral source that is more variable and lower-transparency than a named muscle meal.",
    "citations": [
      {
        "source": "AAFCO — What's in the Ingredients List?",
        "year": 2024,
        "url": "https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/whats-in-the-ingredients-list/"
      },
      {
        "source": "de-Oliveira et al. — Digestibility for dogs and cats of meat and bone meal processed at two different temperature and pressure levels, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition",
        "year": 2012,
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21954906/"
      },
      {
        "source": "Faber et al. — Prediction of crude protein digestibility of animal by-product meals for dogs by the protein solubility in pepsin method, Journal of Nutritional Science",
        "year": 2014,
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4473152/"
      }
    ]
  },
  "prevalence": {
    "corpus_size": 2354,
    "foods_containing": 28,
    "corpus_pct": 1.19,
    "dog_foods": 22,
    "dog_pct": 1.98,
    "cat_foods": 6,
    "cat_pct": 0.48,
    "in_first_five_ingredients": 19,
    "by_form": {
      "dry": 28
    },
    "priced_foods": 14,
    "counting_note": "Counts what manufacturers print on the label. An ingredient present via another component (e.g. a preservative already in fish meal) need not be declared separately, so this is a floor, not a ceiling. Labels never disclose inclusion rate."
  },
  "foods": [
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-adult-marrobites-steak-and-vegetable",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-adult-marrobites-steak-and-vegetable/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Adult Marrobites Steak and Vegetable",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 51.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 0.794
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-tender-bites-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-steak",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-tender-bites-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-steak/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Tender Bites Dry Dog Food – Chicken & Steak",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 5,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 50,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 0.957
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-with-tender-bites-adult-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-steak",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-with-tender-bites-adult-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-steak/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® With TENDER BITES Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken & Steak",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 51.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 0.986
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-puppy-chicken-rice-and-vegetable-flavor",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-puppy-chicken-rice-and-vegetable-flavor/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE PUPPY™ Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 30.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 44.3,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 1.072
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-puppy-grilled-steak-and-vegetable-flavor",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-puppy-grilled-steak-and-vegetable-flavor/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE PUPPY™ Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 30.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 44.3,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 1.193
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-heartland-gold-large-breed-adult-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-heartland-gold-large-breed-adult-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Heartland Gold Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 26.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 45.7,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 1.824
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-heartland-gold-adult-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-heartland-gold-adult-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Heartland Gold Adult Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 26.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 41,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 1.935
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-four-star-beef-frittata-veg-recipe-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-four-star-beef-frittata-veg-recipe-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Four-Star Beef Frittata Veg® Recipe Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 5,
      "protein_dm_pct": 33.3,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 31.8,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 2.154
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-four-star-hasen-duckenpfeffer-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-four-star-hasen-duckenpfeffer-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Four-Star Hasen Duckenpfeffer® Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 3,
      "protein_dm_pct": 31.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 35,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 2.41
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-heartland-gold-puppy-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-heartland-gold-puppy-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Heartland Gold Puppy Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 30,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 35.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 2.933
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-four-star-pork-and-peas-recipe-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-four-star-pork-and-peas-recipe-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Four-Star Pork & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 32.2,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 34.4,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 2.982
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-four-star-pork-and-applesauce-recipe-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-four-star-pork-and-applesauce-recipe-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Four-Star Pork & Applesauce Recipe Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 26.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 44.2,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 3.049
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-heartland-gold-large-breed-puppy-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-heartland-gold-large-breed-puppy-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Heartland Gold Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 28.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 40.7,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 3.075
    },
    {
      "slug": "fromm-four-star-rancherosa-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/fromm-four-star-rancherosa-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Fromm Four-Star Rancherosa® Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Fromm",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 10,
      "protein_dm_pct": 31.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 36.7,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": 3.841
    },
    {
      "slug": "9lives-daily-essentials",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/9lives-daily-essentials/",
      "name": "9Lives Daily Essentials",
      "brand": "9Lives",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 6,
      "protein_dm_pct": 31.8,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 45.5,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "friskies-gravy-swirl-d",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/friskies-gravy-swirl-d/",
      "name": "Friskies Gravy Swirl'd",
      "brand": "Friskies",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 6,
      "protein_dm_pct": 34.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 39.8,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "friskies-indoor-delights",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/friskies-indoor-delights/",
      "name": "Friskies Indoor Delights",
      "brand": "Friskies",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 6,
      "protein_dm_pct": 34.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 40.9,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "friskies-seafood-sensations",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/friskies-seafood-sensations/",
      "name": "Friskies Seafood Sensations",
      "brand": "Friskies",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 5,
      "protein_dm_pct": 34.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 40.9,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "friskies-surfin-and-turfin-favorites",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/friskies-surfin-and-turfin-favorites/",
      "name": "Friskies Surfin' & Turfin' Favorites",
      "brand": "Friskies",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 5,
      "protein_dm_pct": 34.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 40.9,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "friskies-tender-and-crunchy-combo",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/cat/foods/friskies-tender-and-crunchy-combo/",
      "name": "Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo",
      "brand": "Friskies",
      "species": "cat",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 6,
      "protein_dm_pct": 34.1,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 40.9,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-puppy-growth-and-protection-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-vegetable-flavor",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-puppy-growth-and-protection-dry-dog-food-chicken-and-vegetable-flavor/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE PUPPY™ Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food Chicken & Vegetable Flavor",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 30.7,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 44.3,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-complete-nutrition-dry-dog-food-adult-roasted-chicken-rice-and-vegetable-flavor",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-complete-nutrition-dry-dog-food-adult-roasted-chicken-rice-and-vegetable-flavor/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 51.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-dry-dog-food-adult-grilled-steak-and-vegetable-flavor",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-dry-dog-food-adult-grilled-steak-and-vegetable-flavor/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Dry Dog Food Adult Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 51.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-small-dog-dry-food-grilled-steak-and-veg",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-small-dog-dry-food-grilled-steak-and-veg/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Small Dog Dry Food – Grilled Steak & Veg",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 50,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pedigree-small-dog-dry-food-roasted-chicken-rice-and-veg",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/pedigree-small-dog-dry-food-roasted-chicken-rice-and-veg/",
      "name": "PEDIGREE® Small Dog Dry Food – Roasted Chicken, Rice & Veg",
      "brand": "Pedigree",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 50,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-complete-adult-beef-flavor-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-complete-adult-beef-flavor-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Purina Dog Chow Dog Chow Complete Adult Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Purina Dog Chow",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 50.6,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-complete-adult-chicken-flavor-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-complete-adult-chicken-flavor-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Purina Dog Chow Dog Chow Complete Adult Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Purina Dog Chow",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 1,
      "protein_dm_pct": 23.9,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 50.6,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-high-protein-with-real-beef-dry-dog-food",
      "url": "https://verifiedpetfooddata.com/dog/foods/purina-dog-chow-dog-chow-high-protein-with-real-beef-dry-dog-food/",
      "name": "Purina Dog Chow Dog Chow High Protein With Real Beef Dry Dog Food",
      "brand": "Purina Dog Chow",
      "species": "dog",
      "form": "dry",
      "ingredient_position": 4,
      "protein_dm_pct": 30,
      "est_carbs_dm_pct": 41.1,
      "cost_per_1000kcal": null
    }
  ]
}