Poultry meals

Animal feeds require protein, yet high-quality sources of protein are expensive and can be used in other produce. On the other hand, poultry meal prices are low, and its nutrient contents are sufficient for most animals.

Poultry meal is commonly used in fish food, especially for the predator fishes like betta or goldfish. It can also be used in fur feeds — a special kind of feed for minks which ensures healthy fur development. Farmers also purchase poultry meal in bulk, since it is a potent fertilizer that still qualifies the produce as ‘natural-grown’.

Pet Food Grade poultry meal is a higher-quality option, perfect for low-ash cat and dog feed. Unlike the generic meal, it is a poultry offal meal, made of internal organs and entrails.

Since feeds made with pet food grade meals are healthier, some manufacturers elect to price them in the premium segment.

Feather meal is a low-value by-product of the chicken meat production. It consists of partially ground and heated bird feathers that are later processed into fine meal. It is still rich in protein and can be used in fish and fur feeds, but its protein is lower quality due to thermal processing.

Feather meal is commonly purchased in bulk by agricultural and livestock farms. It is both a high-grade natural fertilizer and a cheap protein supplement for carnivore animals.

Blood meal is an animal dietary supplement and fertilizer made from dried animal blood. It is a by-product of poultry or meat processing. It has an unpleasant taste and a high imbalance of amino acids, which makes it undesirable in most pet feeds.

Still, blood meal is a great low-cost supplement, if one wishes to increase the protein and iron content of fish and fur feeds. Low price, long shelf-life and high nutrition value make it a primary candidate for wholesale purchases.