PH levels can be balanced with better plant sources though (rice and potatoes and the like are often used which is less of an allergen for cats), and don't have to make up a major protein replacement for meat from what I've read, that IMO just helps artificially boost the protein % on the package.Originally Posted by NutroMike
Hi ducman69! It is my understanding that meat meal and chicken meal are different types of protein sources. When using chicken meal something is needed to balance the acid levels and keep the ph level where it is supposed to be. When using chicken meal as a primary protein source, Nutro will add the corn gluten meal as an additional protein source which actually helps balance the ph levels.
Chicken meal is a type of meat meal btw.
It just means that its chicken meat with skin that usually has some amount of bone processed in from rendering. The better the quality, typically the less bone, and thus less ash is present in the processed chicken meal.
When you see "meat meal", that just means that its unidentified various "mystery meat" sources processed into meal. In practice, that means 4D animals which includes various diseased, dying, decayed, and already dead animals... yummy roadkill.
So "meat meal" and "meat byproduct" are definitely not great ingredients, and an instant disqualification for my own pets food.