Inventory of Common Meat Ingredients in Pet Food

In 2022, the global pet food raw material market size is 32.2 billion US dollars. As people's attention to pet health and nutrition continues to increase, market research firm predicts that the global pet food raw material market size will reach 44.5 billion US dollars in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% in the next five years. 
Among them, meat occupies the largest share of the raw material market. Meat has a high amino acid content and immunity-enhancing properties, which is essential for the growth and development of pets. It also conforms to the taste preferences of pets. Therefore, it has a high acceptance among pet owners and pets, and the market demand has remained high. Commonly used meat raw materials in pet food generally include poultry meat (chicken, duck, etc.), livestock meat (beef, lamb, etc.), fish, etc., but with the popularization of food functionalization trend, more and more sophisticated and diversified functional requirements, the main meat raw materials selected by pet food brands are also constantly expanding, such as incorporating venison and rabbit meat into the raw material selection of products. 

1. Chicken 
Chicken is the most commonly used meat raw material for pet food. It is rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, and iron. High protein content: Every 100 grams of chicken contains about 20 grams of protein, which makes chicken a high-quality protein source in pet food. Protein is the basis for building and repairing tissues and maintaining physiological functions in pets, and is essential for the growth, development and overall health of pets. Low fat content: Compared with other meats, such as beef, chicken has a relatively low fat content. This is a healthier choice for owners who need to control their pets' weight. In addition, the fat in chicken is mostly unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for the health of pets. Rich in nutrients: In addition to protein and fat, chicken also contains nutrients such as vitamin B, iron, and zinc, which are all good for the health of pets. Vitamin B contributes to the energy metabolism and nervous system health of pets, while iron and zinc play an important role in the immune system and overall health of pets. Good palatability: Chicken has a delicious and firm texture and a good taste, making it one of the meats that pets prefer to eat. Good palatability helps increase pets'appetite and improve their acceptance of food. Low allergenicity: A report on the  "Analysis of Chinese Cat Pet Allergen Detection Data"  pointed out that the sensitization rate of chicken for dogs and cats is relatively low, which makes chicken a good choice for pets with sensitive constitutions. Price advantage: Compared with other meat ingredients, such as beef and mutton, the price of chicken is more affordable, making chicken one of the most economical meat ingredients in pet food. 

2. Duck 
Duck meat is similar to chicken and is rich in niacin, which is suitable for pets with oral problems. Duck meat is cold in nature and is also beneficial for pets with dry stools and more eye secretions. Rich in protein and energy: Duck meat is a high-protein food. For pets, protein is necessary for growth, development and maintaining normal body functions. The high protein content in duck meat can provide pets with sufficient energy and nutrition. Easy to digest and absorb: Duck meat has a low fat content and a low melting point of fatty acids, which makes duck meat easier to digest and absorb by pets. Compared with other meats, duck meat is not so easy to accumulate fat in the pet's body, which helps to maintain a healthy weight for pets. Hypoallergenic: Duck meat is a low-allergenic meat, and it is a good choice for pets who are allergic to other meats. Especially for pets with sensitive constitutions, duck meat can be used as a substitute meat raw material to reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions. Good for hair: Duck meat is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to the health of pets'hair. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids in duck meat is close to the ideal value, which can make the pet's hair color better and more shiny. Clearing heat and reducing fire: Duck meat is regarded as a clearing and tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, and has the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire. For pets, if they have problems such as tear stains, eating duck meat in moderation can help manage tear stains and improve the skin condition of pets. Other nutrients: In addition to the above advantages, duck meat also contains a variety of nutrients such as vitamin B group, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients are beneficial to the health of pets, such as maintaining the body's energy metabolism, preventing anemia, and maintaining the normal functioning of the muscle and nervous system. 

3. Beef 
Beef has low fat content and is rich in protein. It can improve the body immunity of pets, strengthen bones, and make the fur shiny and smooth. Beef-formulated pet food is suitable for growing pets. High protein content: Beef is an important source of protein, which is essential for the muscle growth, bone development and overall health of pets. Low fat and low cholesterol: Beef has a relatively low fat content and contains low cholesterol, which is a good choice for pets who need to control their weight and cardiovascular health. Rich in amino acids: Beef provides rich amino acids, including creatine, which helps pets grow muscles and increase strength. Vitamins and minerals: Beef is rich in vitamin B12, iron, zinc and other minerals, which helps pets' blood circulation, metabolic function and immune system health. Taste and flavor: Beef has a variety of tastes and flavors, which can meet the taste needs of different pets and enhance their appetite.

4. Lamb 
Although humans think that lamb is a hot food with rich nutritional value, it is less used in pet food than beef. It is generally believed that mutton is not considered the most palatable raw material among meats because it has the mutton fat smell, and pets may prefer other meats to mutton. High nutritional value: mutton is rich in protein, and its protein content is between beef and pork, usually between 15% and 25%. This high-quality protein is essential for the growth, development and maintenance of normal physiological functions of pets. The fat content in mutton is low and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which helps maintain the healthy weight and cardiovascular health of pets. Mutton is also rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B group, iron, zinc, etc., which play an important role in the health of pets. Easy digestibility: mutton is a meat raw material that is easier for pets to digest and absorb. The nutrient conversion rate in mutton is high, which can be fully absorbed and utilized by pets, helping to improve the immunity and physical fitness of pets. Suitable for pets with special needs: For dogs with sensitive stomachs and obese dogs, mutton is a better choice. The fat content and cholesterol content of mutton are relatively low, and the conversion rate of its protein and other nutrients is high, which can meet the nutritional needs of these special needs pets. 

5.Fish
Fish is also a very common ingredient in pet food. It can usually be divided into two categories: white fish and oily fish. There are many varieties of fish. White fish includes cod, flounder, etc. Oily fish includes salmon, sardines, tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, etc. In the selection of fish ingredients for pet food, in addition to the common sardines, salmon, herring, and tuna, cod, sturgeon, eel, salmon, white fish, flounder, etc., are gradually becoming more popular due to their higher level of nutritional supply capacity. Rich in nutritional value: Many animal and human nutrition experiments have shown that the protein in fish has a higher protein physiological value (BV) and a higher utilization rate. At the same time, fish contains a certain amount of iodine. When used as a raw material, the fish bones are usually ground together, so it can also provide more calcium and phosphorus. Oily fish also contains more vitamins A, D and omega-3 fatty acids. Reasonable amino acid composition: Studies have shown that farmed salmon contains relatively balanced and comprehensive nutrients, with a reasonable amino acid composition, up to 18 kinds of amino acids, and the content is also relatively sufficient. The total amount of essential amino acids and the quality of flavor amino acids are also relatively good. Promote fur health: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish have the effect of improving fur, which can promote the growth of pets' hair and make it thicker and shinier.