Also, the time I thought “animal digest” meant the food had been pre-chewed
It Started With a Fancy New Bag of Dog Food
Last month, I decided to “upgrade” Blaze, Raya, and Stu’s meals. I walked into a pet shop, saw a shiny purple bag with words like wholesome, nutrient-rich, veterinarian recommended—and I said, “YES! This is what my pets deserve!”
Big mistake.
Blaze sniffed it and walked away. Raya looked offended. Stu tried to bury it in the kitchen floor. So I turned the bag around and started reading the ingredients...
That’s when I saw it:
“Chicken meal, animal by-product, corn gluten, animal digest.”
I called my husband:
“Niyi... please, what is animal digest?!”
Did You Know?
The term “chicken meal” doesn’t mean it’s bad—it actually refers to rendered chicken parts that are cooked down into a concentrated protein source. But “animal digest”? That’s flavoring made from chemically broken-down animal tissues. Basically: pet food perfume.
What I Know Now (After Panicking on Google)
Ingredient order matters. Ingredients are listed by weight. If corn is first, you bought corn food, not dog food.
“By-product” is not always evil—it can include organ meats that are nutritious (but no feathers or hooves, please).
Words like “flavor,” “meal,” and “natural” have legal definitions—and loopholes.
AAFCO standards are a minimum, not a gold medal.
“Premium” doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes it means “we hired a good copywriter.”
What I’m Practicing
Reading the first five ingredients—because that’s the real story.
Looking for named meats (e.g., chicken meal is okay, meat meal is suspect).
Avoiding artificial dyes (no reason my dog should be eating red 40).
Comparing protein percentages—I now look for 22 %+ for dogs, 30 %+ for cats.
Choosing food based on life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Stu is a senior, but emotionally, 19.
What You Should Take Seriously
Your pet’s stool tells you everything. Runny, hard, or smelly? Check the food.
Marketing can be a trap. Don’t fall for fancy fonts—check the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list.
Consistency is key. Sudden changes in food can upset their stomachs.
Helpful Links for Your Own Pet Label Decoding
Products We Now Trust (Mostly):
(I might earn a little commission from affiliate links. Nothing wild, just enough for Raya to continue her reign of boiled egg entitlement.)
How The Fancy Food Fiasco Ended
After everyone protested the purple-bag mistake, I quietly gave the food to a neighbor’s guard dog, who loved it (bless him). I switched back to our previous brand and tried again, with my new knowledge.
Now, the pets eat, poop, and judge me in peace.
Key Takeaway
If you wouldn’t eat it yourself (not literally—calm down), at least know what it is. The back of the pet food bag is more important than the front.
Next Topic: “How to Store Pet Food Properly & Avoid War with Ants & Co”
Again, some links may earn me commission. But let’s be honest: I’m a Nigerian mum in Lagos feeding 3 kids and 3 animals. If affiliate money buys me a bag of kibble, I’m dancing legwork in my kitchen. No shame.
Till next time—read those labels, sniff that food (yes, you heard me), and keep Stu away from the sardines.
– Mama Nene Ajayi
✌️
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