What are by-products in dog food?
You’ve probably seen terms like “meat by-products” or “animal by-product meal” on other dog food labels. These are generic terms defined by AAFCO that include organs, bones, and other tissues that are “left over after the intended product has been made,” including “the excess materials left over after processing human foods” (not feathers, horns or hooves, despite the common myth).
Here’s the catch: “by-product” doesn’t tell you much. It could mean nutritious organ meats like liver, lung, heart and bone. However, it could also mean low-quality leftovers with no clear source.
At Stella & Chewy’s, we never use generic meat by-products. Instead, we call out every ingredient by name (like beef liver, turkey gizzards, or chicken heart) so you always know exactly what’s in your pet’s bowl.
Soy and grain by-products
Common grain by-products include things like:
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat middlings, such as bran, germ & hull
- Soybean meal
- Rice bran
These are leftover parts after processing crops for human consumption. They can add bulk, but don’t add nutritional value for your dog. That’s why you won’t find soy or grain by-products in any of our pet food recipes.
What are “unnecessary fillers,” and why don’t we use them?
You’ve probably seen dog food brands claiming to have “no fillers.” But not all fillers are bad, and some are essential. The real question is: are the ingredients in your best friend’s bowl going to help them live a longer, healthier life?
At Stella & Chewy’s, we don’t use ingredients that bulk up the bag without offering real benefits. Instead, we choose every ingredient for a reason: like better digestion, energy, and overall well-being.
Here’s what we don’t use:
- Cheap, refined carbs like corn gluten meal, wheat middlings, and white rice
- Generic ingredients like “animal fat” or “meat meal” with no named source
- Artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
And here’s what we do use:
- Organic fruits and veggies like squash, spinach, blueberries (and more!) for natural fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Wholesome grains (in some recipes) like oats, quinoa and barley for energy and digestive health
- Real ingredients clearly named on the label, so you always know what you’re feeding
So when we say our recipes are free from unnecessary fillers, we mean it. Nothing’s added just for volume—only foods that nourish your dog so they can thrive at every stage of life.
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Why by-products and fillers are out there
The short answer: they’re cheap! By-products and grain fillers can lower manufacturing costs and add weight to bags inexpensively. Plus, dogs who are fed diets containing by-products and fillers have to eat more of the food to meet their dietary needs, so the companies that use them sell more food. However, these low-quality ingredients lower transparency and nutrition, and can lead to unnecessary weight gain, digestive issues, food sensitivities, and more.
Why Stella & Chewy’s never uses them
It all goes back to our story: One loving pet mom, Marie Moody, saved her dog Chewy’s life by feeding him a high-quality raw food diet. Decades later, we’re still driven by our mission to support pets and pet-obsessed parents: the ones who read labels, research ingredients, and trust their instincts. Our recipes are crafted with responsibly-sourced muscle meat, named organ meats, and other premium ingredients for the best possible nutrition.
The result? More energy. Happier tummies. Better teeth. Shinier coats. And a whole lot of tail wags!
Dog food without meat by-products? That’s all of them.
No matter your dog’s dietary needs and preferences, our dog food is always free from animal by-products and unnecessary fillers, so you can choose what works best for your family:
Need to avoid other ingredients? We’ve got you:
100% real. 100% complete and balanced. None of the bad stuff.
Our pet parent support team is always here to help if you have any questions!
