Ingredient A-Z

Fish meal

rendered proteinalso called: salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, whitefish meal

What it is

Fish with most of the water and oil extracted, leaving a protein-dense powder. Named versions specify the species; unnamed 'fish meal' may come from any permitted species.

Why it gets discussed

Valued for its amino acid profile and for the marine omega-3 fats it carries in the retained fraction. Unspecified versions draw the same criticism as other unnamed protein sources: you cannot tell what went in.

Where it sits on the label

Mid to upper list in both dry and some wet formulas.

Foods in our database that list fish meal

• Seafood Sensations (Salmon, Tuna & Shrimp Flavors) by Friskies
• Gravy Swirlers (Chicken, Salmon & Gravy Flavors) by Friskies

Foods in our database that do not list it

• Fresh Ground Bird / Smooth Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Pulled Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Ground Other Bird / Smooth Other Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Pulled Other Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Fish by Smalls
• Fresh Ground Cow / Smooth Cow by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Pig by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Bird & Fish Dish by Smalls
• Grilled Chicken Feast in Gravy by Fancy Feast
• Gravy Lovers Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Feast Pate in Gravy by Fancy Feast
• Wilderness Chicken Recipe (Adult Dry) by Blue Buffalo
• Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Flaked Trout Feast by Blue Buffalo
• Tender & Crunchy Combo (Chicken, Beef, Carrots & Green Beans Flavors) by Friskies
• Land & Sea Adventures (Chicken & Ocean Fish Flavors) by Friskies
• Pate Salmon Dinner by Friskies
• Extra Gravy Pate With Tuna in Savory Gravy by Friskies
• Meaty Bits With Ocean Fish in Sauce by Friskies

"Do not list" means the ingredient does not appear on the label text we transcribed for that product. It is not a certification, and recipes change - always confirm on the current packaging.