Most pet owners assume that the kibble they feed their dogs and cats is made from high-quality ingredients. But what if I told you that some commercial pet foods may contain euthanized animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock? This disturbing reality is rarely discussed by pet food companies, yet it has been a concern for decades.
Let’s dive into how euthanized animals end up in pet food, the risks they pose, and what you can do to ensure your pet is eating a safe, species-appropriate diet.
How Euthanized Animals End Up in Pet Food
Many pet foods use rendered meat meals as a primary protein source. Ingredients like "meat meal," "animal by-product meal," or "meat and bone meal" can come from multiple sources—including euthanized animals.
Where Do These Animals Come From?
💀 Shelter Euthanized Pets – There have been long-standing concerns that euthanized dogs and cats from animal shelters may be included in the rendering process.
🐄 Livestock – Cows, pigs, and other animals that die on farms from illness or injury (rather than being slaughtered for human consumption) are sent to rendering plants.
🐎 Horses – Many euthanized horses are also rendered and turned into "meat meal" used in pet food.
The Rendering Process: Turning Dead Animals Into Pet Food
Rendering plants take dead animals and cook them at high temperatures to break them down into protein meals and fats. These are then sold to pet food manufacturers as cheap sources of protein and fat.
Since rendering plants accept euthanized animals, the lethal drugs used to put these animals down may survive the cooking process.
Pentobarbital Contamination in Pet Food
🔬 Studies have found pentobarbital, the drug used to euthanize animals, in certain pet foods. This means euthanized animals—whether pets, farm animals, or horses—are making their way into the food supply.
In fact, the FDA tested multiple pet food brands and confirmed the presence of pentobarbital in some of them. Since pentobarbital isn’t used on food animals like cows and chickens, its presence suggests that non-livestock sources—such as euthanized pets—are in the supply chain.
Health Risks of Euthanized Animals in Pet Food
Feeding pets food containing euthanized animals isn’t just disturbing—it’s dangerous.
🚨 Pentobarbital Exposure – Even in small amounts, long-term exposure to pentobarbital can have harmful effects on pets.
🚨 Unknown Meat Sources – If a pet food company won’t disclose its exact ingredients, your pet could be eating diseased or euthanized animals.
🚨 Poor-Quality Nutrition – Meat meals from unknown sources are low in bioavailable nutrients, meaning your pet isn’t getting optimal nutrition.
🚨 Toxic Load – Euthanized animals can contain heavy metals, antibiotics, and other harmful substances that accumulate in your pet’s body over time.
How to Avoid Euthanized Animals in Your Pet’s Food
If you’re concerned about what’s in your pet’s food, read labels carefully and choose trusted brands.
✅ Avoid pet foods with vague ingredients like "meat meal" or "animal by-product meal."
✅ Choose brands that specify the protein source (e.g., "chicken" rather than "meat meal").
✅ Look for human-grade pet food—feed-grade foods are allowed to use lower-quality meats.
✅ Consider feeding fresh, raw, or minimally processed pet food.
✅ Ask pet food companies for transparency about their ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Feeding Your Pet
Most commercial pet foods prioritize profit over pet health, which is why they use cheap, low-quality protein sources. The presence of euthanized animals in kibble is a serious ethical and safety concern that all pet owners should be aware of.
If you want to keep your pet safe and healthy, opt for fresh, species-appropriate foods and choose brands that prioritize ingredient transparency.