Most dogs and cats will do best on a diet that is high in meat-based protein, which is why more and more pet parents are feeding food that includes an abundance of meat. But, the meat in pet food may not be what you think. What comes to mind when you think of chicken or beef? Probably a plump chicken breast like you’d eat for dinner, or maybe a nice juicy steak. However, the meat that is in most pet food is actually pretty disgusting – it’s something you would never eat and you wouldn’t want your pet to eat it either.
There are several processes that pet food manufacturers often use to include inferior, cheap meat in their formulas. One of these processes is mechanically deboned or mechanically separated meat. This is meat that is extracted from carcasses that have already had the best meat removed. According to the USDA, mechanically separated meat is a paste-like and batter-like meat product produced by forcing bones, with attached edible meat, under high pressure through a sieve to separate the bone from the meat tissue. Artificial ingredients are then added in to give the mixture flavor and color.
Mechanically separated beef is considered inedible and prohibited for use as human food. Mechanically separated pork or poultry is allowed to be used as an ingredient in human food, but this must be clearly stated on the ingredients label. However, there is no such requirement for pet food. Therefore, while the pet food label may say “chicken” or “beef”, the label will not tell you how the meat was processed or the source of the meat – which could be from condemned animal carcasses, diseased animals and/or decomposing non-slaughtered animal carcasses.
Meat protein is important because it naturally contains all ten essential amino acids that dogs require. While mechanically separated meat is considered safe, it doesn’t provide enough of these basic nutrients for pets to thrive. Mechanically separated meat is also a much fattier product and has greater bacterial risks due to increased surface contact and processing.
So how do you know what kind of meat is used for your pet’s food? Price is a good indicator. Cheap food is most certainly made with inferior ingredients and processing. However, the most expensive food is no guarantee of quality either. Even the “fresh,” refrigerated pet foods found at the grocery store and some of the food delivery services use low quality meat. Be aware of meaningless marketing terms such as “human grade” or “all natural” which have no real legal definition when it comes to pet food. Don’t be misled by the pictures on the front of the bag.
If you really want to be assured of quality food, know how to read the ingredients label, and ask questions. The best companies welcome your questions and will be eager to tell you about their manufacturing processes. Choosing what to feed your dog or cat can seem overwhelming. At Nilla’s Tub, we have done the research and only carry food from companies that meet our own high standards. Give us a call or stop in and we will be happy to help.
Mechanically separated turkey, often referred to as MST, is a common ingredient found in many processed turkey products today. However, there is some confusion and debate around exactly what it is and how it’s made. This article will take a close look at mechanically separated turkey, its production process, safety concerns, nutritional value, and alternatives.
How Mechanically Separated Turkey is Produced
Mechanically separated turkey is a paste-like meat product made by forcing turkey carcasses through a high-pressure mechanical separation process. This separates the remaining meat and tissue from the bones after the prime cuts have already been removed for whole turkey products.
The process works like this
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Turkey carcasses are first crushed or ground down into smaller pieces.
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The bones meat and tissue fragments are then forced through a specialized sieve or filter.
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The bone fragments are filtered out while the remaining meat paste passes through.
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What’s left is a meat paste primarily consisting of muscle tissue, connective tissue, fat, and cartilage.
Mechanically separated turkey has a very fine, paste-like texture and is commonly used as an ingredient in hot dogs, bologna, sausages, frozen nuggets, and other processed turkey items.
Is Mechanically Separated Turkey Safe to Eat?
The safety of mechanically separated turkey has been debated over the years. In the 1990s, concerns were raised about potential bacterial contamination from the high-pressure mechanical process.
However, today in the United States, mechanically separated turkey is strictly regulated by the USDA. It must meet requirements for things like bone particle size, calcium content, fat percentage, and protein levels. As long as proper standards are followed, the USDA considers it safe for consumption.
The European Union banned the use of mechanically separated meat from beef and lamb due to mad cow disease concerns. However, mechanically separated turkey and pork are still allowed in EU countries as long as regulations are followed.
Overall, modern processing methods and regulations have reduced many risks associated with mechanically separated meat products. Proper standards help ensure the safety of these items.
Nutritional Profile of Mechanically Separated Turkey
While safe to eat, mechanically separated turkey does have a different nutritional makeup compared to whole turkey meat:
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Lower protein – Contains less protein than regular turkey due to higher connective tissue content.
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Higher fat – Up to double the fat content of ground turkey depending on product specifications.
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Added calcium – MST contains much higher calcium levels from bone fragments.
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Less nutritional value – Lower amounts of some nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
So while mechanically separated turkey adds bulk and protein to products like hot dogs and lunch meat, it is considered a less nutritious form of turkey meat.
Alternatives to Mechanically Separated Turkey
For those wishing to avoid mechanically separated turkey, some alternatives include:
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Ground turkey – Opt for ground turkey labeled “made from whole muscle” for better texture and nutrition.
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Turkey cutlets – Slices of whole turkey breast meat are lean and nutritious.
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Turkey crumbles – Pre-cooked turkey crumbles add flavor without questionable ingredients.
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Chicken – Lean chicken breast offers a similar nutritional profile to turkey.
When searching for alternatives, check the ingredient labels and choose products made from whole turkey cuts rather than “turkey broth” or unspecified “turkey.”
The Bottom Line
Mechanically separated turkey allows processors to use up leftover turkey scraps into a new meat product. When produced according to proper regulations, it is considered safe for consumption by authorities like the USDA.
However, MST is more processed and less nutritious than whole turkey meat. Those wanting a more natural or nutritious option can look for products made from identifiable whole turkey cuts. Being an informed consumer and checking labels is key if you wish to avoid this controversial ingredient.
Poultry deboner, meat separator for MDM and meat paste making
FAQ
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