BONE MEAL IN DOG FOOD

Many dog owners stumble across the term “bone meal” when reading the ingredient list of their dog food. Outdated? Perhaps. Yet when used correctly, bone meal is a valuable component of high-quality pet nutrition – provided it comes from controlled sources and is carefully processed.

WHY BONE MEAL BELONGS IN DOG FOOD

For generations, animal nutrition experts have used bone meal as a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals are essential for strong bones, healthy teeth, and muscle function. A balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is crucial for maintaining the long-term health of a dog’s skeletal system, joints, and muscles.

In modern recipes, animal-derived bone meal helps to balance this delicate ratio – especially in meat-based diets, which naturally contain more phosphorus. Without sufficient calcium, excess phosphorus can, over time, lead to bone weakness or muscle loss.

WHAT DO THE FEDIAF GUIDELINES SAY?

According to the FEDIAF Guidelines (2024) – the European standard for complete and balanced pet nutrition – an adult dog should consume approximately 0.6 g of calcium and 0.46 g of phosphorus per 100 g of dry matter, which equals an optimal ratio of about 1.3:1.

High-quality bone meal naturally achieves this balance – without the need for synthetic additives. That’s why many premium dog food manufacturers rely on bone meal from responsible, EU-certified sources to ensure the natural mineral supply in their recipes.

Not all bone meal is the same – and that’s exactly where the difference lies between ordinary and premium dog food. High-quality bone meal in the EU comes exclusively from healthy slaughtered animals (Category 3 material according to Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009) and is gently sterilized and finely ground at high temperatures.

The result is a hygienically safe and controlled mineral concentrate, providing valuable natural sources of calcium and phosphorus – not a waste product, as often mistakenly believed.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE HIGH-QUALITY BONE MEAL

A responsible manufacturer follows strict quality standards throughout the entire production process. This includes:

• Certified suppliers and GMP+ audits
• Batch testing for heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury)
• Consistent nutrient levels, especially regarding the calcium-phosphorus ratio
• Full traceability of every production batch

Only when all these criteria are met can bone meal be considered a true quality raw material – and not a risk to your dog’s health.

RISKS OF IMPROPER USE

As with all nutrients, the right dosage is key.
Too much calcium – particularly in large-breed puppies – can disrupt bone development.
Studies on Great Dane puppies (e.g. Nap et al., 1993; Schoenmakers et al., 2000) have shown that an excessive calcium intake, even with correct protein levels, can lead to skeletal deformities.

That’s why premium dog food formulations precisely adjust the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio according to FEDIAF guidelines and monitor it regularly.
This ensures your dog always receives the optimal amount of essential minerals – for strong bones, healthy joints, and a long, active life.

In modern dog food production, several calcium sources are available. Each has its own advantages and limitations – the key is to maintain the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and choose a source that fits the brand’s nutritional philosophy.

Bone Meal

• Advantages: Natural, animal-based source of calcium and phosphorus
• Possible limitation: Nutrient content may vary depending on origin

Calcium Carbonate

• Advantages: Highly stable and pure calcium source
• Possible limitation: Contains no phosphorus

Dicalcium Phosphate

• Advantages: Provides a precise Ca:P ratio and excellent stability
• Possible limitation: Often perceived as less “natural”

Eggshell Powder

• Advantages: A homemade, natural alternative for individual feeders or BARF diets
• Possible limitation: Purity and mineral content may vary

For brands with a traditional or natural image, bone meal can appear more authentic than industrial mineral sources. However, analytical control and quality assurance remain essential to guarantee consistent nutrient levels and food safety.

DAILY FEEDING QUESTIONS - HONEST ANSWERS FOR DOG OWNERS

Is bone meal safe?
Yes, provided it comes from EU-certified sources (Category 3 material under Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009) and is regularly tested for heavy metals such as lead or cadmium.

Modern production methods ensure that bone meal is now a hygienically safe and strictly controlled ingredient – perfectly suitable for dogs of all ages when used in the correct dosage.

Does every dog food need bone meal?
Not necessarily. Many modern dog food formulas use alternative calcium and phosphorus sources such as calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, or eggshell powder to achieve the ideal Ca:P ratio.

However, bone meal remains a natural and authentic option, especially valued by traditional pet food brands and BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding) concepts for its natural origin and nutritional balance.

Is bone meal outdated?
Quite the opposite – bone meal is a proven raw material with decades of successful use in animal nutrition.

Thanks to modern hygiene standards and laboratory testing, it’s safer and more precisely dosable than ever before. Bone meal combines natural origin with nutritional precision – an advantage that synthetic mineral mixes can’t always replicate.

For us, tradition comes with responsibility.

We use bone meal only from certified European sources, processed according to the strictest FEDIAF and GMP+ standards.
This allows us to combine the best of both worlds: experience and quality control, naturalness and science.

Because good pet food is not created by following trends – but by taking responsibility.