Have you ever stopped to read the label on dog or cat food and come across the phrase “fresh meat”? It may sound simple, but the truth is that not all foods that claim to contain fresh meat offer the same quality. Understanding what this term really means can make all the difference to your pet’s health and vitality.
Throughout this article, you will discover what fresh meat is, why it is important, and how to choose food that truly meets this quality standard.
What exactly is fresh meat for dogs?
When we talk about fresh meat for dogs, we are referring to clean, unprocessed animal muscle that has not been frozen for months and has not undergone intense heat treatment before being used in the recipe.
In other words, we are talking about high-quality protein that is easily digestible and contains intact nutrients, ready to be used as the basis for a complete and balanced food.
| It is considered fresh meat… | It is not considered fresh meat… |
| Real muscle suitable for human consumption | Generic animal by-products |
| It has not been dehydrated beforehand. | Ultra-processed meat flours |
| Maintains its cellular structure | Maintains its cellular structure |
| High digestibility | Low biological value |
At Summit 10, we work with real fresh meat, just as it would be used in human food, to guarantee high-quality nutrition from the source.
Why is fresh meat so important? Real benefits
Incorporating fresh meat as the primary ingredient in a food product has visible and verifiable effects:
- Greater palatability: dogs and cats eat enthusiastically and enjoy each meal more.
- High biological value protein: contributes to muscle development and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Better digestion: ideal for animals with sensitive stomachs.
- Intact natural nutrients: vitamins, minerals and amino acids remain active.
- Allergy reduction: less likelihood of adverse reactions than with mixed animal flours.
Visible effects on your pet’s health
When a food product incorporates fresh meat correctly, guardians often notice:
- Shiny, healthy coat, free from dandruff and dryness.
- Firm, less odorous stools.
- Less gas and smoother digestion.
- More natural, consistent energy.
- Better appetite without the need for artificial flavours.
Fresh meat vs dehydrated meat: the essential difference
Not all animal protein is the same. Fresh meat and dehydrated meat are often discussed as if they were equivalent, but their nutritional and digestibility characteristics are very different:
| Feature | Fresh Meat | Dehydrated meat (flour) |
| Processed before entering the recipe | No | Yes (previously cooked) |
| Water content | 65-75% | 0-10% |
| Thermal processes | 1 | 2 or more |
| Nutrient retention | High | Partial |
| Digestibility | Very high | Medium |
| Transparency on the label | High | Variable |
Fresh meat is not a substitute for dehydrated meat, but when it appears as the first ingredient, it makes a difference in terms of digestion, nutrient absorption and overall well-being.
How to recognise food containing real fresh meat
To choose a quality food product, check the following points:
- First ingredient: it must be specific fresh meat (chicken, lamb, salmon, etc.).
- Clear origin: the animal and the process are specified.
- No generic by-products: avoid ‘animal by-products’ or vague terms.
- Transparent process: it is indicated that the meat retains nutrients and digestibility.
- High digestibility: information on protein and nutrient absorption.
If a food product lists rice, maize, or dehydrated protein as its primary ingredients, it cannot be compared to a premium food product based on fresh meat.
Why Summit 10 is committed to fresh meat
At Summit 10, we understand that protein is the foundation of animal health. That is why our formulas include:
- Fresh chicken, lamb, salmon, duck, and Iberian pork, depending on the recipe.
- Traceable proteins, suitable for human consumption.
- Natural source of Omega 3 and 6, essential amino acids and vitamins.
- Digestive care, ideal for sensitive animals.
- Formulas designed to nourish, not fill.
This ensures that every food provides real value to your pet’s health, not just flavour or marketing.
Fresh meat: is it just a marketing term?
Not all foods labelled “fresh meat” actually offer this benefit. Some signs that this is disguised marketing include:
- Fresh meat is mentioned on the packaging, but it does not appear as the first ingredient.
- It is not specified whether it is muscle, organ or a mixture.
- Information on the cooking process and nutrient preservation is lacking.
- Digestibility, traceability and biological value are not mentioned.
If they don’t explain why it’s fresh meat, it’s probably not fresh enough.
Frequently asked questions
Does food containing fresh meat make you gain more weight?
No. Fresh meat provides clean protein and essential nutrients, not empty calories. Weight gain depends on unbalanced excess energy, not quality protein.
Does fresh meat retain nutrients better than other types of protein?
Yes. Fresh meat retains essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids that can be lost in dehydrated or ultra-processed proteins, resulting in greater digestibility and real nutritional value for dogs and cats.
Are all types of fresh meat equally good for my pet?
Not necessarily. Each protein offers specific benefits: chicken is highly digestible, lamb and Iberian pork provide essential amino acids, and salmon provides Omega 3 fatty acids. Choosing the right fresh meat depends on the age, size and nutritional needs of your dog or cat.
