Hi there!  I'm really behind on my FML, but I thought I'd drop you a quick
line.  As an FYI, anything on an ingredient list called 'xxx-meal' as in
lambmeal, chickenmeal etc.  *IS* most definately a by-product (or contains
it).  It (meal and by-products) can/may contain a portion of muscle meat,
but also the sweet meats.  Iams uses it, (but you have to ask what
by-product or meal means to each company).  Iams uses heart liver lung and
kidney, some companies use poor grade ingredients that include feather, wool
and bone as well as other unsavoury content.
 
The AAFCO regulations are quite clear, bone and feather are allowed if
properly labelled (they have a slightly different content for by-products
and meal) - you would have to contact them directly for specific criteria.
Iams might also have the guidelines handy.
 
I have fed my cats & carpet sharks a variety of foods (Science Diet,
Nutro-Max and others), and there is no one 'right' food - whatever works for
you.  Premium diet is of course what is recommended.  I have found (after
many years of experimentation) that my cats and ferrets have fewer hairball
problems, healthier skin and coat and eat MUCH less when fed Iams (kitten or
cat).  The cats actually eat *LESS* than half a cup of food a day!  Iams
Lamb & Rice is also 'naturally' preserved and none of Iams' products use
colours, flavourings or preservatives other than indicated on the package.
Iams' # is 1-800-525-4267 and it works all over North America.  Please don't
hesitate to contact them if you have any further questions.
-=-
Calgary Alberta Canada
[log in to unmask] and @ 104627,[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1571]