Ilena writes:
>Yes, feathers *are* actually used in animal feed.  You may shudder now.
 
This is a VERY common misconception.  In fact, the AAFCO does not allow for
the inclusion of feathers or fur in pet food.  Small amounts are allowed as
part of the normal manufacturing process, but they do not empty the feather
pillow into the food batch!
 
Also, I think the ingredients on the pet food labels are listed by weight,
not volume.
 
But Ilena is quite correct in that a chunk of meat is not 100% protein.  By
the way, the AAFCO definition of meat is flesh, skin and bone.  No limits
on relative amounts of each though, so the much praised "chicken" as first
ingredient could be mostly skin and bone!
 
Linda Iroff
Oberlin OH
[Posted in FML issue 3157]