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]