fish meal Surplus fish, waste from filleting (fish‐house waste), and fish unsuitable for human consumption are dried and powdered. The resultant meal is a valuable source of protein for animal feed, or, after deodorization, as human food since it contains about 70% protein. That made from white fish is termed white fish meal, distinct from the oily type which is sometimes of very poor quality and is generally used as fertilizer.

fish meal (also fish·meal) • n. ground dried fish used as fertilizer or animal feed.