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Ingredient file // Flavor

Turkey Broth

Useful moisture and flavor, little else

Turkey broth is the liquid left after turkey parts cook in water and the solids are strained out. It adds moisture and savory flavor to food. The liquid contributes little protein by weight, and joint benefits have not been shown.

Role in the food Does a job
Turkey Broth
What it is
A strained liquid made by cooking turkey meat, bones or trimmings in water.
Made from
Turkey parts and water
Main job
Moisture and savory flavor
Typical amount
One published wet recipe uses 28.7%
Watch for
Turkey allergy or seasoned household stock
Not the same as
Turkey meat

Straight answer

Is Turkey Broth safe for dogs?

Count it as liquid, then check the meat

Turkey broth high on a wet food label tells you the recipe contains liquid and turkey flavor. Find the separate turkey meat and organ ingredients, then read the food's guaranteed analysis. If you want a topper, choose one without onion or garlic and do not buy it for a joint claim.

Why it is in the food
Moisture and savory flavor

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 40 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

3%

81 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 31 brands. 75 wet dog food, 3 dog food topper, 3 dry dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 2. In the top five of 81 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

100%

Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.

Price per lb

Foods with it $3.32
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 11 priced foods, about level with the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

17%

of the foods that list it are from Merrick. 31 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Poultry processing leaves meat trimmings and bones after deboning. Cooking those parts in water draws flavor into a liquid that wet food makers can use in place of plain added water.5,6,7

  1. 01 // Source Turkey parts Meat trimmings and bones left after deboning provide material for the cooking liquid.
  2. 02 // Process Cooked in water Heating the turkey parts draws soluble material and flavor into the water.
  3. 03 // Process Strained The cooked solids are removed, leaving a liquid that may be skimmed to reduce fat.
  4. 04 // Output Turkey broth The liquid goes into wet food or toppers; some suppliers dry it into a powder.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

2.2

% dry matter

Only this share of one turkey broth topper remains after removing water. Its dry matter figures include added collagen and carrots.

Crude protein 72.7%8
Crude fat 18.2%8
Ash 9.1%8

These rows are calculated from one topper's published as-fed analysis, not a survey of plain turkey broth. Its added collagen and carrots affect the dry residue, so these figures are not a standard broth profile.8

Why it is in the bag

There for moisture and flavor, not protein

  1. Main nutrition
  2. Supporting nutrient
  3. Does a job
  4. Mostly filler

Makers use turkey broth as the liquid in wet food and toppers. It carries savory turkey flavor, and it gives poultry trimmings and bones a use, which a supplier says lowers costs. It often sits near the top of the list because labels rank ingredients by weight and broth is mostly water: one topper lists 97.8% moisture. It adds water and flavor, but little protein.4,6,8

  1. 01

    Adds moisture

    Broth supplies liquid in wet recipes. One turkey broth topper lists 97.8% moisture, so most of what it adds by weight is water.8

  2. 02

    Adds turkey flavor

    Cooking turkey parts draws flavor into water. Manufacturers use that liquid to flavor wet food and toppers without adding another solid meat ingredient.5,7

  3. 03

    Uses processing leftovers

    Broth gives poultry trimmings and bone residue an outlet after deboning. A supplier describes these as low-value raw materials and says broth production lowers costs.6

How much One published wet dog food recipe contains 28.7% turkey broth; that single formula does not show a usual amount.9

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Turkey broth adds water to the meal

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    This is arithmetic: one turkey broth topper lists 97.8% moisture. Broth adds water when a dog eats it, though an ingredient list does not tell you how much liquid the finished food contains.4,8

  2. Brands say

    Turkey broth gets picky dogs eating

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    An observational study followed 67 healthy dogs around routine surgery; many preferred a flavored recovery fluid to water. It was not turkey broth, did not enroll picky eaters, and cannot show that broth increases food intake.1

  3. Brands say

    Its collagen supports healthy joints

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Brands make the joint claim for turkey bone broth. A separate 12-week placebo comparison found no significant benefit from a defined collagen hydrolysate in dogs with osteoarthritis. Ordinary turkey broth has no demonstrated joint effect.3,10

  4. Brands say

    Turkey broth adds substantial animal protein

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    One turkey broth topper lists 1.6% protein as sold and 97.8% moisture. Its small dry residue is protein-rich, but a serving of liquid supplies little protein compared with turkey meat.8

  5. Owners say

    Turkey broth is safe for chicken-allergic dogs

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In a laboratory study, turkey extract bound IgE in 29 of 30 chicken-reactive dog sera. That does not prove a clinical reaction to turkey broth, but it gives no basis for assuming turkey is safe during a chicken elimination diet.2

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    In wet food, liquid has a job: it provides moisture and carries flavor. Broth is mostly water, so do not count it as turkey meat or assume its high place on a label means high protein.4,8

  2. Q02

    Why is it near the top?

    Water weighs

    Ingredients are listed by weight when added. Broth brings water into a wet recipe, which can place it high on the list. Look for turkey meat and organs separately to judge the animal ingredients.4,8

  3. Q03

    Is it turkey bone broth?

    Not necessarily

    Turkey broth may start with meat, trimmings or bones. Bone broth specifically starts with bones, and some products add collagen or vegetables. The name alone does not disclose a collagen amount or a health benefit.5,7,8

  4. Q04

    Can I use my own stock?

    Check ingredients

    Plain turkey cooking liquid is different from seasoned household stock. Check for onion and garlic before pouring stock over food; both can damage dogs' red blood cells when enough is eaten.5,11

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Merrick 14 / 107
  2. Nulo 7 / 117
  3. NutriSource 6 / 91
  4. Fromm 6 / 67
  5. Wellness 5 / 118
  6. Go! Solutions 5 / 46
  7. Zignature 4 / 46
  8. Blue 3 / 186
  9. Purina 3 / 185
  10. Dave's Pet Food 2 / 22

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 21 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Turkey 85%
  2. Carrots 51%
  3. Turkey Liver 48%
  4. Chicken 37%
  5. Peas 36%
  6. Sweet Potatoes 32%
  7. Dried Egg Product 31%
  8. Natural Flavor 27%
  9. Chicken Broth 25%
  10. Guar Gum 25%
  11. Dried Egg Whites 19%
  12. Potatoes 19%

On the shelf

Foods that list Turkey Broth

81 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.

Wellness Complete Health Turkey & Duck Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Turkey & Duck Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelCanidae Pure Petite, Grain Free Turkey & Green Beans for Small Breed Dogs Wet Dog FoodCanidaeCanidae Pure Petite, Grain Free Turkey & Green Beans for Small Breed Dogs Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelVictor Select Grain Free Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew Wet Dog FoodVictorVictor Select Grain Free Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelBil-Jac Harvest Feast with Turkey & Sweet Potatoes in Gravy Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodBil-JacBil-Jac Harvest Feast with Turkey & Sweet Potatoes in Gravy Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelBil-Jac Sensitive Solutions Digestive & Immune Support Turkey & Pumpkin Recipe in Gravy - Bil-Jac Wet Dog FoodBil-JacBil-Jac Sensitive Solutions Digestive & Immune Support Turkey & Pumpkin Recipe in Gravy - Bil-Jac Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelCastor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Free-Range Turkey Bone Broth Dog Food TopperCastor & PolluxCastor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Free-Range Turkey Bone Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelTruDog Grain Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog FoodTruDogTruDog Grain Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNutriSource PureVita Turkey Dog Entree Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource PureVita Turkey Dog Entree Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNutriSource Turkey Dog Stew Tetrapaks Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Turkey Dog Stew Tetrapaks Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Dave’s Restricted Weight Management, Turkey & Vegetables Recipe for Do Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Dave’s Restricted Weight Management, Turkey & Vegetables Recipe for Do Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Turkey -Dog and Pupp Wet Dog FoodGentle GiantsGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Turkey -Dog and Pupp Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the label
Show 48 more
Koha Big Easy Feast Slow Cooked Stew Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Big Easy Feast Slow Cooked Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelKoha Minimal Ingredient Stew Turkey Stew Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Minimal Ingredient Stew Turkey Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelWellness Complete Health Turkey & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Turkey & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelWellness Complete Health Turkey Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelKirkland Signature Nature’s Domain, Turkey & Pea Stew, 24-count Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodKirkland SignatureKirkland Signature Nature’s Domain, Turkey & Pea Stew, 24-count Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Turkey Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelVerus Canine Turkey & Veggie Paté Formula Wet Dog FoodVerusVerus Canine Turkey & Veggie Paté Formula Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Turkey Wet Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelPure Balance Pro+ Performance Turkey & Chicken Recipe Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodPure BalancePure Balance Pro+ Performance Turkey & Chicken Recipe Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelI and Love and You Naked Essentials Gobble It Up Stew Wet Dog FoodI and Love and YouI and Love and You Naked Essentials Gobble It Up Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelSolid Gold Mighty Mini Turkey Wet Dog FoodSolid GoldSolid Gold Mighty Mini Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelHalo Holistic Grain Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog FoodHaloHalo Holistic Grain Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Turkey + Salmon Pâté Wet Dog FoodGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Turkey + Salmon Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelGo! Solutions Sensitivities Shredded Turkey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Sensitivities Shredded Turkey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Original Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Original Food Zssential Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Zssential Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Original Food Puppy Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Puppy Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNutriSource Turkey & Rice Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Turkey & Rice Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey, Duck, & Sweet Potato Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey, Duck, & Sweet Potato Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelFromm Classic Adult Turkey & Rice Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Classic Adult Turkey & Rice Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelOpen Farm Homestead Turkey Paté Recipe Wet Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Homestead Turkey Paté Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNulo MedalSeries Paté Weight Management Turkey & Cod Recipe Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo MedalSeries Paté Weight Management Turkey & Cod Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNulo MedalSeries Paté Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo MedalSeries Paté Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNulo FreeStyle Paté Small Breed Turkey & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNuloNulo FreeStyle Paté Small Breed Turkey & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelPurina ONE True Instinct Grain Free Turkey & Venison Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina ONE True Instinct Grain Free Turkey & Venison Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelPurina ONE Vibrant Maturity Turkey & Barley Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina ONE Vibrant Maturity Turkey & Barley Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelBlue Delectables Tender Turkey Dog Food TopperBlueBlue Delectables Tender Turkey Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelBlue Homestyle Recipe Turkey Meatloaf Dinner Wet Dog FoodBlueBlue Homestyle Recipe Turkey Meatloaf Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelMerrick Lil’ Plates Petite Pates Turkey Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Lil’ Plates Petite Pates Turkey Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelMerrick Kitchen Comforts Turkey Meatloaf Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Kitchen Comforts Turkey Meatloaf Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelMerrick Limited Ingredient Turkey Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Limited Ingredient Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelMerrick Grain Free Thanksgiving Day Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Grain Free Thanksgiving Day Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelMerrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Thanksgiving Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Thanksgiving Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNutro Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelFromm Large Breed Weight Management Gold Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Large Breed Weight Management Gold Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 2 on the labelDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Dave’s Restricted Hip & Joint Support, Chicken, Duck, & Turkey Recipe Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Dave’s Restricted Hip & Joint Support, Chicken, Duck, & Turkey Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelNatural Balance Health Protection Chicken & Pumpkin Stew Recipe Wet Dog FoodNatural BalanceNatural Balance Health Protection Chicken & Pumpkin Stew Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Wild Red : Whole Prey Chicken & Turkey Recipe, Protein Rich, Grain Free & Legume Free Stew Wet Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Wild Red : Whole Prey Chicken & Turkey Recipe, Protein Rich, Grain Free & Legume Free Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelWellness Core Hearty Cuts Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Hearty Cuts Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelWellness Core Weight Management Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Weight Management Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelCanidae Pure, Lamb, Turkey & Chicken Grain Free Recipe Wet Dog FoodCanidaeCanidae Pure, Lamb, Turkey & Chicken Grain Free Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelTaste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon in Gravy Wet Dog FoodTaste of the WildTaste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon in Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Shredded Chicken Wet Dog FoodGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Shredded Chicken Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelGo! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey + Duck Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey + Duck Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelNutriSource Hunter’s Bounty Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Hunter’s Bounty Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelNutriSource Prairie Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Prairie Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the label

On labels as

Organic turkey broth: what changes

One page covers every name. Here is what each label word adds, and whether it changes anything for your dog.

Organic turkey broth

Matters for your dog A little

Organic Turkey Broth

What it means USDA's National Organic Program defines it. Turkeys must eat organic feed and have outdoor access all year, and meat from a bird treated with antibiotics cannot be sold as organic. The USDA seal needs at least 95% organic ingredients. USDA does not call organic food safer or more nutritious.

For your dog The real difference is how the turkey was raised. A review of 67 studies found about 47% more omega 3 fat in organic meat, but broth is mostly water, so a dog gets very little of that difference. No added hormones is not a difference, because US law bans hormones in all poultry.8,13,14,15,16,17,18

  1. Strong
  2. Some
  3. Thin
  4. None

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Palatability assessment of an oral recuperation fluid in healthy dogs during the perioperative period Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 2015 // Journal
  2. 2 Extensive protein hydrolyzation is indispensable to prevent IgE-mediated poultry allergen recognition in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary Research, 2017 // Journal
  3. 3 Collagen hydrolysates for dogs with osteoarthritis: Bringing a food myth from bowl to the bench and back Utrecht University, 2026 // University
  4. 4 Reading Labels AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  5. 5 Turkey Bone Broth Illinois Extension, n.d. // University
  6. 6 Broths & extracts Welmbio, 2025 // Industry
  7. 7 Turkey broth powder IQI Petfood, n.d. // Industry
  8. 8 WILD LINE EN Bohemia Pet Food, n.d. // Industry
  9. 9 DVMtimes Vet Planet, 2022 // Industry
  10. 10 Bone Broth for Cats and Dogs Turkey Recipe Primal Pet Foods, n.d. // Industry
  11. 11 People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control, n.d. // Nonprofit
  12. 12 Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. // Government
  13. 13 Organic AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  14. 14 7 CFR § 205.237 Livestock feed Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (US Code of Federal Regulations), n.d. // Regulator
  15. 15 7 CFR § 205.238 Livestock health care practice standard Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (US Code of Federal Regulations), n.d. // Regulator
  16. 16 7 CFR § 205.241 Avian living conditions Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (US Code of Federal Regulations), n.d. // Regulator
  17. 17 Composition differences between organic and conventional meat: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis British Journal of Nutrition (via Organic Eprints), 2016 // Journal
  18. 18 Chickens Do Not Receive Growth Hormones: So Why All the Confusion? Mississippi State University Extension, 2023 // University
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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