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Ingredient file // Flavor

Beef Bone Broth

Savory water with little proven health benefit

Beef bone broth is the liquid left after beef bones simmer in water. It adds moisture and savory flavor to dog food. It contains some protein, but the amount varies, and broth has no demonstrated joint benefit in dogs.

Role in the food Does a job
Beef Bone Broth
What it is
Liquid made by simmering beef bones in water, then removing the bones and keeping the broth.
Made from
Beef bones and water
Main job
Moisture and savory flavor
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Onion, garlic and sodium in separate toppers
Not the same as
Beef bone meal

Straight answer

Is Beef Bone Broth safe for dogs?

Read broth as flavor and water

If beef bone broth sits high on a food's list, remember that ingredients are ranked with their water. Look at the named meat ingredients and guaranteed protein to judge the food. For a separate topper, check for onion, garlic and sodium. Set aside joint and calcium promises.

Why it is in the food
Moisture and savory flavor

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 63 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

2%

51 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 20 brands. 21 wet dog food, 14 dry dog food, 14 dog food topper.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 4. In the top five of 31 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

85%

Listed before the salt in 85% of foods. In the rest it is under about 1% of the recipe.

Price per lb

Foods with it $5.15
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 13 priced foods, 58% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

14%

of the foods that list it are from The Honest Kitchen. 20 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Meat processing leaves beef bones that have commercial uses beyond meat production. Broth makers simmer them in water, remove the bones and retain the liquid. An industry project examined broth as an outlet for low-value bones.3,4,8

  1. 01 // Source Beef bones Bones left after meat processing supply the raw material for the broth.
  2. 02 // Process Simmered in water Heating draws flavor and soluble material from the bones into the water.
  3. 03 // Process Bones removed The cooked bones are separated from the liquid; some makers also skim off fat.
  4. 04 // Output Liquid broth The retained liquid supplies water and beef flavor when added to a food or topper.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

57-59

% protein

Protein made up most of the dry residue in 2 tested broths. As served, each contained only about 2% protein because the liquid was mostly water.

Crude protein 57.1-59%3
Carbohydrates 23.1-23.8%3
Ash 17.9-19%3

These figures are calculated from 2 versions of one human-market broth, each about 96% water. They are not a pet-food specification. Added tissues, other ingredients and processing change what remains after the water is removed.3,4

Why it is in the bag

Adds liquid and beef flavor, little protein

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

Broth is a working ingredient: it adds liquid and beef flavor. In wet foods and toppers it can serve as the liquid. Labels rank ingredients by weight, water included, so broth near the top reflects its weight, not its nutrition. Lower down it is likely a flavor splash. Broth is mostly water, about 97.5% in USDA data for canned beef broth, so its protein likely adds little next to the named meats.6,10

  1. 01

    Adds savory flavor

    Simmering transfers beef-derived flavor into a pourable liquid. Brands sell broth as a way to make food more appealing, though a controlled dog preference test was not found.8,9

  2. 02

    Adds moisture

    Liquid broth wets dry food and supplies water to wet recipes. The broths tested in an industry project were about 96% water, so their listed weight overstates their dry nutrient contribution.3,6

  3. 03

    Uses leftover bones

    Broth gives beef bones another commercial outlet. An industry project examined the costs and production of saleable broth made from bones described as low-value by-products.3

How much No standard dog-food inclusion rate was published in the sources reviewed; ingredient labels show weight order, not the amount of broth used.6

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

    Broth adds moisture to a dog's food

    Evidence

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

    Two tested broths were about 96% water. Pouring broth onto food adds water, although the ingredient list does not disclose how much broth a prepared food contains.3,6

  2. Brands say

    Bone broth makes picky dogs eat

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

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

    A brand promotes its beef broth powder for picky eaters. Its product page reports no controlled dog preference test, so the claim goes beyond evidence that dogs eat more food when broth is added.9

  3. Brands say

    Broth collagen supports a dog's joints

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

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

    A small, industry-funded trial tested measured collagen peptides in 31 dogs, not broth. A separate broth analysis found less consistent collagen-related amino acids than supplement doses. Those results do not show a joint benefit from broth.1,2,8

  4. Owners say

    Beef bone broth is rich in calcium

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

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

    Researchers measured 36 retail beef-bone broths and found an average of 7.65 mg calcium per 250 g serving. Calcium in the bones does not make the strained liquid a dependable calcium source.4

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    Broth has a practical job: it adds liquid and beef flavor. Its high water content means a prominent place on an ingredient list does not make it a major protein source.3,6,8

  2. Q02

    Does it replace beef meat?

    No

    The tested liquid broths contained 2.3% and 2.4% protein as served. Check the other ingredients and the food's guaranteed analysis to judge its protein; the words beef bone broth do not tell you how much meat nutrition remains.3,6

  3. Q03

    Can I use grocery-store broth?

    Only plain broth

    Read its full ingredient list first. Onion and garlic can damage dogs' red blood cells. Retail broths also differ widely in sodium, so check that label when your dog's diet has a sodium limit.4,7

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. The Honest Kitchen 7 / 36
  2. Open Farm 6 / 42
  3. Stella & Chewy's 5 / 85
  4. Health Extension 4 / 47
  5. Orijen 4 / 25
  6. Jinx 3 / 21
  7. Wellness 3 / 118
  8. Solid Gold 3 / 46
  9. Grandma Lucy's 2 / 24
  10. Caru 2 / 9

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

Plus 10 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Beef 78%
  2. Carrots 45%
  3. Pumpkin 31%
  4. Lamb 29%
  5. Potatoes 29%
  6. Sweet Potatoes 29%
  7. Beef Liver 25%
  8. Salt 22%
  9. Sunflower Oil 20%
  10. Chicken 18%
  11. Turmeric 16%
  12. Peas 16%

On the shelf

Foods that list Beef Bone Broth

51 foods in our catalog list it, highest on the label first.

Tucker’s Boost Beef Butter Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTucker'sTucker’s Boost Beef Butter Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelBrutus Broth Brutus Bone Broth for Dogs - Beef Dog Food TopperBrutus BrothBrutus Broth Brutus Bone Broth for Dogs - Beef Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelWellness Core Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Beef & Green Beans Recipe in Savory Bone Broth Dog Food TopperWellnessWellness Core Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Beef & Green Beans Recipe in Savory Bone Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Superfood Pour Overs Lamb & Beef Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Superfood Pour Overs Lamb & Beef Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Grass-Fed Beef Broth Dog Food TopperStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Grass-Fed Beef Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Bountiful Bone Broth Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Dog Food TopperStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Bountiful Bone Broth Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Mix-Ins Grass-Fed Beef & Pumpkin Recipe in Beef Bone Broth Dog Food MixerStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Mix-Ins Grass-Fed Beef & Pumpkin Recipe in Beef Bone Broth Dog Food MixerTopper // No. 1 on the labelSolid Gold Bone Broth Stew with Beef & Hearty Vegetables Dog Food TopperSolid GoldSolid Gold Bone Broth Stew with Beef & Hearty Vegetables Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelSolid Gold Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric Dog Food TopperSolid GoldSolid Gold Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelMerrick Grain-Free Beef Bone Broth Dog Food TopperMerrickMerrick Grain-Free Beef Bone Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Proper Toppers Grain-Free Beef Recipe Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Proper Toppers Grain-Free Beef Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the label
Show 39 more
Jinx Beef Bone Broth Stew Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Beef Bone Broth Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelOrijen Real Meat Beef Recipe Stew with Shredded Beef & Eggs Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Real Meat Beef Recipe Stew with Shredded Beef & Eggs Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Roasted Beef One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Roasted Beef One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Braised Beef & Lamb One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Braised Beef & Lamb One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Beef, Cheddar & Farm Veggies Butcher Block Pâté Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Beef, Cheddar & Farm Veggies Butcher Block Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelHealth Extension food Grain Free Savory Beef Stew Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension food Grain Free Savory Beef Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelCaru Daily Dish Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Daily Dish Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelSolid Gold Homestyle Meals Wet Dog FoodSolid GoldSolid Gold Homestyle Meals Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelOrijen Regional Red Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Regional Red Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelHealth Extension Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelTiki Dog Raw Beef, Beef Liver and Beef Bone Broth Frozen Raw Dog FoodTiki DogTiki Dog Raw Beef, Beef Liver and Beef Bone Broth Frozen Raw Dog FoodFrozen // No. 3 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s Meal Prep BBQ Rub Dog Food TopperGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s Meal Prep BBQ Rub Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelWellness Protein Bowls Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Protein Bowls Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelWellness Core Protein Bowls Beef, Potato & Green Beans Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core Protein Bowls Beef, Potato & Green Beans Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelOrijen Premium Tundra Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen Premium Tundra Pâté with Liver Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Kitchen Gently Cooked Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Marie’s Kitchen Gently Cooked Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelJinx Beef & Chicken Homemades Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Beef & Chicken Homemades Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelNatural Balance Platefulls Tender Carrot, Potato & Beef Recipe Wet Dog FoodNatural BalanceNatural Balance Platefulls Tender Carrot, Potato & Beef Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s Meal Prep Banana Flax Overnight Oats Dog Food TopperGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s Meal Prep Banana Flax Overnight Oats Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 6 on the labelJinx Beef & Chicken Homemades Meal Dog Food TopperJinxJinx Beef & Chicken Homemades Meal Dog Food TopperWet // No. 6 on the label4health All Life Stages Fresh Beef and Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food4health4health All Life Stages Fresh Beef and Rice Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelOrijen FreshPrey Beef, Pork & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOrijenOrijen FreshPrey Beef, Pork & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelHealth Extension Gently Cooked Beef And Potato Recipe Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension Gently Cooked Beef And Potato Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelHealth Extension Gently Cooked Lamb And Carrot Recipe Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension Gently Cooked Lamb And Carrot Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelNature’s Recipe Prime Blends Grain-Free Beef, Lamb, and Potato Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's RecipeNature’s Recipe Prime Blends Grain-Free Beef, Lamb, and Potato Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 9 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelNature’s Recipe Prime Blends Beef, Barley & Venison Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's RecipeNature’s Recipe Prime Blends Beef, Barley & Venison Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelPurina One True Instinct High Protein Real Chicken Duck Dry Puppy Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina One True Instinct High Protein Real Chicken Duck Dry Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelMerrick Backcountry Bone Broth Coated Beef & Bison Dry Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Backcountry Bone Broth Coated Beef & Bison Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelNulo MedalSeries Baked & Coated Beef, Pork & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodNuloNulo MedalSeries Baked & Coated Beef, Pork & Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelK9 Natural Baked & Coated Grass-Fed Red Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodK9 NaturalK9 Natural Baked & Coated Grass-Fed Red Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 19 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Tide & Terrain - Grain Free Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Tide & Terrain - Grain Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 24 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Tide & Terrain Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Tide & Terrain Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 25 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Ancient Grains Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 32 on the labelOpen Farm Front Range RawMix for Dogs - Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Front Range RawMix for Dogs - Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 32 on the labelOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm RawMix Great Plains Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 33 on the labelOpen Farm Ancient Grains Front Range Ancient Grains for Dogs - RawMix Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Ancient Grains Front Range Ancient Grains for Dogs - RawMix Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 34 on the labelStella & Chewy’s SuperBlends Beef & Lamb : Raw Blend Oven Baked Kibble with Superfoods, Antioxidants & Probiotics Dry Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s SuperBlends Beef & Lamb : Raw Blend Oven Baked Kibble with Superfoods, Antioxidants & Probiotics Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 35 on the label

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients-A translational large animal model for a nutritional therapy option PLOS One, 2024 // Journal
  2. 2 Bone Broth Unlikely to Provide Reliable Concentrations of Collagen Precursors Compared With Supplemental Sources of Collagen Used in Collagen Research International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2019 // Journal
  3. 3 Beef Bone Broth Value Add Opportunities Meat & Livestock Australia, 2024 // Industry
  4. 4 Nutritional evaluation of beef-bone broth products: focus on calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content Journal of Elementology, 2025 // Journal
  5. 5 Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary Research, 2016 // Journal
  6. 6 Reading Labels AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  7. 7 People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control, n.d. // Nonprofit
  8. 8 Beef Bone Broth BJ's Raw Pet Food, n.d. // Industry
  9. 9 Beef Bone Broth Native Pet, n.d. // Industry
  10. 10 Soup, beef broth or bouillon canned, ready-to-serve (USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy FDC 171538) GetFoodFacts (reproducing USDA FoodData Central), n.d. // Reference
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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