Ingredient file // Flavor
Beef Broth
Savory cooking liquid, not a meat serving
Beef broth is the liquid left after cooking beef bones, parts or muscle in water. It brings moisture and savory flavor to wet food and toppers. A high place on the ingredient list does not mean the food contains much beef meat.
- What it is
- Strained liquid from cooking beef bones, parts or muscle in water, carrying soluble protein and taste compounds.
- Made from
- Beef bones, parts or muscle and water
- Main job
- Moisture and savory flavor
- Typical amount
- Varies; one wet recipe declares 30% broth
- Watch for
- Beef allergy; onion or garlic in household broth
- Not the same as
- Beef meat
Straight answer
Is Beef Broth safe for dogs?
Count broth as liquid before counting meat
When beef broth appears high on a wet food label, remember that ingredients are weighed with their water. Look for named meat alongside it, then check the finished food's protein and moisture figures. Treat a broth topper as an addition to a complete meal, and skip beef broth for a dog with a beef allergy.
- Why it is in the food
- Moisture and savory flavor
Our read // In our catalog
In 1 of every 23 foods we track
Share of foods that list it
4%
137 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 41 brands. 117 wet dog food, 16 dog food topper, 2 frozen dog food.
Each square is 1% of the catalog
Where it sits on the label
Median position 2. In the top five of 135 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.
Above the salt
Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.
Price per lb
Median of the cheapest bag price across 9 priced foods, 7% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.
Who leans on it
15%
of the foods that list it are from Merrick. 41 brands use it in total.
What it is
How it is made
Beef processing leaves bones and other parts that suppliers cook in water. Heat moves soluble material into the liquid. After the solids are removed, suppliers sell the broth as liquid, frozen stock or a dried powder.4,6,8,10
- 01 // Source Beef and water Bones, beef parts or muscle tissue provide the material cooked in water.
- 02 // Process Cooked Heating moves soluble protein and taste compounds from the beef into the water.
- 03 // Process Solids removed The cooked bones and other solids are separated from the flavored liquid.
- 04 // Output Beef broth Pet food plants receive broth as liquid, frozen stock, or a dried powder used in dry food recipes.
What is in it
Composition, dry matter
97.2
% protein
One supplier's dry basis result for concentrated beef bone broth powder. It says little about protein in a spoonful of liquid broth.
Why it is in the bag
What the manufacturer gets
-
01
Supplies cooking liquid
Broth adds water to wet food and toppers while giving the liquid a named beef source. A broth-first topper is sold for pouring onto kibble.10,11
-
02
Adds savory taste
Cooking draws taste compounds from beef into the water. Suppliers market broth for palatability, though the amount needed to change a dog's preference has not been measured.4,10
-
03
Uses beef processing material
Cooking bones and parts creates a saleable ingredient. An industry purchasing report lists beef broth as a separate supply stream for pet food makers.6,8
How much Amounts vary by recipe; one wet dog food declares 30% beef broth alongside 60% beef.12
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.
-
Brands say
Liquid broth adds moisture to food
Evidence
- Strong
- Some
- Thin
- None
Adding liquid adds water. A topper lists beef broth first and sets a 98% maximum moisture content. That maximum describes the finished topper, so it does not measure the water supplied by broth alone.11
-
Brands say
Broth flavor gets picky dogs eating
Outruns the evidence
Evidence
- Strong
- Some
- Thin
- None
Across 1,771 preference tests involving 34 kennel dogs, wetter foods were generally favored. Laboratory work found taste compounds in beef broth. Neither study compared beef broth with plain water in picky dogs.2,4,10
-
Brands say
Beef broth collagen supports healthy joints
Outruns the evidence
Evidence
- Strong
- Some
- Thin
- None
A 31-dog trial found gait improvement with a specific collagen peptide supplement, funded by its maker. The trial tested neither broth nor that collagen dose in a pet food, so it cannot support a broth joint claim.1,10
-
Brands say
Beef broth is hypoallergenic
Outruns the evidence
Evidence
- Strong
- Some
- Thin
- None
A supplier makes this claim, but broth contains beef protein. A review identified beef as a trigger in 102 of 297 dogs with food reactions. Those selected cases do not predict a healthy dog's risk.3,6,10
-
Owners say
Broth first means plenty of beef meat
Outruns the evidence
Evidence
- Strong
- Some
- Thin
- None
Ingredients are ranked by incoming weight, including water. One wet recipe separately declares 30% broth and 60% beef. Broth's position alone cannot tell you how much beef meat or protein the food supplies.7,12
Straight answers
What owners ask
-
Q01
Is it just filler?
Mostly notIts liquid gives wet food texture, and cooking gives it savory taste. Those are real jobs. Broth high on the list still brings water weight, so check the meat ingredients and finished food analysis.4,7,11
-
Q02
Is broth a protein source?
No set maximumCalifornia feed rules set a floor, not a ceiling: broth solids must run at least 90% protein on a dry matter basis, and diluted broth must keep at least 0.7% protein. Sellers may concentrate it well above that floor. Check the finished food's protein analysis.6
-
Q03
Is it the same as bone broth?
SometimesBeef broth may start with bones, parts, muscle or a mixture. A bone broth name points to bones, but neither name tells you its collagen dose or proves a joint benefit.1,6,9
-
Q04
Can I use grocery broth?
Check ingredientsChoose one without onion or garlic. Both can damage a dog's red blood cells, and cooking does not remove that risk. Grocery broth has its own salt content, so it need not match a dog food ingredient.5
Who uses it
Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps
Top brands, by foods that list it
Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.
Plus 31 more brands.
Amazon best sellers that list it
Rank on Amazon's dog food best seller list, checked October 2026.
Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it
- Beef 91%
- Carrots 59%
- Beef Liver 47%
- Dried Egg Product 38%
- Peas 31%
- Natural Flavor 29%
- Potatoes 28%
- Guar Gum 24%
- Chicken 23%
- Sunflower Oil 20%
- Potato Starch 18%
- Flaxseed 17%
On the shelf
Foods that list Beef Broth
137 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.
WeruvaWeruva Awesome Functions Awesome Shiny Beef & Brown Rice Recipe with Flaxseed Wet Dog Food
WeruvaWeruva Awesome Functions Awesome Bouncy Beef & Riceberry For Joint Health Wet Dog Food
PurinaPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Meals Beef Pouch Wet Dog Food
PurinaPurina Beneful Prepared Meals Simmered Beef Wet Dog Food
Hill'sHill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Wet Dog Food
Dave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Dave’s Stewlicious Chunky Cowboy Dinner with Beef and Pork for Dogs / Wet Dog Food
Dave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Stewlicious Meaty Beefy Stew For Dogs / Wet Dog Food
KohaKoha Pure Shreds Shredded Beef Entrée Wet Dog Food
WeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Awesome Everything Beef, Rice & Veggies Multicare Wet Dog Food
WeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen BFF Fun Size Meals Oh So Nice Sirloin Tips & Rice Wet Dog Food
CanidaeCanidae Pure Petite, Grain Free Minced Beef and Carrots Recipe for Small Breed Dogs Wet Dog Food
AvoDermAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans- Stew Beef & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog Food Show 48 more
WeruvaWeruva Awesome Functions Awesome Belly Beef, Rice & Pumpkin For Easy Digestion Wet Dog Food
WeruvaWeruva Dogs in the Kitchen Puppy Beef & Rice Formula in Gravy Wet Dog Food
Bil-JacBil-Jac Hearty Stew with Beef & Barley Small Chunk Wet Dog Food
Natural BalanceNatural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe Paté Wet Dog Food
AuthorityAuthority Everyday Health Beef & Vegetable Entree Adult Dog Wet Dog Food
IamsIams Proactive Health Adult Beef, Peas and Carrots Recipe Wet Dog Food
Tiki DogTiki Dog Taste of the World Beef, Potatoes & Carrots Burgundy Recipe Wet Dog Food
Health ExtensionHealth Extension Broth-Licious Beef & Green Bean in Bone Broth -Vitality Recipe Wet Dog Food
InstinctInstinct Original Healthy Cravings Toppers Real Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food Topper
NuloNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Small Breed Beef, Beef Liver & Kale Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
NuloNulo Land & Sea Paté Beef & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
NuloNulo Savory Stews Ancient Grains Beef & Seabass Recipe Wet Dog Food
NuloNulo FreeStyle Signature Stews Beef, Beef Liver & Kale Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
PurinaPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Blends with Beef, Carrots, Peas and Barley Wet Dog Food
PurinaPurina ONE True Instinct Tender Cuts Beef & Salmon Wet Dog Food
PurinaPurina ONE True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy Beef & Bison Wet Dog Food
Castor & PolluxCastor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Seasoned with Turmeric Dog Food Topper
Castor & PolluxCastor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Dog Food Topper
Tiki DogTiki Dog Aloha Petites Flavor Booster Beef Bisque Dog Food Topper
FrommFromm Four-Star Beef Frittata Veg® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Gentle GiantsGentle Giants already_have Natural Non GMO Ingredients Dog and Puppy Food - Fresh Beef Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
NuloNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Small Breed Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Frozen Dog Food
NuloNulo Gently-Cooked Meals Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Frozen Dog Food
Gentle GiantsGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Beef -Dog and Puppy Wet Dog Food
Against the GrainAgainst the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog Food
Natural BalanceNatural Balance Health Protection Beef & Pumpkin Stew Recipe Wet Dog Food
KohaKoha Lone Star Brisket Slow Cooked Stew Wet Dog Food
KohaKoha Minimal Ingredient Stew Grain-Free Beef Stew Wet Dog Food
BlueBlue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Senior Wet Dog Food
WellnessWellness Core Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison Wet Dog Food
WellnessWellness CORE Beef, Venison & Lamb Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
WellnessWellness Complete Health Beef Wet Dog Food
FrommFromm Four-Star Pâté Beef & Sweet Potato Pâté Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
FrommFromm Four-Star balaya Beef, Vegetable, & Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
Evanger'sEvanger’s Grain Free Braised Beef Chunks with Gravy - packed by hand! Wet Dog Food
Simply NourishSimply Nourish Homestyle Adult Dog Food Topper
VictorVictor Select Grain Free Cuts Gravy | Beef and Vegetables Stew Wet Dog Food
DiamondDiamond Naturals Beef Dinner for Adult Dogs & Puppies Wet Dog Food
Earthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Beef Wet Dog Food
VerusVerus Canine Beef & Barley Paté Formula Wet Dog Food
VictorVictor Classic Lamb and Rice Formula Pâté Wet Dog Food
Nature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Beef Wet Dog Food
I and Love and YouI and Love and You Top That Wit Lamb Recipe in Gravy Dog Food Topper
I and Love and YouI and Love and You Top That Move Beef With Bison Recipe In Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food Topper
I and Love and YouI and Love and You Naked Essentials Moo Venison Stew Dog Cans Wet Dog Food
I and Love and YouI and Love and You Naked Essentials Beef Booyah Stew Wet Dog Food
Taste of the WildTaste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Beef in Gravy Wet Dog Food
AboundAbound Beef, Carrot & Tomato in Gravy Wet Dog Food Leaving it out
Foods without beef
For owners who skip beef: popular wet foods priced like the ones that list it ($2.29 to $4.57 per lb), with no beef on the label.
NutriSourceNutriSource Prairie Select Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
ZignatureZignature Original Food Zssential Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
ZignatureZignature Original Food Trout & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Royal CaninRoyal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Adult Wet Dog Food
Gentle GiantsGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Salmon -Dog and Pupp Wet Dog Food
MerrickMerrick Grain Free Limited Ingredient Lamb Wet Dog Food
Hill'sHill’s Science Diet Adult Light Wet Dog Food
BlueBlue Freedom Senior Chicken Wet Dog Food Checked against the ingredient list we store for each food. Labels change, so read the bag before you buy.
On labels as
Other names for this
Manufacturers do not all use the same wording. These all mean the same thing.
Sources
What we read
Checked October 1, 2026.
- 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
- 2 Food Preferences in Dogs: Effect of Dietary Composition and Intrinsic Variables on Diet Selection
- 3 Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats
- 4 Comparison of taste components in stewed beef broth under different conditions by means of chemical analyzed
- 5 Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats
- 6 Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 2774 - Animal Products
- 7 What's in the Ingredients List?
- 8 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis
- 9 Beef Bone Broth Protein Manufacturer & Supplier
- 10 Stocks, Broths, Extracts, ProFlavor, ScanPro
- 11 Beneful Freshly Prepared Beef Bone Broth
- 12 Angus Beef Wet Dog Food