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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.

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

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 41 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

2%

62 of the 2,523 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 23 brands. 56 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 62 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 $3.29
All foods $3.23

Median of the cheapest bag price across 10 priced foods, about level with the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

23%

of the foods that list it are from Merrick. 23 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

What the manufacturer gets

  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
  2. Nulo 7
  3. Fromm 5
  4. Go! Solutions 5
  5. NutriSource 4
  6. Zignature 4
  7. Purina 3
  8. Pure Balance 2
  9. Bil-Jac 2
  10. I and Love and You 2

Plus 13 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Turkey 81%
  2. Turkey Liver 47%
  3. Carrots 44%
  4. Peas 39%
  5. Chicken 37%
  6. Sweet Potatoes 32%
  7. Natural Flavor 32%
  8. Dried Egg Product 27%
  9. Guar Gum 24%
  10. Chicken Broth 23%
  11. Potatoes 21%
  12. Dried Egg Whites 19%

On the shelf

Foods that list it

62 foods in our reviews list it. Here are some of them.

Bil-Jac Harvest Feast with Turkey & Sweet Potatoes in Gravy Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinBil-Jac Sensitive Solutions Digestive & Immune Support Turkey & Pumpkin Recipe in Gravy - Bil-Jac Wet Dog Food38.9% proteinBlue Delectables Tender Turkey Dog Food Topper43.8% proteinBlue Life Protection Formula Homestyle Recipe Senior Turkey Vegetable Dinner Wet Dog Food38.6% proteinCanidae Pure , Lamb, Turkey & Chicken Grain Free Recipe Wet Dog Food40.9% proteinCastor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Free-Range Turkey Bone Broth Dog Food Topper25.0% proteinEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Turkey Wet Dog Food40.9% proteinFromm Four-Star Game Bird Recipe Dry Dog Food32.2% protein
Show 53 more Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red : Whole Prey Chicken & Turkey Recipe, Protein Rich, Grain Free & Legume Free Stew Wet Dog Food46.7% proteinPure Balance Pro+ Performance Turkey & Chicken Recipe Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog Food31.8% proteinPure Balance Pro+ Turkey & Potato Recipe Can Wet Dog Food31.8% proteinNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Turkey Wet Dog Food39.3% proteinNulo FreeStyle Paté Small Breed Turkey & Lentils Recipe Wet Dog Food47.7% proteinPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach Wet Dog Food50.0% proteinNulo FreeStyle Paté Lamb & Lentils Recipe Wet Dog Food45.5% proteinNulo FreeStyle Paté Adult Trim Turkey & Cod Recipe Wet Dog Food45.5% proteinHealth Extension Digestive Support, Turkey & Sweet Potato Entrée in Gravy Wet Dog Food33.3% proteinFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey, Duck, & Sweet Potato Pâté Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinPurina ONE True Instinct Grain Free Turkey & Venison Wet Dog Food40.9% proteinVerus Canine Turkey & Veggie Paté Formula Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinVictor Select Grain Free Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinTaste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon in Gravy Wet Dog Food41.7% proteinI and Love and You Naked Essentials Gobble It Up Stew Wet Dog Food41.7% proteinGo! Solutions Sensitivities Shredded Turkey Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food47.2% proteinGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Pollock Pâté Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Shredded Chicken Wet Dog Food47.2% proteinGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Turkey + Salmon Pâté Wet Dog Food40.9% proteinHalo Holistic Grain Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food50.0% proteinGo! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey + Duck Stew Wet Dog Food52.8% proteinSolid Gold Mighty Mini Turkey Wet Dog Food41.7% proteinNutriSource Woodlands Select Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinNutriSource Hunter’s Bounty Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinNutriSource Prairie Select Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinNutriSource Turkey & Rice Wet Dog Food40.9% proteinZignature Original Food Puppy Formula Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinZignature Original Food Turkey Formula Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinZignature Original Food Zssential Formula Wet Dog Food50.0% proteinZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Food Can Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinFromm Four-Star Pâté Turkey Pâté Wet Dog Food31.8% proteinNulo FreeStyle Paté Small Breed Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Wet Dog Food47.7% proteinNulo MedalSeries Paté Weight Management Turkey & Cod Recipe Wet Dog Food45.5% proteinPurina ONE Vibrant Maturity Turkey & Barley Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinNulo FreeStyle Paté Puppy Turkey, Cod & Sweet Potato Recipe Wet Dog Food43.2% proteinNulo MedalSeries Paté Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Wet Dog Food45.5% proteinMerrick Limited Ingredient Turkey Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinMerrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Grain Free Thanksgiving Day Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Real Chicken Wet Dog Food50.0% proteinMerrick Backcountry Grain Free Hero’s Banquet Wet Dog Food50.0% proteinMerrick Classic Healthy Grains Kitchen Comforts Turkey Meatloaf Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Lil’ Plates Petite Pates Turkey Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinMerrick Grain Free Turducken in Gravy Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Grain Free Carver’s Delight Chunky Chicken Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinNutro Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Wet Dog Food31.8% proteinMerrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Glazed Chicken Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Grain Free Puppy Wet Dog Food47.2% proteinMerrick Grain Free Real Duck Wet Dog Food36.4% proteinMerrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Thanksgiving Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinMerrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Chicken Wet Dog Food44.4% proteinFromm Large Breed Weight Management Gold Dry Dog Food26.7% proteinFromm Weight Management Gold Dry Dog Food27.8% protein

Our read // On the bag

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.

On labels as

Other names for this

Manufacturers do not all use the same wording. These all mean the same thing.

Organic Turkey Broth

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
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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