Grain Free Chicken Bone Broth Topper
Verified May 24, 2026
A low-calorie chicken bone broth topper designed to add flavor and moisture to the diets of dogs and cats of any age. It features chicken bone broth as the primary ingredient, with small amounts of sweet potato, apple, parsley, and turmeric for additional nutrients and taste. This is meant to be used alongside a complete and balanced pet food rather than as a main diet.
Nutritionally, this is a simple, hydrating topper that can make meals more appetizing without adding many calories. The chicken bone broth provides some extra protein and flavor, while the superfood-style ingredients are present in modest amounts. It’s best suited for pets who need a bit more moisture or palatability added to their regular, complete diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high moisture and low calorie content, which can help increase fluid intake without significantly impacting weight.
- Straightforward ingredient list with chicken bone broth as the main component and no added grains, which may suit pets on grain-free base diets.
- Suitable for both dogs and cats and for any life stage when used as directed, making it convenient for multi-pet households.
Considerations
- This is labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only and is not a complete and balanced diet, so it must be fed along with a regular pet food that meets nutritional requirements.
- Contains chicken, which is a common food allergen; it would not be appropriate for pets with known chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- Protein and fat levels are low, so it should not be relied on to meet a significant portion of a pet’s calorie or protein needs.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is commonly used as a palatability enhancer and hydration topper in dog and cat diets, supplying gelatin, collagen-derived amino acids and trace minerals that may support joint comfort and gut health while making food more appealing. It is not a complete food, so choose low-sodium, additive-free products (avoid broths containing onion, garlic or excessive fat), and ensure no bone fragments are present—use caution with pets that have pancreatitis, sodium-sensitive conditions, or known food sensitivities.
02
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
03
Apple
Apple is used in pet foods as a fruit ingredient that supplies soluble fiber (pectin), natural flavor, moisture, and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. It can support digestion and add low‑calorie sweetness, but seeds and cores should be avoided because of cyanogenic compounds, apples are relatively high in natural sugars so should be used in moderation (and washed to remove pesticides), and cats—being obligate carnivores—gain less nutritional benefit than dogs.
04
Parsley
Parsley is used in pet foods primarily as a natural flavoring and breath‑freshening herb that also contributes small amounts of vitamins (notably vitamin K and vitamin C), folate, antioxidants and some fiber. While safe in culinary amounts for most dogs and cats, concentrated extracts, seeds or large quantities can be harmful (containing compounds such as apiol/myristicin), may affect pregnant animals or interact with anticoagulant medications, and can increase oxalate load in susceptible pets, so its use in formulas is typically minor and controlled.
05
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in pet foods and supplements primarily for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, and is included as a flavor/colorant or complementary joint and digestive support ingredient rather than a primary nutrient. It can offer potential benefits—particularly for dogs—when properly formulated with a bioavailability enhancer (e.g., black pepper or fat), but large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset, cats can be more sensitive to concentrated spices, and turmeric/curcumin may interact with blood thinners or diabetes medications, so veterinary guidance is recommended before use.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Grain Free Chicken Bone Broth Topper has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.