Grain Free Beef Bone Broth Topper
Verified Jun 20, 2026
A light, broth-style topper for dogs and cats, this product is designed to add moisture and flavor rather than serve as a main meal. It provides a small amount of protein from beef bone broth, with butternut squash and blueberries contributing additional nutrients. It can work well for pets who benefit from extra hydration or encouragement to eat, as long as it’s used alongside a complete and balanced diet.
Nutritionally, this is a simple, low-calorie bone broth topper meant to enhance hydration and palatability for both dogs and cats, not to replace their regular food. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, with beef bone broth as the base and a few plant ingredients and spices added. It’s a reasonable choice if you’re looking to add moisture and flavor, provided your pet is already eating a complete and balanced diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very simple, transparent ingredient list with beef bone broth as the primary component.
- Low in calories, which makes it easier to add for flavor and moisture without significantly affecting overall calorie intake.
- High moisture content can help support hydration, especially for pets that don’t drink much water or eat mainly dry food.
- Grain-free, which may be useful for pets that need or prefer grain-free toppers, though grains themselves are not harmful for most pets.
Considerations
- This is not a complete and balanced diet and is intended only for intermittent or supplemental feeding, so it must be used together with a nutritionally complete pet food.
- Protein content is very low compared to regular foods, so it contributes minimal nutrition on its own and is mainly for moisture and taste.
- Contains beef, which can be a problem for pets with beef allergies or sensitivities.
- Includes spices such as cinnamon that are generally safe in small amounts, but may not suit very sensitive individuals; introduce gradually and monitor for any digestive upset.
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
Beef Bone Broth
Beef bone broth is used in pet foods and as a topper to add moisture, savory flavor and small amounts of soluble collagen, gelatin, minerals and amino acids, making it a palatability and hydration enhancer for dogs and cats. It may support hydration and gut or joint comfort through gelatinous proteins, but it should not replace a balanced diet and caregivers should choose low‑sodium, additive‑free pet-safe broths and avoid products with seasonings or bone fragments, especially for pets with beef allergies.
02
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a cooked vegetable ingredient used in pet foods as a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants (notably beta‑carotene/vitamin A), often included to aid digestion, add moisture, and support healthy weight management. It can benefit dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats by supplying fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, but should be cooked and seedless for digestibility, used sparingly in diabetic animals due to carbohydrate content, and treated as a complement to—not a replacement for—animal-based protein.
03
Blueberry
Blueberries are used in pet foods and treats as a low‑calorie source of dietary fiber, vitamins (notably vitamin C) and antioxidant phytochemicals (anthocyanins), providing natural color and mild flavor. They may support general antioxidant and digestive health in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats (obligate carnivores), but should be offered in moderation due to natural sugars and possible gastrointestinal upset, and owners should avoid products with added sweeteners (especially xylitol) or harmful preservatives.
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
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used in pet food mainly as a natural flavoring and aromatic and contains antioxidant polyphenols, but it is not a meaningful source of protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals for dogs or cats. In small amounts it may impart antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, however cinnamon—especially Cassia cinnamon and concentrated cinnamon oils—contains coumarin and cinnamaldehyde that can cause liver toxicity, gastrointestinal upset, skin or respiratory irritation, or allergic reactions, so it should be used sparingly and avoided in concentrated form or in pets with liver disease; consult your veterinarian 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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.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 Beef 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.
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