Hearty Stew With Beef & Barley Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
A chunky wet food for adult dogs, this stew uses beef as a main animal protein along with chicken, turkey, and egg product, in a beef broth base. Barley, pea protein, potatoes, and tapioca starch provide additional carbohydrates and plant protein. It is formulated as a complete and balanced maintenance diet with added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for everyday feeding.
This is a solid, moderate-calorie wet food option for healthy adult dogs who enjoy a stew-style texture. It offers a mix of animal proteins (beef, chicken, turkey, and egg) with barley and some plant-based ingredients to round out the nutrient profile. It’s a reasonable choice as a main diet for adult dogs, or as a topper to add moisture and palatability to dry food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult dogs.
- Multiple named animal proteins (beef, chicken, turkey, egg) provide a good range of amino acids and support overall protein quality.
- Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, reflected in the guaranteed analysis.
- Wet, high-moisture format can help dogs who benefit from more water intake or who prefer softer foods.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens (beef, chicken, turkey, egg), so it is not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Pea protein appears fairly high in the ingredient list and contributes to the total protein; for dogs needing strictly animal-based proteins, this is something to be aware of.
- The as-fed protein level (8%) is typical for many stews but on the lower side compared with some higher-protein wet foods, which may matter for very active or working dogs who need more concentrated protein.
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 Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
03
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
04
Egg Product
Egg product is used in pet foods as a high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer, providing complete essential amino acids, fats, vitamins (such as A, D and B12), minerals and choline, and it often serves as a binder or emulsifier when included as whole, dried or concentrated egg. It supplies bioavailable nutrients for dogs and cats but can be a food allergen for some individuals, may be higher in fat depending on yolk content, and should be properly processed (pasteurized or cooked) to reduce microbial risk.
05
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
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
Bil-Jac is a premium dog food brand emphasizing fresh, real meat and a proprietary slow-cooked vacuum drying process. The brand targets dog owners seeking high-quality nutrition with a focus on palatability and protein from chicken and liver.
Visit Bil-JacManufacturer
Bil-Jac maintains in-house manufacturing at its facility in Medina, Ohio, allowing for direct quality control over all stages of production. The company employs a vacuum drying process to preserve nutrients and adheres to AAFCO nutritional standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Bil-Jac Hearty Stew With Beef & Barley Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Bil-Jac ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Bil-Jac. 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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