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Ingredient file // Flavor

Fish Broth

Mostly water with a useful savory flavor

Fish broth is liquid made by cooking fish, other marine animals, or both in water. It adds moisture and flavor to food, but little protein as served. The name alone does not tell you which animal went into it.

Fish Broth
What it is
A cooking liquid made from fish or other marine animal parts, with the cooked solids removed.
Made from
Fish or other marine animal parts
Main job
Moisture and savory flavor
Typical amount
Published recipes list 2% dry and 19% wet
Watch for
Fish or shellfish allergy; added salt
Not the same as
Fish oil

Straight answer

Is Fish Broth safe for dogs?

Read broth as liquid, then check the protein

Fish broth high on a wet food list mainly tells you the recipe contains a lot of marine-flavored liquid. Check the named fish and other protein ingredients beside it, and look for fish oil if omega-3 is your goal. If your dog has a seafood allergy, ask what made the broth.

Why it is in the food
Moisture and savory flavor

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 73 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

1%

44 of the 3,205 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 21 brands. 32 wet dog food, 6 dog food topper, 6 dry dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 2. In the top five of 41 foods, so it is usually a main ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

97%

Almost always listed before the salt, so there is more of it than a pinch.

Price per lb

Foods with it $3.17
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 7 priced foods, about level with the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

11%

of the foods that list it are from Blue. 21 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Fish processing leaves parts that are cooked for broth. Heating them in water draws flavor and some nutrients into the liquid. Pet food makers use that liquid in wet recipes or dry it for kibble.4,5,8

  1. 01 // Source Marine animal parts The starting material may include fish or other marine animals, including muscle, bones or shells.
  2. 02 // Process Cooked in water Heating draws soluble compounds from the animal material into the cooking water.
  3. 03 // Process Solids removed The cooked liquid is filtered to separate it from pieces of meat and bone.
  4. 04 // Output Fish broth Liquid broth goes into wet food; dried broth ingredients are also used in dry food.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

47-51

% protein

Protein in the dry portion of 2 measured fish soups. As served, both were mostly water, so their protein contribution was small.

Crude protein 47-51.2%4
Crude fat 17.9-19.7%4
Crude ash 17.7-18.4%4

These figures describe prepared fish soups, not a standard pet food broth. The researchers added oil and salt. Animal parts, added water and processing all change the liquid's composition.4,5

Why it is in the bag

What the manufacturer gets

  1. 01

    Adds recipe moisture

    Wet food needs liquid for mixing and cooking. Broth supplies water with marine flavor, and that water adds to its weight on the ingredient list.4,6,8

  2. 02

    Adds savory flavor

    Cooking extracts soluble compounds from marine animal parts. Brands use the liquid for flavor, though no dog preference trial has isolated fish broth itself.4,5,11

  3. 03

    Uses processing parts

    Broth gives marine animal parts another commercial outlet. An industry report tracks fish broth as a purchased ingredient, but does not show whether it lowers recipe costs.5,8

  4. 04

    Works in different formats

    Industry reporting describes liquid broth in wet food and dried broth ingredients in dry food, giving manufacturers a way to use the flavor in either format.8

How much Published recipes list 2% salmon broth in a dry food and 19% fish broth in a complementary wet food.9,10

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

    Fish broth helps dogs stay hydrated

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Broth adds water when a dog eats it. In a 16-dog trial, a nutrient-enriched drink increased fluid intake and diluted urine. That drink was not fish broth, so a special hydration benefit remains untested.1,4,11

  2. Brands say

    Fish broth tempts picky dogs to eat

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Brands promote its taste, but no dog preference trial isolated broth. In a 12-dog comparison, foods with fish hydrolysate and oil or shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil produced nearly equal intake. Neither food tested broth.2,11

  3. Brands say

    Fish broth supplies omega-3 for a shiny coat

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The measured fish soups contained less than 1% fat as served. A 12-dog trial raised blood omega-3 with fish oil and fish hydrolysate but found no coat difference. It did not test broth.2,4,11

  4. Brands say

    Fish broth collagen improves joint health

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    A fish bone broth brand lists 100 mg collagen per 100 mL and promotes joint support. That is a product claim, not a dog trial of fish broth, and the amount does not describe other broths.11

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    It supplies liquid and flavor, useful jobs in wet food. A high list position can reflect water weight rather than substantial protein. Look for named fish, fish meal or other protein ingredients to judge the recipe.4,6,8

  2. Q02

    Does fish broth count as fish?

    Not necessarily

    AAFCO permits broth made from fish, other marine animals, or both. The generic name does not identify a species or guarantee fish flesh. If an allergy matters, ask the manufacturer what went into its broth.5

  3. Q03

    Does it replace fish oil?

    No

    Fish oil is a concentrated fat ingredient. Broth is mostly water, and the measured fish soups contained little fat as served. A label listing fish broth alone tells you nothing reliable about the food's omega-3 dose.2,4

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Blue 5 / 186
  2. Jinx 4 / 21
  3. Fromm 4 / 67
  4. Artemis 4 / 11
  5. Zignature 4 / 46
  6. Simply Nourish 3 / 44
  7. Open Farm 2 / 44
  8. Taste of the Wild 2 / 21
  9. Health Extension 2 / 47
  10. The Honest Kitchen 2 / 36

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 11 more brands.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Salmon 57%
  2. Carrots 48%
  3. Chicken 32%
  4. Sunflower Oil 30%
  5. Peas 27%
  6. Dried Egg Product 25%
  7. Whitefish 25%
  8. Potatoes 23%
  9. Agar-Agar 20%
  10. Chicken Liver 20%
  11. Pumpkin 16%
  12. Ocean Fish 16%

On the shelf

Foods that list Fish Broth

44 foods in our catalog list it, highest on the label first.

Dave’s Pet Food Dave’s Stewlicious Surf & Turf with Chicken and Salmon for Dogs / 13.2 Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Dave’s Stewlicious Surf & Turf with Chicken and Salmon for Dogs / 13.2 Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelJinx Salmon & Vegetable Bone Broth Stew Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Salmon & Vegetable Bone Broth Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans-Whitefish, Salmon & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodAvoDermAvoDerm Grain Free 12 Cans-Whitefish, Salmon & Veggies Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Functional Pour Overs: Skin & Coat - Salmon Stew Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Functional Pour Overs: Skin & Coat - Salmon Stew Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 1 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Simmered Salmon & Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Simmered Salmon & Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelHealth Extension Broth-Licious Ocean Fish in Bone Broth -Shiny Coat Recipe Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension Broth-Licious Ocean Fish in Bone Broth -Shiny Coat Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 1 on the labelOpen Farm Goodbowl Wild-Caught Whitefish & Salmon Pâté Wet Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Goodbowl Wild-Caught Whitefish & Salmon Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Salmon -Dog and Pupp Wet Dog FoodGentle GiantsGentle Giants Natural Non GMO Ingredients Grain Free Dog and Puppy Food Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ 90% Salmon -Dog and Pupp Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelJinx Grain-Free Beef Paté Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Grain-Free Beef Paté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelKoha Pike Place Platter Slow Cooked Stew Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Pike Place Platter Slow Cooked Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelFromm Four-Star Pâté Seafood Medley Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Pâté Seafood Medley Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Adult - Shreds, Salmon, Chicken & Rice Stew Wet Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Adult - Shreds, Salmon, Chicken & Rice Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the label
Show 32 more
Jinx Grain-Free Chicken Pâté Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Grain-Free Chicken Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelArtemis Osopure Grain Free Lamb Formula Wet Dog FoodArtemisArtemis Osopure Grain Free Lamb Formula Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelArtemis Osopure Grain Free Duck Formula Wet Dog FoodArtemisArtemis Osopure Grain Free Duck Formula Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelArtemis Osopure Grain Free Turkey & Salmon Wet Dog FoodArtemisArtemis Osopure Grain Free Turkey & Salmon Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelArtemis Osopure Grain Free Beef Formula Wet Dog FoodArtemisArtemis Osopure Grain Free Beef Formula Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelVerus Canine Fish & Potato Paté Formula Wet Dog FoodVerusVerus Canine Fish & Potato Paté Formula Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelTaste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon in Gravy Wet Dog FoodTaste of the WildTaste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon in Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Ocean Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Ocean Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Inception Fish Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Fish Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Original Food Whitefish Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Whitefish Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelZignature Original Food Trout & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Trout & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelNutriSource Seafood Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Seafood Select Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelInstinct Freshly Crafted Meals Pork & Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Wet Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Freshly Crafted Meals Pork & Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelSimply Nourish Natural Solutions Skin & Coat All Life Stage Dog Meal Dog Food TopperSimply NourishSimply Nourish Natural Solutions Skin & Coat All Life Stage Dog Meal Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelBlue True Solutions Skin & Coat Care Whitefish Recipe Dog Food TopperBlueBlue True Solutions Skin & Coat Care Whitefish Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelBlue Wilderness - Chicken & Salmon Grill Wet Dog FoodBlueBlue Wilderness - Chicken & Salmon Grill Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 2 on the labelWellness Core Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or TopperWellnessWellness Core Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelFromm Four-Star Whitefish & Potato Formula Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Whitefish & Potato Formula Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 2 on the labelFromm Four-Star Surf & Turf Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Surf & Turf Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 2 on the labelJinx Grain-Free Salmon Paté Wet Dog FoodJinxJinx Grain-Free Salmon Paté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelAbound Pro Vet Formulated Puppy Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog FoodAboundAbound Pro Vet Formulated Puppy Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelHealth Extension food Grain Free Northern Catch Wet Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension food Grain Free Northern Catch Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelSimply Nourish Source High Protein Dog Meal Topper - Shreds, Salmon & Whitefish in Broth Grain-Free Dog Food TopperSimply NourishSimply Nourish Source High Protein Dog Meal Topper - Shreds, Salmon & Whitefish in Broth Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelBlue Tender Shreds Salmon & Chicken Dog Food TopperBlueBlue Tender Shreds Salmon & Chicken Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelBlue Wilderness Denali Dinner Wild Salmon Venison Halibut Dinner Wet Dog FoodBlueBlue Wilderness Denali Dinner Wild Salmon Venison Halibut Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelFromm Four-Star Salmon À La Veg® Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Salmon À La Veg® Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 3 on the labelTaste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe with Fowl in Gravy Dog Food TopperTaste of the WildTaste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe with Fowl in Gravy Dog Food TopperWet // No. 4 on the labelBlue Homestyle Recipe - Fish & Sweet Potato & Garden Vegetables Wet Dog FoodBlueBlue Homestyle Recipe - Fish & Sweet Potato & Garden Vegetables Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelPure Balance Pro+ Turkey & Potato Recipe Can Wet Dog FoodPure BalancePure Balance Pro+ Turkey & Potato Recipe Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelPinnacle dog recipes Salmon & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodPinnaclePinnacle dog recipes Salmon & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelPinnacle Salmon & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodPinnaclePinnacle Salmon & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelOpen Farm Epic Blend Salmon & Superfood Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Epic Blend Salmon & Superfood Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 31 on the label

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Total Water Intake and Urine Measures of Hydration in Adult Dogs Drinking Tap Water or a Nutrient-Enriched Water Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018 // Journal
  2. 2 Protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste reveal potential as dog food ingredients Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024 // Journal
  3. 3 Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary Research, 2016 // Journal
  4. 4 Comparative Study of the Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Ability of Soups Made from Wild and Farmed Snakehead Fish (Channa Argus) Foods, 2022 // Journal
  5. 5 Ingredient Definitions Committee Report AAFCO, 2014 // Regulator
  6. 6 Animal Food Labeling and Pet Food Claims U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. // Government
  7. 7 Heart Disease - Nutrition Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, n.d. // University
  8. 8 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis IFEEDER, NARA and Pet Food Institute, 2020 // Industry
  9. 9 Sample of grain-free dry dog food with trout & salmon Solli's Hundebedarf, n.d. // Industry
  10. 10 Ocean fish with Kelp Natural Greatness, n.d. // Industry
  11. 11 Monster Dog Bone Broth Fish Monster Pet Food, n.d. // Industry
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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