Does your cat turn up its nose at plain water? You are not alone! Many cat owners worry their feline friends are not drinking enough. Dehydration can cause serious health problems for cats. It can lead to kidney issues and urinary tract infections. Finding ways to encourage more liquid intake is a big concern for loving pet parents.
Choosing the right broth can seem overwhelming. Store shelves are packed with different brands. Some have ingredients you cannot even pronounce! You want something healthy and tasty for your cat. But how do you know which broth is truly the best choice? What ingredients should you look for, and which ones should you avoid completely?
This post will clear up the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great cat broth. You will learn what to check on the label. By the end, you will feel confident picking a safe and delicious broth that your cat will love. Get ready to boost your cat’s hydration game!
Top Broth For Cats Recommendations
- Savory & delicious chicken bone broth cat and dog food topper, enhances flavor & nutrition of pet food
- Easily coats and moistens dry pet food: dry kibbles and bits, freeze-dried or dehydrated snacks
- 100% all-natural; no GMOs, preservatives or colors; onion, garlic, corn & soy free
- Healthy food topper or broth for dogs & cats - naturally hydrates and encourages drinking of water
- Just pour it on! Use ¼ cup of broth per pet food meal, or serve as a delicious in-between snack
- Premium adult cat food toppers made with real tuna, shrimp and whitefish, tuna, anchovies and whitefish, or wild salmon and vegetables in a savory broth for a delicious taste cats love
- Grain free cat food mix-in variety pack features silky broth options crafted with real, carefully selected ingredients
- Purina Fancy Feast Broths for cats formulated for adult cats and intended as a complement to her regular adult cat food
- Cat food toppers containing no by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Cat broth toppers packaged in convenient wet cat food pouches for easy serving
- HYDRATION AND FLAVOR SUPPLEMENT – Add Tiki Cat Broth to your cat’s diet and give her the supplemental moisture she needs
- DRY FOOD ADD ON – Each perfectly portioned, single-serve pouch will transform your cat’s meal with a dose of flavor & moisture
- DELICIOUS GRAVY BISQUE – Pour over dry food or let them lap it up alone, each pouch is a special treat
- HEALTHY KIBBLE COMPLEMENT – Add our Broth to your cat’s food for a grain-free treat made with high-quality proteins
- NECESSARY MOISTURE ADDED – Most cats don’t drink enough water Change that when you add broth to their regular food
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO USE: Use as a food topper for picky eaters, on its own as a quick treat, or a special reward for bonding time. These multi-use treats will have your cat purring with joy!
- MADE WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Crafted with high-quality ingredients and proteins to support your cat’s health and happiness.
- BOOST HYDRATION & SUPPORT FELINE HEALTH: Delivers up to 93% moisture, helping to increase your cat's daily water consumption.
- FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Spoil your feline friend with a high-quality treat with NO added fillers and NO added preservatives.
- LARGE VALUE PACK: Discover your cat's favorite with this 1.4oz individual pouch collection! Includes 4 nourishing wild-caught tuna, shrimp & whitefish, 4 savory cage-free chicken & veggies, 4 wild-caught tuna & salmon flavors.
- Limited, Nourishing Ingredients: Applaws Bone Broth Wet Cat Food toppers are made with a carefully selected list of limited, high-quality ingredients that your cat will absolutely love. Naturally rich in essential nutrients like taurine, an amino acid vital for heart and eye health, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a shiny coat and support joint health, this food is designed to keep your cat thriving.
- Natural Goodness: At Applaws, we believe in only the best for your cat! Our wet cat food is made with 100% natural ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with natural goodness. Free from artificial additives, each serving provides a nourishing boost that supports your cat’s overall health and well-being.
- Natural Source of Collagen: Packed with high-quality, real protein and enriched with natural bone broth, these cat food toppers are crafted to satisfy your cat’s instinctive cravings for rich, flavorful nourishment. The combination of premium protein and natural bone broth creates a delicious treat that’s not only irresistibly tasty but also a powerful source of natural collagen - a vital nutruent that aids in maintaining your cat’s joint, skin, and coat health.
- Feed Their Curiosity: Turn every mealtime into an exciting adventure and keep their taste buds engaged with a diverse range of irresistible options, so there’s always a new dish for them to discover. From savory broths and rich gravies to smooth mousses, each meal provides a new and thrilling experience that will keep your cat eagerly anticipating their next bite.
- Cat Food Topper: Applaws Fish Bone Broth with Tuna Fillet Topper is a 100% natural complementary pet food for adult cats, made with nothing more than the ingredients listed. Feed as a complement to any dry cat food for a complete and balanced diet.
- DAILY DISH BEEF BONE BROTH - Veterinarian-formulated liquid meal topper made with only human grade ingredients to help support your pet’s overall health. These natural broths are a great way to add flavor and nutritional value to dry, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods.
- FOR DOGS & CATS - This savory and delicious beef bone broth for dogs and cats helps enhance the flavor and nutrition of your pet’s food. Our flavored food toppers naturally hydrate and encourage your pet to drink more liquid to help keep them healthy and happy.
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS - Our Daily Dish Broths are prepared with only natural, human grade ingredients that are prepared in small batches without any GMOs, added colors or preservatives. Our dog food toppers are made without garlic, onion, MSG, grain or soy.
- MEAL TOPPER - Just pour it on! You can use our Daily Dish Beef Bone Broth to moisten dry food, enhance the flavor and nutrition of freeze-dried or dehydrated pet food, or treat your dog to a tasty snack. Use ¼ cup of broth per pet food meal, or serve as a delicious in-between snack.
- MADE IN USA - Caru Pet Food was founded in 2014 out of love for our wonderful dog and all pets. Thanks to our proprietary cooking and packaging process, our products look, smell and taste just like homemade!
- Premium adult cat food toppers made with real wild salmon and whitefish, chicken and vegetables or tuna, chicken and whitefish in a creamy broth for a delicious taste cats love
- Grain free cat food mix-in variety pack features creamy broth options crafted with real, carefully selected ingredients
- Purina Fancy Feast broths for cats formulated for adult cats and intended as a complement to her regular adult cat food
- Cat food toppers containing no by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Cat broth toppers packaged in convenient wet cat food pouches for easy serving
- Savory & delicious pumpkin cat and dog food topper, enhances flavor & nutrition of pet food
- Easily coats and moistens dry pet food: dry kibbles and bits, freeze-dried or dehydrated snacks
- 100% all-natural; no GMOs, preservatives or colors; onion, garlic, corn & soy free
- Healthy food topper or broth for dogs & cats - naturally hydrates and encourages drinking of water
- Just pour it on! Use ¼ cup of broth per pet food meal, or serve as a delicious in-between snack
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Broth for Your Feline Friend
Cat broth is a fantastic way to boost your cat’s hydration and add extra flavor to their diet. It’s like a healthy, tasty gravy! But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks down what matters most when shopping for cat broth.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a carton or pouch of broth, check these things first:
- High Meat Content: The best broths use real meat, like chicken or beef, as the main ingredient. Look for broth where meat or bone is listed near the top of the ingredient list.
- Hydration Focus: Since cats often don’t drink enough water, the broth should be very liquid. It should be thin, not thick or gelatinous like human soup bases.
- Added Nutrients (Optional but Helpful): Some broths include beneficial extras like glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for digestion. These are nice bonuses.
- Easy Serving Size: Check if the packaging is easy to pour or comes in single-serving pouches. This helps prevent waste.
2. Important Ingredients (What’s In and What’s Out)
What makes a broth safe and healthy for your cat is just as important as the meat it contains.
The Good Stuff:
- Real Animal Protein: Chicken, beef, turkey, or fish provide essential amino acids your cat needs to thrive.
- Water: This is the foundation! It ensures maximum hydration.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Onion and Garlic Powder: These ingredients are toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Never buy a broth containing them.
- Excessive Salt (Sodium): Too much salt can harm your cat’s kidneys over time. Look for “low sodium” or “no added salt.”
- Artificial Colors and Preservatives: Your cat doesn’t need bright colors or chemicals. Simple, whole ingredients are always better.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the broth is made greatly affects its quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Slow Simmering: A longer, slower cooking process extracts more natural collagen and flavor from the bones and meat. This improves the nutritional value.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients are “human-grade,” it usually means they meet high standards for cleanliness and quality.
Quality Reducers:
- Fillers: If you see vegetable protein or starches listed high up, the broth might be using cheap fillers instead of real meat.
- Over-Processing: Broths that are heavily processed might lose some natural vitamins during manufacturing.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the broth determines which type is best for you.
Use Cases:
- Picky Eaters: Drizzle a small amount over dry kibble. This often makes the meal irresistible.
- Hydration Boost: Serve it chilled or slightly warmed as a standalone drink between meals, especially during hot weather.
- Medication Hiding: Mix liquid medicine into a small serving of broth. The flavor helps mask the taste of the pill or liquid.
- Post-Surgery or Illness: When a cat is recovering, a flavorful, easy-to-digest liquid diet is very helpful.
Most owners report that their cats love the taste. The broth should be easy to use; if it requires complicated storage or heating, it might not fit well into your busy routine.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Broth
Q: Can I give my cat regular chicken broth made for humans?
A: Generally, no. Human broth often contains high levels of salt, onion, or garlic, which are harmful to cats. Always choose broth specifically labeled for pets.
Q: How much broth should I give my cat daily?
A: Start small, maybe one or two tablespoons a day. If your cat drinks it easily, you can offer a small serving once or twice daily, but remember it is a supplement, not a complete meal replacement.
Q: Is cat broth the same as bone broth?
A: Most cat broths are a type of bone broth, meaning they are made by simmering bones. However, some broths might just be meat stock. True bone broth has higher levels of collagen.
Q: Does cat broth help with kidney disease?
A: Increased hydration is crucial for cats with kidney issues. A low-sodium broth can help keep them hydrated, but you must ask your veterinarian before making dietary changes for a sick cat.
Q: Can I warm up the broth before serving it?
A: Yes! Many cats prefer their broth slightly warm, as it mimics the temperature of freshly killed prey. Heat it gently until it is lukewarm, never hot.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the flavor?
A: Cats can be picky! If they reject chicken broth, try a different base, like beef or fish broth. Sometimes a different brand works better too.
Q: How long does opened cat broth last in the refrigerator?
A: Once opened, most cat broths should be refrigerated and used within 5 to 7 days. Check the label for exact storage times.
Q: Are there any risks to giving my cat broth every day?
A: If the broth is low in sodium and contains no harmful additives, daily use is usually safe as a supplement. The main risk is that your cat might start preferring the broth over drinking plain water.
Q: Should I look for organic ingredients?
A: Organic ingredients are a sign of higher quality, as they mean fewer pesticides were used on the animals or vegetables in the broth. It is a good feature but not strictly necessary.
Q: Can I use cat broth to rehydrate dry food?
A: Absolutely! Pouring a splash of broth over kibble softens the food, making it easier to chew and swallow, while also adding valuable moisture.