Bil-Jac has been a name in the dog food industry since 1947, with its original recipe, Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food, revolutionizing the market and even securing the first dog food patent in the United States in 1951. This family-owned company continues to operate today, and this review focuses on their cooked frozen dog food, a recipe designed for dogs of all ages and sizes, claiming to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages. While praised for its meat-first approach and the inclusion of probiotics, questions arise regarding its overall nutritional value and the presence of certain ingredients.
The Bil-Jac product line offers one frozen dog food recipe. This formula is made with fresh chicken that undergoes a gentle cooking process and is then frozen to preserve essential nutrients. It also incorporates probiotics and prebiotics aimed at supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
Pros and Cons of Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food
Pros:
- Meat is listed as the first ingredient.
- The slow-cooking method aims to preserve nutrients.
- Includes added probiotics for digestive health.
Cons:
- Only one recipe is available in the frozen line.
- Contains preservatives and cane molasses.
Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food: Ingredient and Nutrient Analysis
The primary ingredient in Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food is chicken, described as the “clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken.” Chicken is a valuable source of the ten essential amino acids crucial for a dog’s well-being.
Following chicken is wheat flour, a refined product of wheat milling. Wheat, like corn, is an economical grain with moderate nutritional value for dogs, and it’s generally not considered a preferred ingredient in high-quality dog foods.
The third ingredient is beef tripe, which consists of the first three chambers of a ruminant animal’s stomach. Despite its unappealing nature to humans, tripe is often well-received by dogs and can even contain stomach contents.
Chicken meal is the fourth ingredient. This ingredient is a meat concentrate and contains significantly more protein than fresh chicken. The inclusion of beef liver and chicken liver further enhances the protein profile, as these are organ meats from named animals, considered beneficial.
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The seventh ingredient is beet pulp, a high-fiber by-product of sugar beet processing. While some view it as an inexpensive filler, others recognize its benefits for intestinal health and blood sugar regulation. Its inclusion in reasonable amounts is generally considered acceptable.
Molasses is also present, which can be a source of minerals but is also a less refined sugar. In excessive amounts, like table sugar, it has the potential to raise a dog’s blood sugar levels.
Further down the ingredient list, several notable components enhance the formula. The inclusion of dried fermentation products serves as probiotics to aid digestion. Fish oil is a commendable addition, rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, known for their high bioavailability in dogs. Eggs are easily digestible and possess a high biological value. Furthermore, the recipe contains chelated minerals, which are minerals chemically bound to protein, making them more readily absorbed by the body. These are typically found in higher-quality dog foods.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 33.1%
- Fat: 15.3%
- Carbohydrates: 45.3%
The estimated fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 46%. Compared to typical moist dog foods, Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food offers near-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbohydrates. Even accounting for the protein contribution from brewers dried yeast, this suggests a frozen product with a moderate meat content.
Bil-Jac Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no recalls associated with Bil-Jac products listed on Dog Food Advisor. A comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009 is available.
Our Rating of Bil-Jac Dog Food
Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food is a grain-inclusive product that is pasteurized and then frozen. It utilizes a moderate amount of named meat and meat meal as its primary animal protein source. However, the inclusion of preservatives and cane molasses leads to a rating of 2.5 stars.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ∅ ∅
This rating places it as “Somewhat Recommended.”
About Bil-Jac
Founded in 1947, Bil-Jac’s legacy began with its pioneering frozen dog food recipe. Today, the company remains family-owned and continues to produce its range of pet food products.
Conclusion
Bil-Jac Frozen Dog Food offers a meat-first approach with the benefits of added probiotics, presented in a gently cooked and frozen format. However, the presence of preservatives and cane molasses, alongside a carbohydrate content that is higher than average for a moist dog food, contributes to its “Somewhat Recommended” rating. While it aims to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, discerning pet owners may want to carefully consider these factors when evaluating if this formula is the best fit for their canine companion.
Sources:
Association of American Feed Control Officials
Dog Food Advisor Recall History
