Take a look around your local grocery store and you'll find bone broth on the shelf, next to other kinds of broth and stock. Bone broth is popular in human cuisine because it's delicious, versatile, and nutritious. And you may be surprised to learn that bone broth is gaining a lot of traction in the dog world, too.
Bone broth is made by simmering bones, herbs, spices, and other ingredients together in water for a long time (sometimes for even a day). The result is a nutrient-dense, delicious broth that can be used in other dishes or enjoyed all on its own. Bone broth for dogs can be mixed in with normal meals or given as a tasty treat by itself.
Can you grab the closest bone broth off of the grocery store shelf and start giving it to your dog? No — it's wise to keep bone broth made for humans away from your canine companion. It may contain ingredients like onions and salt that aren't safe for pets. A better choice is to pick up a bone broth made specifically for dogs or to make your own.
Read on to find out more about why bone broth for dogs is so healthy and how to make and serve bone broth to your dog.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs?
One of the greatest reasons to consider adding bone broth to your dog's diet is because it's very good for them. It's beneficial for various bodily functions and is packed with nutrients that help your dog live his or her happiest, healthiest life.
Here are some of the top benefits of bone broth for dogs:
Bone Broth Is Nutritious
One reason that bone broth is great for dogs is very simple: It's highly nutritious. This tasty liquid is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, and it's a great source of protein, collagen, glycine, and glucosamine. These nutrients provide various benefits to your pup's immune system and entire body, including the ones described below.
It Benefits Your Dog's Gut Health
The nutrients found in bone broth help with your dog's digestion. Bone broth also benefits your dog's gut health by making a condition known asleaky gut less likely.
The intestinal lining contains millions of microscopic holes that allow digested nutrients to pass through so they can benefit the rest of the body. But these holes can become bigger because of bacterial overgrowth, a poor diet, stress, and other health problems. When that happens, your dog suffers from leaky gut. With this condition, things can pass through the holes that aren't meant to, like toxins or undigested food. Usually, this results in allergies or food sensitivities.
Because bone broth contains a lot of gelatin (an ingredient produced when collagen is cooked) it can help prevent or reverse leaky gut. That's because gelatin literally plugs the larger holes in your dog's intestinal lining, only allowing the essential nutrients to pass through.
To improve your dog's gut health, you can also consider a probiotic created for dogs.Native Pet's Probiotic Powder is a great choice that can help promote a healthy microbial balance in the intestines.
It Supports Your Dog's Joint Health
Bone broth is loaded with nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which help promote collagen growth. It's one of the biggest benefits of bone broth for dogs.
Collagen is important for your dog's joint health. It's literally the cushion at the ends of your dog's bones and around the ligaments and tendons. And when your dog starts to lose some of that collagen, joint pain can develop.
Want to give your dog's joint health an additional boost with a simple dog treat?Native Pet's Relief Chicken Chews are a great option. They even contain chicken bone broth.
It Helps Detox Your Dog’s Liver
Bone broth contains high levels of an amino acid called glycine. Glycine helps the liver perform its main function: filtering toxins from your dog's body. In this way, bone broth for dogs supports liver function to helpdetoxify your dog's entire system.
It’s Hydrating and Easy on the Stomach
Because bone broth is a liquid, it's a good way to add a little moisture to your dog's diet. It never hurts to make sure your dog is well-hydrated.
Plus, bone broth is easy on Fido's tummy — it's especially helpful for a dog with a tender stomach, perhaps after having surgery or a bout of diarrhea. Think of bone broth for dogs as your four-legged friend's version of chicken soup when they're sick.
How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs
Interested in making your own bone broth? While it is a bit time-consuming, it's not incredibly difficult. First, get your ingredients together. You'll need a few pounds of raw bones with marrow. Chicken, turkey, pork, or beef bones work well, although you should never use anything that your pet might be allergic to. Visit your local butcher shop and ask them what cuts of meat contain the best bones for broth. You can also save the bones from the meat you buy at the grocery store and use those in your broth.
You'll need a few quarts of water as well as a small amount of apple cider vinegar, which helps to extract the minerals from the bone marrow and connective tissues. You can also add somepet-safe veggies and herbs, like parsley,celery, or mushrooms. (Ask your vet before including anything you're unsure about.)
Place all the ingredients together in a large soup pot, crockpot, or slow cooker and cook on low heat for 12 to 24 hours. Allow the mixture to cool. Remove all of the cooked bones and discard them. Never give your dog cooked bones, as they present a choking hazard.
Next, put the broth in the refrigerator. Once all the fat has risen to the top, skim it off and discard it. Then, you're ready to give this superfood to your pet.
If researching the right bone broth recipe for your dog and making your own homemade bone broth seems like a lot of work, don’t worry.Native Pet's Grass-Fed Bone Broth Topper can be mixed with water to create a delicious broth or simply sprinkled on top of dry food or wet dog food for a nutritional boost.
It’s always a good idea to choose a dog-specific bone broth or follow a recipe that specifically states it’s intended for dogs. While dog bone broth and bone broth made for humans can be very similar, human bone broth could be made with potentially harmful ingredients like onions and may contain preservatives and additives that you don’t want your pet consuming.
How to Safely Feed Bone Broth
Whether you make your own bone broth or purchase a premade version, it’s important to give it to your dog in a safe way.
Keep the portion size small. Add one or two tablespoons of bone broth to your dog's normal meals at first. If your dog seems to like it, you can add a bit more. But too much of any new food can upset your dog's digestive system, so only give your dog a few ounces of bone broth per day. And again, always remove the bones before feeding your dog bone broth. Bones present a choking hazard.
You can store your bone broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a year. Another idea is to pour bone broth into an ice cube tray and freeze it. (This will also keep for up to a year.) Then, you have a convenient serving size you can warm in the microwave before adding it to your dog's kibble. Just be sure to test it with your finger to make sure it's not too hot.
Bone Broth for Dogs: Delicious and Nutritious
Looking for a way to add some extra nutrition and health benefits to your dog's diet in a tasty package? Pet parents can give their dog a healthy bone broth as a nutrient-packed, delicious addition to a meal or all on its own.
Bone broth for dogs helps to promote a healthy gut, the liver’s detoxification of the body, joint health, and hydration, all while providing a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
If you're making your own bone broth, follow a recipe intended for dogs, and always ask your vet if you're unsure about a particular ingredient. When adding pre-packaged or homemade bone broth to your dog's meals, keep the portion size small so as not to upset your dog's stomach. And remember that you can add broth to pet food or let your dog slurp it up all by itself.
To learn more about your dog's health and wellness needs,visit the Native Pet blog for more articles.
FAQs
How much bone broth should I give my dog per day? ›
For pets under 20 pounds, serve them 1 oz of bone broth a day. For pets between 20-40 pounds, serve them 2 oz of bone broth a day. For pets between 50-80 pounds, feed them 4 oz of bone broth a day. For pets 80+ pounds, feed them 6 oz of bone broth a day.
Can dogs drink bone broth everyday? ›Absolutely! While bone broth alone should not be used as a meal replacement, it's a nutritious addition to your dog's regular feeding schedule to complement their normal diet. Meal additives should be combined with a healthy diet.
Can I give my dog bone broth with every meal? ›Add one or two tablespoons of bone broth to your dog's normal meals at first. If your dog seems to like it, you can add a bit more. But too much of any new food can upset your dog's digestive system, so only give your dog a few ounces of bone broth per day.
Do vets recommend bone broth for dogs? ›Yes, dogs can eat bone broth every day. It should be used as a healthy dog food topper with their regular meals. However, it is not recommended to feed it as a replacement for your dog's regular meals. It does not have the full amino acid profile for your pet to live on.
Is chicken or bone broth better for dogs? ›Bone broth is good for dogs because it is full of important vitamins and proteins. The amino acids and nutrients are important to helping your dog maintain adequate collagen levels in their body.
What kind of bone broth is best for dogs? ›- Brutus Bone Broth. ...
- Nature's Diet Pet Original Bone Broth. ...
- The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth for Dogs. ...
- Solid Gold Chicken Broth Dog Food Topper. ...
- Native Pet's Bone Broth for Dogs. ...
- Open Farm Bone Broth. ...
- Merrick Bone Broth.
Bone broth can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week and frozen up to 12 months. We recommend freezing in ice cube trays, which is a great way to have single servings readily available. Just warm the frozen stock up before feeding to your pup.
How much is too much bone broth for a dog? ›A standard serving of bone broth for a dog is 1 ounce of broth for every 10 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a single serving for a 100-pound dog is 10 ounces. Your dog can eat up to two servings per day.
Can you add bone broth to dry dog food? ›While bone broth isn't nutritionally complete for exclusive long term feeding, you can use it as a base for a complete meal or as a supplement for your dogs regular diet. Bone broth is a healthy way to moisten dry food, hydrate your dog when he's sick, and you can even share it with your dog and reap the same benefits!
Is bone broth good for older dogs? ›Giving it to your pup provides additional nutrition AND encourages them to eat. Add bone broth to their diet and your senior pup will likely eat more -- without much effort from you. Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin that can help ease pain of osteoarthritis, a common ailment affecting older dogs.
Can you replace meals with bone broth? ›
Bone broth is a great meal replacement because of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids. So you can consume it even after a fast or while exercising. Be sure to remember that it is low in calories. So you should add some healthy fats and ingredients to make it a meal.
Can you mix broth with dog food? ›Can I put chicken broth in dog food? Yes, you can pour low-sodium or homemade bone broth on top of your dog's dry or freeze-dried raw food to soften it up and add a flavor boost.
Is bone broth good for dogs with arthritis? ›Is bone broth good for dogs with arthritis? Yes. In fact in humans, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine (both naturally found in bone broth) are two popular joint-supporting compounds that are sold as pricey supplements intended to help reduce inflammation, arthritis and joint pain.
Are carrots good for dogs? ›Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog's teeth (and fun) and it is included in many dog foods.
Can bone broth cause diarrhea in dogs? ›Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs Include
eating too much protein or fat-rich food (I once fed Shaia too much fat skimmed off the top of the bone broth and that caused the runs. Getting into the cat's food will do it too). parasites (giardia is common in dogs).
Digestive Upsets
Pumpkin is a natural source of fibre. Cooked and mashed pumpkin with no added salt can help settle down an upset stomach , improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, prevent hairball build up and help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhoea.
Bone broth, sometimes called stock, is liquid made from boiling animal bones and connective tissue. Chefs use stock as a base for soups, sauces, and gravies.
What can I put in my dogs bone broth? ›The important part is to add raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the pot … this is the magic ingredient that makes sure your broth has all of that great and healthy gelatin in it … it also pulls the nutritious minerals out of the bones. I'll add about three or four tablespoons of vinegar to a pot this size.
Does freezing bone broth destroy nutrients? ›Freezing bone broth does not kill its nutrients, but overheating at high temperature can destroy some of its nutrients. So, be aware when reheating thawed broth in the microwave to not overdue the time or temperature.
Does bone broth cause weight gain for dogs? ›Bone broth is low in calories and fat, so you can give it to your dog every day. But it's still important to keep the portion sizes moderate to prevent your pup from gaining weight. If you use store-bought bone broth, follow the serving size recommendations on the package.
Does bone broth need vinegar? ›
Adding vinegar to the mix helps draw minerals out of the bones. Add a generous splash of apple cider vinegar to help with the process. You can also use organic red wine vinegar in beef or lamb bone broths that give it a great flavour.
Are eggs good for dogs? ›Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.
Are blueberries good for dogs? ›Yes, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.
Is celery good for dogs? ›Celery is listed among the vegetables that are safe for dogs by multiple sources, including the veterinary website Vetstreet.com, and is often recommended as a weight-loss treat. Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese.
Why bone broth is the ultimate superfood for senior dogs? ›Aside from multiple amino acids and the nutrients listed above, bone broth is naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which have been proven to aid in the relief of arthritis symptoms that often plague senior dogs.
Is store bought bone broth as good as homemade? ›Many store-bought bone broth brands take short cuts by decreasing cooking time or by using additives. As a result, they produce inferior quality broths, both in flavor and nutrition.
What kind of bone broth is healthiest? ›Beef bone broth or chicken bone broth contains the purest form of collagen to support your muscles, bones, and joints, as well as your hair, skin, and nails. It's so easy to make and so delicious you'll want to have two cups every day!
Is store bought bone broth healthy? ›You can always make your own bone broth, but if you're strapped for time, store bought is totally fine. Slayton recommends buying ones made with organic and grass-fed meat whenever possible, since you're basically distilling (and consuming) the essence of the bones.
Is broccoli good for dogs? ›Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
What is a good liquid to mix with dog food? ›What liquid can you add to dog food? You can mix liquid dog food such as meat broth, oil, and milk as they are rich in healthy fats and calories.
How do you replenish electrolytes in dogs? ›
- Mix 4 cups of water + 1 tablespoon dextrose or honey + 1 teaspoon salt.
- Bring the water to a low boil and add the dextrose/honey and salt. ...
- Offer small amounts of the solution, 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon depending on the size of your dog, every 20-30 minutes.
Just as in humans, grains can cause inflammation in dogs, as well. Wheat, rye, and barley all contain gluten, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms.
What is the best thing to give an older dog for arthritis? ›If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, your veterinarian can recommend nutraceuticals such as fish oil, glucosamine, MSM, MicroLactin (Duralactin), and herbal supplements, or prescribe daily pain medication to keep her comfortable.
What is the best natural remedy for arthritis in dogs? ›- Comfrey. Comfrey has pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. ...
- Frankincense. Frankincense is an all-around perfect herbal remedy. ...
- Yucca. Yucca is often used in arthritis medications for humans as well as animals. ...
- Alfalfa. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Diet. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Supplements.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.
What fruit is best for dogs? ›- Apples.
- Bananas.
- Blueberries.
- Cantaloupe.
- Cranberries.
- Cucumbers.
- Mango.
- Oranges.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes or Raw Sweet Potatoes? White potatoes are vegetables in the nightshade family that contain a compound called solanine. This is toxic to dogs, and therefore, they should never eat raw potatoes. Cooking a potato helps reduce the amount of solanine so that it's safe for dogs.
› Dog Health and Behavior ›Bone Broth for Dogs - What's the Big Deal?
What Are The Benefits Of Bone Broth For Dogs?
Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs (And Are There Any Risks?)
In short, yes—chicken broth is a generally safe addition to make to your dog's diet. “I routinely recommend chicken broth as a palatability enhancer for dogs with picky appetites,” says Dr.
Can you give your dog too much bone? ›Too many bones may lead to constipation. The general guideline is one to two raw bones per week with a few days in between each serving, but this may vary between individual dogs so talk to your vet for advice. Speak to your vet about your dog's nutrition.
Can bone broth replace bones for dogs? ›
Bone broth is not a replacement for bone in a raw meal for dogs. Bones provide calcium and phosphorus, help clean our dogs' teeth, and satisfy their chew drive. While bone broth is very nutritious, it should be fed as a whole food supplement and not as a replacement for the bone portion of a raw diet.
Can I give my dog regular chicken bone broth? ›In short, the answer to “can dogs have chicken broth” is yes. However, like any other human food you might give your dog, it's important to check the ingredients in the chicken broth to make sure that your dog isn't accidentally eating harmful seasonings or additives.
How much is too much bone broth for a dog? ›A standard serving of bone broth for a dog is 1 ounce of broth for every 10 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a single serving for a 100-pound dog is 10 ounces. Your dog can eat up to two servings per day.
Are carrots good for dogs? ›Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog's teeth (and fun) and it is included in many dog foods.
Is broccoli good for dogs? ›Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
What are the safest bones for dogs? ›Raw bones are considered safer than home-cooked because they don't splinter as easily. Raw bones like chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or even oxtail can be safer bone options for your pet.
Why is my dog panting after eating a bone? ›With each grind of their back teeth their bodies absorbed the minerals locked inside the bone and their teeth were naturally cleaned by the grinding action. After about an hour they lifted their heads, panting from the exhaustive physical and mental effort it takes to eat a raw bone, and rested contently.
What's the best bones for dogs? ›Stay away from cooked turkey, chicken, and pork bones as they can easily splinter. Instead, buy raw, domestically-produced beef shank bones as they are big enough that your dog won't be able to swallow them and won't hurt their teeth.
Can bone broth cause diarrhea in dogs? ›Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs Include
eating too much protein or fat-rich food (I once fed Shaia too much fat skimmed off the top of the bone broth and that caused the runs. Getting into the cat's food will do it too). parasites (giardia is common in dogs).
Giving it to your pup provides additional nutrition AND encourages them to eat. Add bone broth to their diet and your senior pup will likely eat more -- without much effort from you. Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin that can help ease pain of osteoarthritis, a common ailment affecting older dogs.
How can I make my dogs bones naturally? ›
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, oil and water.
- Gradually add flour, then oatmeal. You'll have a ball of dough.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with dog bone cookie cutter.
- Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.
The important part is to add raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the pot … this is the magic ingredient that makes sure your broth has all of that great and healthy gelatin in it … it also pulls the nutritious minerals out of the bones. I'll add about three or four tablespoons of vinegar to a pot this size.
Can you add bone broth to dry dog food? ›While bone broth isn't nutritionally complete for exclusive long term feeding, you can use it as a base for a complete meal or as a supplement for your dogs regular diet. Bone broth is a healthy way to moisten dry food, hydrate your dog when he's sick, and you can even share it with your dog and reap the same benefits!
Is pumpkin good for dogs? ›Digestive Upsets
Pumpkin is a natural source of fibre. Cooked and mashed pumpkin with no added salt can help settle down an upset stomach , improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, prevent hairball build up and help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhoea.