Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?
The Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs: A Nutritious, Delicious Addition to Their Diet
Bone broth has become a popular supplement for both humans and pets, and for good reason! It's packed with nutrients that can boost your dog’s health in numerous ways. This nutrient-dense, easily digestible liquid provides dogs with key minerals, amino acids, and collagen, offering a host of benefits from helping support joint health to better digestion. In this blog, we’ll dive into the many benefits of bone broth for dogs, provide guidance on how much to feed, and share an easy-to-make recipe you can try at home.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a slow-cooked liquid made by simmering bones (often with a bit of meat attached) in water for an extended period of time. The long cooking process extracts essential nutrients such as collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin, and amino acids from the bones and connective tissues. These nutrients are not only great for humans, but they offer significant health benefits for dogs as well.
Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
1. Aids in Supporting Joint Health
One of the most significant benefits of bone broth is its high collagen content. Collagen is a key structural protein that supports joint health, and it’s especially important for older dogs or those with arthritis. Bone broth is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that are well-known for their role in maintaining healthy cartilage and joints. The levels of all the above will depend on what type of bones and from what animal they come from. Beef bones will produce Collagen ll and Chicken breast bones collagen type lll
2. Helps Boosts Digestive Health
Bone broth is incredibly gentle on the digestive system and can help improve gut health. The gelatin in bone broth works to soothe and protect the lining of your dog’s digestive tract, making it a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It’s also helpful for dogs recovering from illness, as the liquid is hydrating, high in protein and easy to digest.
3. Promotes Hydration
Since bone broth is primarily liquid, it can be a great way to encourage hydration, especially for dogs that don’t drink enough water on their own. You can add it to their meals to moisten kibble, rehydrate a freeze dried food or serve it on its own as a tasty drink. It’s also a great way of getting hydration and nutrients into dogs after surgery or who are in palliative care and who’s appetites aren’t great.
4. Aids in Appetite Stimulation
If your dog is a “picky eater” or has a diminished appetite due to illness or stress, bone broth can be a highly palatable solution. Its savory flavor appeals to most dogs, and its high nutrient density provides an easy way to help your pet regain strength and energy.
5. Can Help Support the Immune System
Bone broth is rich in key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. These nutrients help your dog’s body function optimally and fend off illnesses. Also right in water soluble minerals and electrolytes so a great option to feed after a bout of loose stools. Remember, it;s not a substitute for a balanced diet but a great addition.
How Much Bone Broth Should You Feed Your Dog?
While bone broth is a nutritious supplement, it’s important to feed it in appropriate amounts based on your dog’s size and needs. Here’s a general guideline:
Small dogs (under 9kg): 1–2 tablespoons per day
Medium dogs (9kg–24kg): 2–4 tablespoons per day
Large dogs (25–35kg): 4–6 tablespoons per day
Extra large dogs (over 35kg): 6–8 tablespoons per day
For dogs with specific health conditions, or those recovering from illness, you may want to consult your vet or nutritionist for more personalised feeding recommendations.
How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs: A Simple Recipe
Making bone broth for your dog at home is incredibly easy and cost-effective. You’ll only need a few ingredients, and the cooking process does most of the work.
Ingredients:
1-2 kg of raw bones (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, venison, goat or pork – ideally with some meat attached)
Water (enough to cover the bones completely)
Optional add-ins: Carrots, celery, turmeric (all safe for dogs in moderation)
Apple Cider Vinegar: isn’t needed but if you want to add in - 6 tbsp
Instructions:
Prepare the bones. Place the bones in a large stockpot, slow cooker, or pressure cooker. Make sure to include joints, marrow bones, or bones with connective tissues, as these provide more collagen and gelatin.
Add water. Pour water over the bones, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Simmer slowly. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low and let it cook for atleast 12 hours.. If you’re using a stovetop, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 12-24 hours. A pressure cooker can drastically reduce cooking time to about 3-4 hours.
Cool and strain. Once the broth is done cooking, allow it to cool completely. Strain out the bones and discard them (never feed cooked bones to dogs, as they can splinter and cause harm).
Skim the fat. During cooking, fat will rise to the surface. Skim this off to reduce the fat content, especially if your dog is on a low-fat diet.
Serve or store. You can refrigerate the broth for up to 3-4 days or freeze it in portions (ice cube trays work well for this) for up to 6 months.
Important Notes:
Avoid adding onions, garlic, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Always check with your vet before introducing new foods, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or medical conditions. Add anything new in gradually over 2-3 days
Conclusion
Bone broth is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, providing numerous health benefits such as helping support joint function, digestive support, and better skin and coat health. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also highly palatable, making it a great way to enhance your dog’s meals or offer as a treat on its own.
Just be sure to feed it in moderation, and always monitor your dog’s response to new foods to ensure they’re reaping the full benefits. Don’t have time to make your own check out Boil and Broth and Karnlea bone broth brands now and join The Canine Code for up to 20% off