Bone broth is not just a trendy health food for humans, it is also a highly beneficial supplement for dogs. Packed with nutrients like amino acids, collagen, and minerals, it helps support your dog’s overall health. These nutrients can aid in keeping your dog strong, hydrated, and active. It helps your dog stay strong and hydrated.
If your dog is sick, has common health problems, or just needs more nutrients, bone broth can be a healthy and tasty option. In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of bone broth for dogs, how to feed it safely, and how to make an easy and healthy bone broth at home.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a healthy liquid made by slowly cooking animal bones, tissues, and marrow for 12 to 48 hours. This long cooking process pulls out nutrients like collagen, amino acids (such as glycine and glutamine), and important minerals.
When making or buying bone broth for dogs, avoid harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, added salt, or artificial preservatives.
Learn more about the: Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review: Ingredients & Benefits
Is Bone Broth safe for dogs?
Yes, bone broth is safe and healthy for dogs if made with dog-friendly ingredients. Cooked bones themselves are dangerous for dogs because they can chip and beget choking or intestinal injuries. Cooking and straining the bones turns them into a safe and healthy broth for dogs.
Always choose or make bone broth that’s free from onions, garlic, heavy seasoning, and preservatives. You can also find commercially prepared bone broths specifically formulated for faves.
7 Science-Backed Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
1. Improves Gut and Digestive Health
Bone broth has nutrients like collagen and gelatin that help protect your dog’s gut and reduce swelling. Dogs with dense gut patterns or habitual digestive issues may profit from the soothing parcels of bone broth.
- Gelatin: Helps seal the gut filling.
- Glycine: Supports digestive enzymes and reduces stomach acid.
- Glutamine: Repairs the gut wall and supports healthy absorption of nutrients.
2. Boosts Immune Function
Bone broth has amino acids like glycine and proline that help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. This makes it ideal for helping sick dogs recover or for boosting overall impunity in healthy dogs.
- Proline aids in wound healing and protein synthesis.
- Glycine offers Cell-protecting and Supports the immune system parcels.
3. Supports Joint and Bone Health
Bone broth has nutrients like chondroitin, collagen, and a natural substance that keeps joints and skin healthy. These support joint movement, lower swelling, and keep bones and cartilage strong, especially good for older dogs or those with joint problems.
4. Detoxifies the Liver
The liver plays a critical role in filtering out toxins from your dog’s body. Glycine found in bone broth helps support liver function and removing toxins. It helps the liver neutralize and eliminate harmful substances your dog may ingest or encounter in their environment.
5. Hydrates and Encourages Eating
Bone broth is a tasty way to help your dog stay hydrated, especially when they are sick, it is hot, or they do not want to eat. You can pour it over dry food or serve it as a drink to encourage eating.
6. Improves Skin and Coat Health
Collagen and natural joint-supporting nutrients in bone broth promote healthy skin, hydration, and coat quality. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and improve stretchiness, giving your dog a shinier, smoother coat.
7. Supports Better Sleep and Calmness
Glycine, an amino acid in bone broth, helps regulate brain messengers and may promote relaxation and better sleep. It is especially useful for anxious or older dogs who struggle with restlessness or insomnia.
How to Feed Bone Broth to Your Dog
You can incorporate bone broth into your dog’s diet in several easy ways.
- As a Meal Topper Pour over dry kibble or freezer-dried meals.
- As a Drink Serve warm or cooled in a bowl for hydration.
- Frozen Treats Freeze bone broth in silicone molds for a refreshing treat.
- During Illness. offer small portions when your dog is recovering from vomiting or diarrhea.
Start with a small amount, like 1/4 cup for small dogs and up to 1 cup for big dogs. Then slowly give more if your dog handles it well.
What to Avoid in Store- Bought Bone Broth
If you are buying pre-made bone broth for dogs, read the label carefully. Avoid products with:
- Onions or garlic
- Added salt or sugar
- Preservatives and artificial flavors
- High sodium content
Conclude for broths labeled as dog-friendly or pet-specific when possible.
Easy DIY Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs
Want to make your healthy bone broth at home? Here is a simple recipe:
🐶 Ingredients:
- 2 – 3 lbs raw bones( beef gist bones, funk bases, lemon necks, etc.)
- 2 tbsp apple cider ginger( helps prize nutrients from bones)
- 1 – 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
- Water( enough to cover bones)
Optional turmeric or parsley for added benefits
🐾 Instructions
Prep the Bones: Rinse bones to remove debris. Use bones with joints, ligaments, and marrow for maximum nutrients.
Fill the Pot: Add bones, vegetables, and apple cider vinegar to a slow cooker or large stockpot. Cover with water.
Cook Low and Slow:
- Slow cooker: Cook on low for 24 – 48 hours.
- Stove: Simmer on low heat for at least 12 – 24 hours.
Strain Carefully: Remove and discard all bones and vegetable chunks.
Cool and Store:
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in small portions( ice cell servers work great!) for up to 3 months.
You’ll notice the broth gels when cooled; that’s a sign of good collagen content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all tykes eat bone broth?
Yes, in most cases. But consult your VET if your dog has kidney disease, pancreatitis, or food sensitivities.
How often should I feed bone broth?
You can give your dog a little bone broth every day or a few times a week.
Can I use bone broth as a full meal?
No, bone broth is a supplement, not a complete meal. Always serve alongside a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts: Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?
Bone broth is a healthy, natural drink that helps your dog’s tummy, joints, skin, immune system, and more. It is especially helpful for senior dogs, picky eaters, or pups recovering from illness.
Store, bought or homemade, bone broth is an easy and healthy way to support your dog’s health.