This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy something that I recommend, I might receive a small commission.
As a responsible and loving pet owner, you want to give them the best possible care and nourishment to keep them healthy and happy.
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious treat for your four-legged companion, look no further than bone broth!
Bone broth is rich in essential nutrients that are beneficial for dogs of all ages and sizes.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of bone broth, how to incorporate it into diets, and even provide you with a recipe to make your own for your beloved pup.
Bone broth, also known as stock, is a nutrient-rich liquid that can be made by simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for several hours.
This liquid is packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that benefit dogs in many ways.
However, you may have some doubts about whether bone broth is healthy for puppies or whether it can be added to dog food.
Is Bone Broth Good For My Dog?
Bone broth is one of several supplements that can help you provide your dog with extra nutrition, but not all types are safe for them to consume.
It’s important to make sure that the bone broth you’re feeding your pup is made from fresh, clean bones of animals that were ethically produced.
You can either get some bone broth from the store or make your own.
If you choose to buy from the store, be sure to read the label and avoid any products containing additives or preservatives.
The Best Bone Broth For Dogs
While there are many options on the market for store bought bone broths, here is a list of some of our favorite broths created special for dogs.
The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth
The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth is one of the most popular choices out there.
This company is well-known for its high-quality pet food products, so it’s no surprise that their bone broth is a hit too.
Their broth is made with human-grade ingredients, including human grade ingredients and organic vegetables.
It is slow-simmered for hours, removing all impurities and creating a nutrient-rich broth.
Its not only tasty, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients like collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint health.
It’s easy to use too – just mix it with water or pour it over your pup’s food.
Open Farm Bone Broth
Open Farm’s Bone Broth is another great choice sourced from a reputable pet food company.
Their broth is made with grass-fed beef bones and organic vegetables, making it extra nutritious and flavorful.
What sets Open Farm apart is their commitment to sustainability and transparency.
They have a traceability feature on their website that allows customers to find out where their ingredients come from- so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re feeding your pup the best.
Each carton is packed with collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, making it a great supplement for supporting joint health.
The Native Pet Bone Broth
The Native Pet Bone Broth is a newer brand on the market but already gaining traction due to its unique recipe.
They use 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed beef bones, which are slow-simmered for 48 hours.
The longer cooking time allows the bones to release more nutrients, resulting in a highly nutritious broth.
In addition, they have added pumpkin and turmeric, which are both known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s a great option for picky eaters or dogs with digestive issues as it’s gentle on the stomach.
If store bought options aren’t right for you, you can always choose to make your own. Keep reading to see our favorite home made bone broth recipe for dogs.
Benefits of adding bone broth to your dog’s food.
Promotes Joint Health
As dogs age, their joints become less flexible and more susceptible to arthritis and other joint problems.
The collagen present in bone broth helps to repair and protect the joints by regenerating cartilage and reducing inflammation.
Regular consumption of bone broth can help to prevent joint degeneration, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
Bone broth also contains high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health.
These substances help to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation, making it especially beneficial for larger breeds or senior dogs with arthritis.
Boosts Immunity
Bone broth is rich in immune-boosting nutrients such as glutamine, glycine, and proline.
Glycine acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce oxidative stress, while proline helps to strengthen and repair connective tissue.
Glutamine is essential for gut health and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Improves Digestion
The gelatin in bone broth can help to improve digestion by supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
It can also reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and soothe an upset stomach.
Adding it to your dog’s meals can improve their overall digestion and help them to better absorb the nutrients in their food.
Hydrates Your Pet
Just like humans, dogs need a sufficient amount of water to maintain their health.
Bone broth is a great way to provide your dog with additional hydration, especially during the hot summer months.
Additionally, the high nutrient content of the broth will help keep your pet healthy and hydrated.
Just be sure to avoid store bought that are high in sodium. High levels of sodium (salt) can actually dehydrate your pet and is hard on their bodies.
Dog-Friendly Taste
Unlike many supplements that dogs may be reluctant to consume, bone broth is typically very palatable for dogs.
It makes for a delicious and nutritious addition to their meals, so you can be confident that your pet is getting the nutrients they need.
And, it can be added to dry, wet, or raw food!
How to add bone broth to your dogs food:
Bone broth can be added to your dog’s food in a few different ways. It can be mixed into their kibble or wet food, used as a topping for dry food, or served as a treat on its own.
If you’re looking for creative ways to add it to their regular meals, here are some ideas:
- Add some bone broth to your dog’s kibble and wet food for an extra boost of flavor.
- Use it as a topping for dry food to add flavor and nutrition.
- Serve it as an occasional treat on its own or freeze it into cubes or ice cubes as a special snack. You can even add these frozen treats to your favorite kong stuffing recipe.
- Make your own homemade treats using bone broth for an extra nutritious treat.
- Use it as a gravy or sauce over their meals for added flavor and nutrition.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s take a look at how to make your own!
Recipe: Homemade Beef Bone Broth for Dogs
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 pounds beef marrow bones (or 4 raw pig’s feet (not smoked) for pork bone broth)
- 8 celery stalks
- 4 carrots or 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 cup roughly chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar
- Water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450ºF and grease a large roasting pan with olive oil.
- Place the bones in the center of pan. Fill in empty spaces with chopped celery and carrots. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, flipping the bones/feet halfway through.
- Place roughly chopped parsley in the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot or Crock Pot. Arrange marrow bones in center, then top off with as much of the veggies as will fit. Pour apple cider vinegar over everything, followed by cold water, leaving an inch of space under the max fill line.
- Close and seal Instant Pot/Crock Pot, then cook on manual mode (or slow cooker setting) for 240 minutes (4 hours). If pressure cooker only goes to 120 minutes, run it twice. For a stock pot on stove, simmer on low heat 24-48 hours, checking regularly to maintain temperature and prevent burning.
- Allow natural release of pressure or heat from slow cooker, then turn off the heat.
- When cool enough to touch, strain larger pieces with a small strainer, then run broth through a fine mesh colander to catch any loose bone bits. Chill in fridge for several hours until gel forms.
- Remove the fat from the top of the broth that has turned into gelatin.
- Serve the broth by freezing it, heating up a small amount and pouring it over your dog’s kibble during meals or offering it as a healthy snack.
Conclusion
Bone broth is a great way to give your pup an extra boost of nutrition and hydration.
Not only does it contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can help promote joint health, immunity, digestion, and overall well-being; but it also has a delicious taste that dogs love!
You can buy bone broth from the store or make your own using our easy recipe above.
Keep in mind that not all types of bone broth are safe for dogs so be sure to read labels carefully before buying or making any kind for your pet.
With these tips on how to incorporate this nutritious liquid into their diet, you’ll have one happy pup in no time!
