Bone broth for dogs is what a cozy bowl of soup is to us—a warm, nourishing comfort food that supports health and well-being. While you might not share your coffee or chili with your pup, bone broth is a delicious and nutrient-packed option that both of you can enjoy. It’s affordable, easy to make, and loaded with essential nutrients that benefit your dog from head to tail.

As the weather cools or your dog faces health challenges, giving your dog bone broth serves as a perfect way to boost her diet. Whether it’s joint health, gut repair, or recovery from illness, this versatile superfood can make a real difference in your dog’s overall well-being.

Below I’ll explore its many health benefits, from promoting joint health to aiding in detoxification and digestion. Plus, I'll share how you can easily prepare bone broth at home, making it a cost-effective way to elevate your dog’s nutrition.

Let's start by looking at the benefits:

The 4 Major Health Benefits Of Bone Broth For Dogs

1. Joint Health

Bone broth is a powerhouse for joint health, thanks to its abundance of glycosaminoglycans like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. These compounds help maintain the integrity of your dog’s joints by stimulating collagen production, which supports cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Unlike many joint supplements, the nutrients in bone broth are naturally resistant to digestion, meaning they are absorbed in their intact form. This allows them to act like hormones, signaling cells to strengthen and repair connective tissues. For dogs with arthritis or aging joints, bone broth is a natural way to promote mobility and reduce discomfort.

2. Liver Detoxification

The liver is your dog’s detox powerhouse, tasked with filtering out harmful toxins from food, medications, and the environment. But this vital organ can become overwhelmed, especially with today’s chemical-laden world.

Enter glycine—a key amino acid found in abundance in bone broth. Glycine supports the liver's ability to break down and eliminate toxins, ensuring it can keep up with the daily demands of detoxification.

Regular consumption of bone broth can provide your dog’s liver with the extra support it needs to function optimally. Whether your dog is exposed to synthetic flea treatments, processed foods, or household chemicals, bone broth can help ease the burden on their liver.

3. Gut Health

Your dog’s gut lining is like a sieve, allowing nutrients to pass through while keeping harmful substances out.

But factors like stress, poor diet, or bacterial overgrowth can weaken this barrier, leading to a condition called leaky gut. When this happens, undigested food particles and toxins can escape into the bloodstream, triggering allergies, sensitivities, and inflammation.

Bone broth is rich in gelatin—a sticky substance that acts as a natural sealant for those "leaks." By repairing the gut lining, bone broth helps reduce food sensitivities and improve digestion. A healthier gut means fewer digestive upsets and a stronger immune system for your dog.

4. Nutrition For Sick Or Recovering Dogs

When dogs are ill or recovering from surgery, their appetite often wanes, making it difficult to get the nutrients they need. Bone broth is a lifesaver in these situations. It’s packed with easily digestible minerals and amino acids, providing hydration and nourishment even when solid food isn’t appealing.

Additionally, glycine in bone broth aids digestion by regulating bile salts and gastric acid, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs. Think of it as the canine version of chicken soup—a comforting, healing meal that supports recovery and boosts the immune system.

How to Make Bone Broth For Dogs

Key Ingredients

The magic of bone broth starts with the right ingredients.

Choose bones rich in cartilage, such as turkey wings, chicken feet, or beef knuckles, as these are packed with joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Adding an acidic element, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, helps extract minerals from the bones, maximizing the broth’s nutritional value.

To enhance the broth, you can toss in nutrient-packed extras. Kelp adds iodine and other essential minerals, garlic supports the immune system, and shiitake mushrooms bring powerful antioxidants.

Other great additions include dandelion root for liver health and herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor and benefits.

Just make sure all ingredients are safe for dogs and avoid any seasonings or additives harmful to them.

Step-By-Step Process

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Place your selected bones in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or large stockpot. Include joint-heavy bones, as well as a mix of marrow and meaty bones for a well-rounded broth. Add 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or the juice of one lemon to help draw out nutrients. Make sure to use raw bones, not cooked bones.
2. Add Water: Cover the bones with water, leaving about two inches of space at the top. This ensures the broth remains dense and nutrient-rich.
3. Simmer Slowly: For a slow cooker or stockpot, cook the broth on low for 24-48 hours to extract the maximum nutrients. If using an Instant Pot, you can pressure cook it for 3-4 hours for a quicker option. During cooking, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
4. Strain and Cool: Once the broth is done, carefully strain it to remove bones and any solid bits. Remember, cooked bones should never be fed to dogs, as they can splinter and cause harm.
5. Optional Additions: If desired, mix in extras like kelp powder, finely chopped garlic (in dog-safe amounts), or pureed vegetables. Let the broth cool completely.
6. Storage: Pour the broth into small containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for several months. Thaw as needed and serve as a warm treat or meal topper for your dog.

By following this simple process, you’ll have a nutrient-packed bone broth that’s easy to prepare and provides a wealth of health benefits for your dog. And it's good for human consumption too.

Enhancing Bone Broth With Nutritional Add-Ons

Adding herbs and roots to bone broth can elevate its nutritional profile and provide targeted health benefits for your dog. Dandelion root, for instance, is known for supporting liver health and aiding detoxification, while sage and rosemary bring immune support and inflammation benefits. These herbs not only enrich the broth with beneficial compounds but also introduce subtle flavors your dog will love.

To use these herbs effectively, add them during the cooking process so their nutrients are fully extracted. Be mindful of the quantities to ensure the flavors remain mild and safe for your dog.

Strain the broth thoroughly to remove any large pieces before serving, ensuring the final product is smooth and easy for your dog to consume.

Shiitake mushrooms and astragalus root are other powerhouse additions for your dog’s bone broth:

1. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and have adaptogenic properties, which help your dog manage stress and support overall immune function.
2. Astragalus root, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, provides inflammation benefits and can enhance your dog’s resilience against infections.

Since some ingredients like mushrooms or astragalus root may leave behind fibrous bits, it’s essential to strain them out before serving the broth to your dog. This ensures a smooth consistency and avoids potential choking hazards.

These add-ons make bone broth an even more potent source of nutrients for your dog’s health and vitality.

How To Give Your Dog Bone Broth

Bone broth is a versatile addition to your dog’s diet, working beautifully as a meal supplement. Drizzle it over dry kibble to soften the texture and add moisture, making it easier for your dog to chew and digest.

For dogs on a raw or fresh diet, bone broth acts as a nutrient-packed base that enhances the flavor and boosts overall nutrition.

The rich gelatin and minerals in bone broth make it an excellent pairing with balanced meals, providing joint support, hydration, and gut health benefits.

Start by adding small amounts to your dog’s food and gradually increase based on their preference and tolerance.

This easy addition can transform ordinary meals into a health-boosting treat.

Special Situations

Bone broth also shines in special situations where your dog may need extra care. If your dog is sick or recovering from an illness, the warm, nutrient-rich broth can serve as an appetite stimulant and hydration source. It’s particularly useful for dogs with diarrhea or reduced appetite, offering gentle nutrition that’s easy on the stomach.

During colder months, serving bone broth warm provides a comforting treat that hydrates and nourishes your dog. It’s also a great way to encourage fluid intake for dogs who are reluctant to drink water.

Whether as a recovery tool or a seasonal indulgence, bone broth is a flexible, health-promoting addition to your dog’s routine.

FAQ

Is bone broth good for dogs? Yes, chicken bone broth is excellent for dogs, offering benefits like improved joint function, digestive health, and skin health due to its rich supply of collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids. Homemade bone broth, made by simmering bones like beef bones or marrow bones, provides a nutrient-packed supplement to your dog’s diet.

Is bone broth from the grocery store safe for dogs? Most store-bought bone broth is not ideal for dogs as it may contain harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, or excessive salt. It’s better to make your own bone broth at home using a dog-friendly bone broth recipe to ensure safety and quality.

How much bone broth can I give my dog? You can give your dog 1 to 2 tablespoons of bone broth per 10 pounds of body weight daily, depending on her size and dietary needs. Start by adding bone broth to her meals in small amounts to monitor her tolerance and gradually increase as needed.

What brand of bone broth is best for dogs? When choosing a brand, opt for one specifically made for pets, free from harmful additives, and sourced from high-quality chicken or beef bones. Homemade options often surpass store-bought ones, ensuring your dog gets a fresh and tailored nutrient boost.