Amy Thompson
Bone broth has become increasingly popular among dog owners ... and for good reason. It offers many health benefits and it's easy to make.
This nutritious treat is packed with essential minerals and nutrients that can significantly enhance your dog's overall health.
Making bone broth at home ensures that your dog gets a healthy, chemical-free addition to their diet, tailored to meet her specific health needs. Here's how to make bone broth for dogs at home.
What Makes Bone Broth Good For Dogs?
Before we jump into the bone broth recipe, it's worth covering why you'd want to make bone broth in the first place.
Here's a quick overview of the biggest benefits of bone broth for dogs:
Support Joint Health And Connective Tissues
The high levels of collagen and gelatin in bone broth are beneficial for your dog's joint health. These components help maintain healthy joints, which is particularly important for older dogs or those with joint issues.
Rich In Essential Minerals
Bone broth is a potent source of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are vital for various bodily functions, including bone health and metabolic processes, making bone broth a highly nutritious addition to your dog's diet.
Supports Gut Health
Homemade bone broth is an excellent way to support your dog's gut health, especially for those with digestive issues. The gelatin in bone broth helps to soothe and repair the gut lining, promoting a healthy digestive tract.
Provides Immune Support
Bone broth offers immune support by providing vital nutrients that help detoxify the liver. The rich mineral content, including silicon, sulfur, and magnesium, plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog's immune system.
7 Step Guide To Making Organic Bone Broth For Dogs
1. Add Bones And Garlic
Start by filling your crockpot or slow cooker with raw bones, such as chicken feet and beef marrow bones, which are rich in joint-supporting gelatin. You can also add a small amount of garlic for extra flavor and health benefits, but this is optional.
As for what type of animal bones to use, it's crucial to use organic, grass-fed bones to ensure the highest quality and nutrient content.
2. Add Water And Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Next, cover the bones with water, adding an extra two to three inches above the bones. Add three to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help extract the valuable nutrients from the bones. Cook the mixture on high for one hour, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 24 hours to create a nutrient-rich broth.
3. Strain The Bones
After cooking, it's important to strain out the bones and meat from the broth.
Remember, never feed cooked bones to dogs as they can splinter and cause digestive upset or more serious digestive health problems. Discard these bones safely to prevent any potential hazards.
4. Add Extra Nutrition
For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding vegetables and herbs to the hot broth. Frozen kale, green beans, medicinal mushrooms, broccoli, kelp, and various herbs can enhance the broth's nutritional value.
Add these ingredients right after turning off the heat, allowing them to soften as the broth cools, making it even more beneficial and tasty for your dog.
5. Let Your Broth Cool
Once your broth is finished cooking, allow it to cool down. After cooling, you'll notice a hard layer of fat forming on the surface.
Remove and discard this fat layer, then check for a jelly-like consistency beneath it.
This jelly-like texture indicates a high gelatin content, which is essential for supporting your dog's joint health and gut integrity.
6. Store Your Bone Broth
To store bone broth, you have several options. If you have multiple dogs, you might want to keep the broth in the crockpot and store it in the fridge, where it should last for about four to five days.
Alternatively, you can ladle the broth into mason jars or use ice cube trays for smaller portions, making it convenient to use as needed.
Storing homemade bone broth by keeping a supply in the freezer is a great idea for emergencies or for when your dog needs an extra nutritional boost.
7. Feeding Your Dog Bone Broth
Many people wonder how much bone broth dogs can eat. A rule of thumb is that when it comes to serving, simply add two or three heaping spoonfuls of bone broth over your dog's dinner.
But there's no need to be precise; bone broth is food, not medicine, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your dog's size and preferences.
Regularly incorporating bone broth into your dog’s diet can provide ongoing health benefits, and most dogs love the taste, making it an easy addition to their meals.
Final Thoughts
Bone broth is a nutritious, easy-to-make addition to your dog's diet that supports joint health, gut health, and overall well-being.
By making bone broth at home, you can ensure it is packed with high-quality ingredients and tailored to your dog's needs.
Give it a try, and you'll likely find that your dog not only enjoys it but also reaps the many health benefits it offers.
FAQ
How do I make a bone broth for my dog? To make dogs bone broth, fill a crockpot with organic beef bones, chicken feet, or marrow bones, and add water to cover them along with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Cook on high for one hour, then simmer on low for 24 hours before straining and serving.
Is homemade bone broth safe for dogs? Homemade bone broth is safe and beneficial for dogs when made with dog-friendly ingredients like organic bones and apple cider vinegar, ensuring no added salt or harmful seasonings. This nutritious broth supports your dog's joints and overall health, providing essential amino acids and joint-protecting gelatin.
What type of bone broth is best for dogs? The best bone broth for dogs is made from a variety of bones, such as beef bones and chicken feet, combined with water and a bit of apple cider vinegar to extract nutrients. This type of broth is rich in gelatin, which supports joint health and provides essential minerals.
What to avoid in bone broth for dogs? When making bone broth for dogs, avoid using ingredients like onions, excessive salt, or any artificial seasonings that could harm your pet. Stick to natural, dog-friendly ingredients like beef bones, chicken bones, and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for optimal health benefits.
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