How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs: An Easy Guide for Your Furry Friends

Just as humans cherish a warm cup of bone broth for its soothing, nutritious qualities, our canine companions can similarly reap the benefits. Today, we’ll explore how to make your bone broth for dogs at home.

Bone Broth: A Powerhouse of Nutrition for Your Dogs

Bone broth is a fantastic supplement for dogs. It provides a comforting treat and offers essential nutrients such as collagen, glycine, and glucosamine, which support their digestive health, joints, and overall well-being. Some of the benefits include:

1. Joint Health: One of the most significant benefits of bone broth is its support for your dog’s joints. The slow simmering of bones extracts glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health. These compounds can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and improve joint mobility, especially in older dogs.
2. Gut Health: Bone broth contains gelatin (broken down collagen), which helps to protect and heal the lining of the digestive tract. This can be particularly helpful for dogs with food sensitivities, upset stomachs, or other digestive issues.
3. Immune Support: The gut is often considered the ‘second brain’ and is critical to immune function. By supporting gut health, bone broth indirectly aids in maintaining a robust immune system.
4. Nutrition Boost: Bone broth provides an array of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace minerals in a form that’s easy for dogs to absorb. This makes it a great supplement, especially for dogs with decreased appetite or those recovering from illness.
5. Skin and Coat Health: The collagen and gelatin in bone broth support skin and coat health, promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.
6. Hydration: Bone broth is an excellent source of hydration, especially for dogs who aren’t keen on drinking enough water. Its delicious taste can entice them to consume more fluids.
7. Appetite Stimulant: The tasty flavor of bone broth can also serve as an appetite stimulant for picky eaters or dogs who may be off their food due to illness or medication.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

We’ll use natural, wholesome ingredients for this dog-friendly bone broth.

• 2-3 pounds of bones (You can use chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb bones. Organic and grass-fed bones are recommended.)
• Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• Water (enough to cover the bones in your pot)
• Optional: Carrots, celery, and parsley for extra flavor and nutrients

Note: Avoid using onions and garlic, as these are harmful to dogs.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather your bones and optional veggies. If you’re using vegetables, chop them into large pieces.
2. Vinegar Soak: Place your bones in a large pot or slow cooker and cover with water. Add the apple cider vinegar and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The vinegar helps to pull the nutrients out of the bones.
3. Cook Slow and Low: After the soak, place your pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. If using a slow cooker, set it to low. Let it cook for 24-48 hours. The longer it simmers, the more nutrients it will have.
4. Cool Down: Once cooked, let the broth cool.
5. Strain: Strain the broth to remove the bones and vegetables. Ensure no small bone fragments are left behind.
6. Store: Pour the broth into containers and refrigerate. The broth will likely gel – a sign that it’s full of nutritious collagen.
7. Serve: Once cooled, serve it to your dog as a liquid treat, meal topper, or frozen as a refreshing snack.

Bone Broth Serving Tips

For most dogs, a few tablespoons of broth a day is plenty. Start slow if your dog has never had bone broth before, and always observe them for any changes or allergies.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it, a nutritious, delicious treat for your dogs that you can make right in your kitchen. Remember, while bone broth is a fantastic supplement, it shouldn’t replace a balanced, complete dog diet.

As we approach the end of summer, it’s the perfect time to treat your furry friend to some homemade bone broth and a nice spa day.  Contact us at The Sudsy Puppy if your dog needs a spa day or bath.  We now have three salons in Severna Park, Crofton and Piney Orchard, as well as a mobile van.