VET APPROVED
REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably come across bone broth and its associated benefits. You might even have bought it for your dog. However, making your own bone broth allows you to have control over the ingredients, which is crucial if your dog has specific food sensitivities or allergies.
Besides giving your dog several essential nutrients, creating bone broth can save you money, and the process is straightforward!
Once you’ve gone through the recipe, continue reading for additional details on different methods to serve bone broth and why it is a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Essential Supplies
- Bones: You’ll need a variety of bones. Depending on your dog’s preference, you can choose beef bones or a mix like chicken feet, pig’s feet, and beef marrow bones, including bones with joints.
- Water and apple cider vinegar: To prepare the broth, cover the bones with water and add a small amount of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps extract healthy minerals from the bones and collagen from the connective tissues.
- Vegetables: Similar to bones, you can include dog-safe vegetables such as carrots and celery.
Necessary Equipment
Prior to starting, ensure you have the appropriate cooking equipment. One of the ideal ways to make bone broth is by using a slow cooker due to the extended cooking time. Alternatively, a stock pot or instant pot can also be used.
This recipe focuses on using a slow cooker. If you don’t own one, consider purchasing it, especially if you plan to make bone broth regularly. Since preparing quality bone broth may require up to 24 hours, leaving a slow cooker on overnight is the safer choice.
Vet-Approved Recipe
Ingredients
- 1–5 lb. bones (depending on pot/slow cooker size)
- Sufficient water to fill the pot/slow cooker
- 1–2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
- 3 chopped carrots (optional)
- 3 chopped celery sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Place the bones in the slow cooker — Quantity depends on the cooker size.
- Add water to cover the bones by about 1 inch.
- Include apple cider vinegar — Use 1 to 2 tablespoons based on the cooker size.
- Cover with the lid — Set on low heat or simmer.
- Cook for up to 24 hours — Bones should be soft.
- Introduce the chopped vegetables to cook gently.
- Discard the bones, ensuring they aren’t consumed by your dog.
- Turn off the cooker/stove.
- Strain if vegetables weren’t used, to remove any bone fragments.
- Cool the broth to room temperature, then refrigerate.
After cooling, remove the fat layer from the broth. A successful broth will have a gel-like texture.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate the broth for up to 4 days in the pot or a container once it reaches room temperature. Freezing it in small batches in a freezer-safe airtight container can extend its shelf life to 3 months. Thaw a serving in the fridge for 2 days before use.
Feeding Your Dog Bone Broth
Initially, give your dog a small amount of bone broth to avoid digestive issues due to its collagen content. Gradually increase the serving size to 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of the dog’s weight.
Once accustomed, explore various ways to serve bone broth to your dog:
- Freeze it in ice cube trays for hot days.
- Freeze it with dry kibble or boiled chicken inside a Kong for a lengthy treat.
- Feed refrigerated jelly broth by the spoonful.
- Warm it up and pour over regular food.
- Offer a small bowl of bone broth.
- Add a dash to the water bowl for dogs that don’t drink much water.
- Substituting water with broth in homemade treats can enhance nutrition and flavor.
Additional Suggestions
- Simmer bones instead of boiling them for maximum nutrient retention.
- Use bone broth as an occasional treat or meal enhancer rather than a replacement.
- Purchase bones from the freezer section or ask a butcher, ensuring they are free from harmful seasoning.
- Roasting bones before slow cooking can enhance flavor but isn’t mandatory.
- Dispose of bones safely to prevent harm to your dog’s mouth and GI tract.
- Check store-bought bone broth for toxic ingredients harmful to dogs like onions and garlic.
- Avoid adding seasonings like salt, as they are unnecessary for dogs.
Benefits of Offering Bone Broth to Dogs
Bone broth is a valuable addition to a dog’s diet, providing collagen, gelatin, minerals, and protein along with hydration and appetite stimulation. It can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, enhance gut health, detox the liver, promote joint health, and improve skin and coat conditions.
Summary
Making bone broth is a straightforward process that guarantees quality. By creating your own, you can ensure the ingredients are safe and beneficial for your dog’s health. It’s a worthwhile endeavor that your dog will likely enjoy without requiring extensive time or costs.
Why not give it a shot? Your dog will thank you for it, and it can lead to numerous health benefits.
Related Reads:
- Can Dogs Eat Beef Broth? Everything You Need to Know!
- Is Bone or Chicken Broth Good For Dogs with Pancreatitis? Our Vet Explains
Featured Image Credit: Brian Yarvin, Shutterstock