The Many Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

When it comes to canine nutrition, few additions to a dog’s diet are as simple and powerful as bone broth. Bone broth is packed with nutrients, easy to digest, and naturally flavorful. It is one of the most beneficial and affordable whole-food supplements you can provide for your dog. Whether you’re supporting a picky eater, a dog recovering from illness, or simply looking to boost your dog’s overall wellness, bone broth is a safe, holistic way to help.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by slowly simmering animal bones (chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb) with water, and sometimes vegetables or herbs, for many hours. This slow cooking process extracts nutrients like collagen, amino acids, gelatin, glucosamine, and minerals into a nutrient-dense liquid that supports multiple systems in the body.

The best bone broth for dogs comes from bones that contain a lot of connective tissue — such as joints, knuckles, and feet. These cuts are rich in collagen and cartilage, making the broth more beneficial for joint health and mobility. I love making bone broth with beef knuckle bones and pasture raised and organic chicken feet.

Key Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

1. Joint Health and Mobility

Rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, bone broth supports joint lubrication, reduces inflammation, and promotes mobility.

2. Digestive Support

Amino acids like glycine and glutamine soothe the digestive tract and help repair the gut lining, making bone broth ideal for sensitive stomachs or post-antibiotic recovery. Bone broth is especially helpful for dogs with a “leaky gut”.

3. Immune System Boost

Packed with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, bone broth helps strengthen your dog’s immune defenses. The majority of your dog’s immune system cells lie in their gut, so improving gut health with bone broth supplementation also supports immune system health.

4. Hydration and Appetite Support

Bone broth adds flavor and moisture to meals, encouraging picky eaters and promoting healthy hydration. Proper hydration goes beyond drinking large amounts of water. With human athletes, it is well known that they must consume electrolyte and mineral-rich liquids to properly hydrate their bodies. Most dogs are not offered any liquids except water, which can impact puppies, unwell dogs, canine athletes, and dogs with kidney problems. Offering bone broth is small amounts is well-tolerated by most dogs and a fantastic way to hydrate your dog without depleting their mineral and electrolyte stores.

5. Detoxification Support

Glycine supports liver detoxification, aiding dogs exposed to medications or environmental toxins.

6. Skin, Coat, and Nail Health

Collagen improves skin elasticity, strengthens nails, and promotes a shiny coat. Collagen and gelatin is lacking in ALL kibble diets, so supplementing it through whole foods is essential for overall health.

How to Safely Add Bone Broth to Your Dog’s Diet

• Homemade is best: Use bones with plenty of connective tissue (like joints, knuckles, and chicken feet) for maximum nutrition.

• No toxic ingredients: Never add onions, large amounts of rosemary (can trigger seizure disorders), or excessive table salt.

• Serving size: Small dogs can start with a few tablespoons; large dogs can have up to half a cup per meal.

• Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for single servings.

Dog-Safe Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2–3 lbs of raw or cooked bones (chicken feet, beef knuckles, turkey necks, or other bones with connective tissue)

• 4–6 cups water (enough to cover bones fully)

• 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps pull nutrients from the bones)

Instructions:

1. Place bones and vegetables (if using) in a large pot or slow cooker.

2. Add water until bones are fully covered.

3. Add apple cider vinegar.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a very low simmer. Cook for:

   • Stovetop/slow cooker: 12–24 hours

   • Instant Pot/pressure cooker: 2–3 hours

5. Allow to cool, then strain out bones and vegetables.

6. Refrigerate; the broth should form a gel-like consistency once cooled (this means it’s rich in collagen). If your broth does not gel, that is okay! It is still rich in nutrients and very beneficial to feed. Next time, add more feet or knuckle joints to achieve a more gelatinous consistency.

7. Remove any hardened fat and discard from the top before serving to your dog. DO NOT FEED THE HARDENED FAT.

Serving Suggestion: Pour over your dog’s regular meals, freeze into cubes as a treat, or serve warm on a cold day.