Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?

This is a good question, pet parents! We all love to spoil our pups and keep them happy and healthy. At the same time, we want to feed our dogs only what’s beneficial to them.

Bone broth is a hot topic; many claim it’s fantastic for our furry friends. It’s said to be great for their joints, skin, and even their mood!

But is bone broth really as good for your dog as everyone says? If you’re considering giving your pup bone broth and want to know if it’s worth the hype, we have the answers.

Let’s dive into the benefits of bone broth for dogs and find out!

What Is Bone Broth?

Okay, let’s start with the basics. What is bone broth? It’s the tasty liquid you get from simmering animal bones and connective tissues in water for quite a long time. People have been making bone broth for ages, going back to when our hunter-gatherer ancestors made sure to use every bit of the animal.

However, it’s different from stock, which you simmer for an hour or two. We’re talking about simmering bones for 12 to 24 hours, maybe days!

Because it cooks so long, often in a slow cooker or crockpot, it draws out loads of good stuff from the bones and tissues—like collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Bone broth for dogs can be made from various animal bones. Some popular options include:

• Beef

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Pork

• Lamb

• Fish Bones

Any marrow bones or connective tissue can be used, including feet, beaks, gizzards, spines, legs, hooves, hocks, whole carcasses, or fins. Some pet parents even add veggies and a splash of apple cider vinegar to their homemade bone broth recipe to enhance the nutrient profile.

Is Bone Broth Safe For Dogs?

Okay, so we know what bone broth is, but the big question is: Can dogs even have bone broth safely? Is bone broth good for dogs?

The short answer is yes, but as with anything related to your dog’s diet, there are some important considerations.

First, avoid the store-bought varieties in the human food aisle or grocery store. While these may seem the easy option, they often contain toxic ingredients and preservatives. Seasonings like onions and garlic, in particular, can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. 

Veterinary nutritionists strongly advise sticking to high-quality bone broths specifically formulated for dogs to avoid risky ingredients.

If you’re making your own bone broth, remove all cooked bones before serving to your pup. Raw bones can be a safe and healthy dog treat (under supervision). Still, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking hazards or internal injuries.

If you follow these guidelines and talk to your vet, bone broth can be a safe and tasty addition to your dog’s diet or even a new food for picky eaters.

8 Health Benefits Of Bone Broth for Dogs

Now that we’ve established that bone broth is safe for dogs, let’s explore its benefits.

Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to get excited about!

1. Joint Health

As dogs age, the cartilage cushioning their joints wears thin, which can cause arthritis and joint pain. Bone broth is a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which support healthy cartilage, ligaments, and joint function.

According to pet nutritionists, the amino acids in collagen may help reduce inflammation, soothe aching joints, and potentially slow down joint degeneration. Some pet parents even add turmeric to their homemade bone broth for additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

For older dogs, this means more comfortable movement and a return to playful antics!

2. Digestive Health

Suppose your dog occasionally gobbles up something it shouldn’t or has a sensitive tummy. In that case, bone broth may be a lifesaver for digestive issues. The gelatin in bone broth is thought to soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract, promoting overall gut health.

For dogs with leaky gut (where particles can “leak” through the gut lining), gelatin may help seal those holes and only allow fully digested nutrients to pass through.

Some dog parents also find bone broth can help with diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite when their pup has an upset stomach.

3. Hydration

Keeping your furry friend hydrated is key to overall health, especially during hot summers or after exercise. However, some dogs can be stubborn about drinking enough water.

Bone broth is a great way to give your dog more fluid. Its high moisture content and meaty smell can even entice the most reluctant drinkers. Some vets even recommend it for sick dogs or those prone to dehydration.

Pro tip: freeze bone broth in ice cube trays for a cool, hydrating treat!

4. Immune System Support

What’s the first thing you crave when feeling run down with a cold or flu? A bowl of chicken bone broth, of course! This old wives’ tale isn’t just a myth.

Holistic vets believe bone broth contains many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to boost your dog’s immune system. A stronger immune system can help your pup fight infections, allergies, and other hypersensitivities.

5. Coat and Skin Health

A shiny, healthy coat is a source of pride for many pet parents. But did you know that up to 35% of your dog’s diet goes towards skin and coat health, according to pet experts? And what’s the richest source of bioavailable collagen protein? You guessed it - bone broth!

The collagen extracted during the simmering process may strengthen skin cells, reduce shedding and hot spots, and leave your pup’s coat looking shiny and healthy. Some dog parents even find bone broth helps with paw licking and itchy skin, promoting overall healthy skin.

6. Nutrient Absorption

Bone broth contains vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. But it’s not just about ingesting them - it’s about absorbing them.

The amino acids in bone broth are thought to enhance the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the body. Thus, your dog can get the most out of every vitamin and mineral, supporting its overall health.

7. Detoxification

Part of your dog’s liver’s job is to filter out toxins and metabolic waste products. However, this detox process requires adequate amounts of an amino acid called glycine, which happens to be found in bone broth.

Bone broth may help support and optimize your pup’s natural detox pathways by adding a glycine boost. This could allow their liver to work better at getting rid of bad stuff, contributing to your dog’s health.

8. Appetite Stimulant

Is your dog a picky eater who turns up their nose at mealtime? That savory, meaty smell coming from bone broth may be what they need to regain their appetite!

Adding a bone broth topper or gravy to their regular kibble or dry food makes it a million times more yummy for many dog owners, especially seniors who may have lost their sense of smell and taste. It’s like a flavor bomb in kibble!

The Best Dog Food Topper That Contains Bone Broth

Now that you know all the benefits of bone broth for dogs, you’re probably wondering how to add it to your pet’s diet. While making homemade bone broth is an option, it’s a bit of a time suck. If you don’t have the hours (or patience) to simmer bones and strain, don’t worry - there’s a simpler solution!

Introducing DogSauce Bone Broth Meal Topper! This formulated, nutrient-dense toppers turn any dry or wet dog food into a superfood. Made with human-grade ingredients, this premium, all-natural product has all the essential nutrients for your dog’s needs.

Unlike many other dog food toppers packed with fillers and mystery ingredients, DogSauce stands out with its simple, recognizable superfoods. Each single-serve packet contains:

• Bone Broth

• Sweet Potato Puree

• Carrots

DogSauce has zero preservatives, artificial additives, or unpronounceable ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for your furry friend.

Our two best sellers are Beef Bone Broth & Sweet Potato and Chicken Bone Broth & Sweet Potatoes. They combine the benefits of real bone broth with digestive-soothing sweet potatoes and antioxidant-rich flaxseed. Just tear, pour, and mix for an instant nutrient boost!

Conclusion: Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?

Adding bone broth to your dog’s diet can be highly beneficial, whether you make it yourself or choose a high-quality dog-specific option.

Bone broth supports:

• Joint Health: Thanks to glucosamine and hyaluronic acid.

• Digestive Health: Promotes a healthy digestive system.

• Skin and Coat Heath: Thanks to collagen.

With Dog Sauce, you’ll help your furry friend thrive!