Big Rock Labradoodles crown logomark

How to Make Nutrient-Rich Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s a nutritional powerhouse that provides numerous health benefits for dogs of all ages. From bolstering bone and joint health to soothing digestive issues and promoting overall well-being, bone broth has a lot to offer. In this article, we’ve prepared a special bone broth recipe tailored to your furry companion’s needs, and the best part is it’s simple to make with readily available ingredients and a slow cooker. Read on and discover how it can enhance your dog’s health and happiness.

Table of Contents

Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

Yes, bone broth is generally good for dogs and offers numerous health benefits, including support for bone and joint health, immune system boosting, digestive soothing, and more.

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, and it’s particularly beneficial for puppies, seniors, and dogs in ill health. Below are some of the remarkable health benefits of bone broth.

1. Supports Bone and Joint Health

Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, making it a valuable addition for dogs with arthritis or joint issues.

2. Boosts the Immune System

The nutrients in bone broth can enhance your dog’s immune response, helping them stay healthy.

3. Soothes Digestive Troubles

Easily digestible bone broth can soothe upset stomachs and support overall digestive health.

4. Packed with Easily Absorbable Nutrients

The minerals and nutrients in bone broth are readily absorbed by your dog’s body, promoting overall well-being.

5. Allergy Relief

Bone broth may help alleviate common food and environmental allergies in dogs.

6. Enhances Overall Health and Condition

Regular consumption of bone broth can improve your dog’s overall health and condition.

7. Benefits Skin and Coat

Bone broth can help relieve dry, itchy skin and contribute to a healthier coat.

8. Heals Leaky Gut

The nutrients in bone broth may aid in healing leaky gut syndrome.

Additional Benefits

Apart from its numerous health advantages, bone broth offers several other perks:

  • Irresistible Taste: Even the pickiest dogs love the taste of bone broth.
  • Simplicity: Making bone broth is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
  • Cost-Effective: Preparing a large batch of bone broth is cost-effective.
  • Humans Can Enjoy It: Bone broth is not just for dogs; it’s a nutritious option for humans too.
  • Versatile Ingredient: You can use bone broth as a flavorful stock in various dishes.
  • Supports Other Recipes: Bone broth can be a key ingredient in other health-boosting recipes, such as golden paste.

Important Considerations

Here are some essential points to keep in mind when making and using bone broth for dogs:

  • Not a Bone Replacement: Bone broth is not a substitute for bone or bone meal in a raw diet.
  • Don’t Discard Meats and Bits: Don’t throw away the meat, fat, and vegetable remnants; your dog will likely enjoy them. Just ensure all bones are removed.
  • Gelling Is Optional: Bone broth is fine even if it doesn’t gel; its nutritional value remains intact.
  • Variety of Bones: Using a variety of bones, including those rich in collagen, protein, marrow, gelatin, glucosamine, and chondroitin, produces the best broth. If your dog has specific protein sensitivities, choose bones accordingly. Avoid chicken bones for this purpose.

Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound beef marrow bones
  • 2 raw pig’s feet
  • 2 raw turkey feet
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 sticks celery
  • 3 large carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup parsley
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, preferably organic, with the “mother”
  • Water (enough to cover the bones by up to two inches)

Instructions

  1. Chop all the vegetables and herbs and place them in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the bones on top of the vegetables.
  3. Boil water and pour it into the slow cooker, covering the bones by about two inches. Add the apple cider vinegar.
  4. Simmer on the low setting in your slow cooker for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 to 72 hours. Remember to top up the water and prevent the pot from drying out.
  5. After cooking, remove all bones from the broth, ensuring no small bones remain.
  6. Once cooled, you can store the bone broth in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to a year.

Extra Tips for Bone Broth

  • Make Pupsicle Treats: Create bone broth pupsicles as a refreshing summer treat for your dog.
  • General Feeding: For unwell or recovering dogs, feed a spoonful or a defrosted ice cube of broth with their evening meal daily for at least a week. For general support, feed broth three times a week.
  • Mix Up the Bones: Experiment with different types of bones, such as lamb, goose, duck, turkey, or venison, and use cuts rich in connective tissue or marrow.
  • Garlic Is Safe for Dogs: Contrary to some online myths, garlic is safe and even beneficial for dogs in small quantities. It can act as a digestive aid, coat conditioner, immune booster, and natural parasite control.

Don’t Wait—Embrace the Benefits of Homemade Bone Broth

Enhance your dog’s health and delight their taste buds with this homemade bone broth recipe — a wholesome addition to their diet. Whether you have a puppy, a senior dog, or a furry friend in between, the nutritional benefits of bone broth can be a valuable part of their well-being. 

With bone broth’s potential to support joint health, boost the immune system, soothe digestive troubles, and provide a rich source of easily absorbable nutrients, it offers an array of advantages. Plus, it’s not just nutritious — it’s delicious, making it a favorite even among the pickiest eaters. So, why wait? Treat your canine companion to the goodness of homemade bone broth and see the difference it can make!

Author

Alana Holst
Australian Labradoodle Breeder  at 

Since 2011, I've dedicated myself to breeding Standard Sized Australian Labradoodles, fueled by a passion for holistic practices and exceptional quality. My focus lies in fostering strong bonds between humans and dogs, crafting loyal companions for therapy, service, and family — spreading love, one precious puppy at a time.

Alana Holst

Alana Holst

Australian Labradoodle Breeder

We make a heartfelt promise to our cherished puppies and their new families, dedicating ourselves to the health, happiness, and lifelong well-being of every Labradoodle we raise and to fostering a supportive community among our adoptive families. Learn more about us.

Divider design element
Australian Labradoodle Momma at Big Rock Labradoodles

Where Care Meets Excellence!

At Big Rock Labradoodles, we champion a comprehensive, science-based, and holistic approach in breeding and nurturing exceptional standard-sized genuine Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. Our commitment to atypical rearing strategies ensures that we never settle for the ordinary — we strive for extraordinary dogs destined for prolonged and fulfilling lives. Learn more about our code of ethics and our adoption process. When you feel ready to welcome a new family member, we invite you to fill out our adoption application — the first step towards finding your new furry family member.

Big Rock Labradoodles