Our furry besties deserve all the good things in life. From new squeaky toys and belly rubs to long days at the dog park, we’re constantly looking for ways to spoil them with healthy TLC.
Now there’s a new treat trending in the pet wellness world, leaving many pup pawrents wondering: Is bone broth good for dogs? Can dogs have bone broth at all?
Like most things in life, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. So let’s dive into the facts to separate the hype from the science and find the best option for your four-legged companion.
WHAT IS BONE BROTH EXACTLY?
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues with water for an extended period (12–18+ hours). Sometimes vegetables, herbs, and spices are added too.
Bone broth has enjoyed its status as a health and wellness staple for centuries, with people following paleo, primal, keto, and whole-food diets giving it a resounding thumbs up. So, can our canine roommates join in on the fun?
IS BONE BROTH GOOD FOR DOGS? HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE
After a hunt, your dog’s wolf ancestors could easily access the nutrients and marrow in raw bones. But your pup lacks the teeth and jaw strength to extract those nutrients today.
Bone broth is the modern-day solution! Slow-simmering whole bones, ligaments, and tendons coaxes out all the nutrients and marrow, giving your pup instant access to the nutritional gems they instinctively crave.
Specifically, bone broth is loaded with:
COLLAGEN
Bone broth contains the highest source of dietary collagen. Depending on the type of bones used, cooking time, and other ingredients, a cup of bone broth may have 6–12 grams of collagen protein.
As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen acts like glue to hold everything together — from your skin, intestinal lining, organs, and muscle tissues to your bones.[*]
And guess what? The same is true for your dog! Collagen is vital to your pup’s skin, coat, and fur. But like humans, their natural collagen production also declines as they age.
AMINO ACIDS
As carnivores, dogs rely on the protein found in meat to thrive. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and they’re crucial for muscle growth and repair, optimal digestion, and more.
Bone broth contains nearly 20 amino acids, many of which are essential amino acids humans and dogs need to get from our diets because our bodies cannot make them.[*][*]
GLUCOSAMINE + CHONDROITIN
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in our cartilage, our dog’s cartilage, and in the cartilage of cows and pigs (and the shells of crabs, oysters, and shrimp).[*][*] They help give cartilage structure and cushion joints.
ESSENTIAL VITAMINS, MINERALS, + ELECTROLYTES
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium are essential minerals and electrolytes that play a role in healthy teeth, bones, muscle contractions, heart health, sleep, and more. They’re also necessary to ensure your pup maintains optimal hydration levels.
Other minerals in bone broth, like iron, zinc, and selenium, come from bone marrow, just like vitamins A, B2, B12, and E.[*] These all contribute to a healthy micronutrient intake.
This bonafide bone broth crew may explain:
THE TOP 6 BONE BROTH BENEFITS FOR DOGS
Is bone broth good for dogs? The tail wags yes!
Though some online claims about this golden broth might seem pawsitively magical for our four-legged friends, here’s what science really says about how bone broth benefits dogs:
1. BONE BROTH MAY BOOST HYDRATION 💦
Hydration means your dog has optimal body water and electrolyte levels. Most dogs get the majority of their electrolytes from their food.
But if your bestie would rather drink from puddles at the park than their cool, filtered water bowl, you could have a problem. Dehydration is a common concern for dogs, especially after long walks, playtime, and during hot and humid months.
Good news? Bone broth may be a fantastic way to increase your pup’s fluid and electrolyte intake in one go.
2. BONE BROTH MAY BE A DIGESTIVE DELIGHT 🐕
If you like to tuck into a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather, you’re not alone. So, is chicken bone broth good for dogs when they’re not feeling well? You bet!
Our curious companions often eat things they’re not supposed to. These unapproved snacks can create inflammation and gradually wear down their gut lining.
With leaky gut syndrome, small holes in the gut lining allow undigested food particles and other toxins to spill out of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and into their bloodstream, causing everything from chronic health conditions and digestive troubles to food sensitivities and allergies.[*][*]
When your pup’s been sick or has diarrhea, they’re more prone to dehydration but may not want to eat or drink anything. Fortunately, the easily digestible nature of bone broth can help them rehydrate, settle queasy stomachs, and nourish their GI system at the same time.
It’s bursting with gut-nourishing ingredients (like collagen!) to tame inflammation, repair the protective gut lining, and improve overall digestive health.[*][*][*]
3. IT MAY HELP YOUR DOG JUMP FOR JOINT HEALTH JOY 🥳
Many dogs suffer from canine osteoarthritis as they celebrate more birthdays. This painful, slowly debilitating condition occurs when the cartilage (the cushioning between bones) begins to thin and wear away.[*] Then, the ends of the bones rub against each other, forcing your pup to sit on the sidelines instead of play.
There’s no cure for this, but many vets say certain supplements may lessen pain and improve mobility, such as:[*]
Vets commonly refer pet guardians to these supplements because they’re well tolerated and don’t carry side effects like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bone broth contains all three of these superstars!
4. BONE BROTH MAY STIMULATE APPETITES 😋
Bone broth’s enticing, meaty aroma is hard for your wolf-at-heart to resist. Add it to your dog’s food to create a luscious gravy that entices picky eaters and senior pups to their bowls.
Though bone broth should never replace your pet’s food, it can make any meal feel like a feast.
5. HEALTHY SKIN + COAT WINS ✨
Your dog’s skin and coat are more than a snuggle magnet. They protect your pup from dirt and environmental stressors, play a key role in immunity, regulate their internal temperature, and help maintain proper hydration.[*]
Fun fact: up to 35% of a dog’s daily protein intake goes to maintaining their skin and coat.[*] Bone broth is the best source of whole-food, bioavailable collagen protein!
Collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration, which may mean softer, shinier, healthier coats and less shedding.[*][*]
6. BONE BROTH MAY LOWER INFLAMMATION 👍
Chronic inflammation in dogs can cause pain, swelling, itchiness, and tissue and organ damage. It’s also linked to diseases such as arthritis, allergies, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heart disease, kidney failure, and even cancer.[*]
The amino acids in bone broth are anti-inflammatory, which means they lower inflammation to keep your pup feeling their best for as long as possible.[*]
We eagerly await more research to fully understand the long-term effects of bone broth on canine health. But what we know so far seems promising!
HOW TO FIND + USE THE BEST BONE BROTH FOR DOGS
Follow these tips to give your furry friend the bone broth they deserve:
LOOK FOR BONE BROTH, NOT JUST STOCK OR BROTH
Is beef broth good for dogs? While it may seem similar, plain broth isn’t the same as bone broth.
Beef and chicken broth are typically made with a combination of meat trimmings and simmered for just one or two hours. Bone broth is made by slow-simmering bones and connective tissue for 12–18+ hours to extract all that rich collagen and other nutrients.
READ INGREDIENT LABELS LIKE A PRO
Can dogs have beef broth from the supermarket? First, skip the beef broth and beeline to the beef bone broth. Second, be careful of mass-produced bone broths at the grocery store.
These are often loaded with artificial ingredients, added sugar, artificial colors, synthetic “meat flavor,” preservatives, monosodium glutamate (MSG), gluten, GMO ingredients, and other unwanted additions to your pup’s otherwise healthy diet.
Like your food, short lists of minimally processed, whole-food ingredients are better than long lists of chemicals and difficult-to-pronounce ones.
What about seasonings like onion or garlic? Though these ingredients are toxic to dogs and cats in large quantities, they’re typically simmered for a long time and then strained out of bone broth. While some holistic vets say small amounts of onion and garlic are okay, other pets may be sensitive to them.[*]
NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG COOKED BONES!
If you’re opting for homemade bone broth, strain out the cooked bones and discard them. They can splinter, become choking hazards, and cause serious internal injuries if eaten.
START SLOW + WATCH HOW YOUR DOG REACTS
Just like any new food, it’s best to introduce bone broth to your dog gradually. But there’s no specific dose for bone broth for dogs.
Some vets recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of liquid bone broth per 10 pounds of body weight per day. If well tolerated, increase the amount to two tablespoons per 10 pounds.[*]
How should you incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into your dog’s wellness routine?
- Pour some bone broth over their kibble to soften it and create a rich gravy.
- Freeze bone broth in ice cube trays for a refreshing summer treat.
- Mix it with some warm (not hot!) water for a soothing drink after a walk on a chilly day.
Monitor your dog for digestive issues. Don’t add other new foods to your pet’s diet until you see how your pup reacts to the bone broth alone.
Psst! Speak with your veterinarian about adding bone broth to your bestie’s diet to get their advice.
BONE BROTH FOR DOGS: BONE APPETIT! 🐶
So, there you have it! The answer to Can dogs have bone broth? is a resounding yes! 🙌
Bone broth can be a delicious, nutritious way to add a little something special to your dog’s diet. It’s a fantastic source of hydrating electrolytes, may soothe digestive woes, benefits your pup’s joint health, and more.
HAVE YOU TRIED BARE BONES INSTANT BONE BROTH?
Each travel-friendly “rip stick” delivers 10 grams of collagen protein on the
go. Just mix with water when you’re at the dog park, running errands, or need a protein-packed snack.
You and your pup can even become #BoneBrothBuddies when you share a sleeve of our instant bone broth after a long play session in the sun! All the health benefits we shared today go ditto for you too. 😊
Our mission at Bare Bones Broth is to meet you where you are and nourish you with real, whole-food-based nutrients in the form that best fits your lifestyle. 📷 Snap a pic of your pup sipping the good stuff and tag @barebonesbroth on Instagram — we love seeing our furry friends thrive!
