The Best Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, How to Choose, and Top Picks
Discover the health benefits of bone broth for dogs, learn how to select the right product, and see top bone broth picks for your pet’s wellness.
Bone broth has become a celebrated supplement for dogs, delivering nutrients and flavor that support joint function, gut health, hydration, and overall well-being. With growing interest in canine wellness, dog owners are turning to bone broth—either as a food topper or a stand-alone treat—to enhance their pets’ diets. This comprehensive guide explores the health benefits of bone broth, the most important criteria for selecting the right product, feeding guidelines, and reviews of the best bone broths for dogs.
Why Bone Broth Is Good For Dogs
Bone broth is made by slow-simmering animal bones, cartilage, and connective tissue with water, often for hours, to extract minerals, collagen, amino acids, and gelatin. This creates a nutrient-dense, flavorful liquid that’s easy for dogs to digest and packed with compounds that benefit their health in numerous ways.
- Rich Source of Collagen and Amino Acids: Collagen and amino acids like glycine and proline support joint health, skin, and coat condition. Collagen is vital for seniors as the body’s ability to produce it decreases with age.
- Supports Joint Health: Naturally occurring glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid in bone broth help maintain and repair cartilage, lubricate joints, and protect against arthritis and mobility issues.
- Boosts Gut and Digestive Health: Gelatin, a breakdown product of collagen, soothes the gut lining, helps reduce inflammation, and can relieve symptoms of leaky gut and food sensitivities. Bone broth’s nutrients also support healthy digestion.
- Promotes Skin and Coat Wellness: Collagen and gelatin keep the skin supple and the coat shiny, protecting dogs from environmental damage and dryness.
- Detoxifies and Supports the Liver: Amino acids such as glycine help the liver process and eliminate toxins, making bone broth a supportive food after exposure to unhealthy substances.
- Packed With Essential Minerals: Bone broth delivers calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and other minerals crucial for strong bones, cardiovascular health, and nerve and muscle function.
- Hydration and Appetite Stimulus: As a flavorful liquid, bone broth enhances hydration—important for seniors, dogs recovering from illness, or picky eaters with low food drive.
- Fights Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory amino acids such as glycine and arginine help reduce chronic inflammation that can cause or worsen arthritis, heart disease, and other health conditions.
Core Benefits Table
| Benefit | How Bone Broth Helps |
|---|---|
| Joint health | Provides glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen for cartilage and inflammation relief |
| Gut/Digestive health | Gelatin soothes gut lining; amino acids strengthen mucus barrier, support microbiome |
| Hydration | Flavorful liquid encourages drinking and replenishes fluids, especially for sick/senior dogs |
| Skin & coat | Collagen supports healthy skin and shiny coat, offsets effects of aging |
| Detoxification | Glycine aids liver breakdown of toxins, supports recovery |
| Appetite stimulant | Enticing aroma and taste encourage eating in picky or convalescent dogs |
What to Look For When Choosing Bone Broth for Dogs
When evaluating commercial bone broths, consider these key criteria:
- Ingredients: The best bone broths contain only a few simple ingredients—bones (such as beef, chicken, or turkey), water, and possibly natural vegetables, herbs, or apple cider vinegar for mineral extraction. Avoid products with added salt, artificial flavors, preservatives, onion, garlic, or other seasonings that can be toxic to dogs.
- Source of Bones: Opt for broths made from grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organic animals for higher nutritional value and fewer contaminants.
- Transparency and Sourcing: Trustworthy brands disclose their ingredients, cooking methods, and sourcing practices.
- Additives and Allergens: Confirm the product is free from common allergens unless specified for hypoallergenic diets, and does not contain grains, dairy, or glutens unless your dog’s diet tolerates these.
- Texture and Flavor: Look for broths with a natural gelatinous consistency when refrigerated, signaling high collagen content.
- Packaging: Check for safe, food-grade packaging to preserve freshness. Some are shelf-stable while others require refrigeration or freezing.
How to feed Bone Broth to Dogs
Bone broth is highly versatile:
- Pour over kibble or wet food to increase moisture and palatability.
- Serve in a bowl as a nutritious, hydrating snack between meals.
- Freeze into ice cubes or molds for a refreshing treat.
- Mix with other foods or medications to aid compliance in picky eaters.
Always introduce bone broth gradually and monitor for allergic reactions or digestive upset, particularly if your dog is new to this supplement.
Top Picks: Best Bone Broths for Dogs
The following bone broths have been selected based on ingredient quality, safety, customer feedback, and nutritional value:
- Brutus Bone Broth: Specially formulated for pets and fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin. The recipe is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and salt. Available in convenient shelf-stable pouches for easy serving and storage.
- The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters: These dehydrated mixes use cage-free chicken or grass-fed beef bones, just add water to reconstitute. No preservatives, GMOs, or artificial flavors. Great for travel and quick meals.
- Nature’s Logic Dehydrated Beef Bone Broth: Made from grass-fed beef bones, this powder contains no synthetic vitamins or minerals and offers a high protein content, supporting joint and gut health.
- Open Farm Bone Broth: Features ingredients from humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free animals, slow cooked with non-GMO vegetables. Environmentally friendly packaging.
- Primalvore Bone Broth: Made in small batches, this broth is crafted with organic turmeric for additional anti-inflammatory support, perfect for senior dogs or those with joint issues.
- Boil and Broth: A UK-based brand using premium British beef or chicken bones, slow simmered for optimal nutrient extraction, free from salt, preservatives, and common allergens.
Comparison Table: Leading Dog Bone Broth Brands
| Brand | Type | Main Ingredients | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brutus Bone Broth | Ready-to-serve liquid | Beef/chicken bones, turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin | Joint support, no preservatives, shelf-stable |
| The Honest Kitchen | Dehydrated mix | Cage-free chicken/grass-fed beef bones | Travel-friendly, no GMOs |
| Nature’s Logic | Dehydrated powder | Grass-fed beef bones | High protein, no synthetics |
| Open Farm | Liquid, shelf-stable | Beef/chicken/turkey broth, non-GMO veggies | Humanely sourced, sustainable packaging |
| Primalvore | Ready-to-serve liquid | Beef bones, organic turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, small batch |
| Boil and Broth | Liquid | British beef/chicken bones | No salt or allergens, UK made |
DIY Bone Broth for Dogs: A Simple Recipe
Homemade bone broth lets you control ingredients and avoid additives. Here’s a basic recipe:
- Place beef, chicken, or turkey bones in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Cover with filtered water; add 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to facilitate mineral release.
- Optional: Add dog-safe vegetables such as carrots or celery.
- Simmer on low for 12–24 hours (the longer, the more nutrients extracted).
- Strain the broth and discard bones (never feed cooked bones to dogs).
- Cool completely and skim off fat before serving or refrigerating.
Store homemade broth refrigerated for up to five days or freeze for longer shelf life. Avoid adding seasoning, salt, garlic, or onions.
How Much Bone Broth Should Dogs Have?
The right serving amount depends on your dog’s weight, overall health, and activity. General guidelines:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 ounces per serving
- Medium dogs (20–40 lbs): 2–4 ounces per serving
- Large dogs (40+ lbs): 4–6 ounces per serving
Start with smaller portions and increase gradually, looking for signs of digestive distress. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has underlying health issues or is on a restricted diet.
Potential Risks and Safety Tips
- Never give bone broth containing onion, garlic, excess salt, or seasoning—these are toxic to dogs.
- Always remove bones from homemade broth; cooked bones can splinter and are dangerous if ingested.
- Some dogs may be sensitive to ingredients like chicken or beef. If food allergies are a concern, choose single-protein or hypoallergenic broths.
- Store broth properly to prevent bacterial contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is bone broth safe for all dogs?
Bone broth is generally safe for most dogs when made with dog-safe ingredients and served in moderation. However, it is not advisable for dogs with severe kidney disease (due to phosphorus content) or those with certain food allergies. Always introduce any new food supplement slowly and consult a veterinarian if your pet has pre-existing conditions.
Why do some bone broths come as a powder or dehydrated mix?
Dehydrated or powdered broths are convenient, travel-friendly, and have a longer shelf life compared to liquids. They are easy to reconstitute with water and retain the essential nutrients found in traditional bone broth.
How can I tell if a bone broth is high quality?
Check the ingredients list for real, whole-food names (bone, water, vegetables), verify sourcing (grass-fed, organic, or pasture-raised animals), and look for naturally gelatinous texture when chilled—which indicates high collagen content.
Can bone broth help older dogs with arthritis or limited mobility?
Yes, the natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen in bone broth support joint health, reduce inflammation, and can ease arthritis symptoms. Though not a replacement for veterinary care, it is a beneficial supplement for seniors and dogs with joint challenges.
How should I store bone broth after opening?
Unopened shelf-stable pouches or cartons can be kept at room temperature. Once opened, refrigerate broth and use within several days, or freeze in small portions for longer storage.
Is there a risk of giving too much bone broth?
Bone broth is nutrient-rich but should not replace a balanced diet. Excessive servings can result in calorie overload, digestive upset, or dietary imbalances long-term. Stick to recommended volumes for your dog’s size and monitor for side effects.
Key Takeaways
- Bone broth is a nutrient-dense supplement that benefits joint, gut, skin, liver, and overall health in dogs.
- Choose broths with minimal, dog-safe ingredients and reputable sourcing.
- Feed in moderation as a topper, treat, or hydration boost, and introduce gradually for best results.
- Always exclude ingredients toxic to dogs, and consult your vet for health-specific recommendations, especially if your dog is ill, senior, or on medication.
References
- https://brutusbroth.com/blogs/brutus-blogs/how-bone-broth-can-help-dogs-recover-from-illness-or-surgery
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bone-broth-for-dogs/
- https://omaspride.com/blogs/articles/benefits-of-bone-broth-for-dogs-with-recipe
- https://www.darwinspet.com/blogs/why-raw/is-bone-broth-good-for-dogs
- https://www.drharveys.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-bone-broth-nourishing-your-dog-from-the-inside-out
- https://boilandbroth.com
- https://openfarmpet.com/collections/dog-bone-broths
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrxLLUQ0BGk
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