Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

Is bone broth good for dogs, you are probably asking? This question has been asked online more often than ever in the last few years.

Bone broth has always been considered a beneficial food for humans. It used to be prescribed to those suffering from a cold.

Anyone has tasted it at least once in their lifetime and many of us actually enjoy it.

Bone broth is at the base of the famous chicken soup, appreciated for its positive effect on the respiratory system.

It is actually the bone broth in the soup that has those positive effects on health.

In the latest years, bone broth has emerged as a superfood for dogs. As a result, many pet owners wonder: is bone broth good for dogs?

The internet abounds with resources claiming the many benefits of bone broth for your canine companion, but is it true?

 Why is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

First of all, bone broth is packed with nutrients due to being cooked for up to 24 hours. Slowly simmering the broth enables you to extract all the healthy substances in the ingredients.

The vegetables usually included in the mixture also add extra nutrients to the broth.

But why is bone broth good for dogs?

Here are the main reasons:

• Good for convalescent dogs

Bone broth is not just nutrient-packed, but also delicious.

Most dogs will love it, even when they lack appetite. It helps them recover from an illness, the same way it helps humans.

Bone broth is rich in important minerals thus boosting the immune system.

Moreover, studies as old as two centuries have shown that the presence of gelatin in one’s diet is highly beneficial. [1]

Actually, it reduces the body’s need for protein from meat sources to almost fifty percent.

• Supporting joint health

Bone broth contains glycosaminoglycans, a family of biomolecules that keep joints healthy.

These compounds are not broken down by digestion and reach tissues and cells in their intact form.

This superfood also contains other compounds that are beneficial for joints, such as chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.

• Helping the liver to do its job

The liver is responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. This can be quite important for dogs as they are affected by multiple sources of toxicity.

Dogs lie on carpets and floors treated with chemicals.

When they are outdoors, they can be affected by pesticides sprayed on the grass.

Their food may contain artificial ingredients.

They also receive large amounts of medication, such as dewormers, vaccines, antibiotics, flea repellents, etc.

So, it is very important to help the liver face the extra load by ensuring more glycine. Glycine is the amino acid that enables the liver to detoxify.

What food does contain a large amount of glycine? The answer is bone broth.

• Ensuring a healthy gut

The gelatin in bone broth can work wonders for the dog’s gut.

In order to understand why, try to imagine how the lining of the intestines looks.

This tissue consists of millions of very small holes enabling nutrients to enter the bloodstream. These tiny holes can overgrow due to poor diet, stress, and the presence of harmful bacteria.

The condition is called leaky gut and can be a very serious one.

Bigger holes can allow access of toxins, yeast, and undigested food. The body detects those foreign particles and attacks them. This ultimately leads to allergies and food sensitivities.

What bone broth does is plug the leaky holes with gelatin. Thus, the lining of the intestines has a chance to heal.

A study performed both on humans and animals have confirmed this food’s ability to heal the intestinal barrier. [2]

Already planning to make some bone broth for your furry friend? The recipe is very simple.

Keep on reading to find out how to make bone broth for dogs.

How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs?

How to make bone broth for dogs is one of the most popular pet recipes online.

This nutritious treat is easy to make as you simply need to boil chicken feet, beef marrow, and vegetables together.

However, there are some secrets that ensure the most delicious bone broth your dog will love:

• Choose bones containing joints, such as chicken legs. This way you make sure your broth contains plenty of gelatin;
• Consider using a slow-cooking pot such as Crock-Pot. Its advantage is that you can let the broth simmer overnight without surveillance;
• Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the pot (three or four tablespoons). Its role is to extract minerals from the bones;
• Add healthy extras such as green beans, kale, herbs, or other vegetables. These should come last as you don’t need to cook them for 24 hours;
• Remove the fat layer on top. The fat layer emerges after the broth is left in the fridge for a few hours;
• Do not feed the cooked bones either. They should be removed and discarded;
• The broth should look like jelly after being refrigerated. If it doesn’t, add more vinegar next time;
• Keep it in the fridge for a few days and ensure a fresh stock every week.

How Much Bone Broth Should I Give My Dog?

Bone broth is considered a health supplement and can be fed every day. However, it should not replace meals.

The recommended serving is 1 ounce of broth for every 10 pounds of body weight. So, if your dog is 50 pounds, it can eat up to 5 ounces of bone broth a day.

Most dog owners serve bone broth with kibbles to add moisture and flavor.

Some get creative and freeze bone broth in different shapes to obtain cooling treats for the summer.

If your dog is about to try bone broth for the first time, better serve it as it is. This way you will see how the dog’s digestive system tolerates it. And, also important, if your doggo likes it.

Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs with Arthritis?

If you haven’t done bone broth for your dog then it’s high time you started. Bone broth benefits dogs suffering from joint pain due to the following nutrients it contains:

• Protein;
• Minerals like calcium and potassium;
• Substances that promote joint health such as collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid.

So, instead of buying expensive supplements for joint problems, you can help your dog by offering this delicious treat.

The fact that bone broth has been used by multiple traditional medicine systems totally recommends it. It is one of the oldest functional foods and it can help heal joints.

Is Store-Bought Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

If natural medicine was so easy and simple to use, everybody would be healthy, agree?

The problem is that caring for a dog can be quite time-consuming. Everybody wants to ensure the health of their pet, but cooking homemade food is not the only responsibility.

Owning a dog comes with daily walks, training sessions, visits to the vet, and many other activities. Finding the time to prepare a bone broth for 12 or 24 hours may not be that simple.

Being a busy person doesn’t mean you can’t offer this super-food to your four-legged friend. Fortunately, you can choose between a wide range of organic bone broths:

• Chicken and sweet potatoes – such as Native Pet Organic Bone Broth for Dogs and Cats;
• Beef bone broth – choose between The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosts: Instant Beef Bone Broth Liquid Treat with Turmeric for Dogs and Cats and Primalvore Organic Bone Broth Food Topper for Dogs & Cats

All recommended products contain natural, human-grade ingredients only. Ingredients come from trusted sources and they are the same found in healthy people’s food.

What about Bone Broth Powder for Dogs?

Bone broth powder for dogs has been developed for increased convenience. Its light weight makes it easier to transport and consequently cheaper.

It is an instant product that delivers similar nutritional benefits with a slight difference.

Powder bone broth is obtained by drying liquid bone broth and turning it into a powder. Unlike the original, it fails to deliver gelatin, although it does contain collagen.

It will not gel when chilled, but it still has a high nutritional value.

So, should you use instant bone broth? The answer depends on your specific needs. The best is to use liquid bone broth, but sometimes this is not possible.

So why not enjoy the benefits of this healthy food without effort and guilt?

Also, if gelatin is not the main ingredient you are looking for in bone broth, the instant version can be a good idea.

Is Bone Broth Good for Dog Diarrhea?

Bone broth has been lately promoted as a special food for diarrhea and for a good reason.

If your dog has an occasional bout of diarrhea, take it off its usual diet and offer bone broth instead. Mix it with probiotics and plain white rice if the dog accepts it.

Some animal nutrition experts recommend fasting for 24 or 48 hours first. However, it is important to provide your dog with plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

The bone broth will replenish the dog’s organism with the lost minerals and vitamins.

Reintroduce solid food gradually so the dog’s digestive system has time to recover.

Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Goldfish Crackers

Conclusion – Is Bone Broth Worth the Effort?

Considering bone broth just another nutrition fad would be a mistake.

This beneficial food has been successfully used to improve health for thousands of years and its properties will remain the same.

Is bone broth good for dogs? – the answer is yes. It is part of a healthy diet and delivers nutrients that are not found in other foods.

Homemade or store-bought, don’t hesitate to offer it to your dog as a supplement to a healthy diet.

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