How To Make Bone Broth For Dogs [And Why You Should Do So]

You may have heard of the many benefits of bone broth. So much so that you may be considering offering it to your dog. Besides, dogs of all breeds, ages, sizes, and health statuses can reap the rewards from this meaty concoction. But how do you make it? Here is all you need to know; from the optimal recipe to the process steps involved.

So how do you make bone broth for dogs? To make bone broth for a dog, you need to source high-quality bones, carrots, and some apple cider vinegar. You then need to boil them together with water on a low setting for 12-72 hours. Once cooked, let it cool, remove small bones, and split into equal portions before serving.

As you can see; it’s incredibly simple.

And in many ways, it’s more about what you do not add than what you do.

The health of our dogs should come first.

Besides, this is not being prepared or cooked primarily for taste.

Although, your dog will be sure to love it!

And what’s more – it’s incredibly cheap, versatile, and does not require much prep time either.

And if you follow the recipe that will shortly follow, you can safely portion some off for yourself or even a cat, if you have one too.

Let us quickly run through exactly why you should look to offer bone broth to your dog, before moving on to the best recipe to try.

We’ll be finishing up with some important questions such as how much and how regularly you should look to feed broth to a dog.

So, be sure to keep reading; the health of your dog could depend on it!

Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?

Bone broth is generally very good for dogs; providing a range of easily digestible vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as protein. It is low calorie, low fat, and highly appetizing to dogs too.

Bone broth is particularly beneficial to young puppies struggling to eat, but also to older dogs and those recovering from a health condition.

Being such a rich source of anti-inflammatory nutrients and containing specific proteins and amino acids, here are the main benefits of providing this nutrient-dense liquid to your dog:

• Strengthens bones and joints support; and support any healing and rejuvenation.
• Supports healthy growth, and a range of important metabolic processes.
• Immune system support,
• Supports a healthy digestive system,
• Easily digested nutrition for a compromised dog,
• Enhances hydration,
• Promotes healthy skin and coat,

Bone broth is an excellent way to reduce inflammation and metabolic stress, returning them back to a stronger, healthier state.

Of course, this is assuming the bone broth was prepared and cooked properly.

Failing to do so can be problematic and even exacerbate issues.

Let us now, therefore, look precisely at the ingredients you will want to include and how to use them.

Bone Broth For Dog Recipe

Bone broth is essential to the liquid that is left after simmering bones (such as chicken or beef) for 12+ hours.

Thus, it’s very easy to prepare and you can generally leave it to simmer while you are off doing something else!

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes,
• Cooking time: 12-72 hours.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of beef bones,
• 4 stalks of celery,
• 2 large carrots,
• 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar,
• Water; the exact amount should cover the bones by 2-3 inches.

Instructions

1. To start with, you will need to prepare the vegetables. Simply cut these up into cubes or small pieces, roughly 1-2 inches in size.
2. Add the vegetables and bones to your slow cooker or pan.
3. Boil a kettle and pour the water over the bones and vegetables to cover them. The water level should be at least 2-3 inches over the top.
4. Lastly, add the apple cider vinegar.
5. Then, simply leave to simmer on a low cooking setting for 12-72 hours. The longer you leave it, generally the better (as more nutrients can be extracted from the bones).
6. Routinely check back upon the broth and check the water level. You may need to top up the water from time to time but try not to remove the slow cooker/saucepan lid too often.
7. After 12-72 hours, take out the bones from the broth and throw these away. You will notice that they will have dramatically broken down, the nutrients will have been extracted and they are no longer of much use.
8. Pour the liquid into a jug or container and leave it in a safe place on the side to cool down.
9. Once it has cooled to room temperature, you should transfer it to an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge or the freezer.
10. Cooked bone broth generally lasts for 5-7 days in the fridge, although can be stored for 6-12 months in the freezer. Defrosting prior to serving would be required if you did decide to freeze it.

Additional Comments

• While a saucepan may suffice, a temperature-controlled slow cooker where you can clearly see the temperature displayed works best. This is the one to get from Amazon if you do not have one already.
• Use organic apple cider vinegar, if possible, to remove any potential allergens,
• Bone broth should be served in addition to, not in replace the rest of your dog’s diet. It does not have enough energy to generally support them.
• You can look to serve any meat or vegetables to your dog from the cooked broth. Just be sure to check it for small bones first.
• You can use a number of different bones to make broth, or you can use several simultaneously. The best include chicken, beef, and lamb.

How Much Bone Broth Can I Give My Dog?

Bone broth should be given to dogs in accordance with their size, with 1 ounce per 10 pounds of body weight being advised. Therefore, larger dogs can typically consume more.

Below are some starting suggestions:

• Dogs under 20 pounds; 2 ounces of broth per day,
• Dogs between 30-40 pounds; 3-4 ounces of broth per day,
• Dogs between 50-80 pounds; 5-8 ounces of broth per day,
• Dogs 80 pounds +; 8-10 ounces of broth per day.

Taking these suggestions in mind, smaller dog breeds will therefore naturally need to consume less.

Larger dog breeds, that grow into their final size, will therefore consume a different amount depending on their age.

Offering the broth over two servings is also particularly beneficial for larger breeds.

One other thing to consider.

If your dog has not eaten bone broth before, it’s important to introduce it slowly.

Offer a small amount, 1 ounce, to begin with, and see how they respond.

If you find your dog likes broth, and responds positively, you can look to add a second serving.

Can I Give My Dog Store Bought Bone Broth?

You should be able to give your dog store-bought bone broth, so long as it does not contain any potentially harmful additives, spices, or ingredients not suitable for a dog. So, it is imperative that you check the ingredients first.

Generally, you want the bone broth to contain minimal ingredients; preferably just the broth itself.

If you are looking for a practical solution, and do not want to make your own bone broth for your dog, this particular broth is ideal from Amazon.

All you need to do is add water each time you want to serve it to your dog.

You can easily control portion sizes, there is no prep, no storage, and it’s available in two different flavors; chicken and beef!

Finally

Bone broth is in many ways, the miracle supplement for a dog. In fact, its the kind of thing that every dog can benefit from. Regardless of their breed, age, size or health status.

And they really do typically enjoy it.

It is meat-based after all.

It’s very appetizing to dogs so even the fussiest of eaters will give it a try.

Plus, it’s effortless to make, cheap to cook up and you can prepare it in batches!

Just remember to try a range of different bones and see what your dog likes best.

At the same time, always be sure that it is not too hot or that it includes any small and sharp bones.

Going to the butchers and asking them what they recommend is generally the best way to go.

Related Questions

Related guides you may want to read:

• Should You Take A Bone Away From A Dog?