A simple, nutritious recipe that supports your dog’s digestive health and overall wellness
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Why Feed Bone Broth to Dogs?
Bone broth is more than just a delicious treat: it’s a nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet that can provide significant health benefits. Rich in collagen, gelatin and essential amino acids like glycine, bone broth offers comprehensive support for your dog’s health.
How Collagen & Gelatin Support Gut Health:
While many people associate collagen primarily with skin and joint health, it plays a crucial role in digestive wellness too. Here’s the science: collagen is the most abundant protein in your dog’s body, forming the structural foundation not just for skin, bones and joints, but also for the intestinal wall.
When collagen-rich bones are slowly simmered, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is essentially “pre-digested” collagen that’s easier for your dog to absorb. This gelatin contains the same amino acids as collagen (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) but in a more bioavailable form.
Gut Health Benefits:
- Intestinal barrier support: These amino acids help maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, supporting the gut barrier that prevents harmful bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream
- Tissue repair: Glycine, in particular, is anti-inflammatory and supports the repair and regeneration of intestinal tissue
- Digestive comfort: The gelatinous texture can be soothing to irritated digestive tracts
- Nutrient absorption: A healthy gut lining improves your dog’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food
Beyond the Gut: The same amino acids that support intestinal lining also promote healthy skin, coat shine, joint flexibility and overall tissue repair throughout the body.
The Problem with Store-Bought:
Most commercial bone broths designed for humans contain high levels of sodium, onions, garlic, and other seasonings that can be harmful to dogs. Making your own ensures you’re giving your pup only the good stuff!
Alternative Protein Sources for Food Sensitivities
Not all dogs can tolerate chicken! If your pup has food sensitivities, you can easily substitute other protein sources using the same basic recipe:
Beef Bone Broth:
- Use beef marrow bones, knuckle bones, or short ribs
- Cooking time: 24-48 hours for maximum nutrient extraction
- Best for: Dogs with chicken or poultry sensitivities
Lamb Bone Broth:
- Use lamb neck bones, shanks, or shoulder bones
- Cooking time: 18-24 hours
- Best for: Dogs with chicken, poultry and beef sensitivities
Turkey Bone Broth:
- Use turkey necks, wings, or the whole carcass (great after the holidays!)
- Cooking time: 12-18 hours
- Best for: Dogs who can tolerate poultry but need a chicken alternative
Pro tip: Always introduce new proteins gradually and source bones from reputable suppliers to ensure quality. If you’re short on time, keep in mind that turkey and other poultry bones cook faster than beef or lamb bones.
Simple Organic Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs organic chicken bones (backs, necks, wings, or a whole carcass)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 8-10 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1 carrot, chopped (no seasoning)
- Optional: 1 stalk celery, chopped (no leaves)
Bones vs. Whole Carcass: What’s the Difference?
Bones-Only Broth: Using just bones (without meat) creates a broth that’s particularly rich in collagen, gelatin and minerals. The long cooking time extracts maximum gelatin from cartilage and connective tissue, resulting in a broth that sets firmly when cooled.
Whole Carcass Broth: Adding meat to your bones creates a more balanced nutritional profile. You’ll get all the benefits of bones-only broth PLUS additional protein and B-vitamins. Also, the natural fat content of the meat will result in a highly palatable broth that your dog will likely go wild for.
Both methods are excellent: choose based on what’s available, your budget and your dog’s preferences!
Equipment:
- Large slow cooker or stockpot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage containers
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Bones
Place the chicken bones in your slow cooker or large stockpot. Add the apple cider vinegar and let sit for 30 minutes. This helps extract minerals from the bones.
Step 2: Add Water
Cover the bones with filtered water, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top of your pot.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Stovetop Method: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to lowest simmer for 3-24 hours
Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 12-24 hours
The longer you cook it, the more nutrients you’ll extract!
Step 4: Add Vegetables (Optional)
If using carrots and celery, add them during the last 2-4 hours of cooking.
Step 5: Strain and Cool
Remove from heat and let cool. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove all bones and vegetables. Never give cooked bones to your dog as they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries, including perforations of the digestive tract.
Step 6: Storage
Let the broth cool completely. You’ll know it’s rich in gelatin if it becomes jiggly when refrigerated!
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays or containers for up to 6 months
How to Serve:
- As a topper: Pour over your dog’s regular food (perfect for picky eaters!)
- Frozen treat: Freeze in ice cube trays for hot days
- Hydration boost: Serve at room temperature as a between-meal treat
Serving size: Start with 1-2 tablespoons for small dogs, up to ¼ cup for large dogs. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Temperature: Always serve at room temperature or lukewarm. Never serve hot as it can burn your dog’s mouth and throat.
❌ Never include: Onions, garlic, pepper, or other seasonings
❌ Remove all bones before serving as cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries
✅ Start small: introduce gradually to monitor your dog’s reaction
✅ Always supervise your dog when trying new foods
✅ Check the broth’s temperature: serve lukewarm or at room temp
Nutrient-rich bone broth is a wonderful way to show your dog some extra love while supporting their gut health naturally.
If you have questions about canine nutrition or would like personalized feeding advice, contact me for a free 15-minute consultation!