Learn How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs

Understanding What Bone Broth Is and Why Dogs May Benefit

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by slowly simmering animal bones in water for extended periods, typically 12 to 48 hours. During this slow cooking process, the bones break down and release collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals, and other compounds into the water. The result is a savory, often gelatinous broth that contains nutrients not always present in regular dog food.

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The composition of bone broth varies depending on the type of bones used. Chicken bones, beef bones, fish bones, and turkey bones all create different nutritional profiles. Chicken bone broth tends to be lighter and faster to prepare, while beef bone broth is typically richer in minerals and takes longer to fully develop. Fish bone broth contains omega-3 fatty acids and is particularly beneficial for dogs with joint or coat concerns.

Research on bone broth for dogs is still developing, but many veterinarians note that the gelatin and collagen content may support joint health, particularly in aging dogs or breeds prone to joint issues like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. The amino acid glycine, found in bone broth, plays a role in muscle function and recovery. Additionally, the minerals present—including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium—contribute to bone health and overall metabolic function.

Dogs may find bone broth palatable as a meal topper or treat, which can increase their water intake and overall hydration. This is particularly useful for dogs that don't drink enough water throughout the day. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky appetites respond well to broth added to their regular meals, making nutrition more accessible.

Practical Takeaway: Bone broth for dogs is a traditional food component with nutritional value derived from slow-cooked animal bones. Understanding its basic composition helps you make informed decisions about whether to include it in your dog's diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing broth, especially for dogs with existing health conditions.

Selecting the Right Bones and Ingredients

The quality and type of bones you choose form the foundation of your broth. Raw, uncooked bones are preferable to pre-cooked bones, as cooking can damage some nutrients and make bones more brittle. Raw bones retain more of their nutritional content and allow for better extraction during the long simmering process. Never use cooked chicken bones from your dinner, as these can splinter and pose a choking or digestive hazard for dogs.

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Beef bones are among the most popular choices for dog bone broth. Beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, and leg bones all work well. These bones are larger and denser, requiring longer cooking times but yielding a mineral-rich, gelatinous broth. A typical beef broth batch might use 2 to 3 pounds of bones per gallon of water. Chicken bones, including carcasses, necks, and wings, create a lighter broth that cooks more quickly—usually 12 to 24 hours—and is less intimidating for first-time broth makers.

When sourcing bones, consider purchasing from local butcher shops rather than standard grocery stores. Butchers often have a wider selection and can provide high-quality, fresh bones at reasonable prices. Ask specifically for bones suitable for broth-making. Many butchers are familiar with customers making both human and pet bone broths and can guide you toward the best options. Some butchers may even provide bones at a discount since these are typically byproducts of their meat sales.

Beyond bones, you can add supplementary ingredients to enhance the broth's nutritional profile and flavor. Common additions include apple cider vinegar (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon), which helps extract minerals from the bones. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and sweet potato add vitamins and flavor. For dogs, keep vegetables minimal and avoid garlic, onions, and excessive salt—all of which can be harmful. Some owners add turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, though this should be discussed with your veterinarian first.

Practical Takeaway: Use raw, uncooked bones from reputable sources like local butchers, with beef and chicken bones being the most accessible options. Keep additional ingredients simple and dog-safe, avoiding toxic vegetables like onions and garlic. The quality of your starting materials directly affects the nutritional value of your finished broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bone Broth

Begin by rinsing your raw bones thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or contamination. Some recipes recommend blanching the bones first by boiling them for 5 minutes, then draining and rinsing before starting the actual broth. This step removes impurities that might cloud your broth, though it is optional. If you choose to blanch, return the cleaned bones to a pot with fresh water.

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Place your prepared bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker and cover them with filtered water—approximately one gallon of water per 2 to 3 pounds of bones. Add your optional ingredients at this stage, such as apple cider vinegar, vegetables, or turmeric. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. The key to extracting maximum nutrition is maintaining a low, steady simmer rather than a rolling boil.

Simmer the broth for 12 to 48 hours, depending on the bone type and your equipment. Chicken bones typically require 12 to 24 hours, while beef bones benefit from the full 48-hour duration. During cooking, you may notice a layer of foam or scum rising to the surface, particularly in the first few hours. Skim this off with a spoon, as it contains impurities. Throughout the cooking process, check the water level periodically and add more filtered water if the broth reduces too much.

To cook bone broth safely, monitor the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer—ideally between 180°F and 190°F. If using a slow cooker, set it to low heat for 24 to 48 hours. A slow cooker is often preferable for home broth-making because it maintains consistent heat without requiring supervision and reduces the risk of the broth boiling away. If using a stovetop, place the pot on low heat and check it every few hours.

After the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from heat and allow the broth to cool to room temperature. This may take several hours. Once cooled, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into clean containers, discarding the bones and vegetables. You should be left with a flavorful liquid that may contain a layer of fat on top—this fat provides calories and flavor and can remain in the broth or be skimmed off if preferred.

Practical Takeaway: The basic process involves simmering bones in water for 12 to 48 hours on low heat, skimming impurities during cooking, and straining the finished broth. Using a slow cooker simplifies this process, and proper temperature maintenance ensures both safety and nutrient extraction.

Storage and Safety Considerations

Proper storage is critical for keeping your homemade bone broth safe for your dog. Bone broth contains no preservatives, so it has a limited shelf life compared to commercial products. In the refrigerator, bone broth typically stays fresh for 5 to 7 days when stored in airtight containers. For longer storage, freezing is the most practical option. Bone broth can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers, ice cube trays, or even zip-top freezer bags laid flat on a tray and then stacked after freezing.

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When freezing broth in ice cube trays, allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for the broth to freeze solid. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a labeled freezer bag for easy storage. Each cube is typically 1 to 2 ounces, making portion control simple—you can thaw just one or two cubes as needed rather than thawing an entire container. This method is particularly convenient for smaller dogs or for using broth as a meal topper.

Safety begins with the cooking process itself. Ensure all equipment is clean and sanitized before use. During cooking, maintain proper temperature control to prevent bacterial growth.