Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, Homemade Recipes & Safe Feeding Guide for Puppies
If you’ve ever looked at expensive cartons of “dog bone broth” in pet stores and wondered whether they’re worth the money, you’re not alone.
The good news is that you can easily make your own nutritious bone broth at home for a fraction of the cost, using simple ingredients you probably already have.
Bone broth has become one of the most popular natural supplements for dogs because it’s packed with collagen, amino acids, minerals and flavour that many dogs absolutely love.
Whether you have a growing puppy, an active adult dog or a senior with stiff joints, bone broth can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Let’s look at why.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by slowly simmering raw bones and connective tissue in water for many hours.
This long cooking process extracts nutrients including:
- Collagen
- Gelatin
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Glycine
- Proline
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Trace minerals
Unlike simply boiling meat, bone broth focuses on extracting nutrients from bones, cartilage, tendons and connective tissue. The result is a nutrient-rich broth that becomes jelly-like when chilled because of its natural gelatin content.
10 Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
1. Supports Healthy Joints
Bone broth naturally contains collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin, nutrients that help support cartilage and joint function.
This makes it especially useful for:
- Large breeds
- Sporting dogs
- Senior dogs
- Dogs with arthritis
- Growing puppies
2. Promotes Gut Health
Gelatin helps support the intestinal lining and can be a soothing addition for dogs with sensitive stomachs or occasional digestive upset. While many benefits are based on the known roles of collagen and amino acids rather than large clinical trials on bone broth itself, it remains a nutritious supplement when fed appropriately.
3. Encourages Hydration
Many dogs happily drink water mixed with bone broth.
This is particularly useful:
- During hot Cape Town summers
- After exercise
- During illness
- After surgery
- For picky drinkers
4. Makes Meals More Appealing
Have a fussy eater?
Pour a little warm bone broth over kibble.
Most dogs can’t resist it.
5. Supports Healthy Skin & Coat
Collagen and amino acids help support healthy skin while contributing to a shiny coat.
6. Provides Natural Minerals
Long simmering extracts important minerals from the bones.
7. Helps Recovering Dogs
Dogs recovering from illness or surgery often enjoy warm bone broth when they don’t feel like eating.
Always follow your veterinarian’s advice for dogs recovering from illness.
8. Great for Puppies
Growing puppies need excellent nutrition.
Bone broth can:
- Increase appetite
- Add moisture to meals
- Support healthy growth
- Encourage hydration
It should always be a supplement—not a replacement for a complete, balanced puppy food.
9. Perfect Frozen Summer Treat
Freeze bone broth into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
A healthy cooling treat!
Especially good for teething puppies to numb their gums.
10. A Natural Food Topper
Instead of artificial flavour enhancers, bone broth offers a wholesome way to make meals more enticing.
What Bones Can You Use?
Good choices include:
- Beef marrow bones
- Beef knuckles
- Oxtail
- Chicken carcasses
- Chicken frames
- Turkey necks
- Lamb bones
The best broth comes from bones with plenty of cartilage and connective tissue.
Ingredients
- 2–3 kg raw bones
- Water to cover the bones
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps release minerals)
- Optional: dog-safe herbs such as parsley (avoid excessive amounts)
Do NOT add:
❌ Onion
❌ Garlic
❌ Salt
❌ Stock cubes
❌ Pepper
❌ Artificial flavourings
These ingredients may be harmful or unnecessary for dogs.
Bone Broth Recipe (Traditional Pot)
- Place bones into a large stock pot.
- Add enough water to completely cover them.
- Add the apple cider vinegar.
- Leave for 20–30 minutes before heating.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook for 12–24 hours, topping up water if needed.
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Strain through a fine sieve.
- Discard all bones and bone fragments.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the hardened fat layer before serving if desired.
Pressure Cooker Method
Short on time?
A pressure cooker works brilliantly.
Instructions
- Add bones.
- Cover with water.
- Add apple cider vinegar.
- Pressure cook for 90–120 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally.
- Strain thoroughly.
- Cool.
- Refrigerate.
You still get a rich, collagen-filled broth in a fraction of the time.
Storage
Refrigerator:
- Up to 5 days
Freezer:
- Up to 3 months
Ice cube trays make perfect individual portions.
Feeding Guide
| Dog Size | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| Puppies (12 weeks+) | 1–2 tablespoons |
| Small dogs (under 10 kg) | 2–4 tablespoons |
| Medium dogs (10–25 kg) | ¼–½ cup |
| Large dogs (25–40 kg) | ½–¾ cup |
| Giant breeds | Up to 1 cup |
Start with a small amount and increase gradually over several days.
Bone broth is intended as a supplement and food topper, not a meal replacement.
Can Puppies Have Bone Broth?
Yes.
Once your puppy is eating solid food (typically from around 8–12 weeks), plain homemade bone broth can be offered in small amounts as a food topper or hydration boost.
It should complement, not replace, a complete and balanced puppy diet.
Important Safety Tips
✔ Never feed cooked bones.
✔ Always strain the broth thoroughly.
✔ Never include onion or garlic.
✔ Avoid adding salt.
✔ Remove any bone fragments.
✔ Introduce gradually.
✔ If your dog has pancreatitis or requires a low-fat diet, consult your veterinarian before adding bone broth regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs have bone broth every day?
Yes, in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.
Is store-bought bone broth safe?
Only if it’s specifically formulated for dogs or contains no onion, garlic, excessive sodium, or seasonings. Many human broths are unsuitable for dogs.
Can I use chicken bones?
Yes. Chicken carcasses, frames and necks make excellent broth.
Should the broth turn into jelly?
Yes! That’s actually a good sign.
The jelly consistency comes from natural gelatin and collagen.
Final Thoughts
Bone broth is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to give your dog an extra nutritional boost. Whether you’re supporting a growing puppy, helping an older dog stay comfortable, or simply making mealtimes more exciting, homemade bone broth is a wholesome addition to your dog’s routine.
Just remember: keep it simple. No onions, no garlic, no salt, and never feed the cooked bones. With a batch in your fridge or freezer, you’ll always have a nutritious topper ready for your dog’s next meal.
References:
https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/bone-broth-recipe-for-dog-cats
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bone-broth-for-dogs