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If you’re a dog parent, you’ve likely heard of bone broth and all its benefits, and you might have even purchased it for your dog. However, making your own gives you control over your ingredients, which is particularly important if your dog has food sensitivities or allergies.
Bone broth also provides several essential nutrients, is easy to make, and can save money. After you’ve reviewed the recipe, keep reading for more information about the different ways to serve bone broth and why it is a healthy addition to your dog’s meals.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Bones: You’ll need bones, of course. It’s up to you what kind of bones you want to use. If your dog is a big fan of beef, you can use beef bones. You can also throw in a mixture of bones, such as chicken feet, pig’s feet, and beef marrow bones. It’s a good idea to include bones with joints.
- Water and apple cider vinegar: To create the broth, cover the bones in water and add a small amount of vinegar; apple cider vinegar is the best option. The vinegar helps extract healthy minerals from the bones and collagen from the connective tissues.
- Vegetables: Like with the bones, you can add dog-safe vegetables. Carrots and celery are great options.
Equipment
You’ll need the right cooking equipment before you start. One of the best ways to make bone broth is in a slow cooker because it has a long cooking time, but you can also use a stock pot or instant pot.
This recipe is geared for a slow cooker, which you might want to consider purchasing if you don’t have one, especially if it isn’t the only bone broth you make. Making a good bone broth might take 24 hours, so turning a slow cooker on overnight is the safer option.
Our Vet Approved Recipe
Ingredients
- 1–5 lbs of bones (depending on the size of your pot or slow cooker)
- Enough water to fill your pot or slow cooker
- 1–2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 3 carrots, chopped (optional)
- 3 celery sticks, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place the bones in the slow cooker. The number of bones you put in the slow cooker depends on their size. Generally, you’ll want about 1 to 2 pounds of bones for every 1 gallon (or 16 cups) of water.
- Add water to the slow cooker. The water should cover the bones by about 1 inch.
- Add the apple cider vinegar. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water.
- Cover with the lid. Set your slow cooker to low or your pot to simmer.
- Cook for up to 24 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the bones are soft and somewhat crumbly.
- Add the chopped vegetables. Let them gently cook with the heat of the broth and pot.
- Remove the bones and throw them into your compost or garbage. The cooked bones must not be given to your dog since they can splinter and damage their GI tract.
- Turn the slow cooker or stove off.
- Strain. Only do this if you haven’t used vegetables and want to keep them intact with the broth. If you’re not straining, double-check for any small pieces of bones.
- Allow the broth to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.
Once the broth has chilled, remove it, skim off the fat layer, and discard. You’ll know you’ve done a great job if you’re left with a jelly-like substance.
Storage
You can store the broth in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before placing it in the refrigerator, please wait until it is at room temperature. You can also put it in a freezer-safe airtight container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months, though consider freezing it in small batches.
You can then place a serving in the fridge to thaw for about 2 days before using it.
Giving Your Dog Bone Broth
If your dog hasn’t had bone broth before, start them out with a small amount. It is rich in collagen, which can lead to loose stools until they get used to it. Start with just 1 or 2 tablespoons added to their food, and then work up to 2 tablespoons for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight.
Once your dog is accustomed to it, you can try the following ways to serve bone broth to your dog.
- You can freeze it in ice cube trays for hot summer days.
- Try freezing it with kibble or shredded chicken inside a Kong for a treat that will occupy your dog for a long time.
- Give your dog refrigerated jelly broth by the spoonful.
- Warm up the broth, and serve it over your dog’s regular food.
- Give your dog a small bowl of bone broth.
- If your dog isn’t a big water drinker, add a small dash to their water bowl.
- If you make homemade dog treats, substitute water with the broth to increase the nutrition and flavor.
Extra Tips
- It’s important to simmer the bones rather than boil them. Slow cooking draws out the nutrients and flavors while boiling will just burn off the liquid.
- Remember that bone broth is not a meal replacement; it is meant as an occasional treat and a meal topper.
- You can find bones in the freezer section in your grocery store, or speak to your local butcher and ask for bones to make bone broth. You can also use your leftover bones. Just make sure there aren’t any sauces or seasonings still attached to them that contain toxic ingredients.
- You can roast the bones in the oven before putting them in the slow cooker. This enhances the flavor but otherwise isn’t necessary.
- Don’t forget to safely throw the bones away when they are done and not give them to your dog. Chewing cooked bones can lead to an obstruction or splinters that puncture the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
- Double-check any bone broth that you purchase for toxic ingredients. Most broths made for human consumption contain onions and garlic, which are very dangerous for dogs.
- Don’t add any seasonings, such as salt. Dogs don’t need the seasonings that we typically use for flavor.
Why Bone Broth?
Bone broth has several health benefits for dogs, as it contains collagen, gelatin, minerals, and plenty of protein. It can provide dogs with extra hydration and enhance their appetite. It can also boost their immune system and decrease inflammation.
It’s known to improve gut health and is beneficial for dogs with leaky gut syndrome. It can even detox the liver, provide joint support, and be good for the skin and coat.
Conclusion
Making bone broth isn’t difficult, and you can’t beat homemade recipes! You have total control of the ingredients, so you know that it’s safe, and you can add veggies that your dog will enjoy and positively contribute to their health.
So, why not give it a try? Your dog will likely love it, and it won’t take up too much of your time or finances.
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Featured Image Credit: Brian Yarvin, Shutterstock
