How to Make Bone Broth for Your Dog At Home

Download Article

Try this easy and protein-rich homemade treat for your playful pup

Co-authored by Rendy Schuchat and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Recipe

|

How much broth should your dog have?

|

Storage

|

Benefits

|

Ingredients

|

Expert Interview

|

Warnings

Bone broth is full of delicious minerals and nutrients that dogs love—plus, you can easily make it at home. All you need is raw bones and enough water to cover them, plus 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of water on the top. If you’d like to add some extra nutrition, add a few dog-safe herbs like parsley or rosemary and vegetables like pumpkin, celery, green beans, peas, or carrots. Keep reading to learn how you can make a batch of bone broth for your dog to enjoy.

Things You Should Know

Add raw bones with marrow to a pot, crockpot, or instant pot. Pour in enough water to cover the bones, plus another 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of water on top.
Pour in ¹ ⁄ ₄ cup (59 mL) of apple cider vinegar and cook the mixture on low heat for 20 to 24 hours. Use a strainer to remove the bones from the broth.
Let the bone broth cool completely, then put it in the fridge. Scrape off the layer of fat on top and add 2 to 3 spoonfuls to your dog’s regular meal.

Ingredients

2 to 4 pounds (32 to 64 oz) of raw bones (chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef, pork or oxtail) with marrow or joints
3 to 6 US quarts (2.8 to 5.7 L) of water
¹ ⁄ ₄ cup (59 mL) organic raw apple cider vinegar (optional)
2 sprigs of parsley or rosemary (optional)
Carrots, celery, and other dog-safe vegetables (optional)

Yields 3 to 6 US quarts (2.8 to 5.7 L) of bone broth Serving size: 2 to 3 spoonfuls

Section 1 of 4:

Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs

Download Article

1
Fill a pot, crockpot, or instant pot with water, bones, and vinegar. Add 3 US quarts (2.8 L) of water for every 2 pounds (32 oz) of raw bones, or pour water until the bones are covered, plus an additional 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of water on top. ^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Pour no more than ¹ ⁄ ₄ cup (59 mL) of apple cider vinegar into the mixture to create a gelatinous broth.
- For flavor, add in 2 sprigs of a dog-safe herb like parsley or rosemary.
- Apple cider vinegar can aid a dog’s digestion, reduce gas and bloating, reduce joint inflammation, and promote dental health. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Optionally, leave out the vinegar for a thinner, soup-like broth.
2
Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 20 to 24 hours. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the mixture on low heat. ^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} When using an instant pot, turn the steam release valve to sealing and let the broth cook for 3 hours. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- When using a crock pot, turn it on high for an hour before turning it down to low for 9 to 24 hours.
Advertisement
3
Strain out the bones and add dog-safe vegetables. Use a fine mesh strainer or a colander with small holes to strain out all the bones and cartilage. Poultry bones are brittle and can be dangerous for your dog if they’re not fully strained. ^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Return the broth to the pot. Optionally, add a few finely chopped dog-safe vegetables as the broth cools. You may add: ^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- 1 to 4 tbsp (15.5 to 62 g) of roasted or canned pumpkin. Pumpkin is high in fiber, can ease digestion, and contains vitamins A, E, and C, potassium, and iron. ^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ cup (17.7 g) of cooked broccoli. Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. Avoid raw broccoli that can cause mild-to-severe stomach irritation in some dogs. ^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- 2 to 3 brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins K, C, B1, and B6. However, they may cause excessive gas in larger amounts. ^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- 2 to 3 carrots or 4 to 5 baby carrots. Carrots are low-calorie, high in fiber, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and potassium. ^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- 2 to 3 celery stalks. Celery is high in fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, folate, potassium, and manganese. ^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ cup (31.3 g) of fresh or frozen green beans. Green beans without salt, oils, or spices are safe for dogs to eat. They’re also full of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. ^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ cup (16.8 g) of green, snow, sugar snap, or garden peas. Peas are a great source of vitamins A, K, and B, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Avoid canned peas that contain added sodium. ^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ tsp (0.7 g) of raw ginger or ginger powder. Ginger can help fight inflammation and joint pain and contains antioxidants. Feed no more than ¼ tsp to small dogs and ¾ tsp to large dogs. ^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ cup (38.4 g) of skinned fully cooked sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, B6, and C, calcium, and iron. ^{[15]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- ¼ cup (45 g) of zucchini. Zucchini is rich in vitamin B6, which can help regulate your dog’s metabolism. ^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
4
Let the bone broth cool, put it in the fridge, and scrape off the fat. Allow the broth to cool down to room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours. Scrape the fat off the top of the broth and discard it. ^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Your broth is ready to serve!
- Warning: Avoid letting your dog chew the leftover bones—cooked bones can splinter and damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. ^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}

Section 2 of 4:

How much broth should your dog have?

Download Article

Add 2 to 3 spoonfuls of broth to your dog’s regular meals. Generally, 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of broth can last 1 dog for about 1 month when used every meal. 1 cup (240 mL) of bone broth typically contains about 29 calories. ^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Use this calorie calculator to see if you need to reduce your dog’s kibble to maintain a healthy weight.

Section 3 of 4:

Storing Bone Broth for Dogs

Download Article

Pour the broth into a mason jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the fridge. You can safely store broth in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. ^{[20]
X
Research source}
2
Freeze the broth in ice-cube trays to store for to 2 to 3 months. Pouring broth into an ice-cube tray is an easy, practical way to serve broth in small portions. Give a cube to your dog by itself or add it to their meals for a tasty frozen surprise. ^{[21]
X
Research source} You can safely freeze broth for 2 to 3 months. ^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Optionally, pour broth into a resealable plastic bag, press out the air, and lay it flat in your freezer. After 2 hours, gently press a butter knife onto the bag to cut the broth into smaller portions you can break off when needed.

Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

Download Article

1
Bone broth is full of essential minerals for your dog. Bone broth is packed with minerals like magnesium, calcium, sulfur, silicon, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for your dog’s nervous system, heart, muscles, and sleep cycles. ^{[23]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Bone broth also contains collagen, which can help your dog maintain youthful, healthy skin and coat and protect your dog from harsh environmental elements. ^{[24]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- Bone broth can also help hydrate your dog and stimulate their appetite, which can make it great for dogs on a weight-loss journey. ^{[25]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
2
Bone broth detoxifies a dog’s liver and promotes gut health. Bone broth contains a high amount of amino acids like glycine that help remove built-up toxins. If your dog has leaky gut syndrome, bone broth can help satisfy their nutritional requirements and improve their digestive health. ^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Bone broth can also give your dog an immune system boost and help them fight diseases, allergic reactions, upset stomachs, and diarrhea. ^{[27]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
3
Bone broth can support your dog’s joints and help fight inflammation. Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and arginine that have anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin, which can help strengthen and repair joints. ^{[28]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Chronic inflammation can cause arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and other severe diseases. ^{[29]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- Although bone broth has tons of health benefits, it doesn’t cure joint problems or diseases without other treatments. Contact a vet for additional solutions. ^{[30]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Avoid adding garlic to your dog’s bone broth. Garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause health issues like hemolytic anemia. ^{[31]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When introducing new vegetables, talk to your vet first to make sure they give the go-ahead. Give your dog a small amount first to see how they react before adding it to bone broth. ^{[32]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Oils, salts, seasonings, and onions can also be harmful to dogs. Avoid feeding your dog vegetables that have been prepared with these ingredients. ^{[33]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Turkey, chicken, or other cooked poultry bones are brittle and can break apart into smaller pieces. Make sure to fully strain the broth of bones before serving. ^{[34]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

[1]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

[34]

Log in

How to Make Bone Broth for Your Dog At Home

Things You Should Know

Ingredients

Steps

Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs

How much broth should your dog have?

Storing Bone Broth for Dogs

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories