How to Make Bone Broth for Your Dog At Home

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

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    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] 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]
    • Optionally, leave out the vinegar for a thinner, soup-like broth.
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    Cover the pot with a lid and cook the mixture on low heat. [3] When using an instant pot, turn the steam release valve to sealing and let the broth cook for 3 hours. [4]
    • When using a crock pot, turn it on high for an hour before turning it down to low for 9 to 24 hours.
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    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] Return the broth to the pot. Optionally, add a few finely chopped dog-safe vegetables as the broth cools. You may add: [6]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 2 to 3 celery stalks. Celery is high in fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, folate, potassium, and manganese. [11]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • ¼ cup (45 g) of zucchini. Zucchini is rich in vitamin B6, which can help regulate your dog’s metabolism. [16]
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    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] 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]
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Section 2 of 4:

How much broth should your dog have?

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    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]
Section 3 of 4:

Storing Bone Broth for Dogs

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    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]
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    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] You can safely freeze broth for 2 to 3 months. [22]
    • 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.
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Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

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    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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
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    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]
    • Bone broth can also give your dog an immune system boost and help them fight diseases, allergic reactions, upset stomachs, and diarrhea. [27]
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    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]
    • Chronic inflammation can cause arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and other severe diseases. [29]
    • 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]
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      Warnings

      • Avoid adding garlic to your dog’s bone broth. Garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause health issues like hemolytic anemia. [31]
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      • 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]
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      • Oils, salts, seasonings, and onions can also be harmful to dogs. Avoid feeding your dog vegetables that have been prepared with these ingredients. [33]
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      • 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]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
      2. ↑ https://www.veterinarians.org/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
      4. ↑ https://bigdogmom.com/instant-pot-bone-broth/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-turkey/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-pumpkin-help-with-dog-diarrhea/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-broccoli/
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-brussels-sprouts/
      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-carrots/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-celery/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-have-green-beans/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-peas/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-ginger/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-zucchini/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-bones/
      10. ↑ https://foodrevolution.org/blog/bone-broth-benefits/
      11. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-chicken-broth-in-the-refrigerator
      12. ↑ https://www.ketchum.edu/about-us/news-mbku/peer-advice-secret-life-pets-grad-school-edition-owning-dog-grad-school
      13. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-chicken-broth-in-the-refrigerator
      14. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      15. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      16. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      17. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      18. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      19. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      20. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      21. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/
      22. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-garlic/
      23. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes/
      24. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-zucchini/
      25. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-turkey/

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