Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, Risks, Recipes & Feeding Guide

If you’ve ever nursed a cold with chicken soup, you know warm broth can be comforting. Bone broth for dogs plays a similar role. It’s the nutritious substitute to their regular food that works wonders in helping them tide over sick days as well as a great addition to meals to get picky eaters interested in their food.

Bone broth is basically a slow-simmered stock loaded with collagen, amino acids, and minerals. It has been my go-to as a pet parent. I always have a batch on hand, to offer as frozen treats on summer days, to top off my pet’s food every once in a while, and of course, for those sick days when my pooch refuses to eat anything else. In this guide, I’ll share why I swear by this warm liquid gold, covering the benefits of bone broth for dogs, bone broth nutrition for dogs, plus simple dog bone broth recipes to try.

What is Bone Broth for Dogs?

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by gently simmering animal bones and often a bit of meat or cartilage in water for hours. This process leaches out vitamins, minerals, collagen and gelatin from the bones.

Bone broth is a clear liquid made by simmering bones, connective tissue, and sometimes meat, resulting in chicken broth or beef broth. It is packed with nutrients that support gut health, skin, muscles, joints, and the immune system

—Dr Karen Becker, canine nutritionist

Unlike regular soup or broth, in which meat or veggies are cooked for a short time, bone broth is simmered much longer, often 12–24 hours or more, to release extra collagen and nutrients. It can be made from any dog-safe bones:

Chicken backs
Turkey necks
Beef or lamb marrow bones
Fish frames

Each type yields its own flavor and nutrients, but all follow the same principle of slow cooking. Of course, it has to be made without using onion or garlic, which human broths often contain, because these ingredients are toxic to dogs.

Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

Yes, for most dogs, bone broth can be a healthy boost. Here are some of the key benefits of bone broth for dogs:

It’s naturally rich in beneficial nutrients
Long simmer releases collagen and gelatin, supporting joints and gut health
It is also rich in amino acids like glycine, proline and glutamine
Bone broth packs in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
It is hydrating
It is easy on the stomach
Great for getting picky eaters interested in their food

I learned early on in my pet parenting journey that whenever a furry baby needs an extra boost of nutrition or hydration, bone broth is the way to go. That was always my vet’s recommendation whenever my first GSD, who had a terribly sensitive stomach, would have a digestive upset. Since then, it has become a regular fixture in my refrigerator.

Bone broth nutrition for dogs offers an extra hit of protein, collagen, and nutrients in a form their bodies can absorb easily, which most vets agree is a good thing for most healthy dogs. Of course, it’s always best to check with your vet before offering a new food to your pet. But, by and large, a few spoonfuls or a frozen cube of good broth a few times a week can be a wholesome addition to a dog’s diet.

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

When I first started giving bone broth to my dog, I thought of it as a way to get some food in, on days he wasn’t eating, or a simple topper. But over time, I realized just how much this liquid gold supports their health. From easing stiff joints to soothing sensitive stomachs, let’s break down the main benefits of bone broth for dogs and why it’s become a staple in so many pet parents’ kitchens.

Supports Joint Health

One of the biggest pluses of bone broth is joint support. Bones and cartilage release collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid when simmered. These ingredients are famous for helping maintain healthy joints. Studies show glucosamine and chondroitin may ease arthritis symptoms, and the added collagen protein helps build cartilage. Of course, bone broth isn’t a cure-all for arthritis, but its natural cartilage compounds are vital in strengthening and repairing joints, and the collagen it contains contributes to joint health.

Boosts Gut Health and Digestion

Bone broth is gentle on the belly and may help dogs with sensitive digestion. The gelatin from simmered bones coats the gut lining and is thought to help seal small tears in a “leaky gut,” improving nutrient absorption. Research in animals suggests the gelatin and amino acids in bone broth protect the digestive mucosa and lower inflammation. Plus, broth provides hydration and electrolytes, which is a bonus if your dog has been refusing water or food. All in all, it’s a comforting and tasty fix that helps dogs bounce back to health when they have an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Strengthens Immunity

The nutrients in bone broth also help strengthen the immune system. Bone marrow and connective tissue contain amino acids like glycine and arginine, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and a variety of vitamins and minerals that keep the immune system running smoothly. Dr Becker reiterates, “Bone broth contains a wide range of essential nutrients that enhance your dog’s immune system’s ability to fight diseases.”

Improves Skin and Coat Health

Yes, bone broth also helps in keeping your dog’s coat soft and shiny, and their skin healthy, thanks to the abundance of collagen and proteins. Collagen is a building block of skin, and giving extra dietary collagen can help maintain elasticity and shine. I’ve noticed that including bone broth in my dog’s diet bi-weekly not only adds extra gloss to their fur but also helps reduce shedding. And the extra hydration in broth keeps skin from drying out.

Encourages Hydration and Appetite

Finally, bone broth is a great way to get water and nutrients into dogs that won’t drink or eat much. Because it’s flavorful and warm, most dogs find it delicious.

Dogs who aren’t drinking enough will benefit from broth’s high moisture content. For dogs recovering from illness or picky eaters, even a small amount can stimulate appetite.

—Dr Becker

In my experience, the benefits of bone broth in stimulating appetite aren’t just limited to sick dogs. It can also be a great way to add a pack of flavor to food, making your pooch more excited about meal times.

Risks and Side Effects of Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth is generally safe, but there are certain aspects you need to be cautious of.

First, fat content can be an issue. Rich broths, especially those made from chicken skin or fatty beef bones, contain a lot of fat. This may not work well for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or fat-sensitive stomachs. If that’s the case, it’s best to use low-fat broth or offer it sparingly
Feeding cooked bones along with the broth poses a significant risk as these can splinter and choke or puncture intestines. Always strain the broth carefully and discard all bones before serving
Overfeeding is another concern. Even healthy bone broth is very rich. Giving too much at once could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea
Allergies are rare but possible. If your dog is allergic to beef, chicken or fish, they will not respond well to the broth made from these ingredients
If your dog has kidney disease or other underlying health issues, consult your vet before adding bone broth since certain medical conditions require mineral-restricted diets

How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs at Home

Making your own homemade bone broth for dogs is simple and ensures it’s safe and fresh. You can use a slow cooker, stovetop pot, or Instant Pot. The key is low-and-slow cooking to extract as much nutrition as possible. Here’s how to go about it:

Ingredients to Use

Always start with raw or roasted bones from safe animals. You can use,

Chicken backs, necks, feet
Turkey carcasses
Beef or lamb marrow bones
Fish frames

Joint-rich bones like chicken feet or soup bones yield extra collagen. You can add a splash of raw apple cider vinegar or about 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice per pot to help draw minerals out of the bones.

For flavor and extra nutrients, toss in dog-safe veggies and herbs such as chopped carrots, celery, parsley, green beans, a pinch of turmeric or ginger, and even a few pieces of apple or pumpkin. I often add pumpkin, parsley and turmeric to the bone broth to elevate its nutritional profile even more.

Ingredients to Avoid

Anything that is toxic to your dog should be avoid. This includes,

Onions
Garlic
Leeks
Chives
Heavy seasoning such as salt, soy sauce, pepper, butter or oils

Your dog doesn’t need that extra hit of flavor. The meaty flavor of the broth is good enough for them, So, keep it as plain as possible, with bones and water, topped with a bit of vinegar, and a few dog-safe vegetables or herbs.

Cooking Method

While the broth takes time to cook, the process itself is not complicated. Here is how to make bone broth for dogs:

Arrange the bones in a large pot or slow cooker and cover them with water, aim for the water level to be 2–3 inches above the bones
Add the apple cider vinegar and veggies or herbs, if you’re adding any.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
If using a slow cooker or stockpot, cook on low heat for about 24 hours for chicken bones and up to 48 hours for beef/lamb bones
If you’re using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, roughly 3–4 hours is sufficient to achieve similar gelatinization
During cooking, you’ll notice foam and fat rising to the top. Skim it off
Once the bones have simmered, strain out all solids and discard the bones
Refrigerate the broth. Once it chills, a layer of fat will solidify on top. Skim off and discard this fat layer
Underneath you should see a jelly-like stock—that’s your broth
Serve it warm, cold, or frozen

If your broth isn’t very jelly-like, don’t worry. It’s still nutritious. The next time, let it simmer longer. The longer you simmer, the richer and more gelatinous it gets.

Easy Bone Broth Recipes for Dogs

Since different bones cook differently, I’m sharing my go-to dog bone broth recipes to help you get started:

1. Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Use chicken carcass, necks, wings, or feet (no cooked bones!). Place them in a pot or slow cooker.
Add water to cover plus ~1 inch, and 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. You can add a carrot, a few sticks of celery, and a sprig of parsley for extra flavor
Cover and cook on low for 12–24 hours or pressure cook 3–4 hours
Remove all bones and veggies with a mesh strainer, discarding the solids. Cool the broth and skim off fat
You now have delicious homemade chicken bone broth ready to be served

Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Use raw beef soup bones or marrow bones. Put them in a large pot or Instant Pot.
Cover with water and add 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Toss in a couple of chopped carrots and a celery stalk for extra nutrients (optional)
On the stove or slow cooker, simmer on low 24–36 hours. In an Instant Pot, pressure cook for about 3–4 hours
Strain out bones, allow the broth to cool, and remove the hardened fat on top. The remaining rich stock is ready

Quick Instant Pot Bone Broth

Place any mix of chicken, beef, or turkey bones in your Instant Pot. Cover with water and add 1 tbsp vinegar
Seal and pressure cook on high for about 3 hours
Let pressure release naturally, then strain broth into bowls. Skim any fat

This is a faster method of preparing a nutritious stock

How to Feed Bone Broth to Dogs

Bone broth is very versatile to serve. You can serve it as it is, add it to meals, offer it as a frozen treat. It all boils down to what works for you and your dog. That said, here are a few broad guidelines on when, how, and how much bone broth to feed your dog to help you get started:

Quantity

Dog Size	Weight Range	Bone Broth Serving (per meal)
Small Dogs	Up to 20 lbs	1–2 tablespoons
Medium Dogs	20–40 lbs	2–4 tablespoons
Large Dogs	40+ lbs	4–6 tablespoons

Frequency

Frequency depends on your dog’s needs. I offer it bi-weekly as a frozen treat. Some people use broth as a meal topper a few times a week. Others limit it to once a week.

Serving ideas

You can ladle bone broth over dry kibble or mix it into wet food as a tasty gravy. Pour it plain in a bowl as a drink or treat. This works especially well for sick or very small dogs. You can also freeze broth in ice cube trays or silicone molds. These bone broth cubes are great as popsicle-style treats in summer. My dog loves these on hot days.

Puppies vs. seniors

Generally, healthy puppies can have broth too but in moderation. It’s a great way to boost hydration for active pups, but shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for the main diet. Bone broth is also a great addition to senior dogs’ diet, who benefit from the appetite boost and joint support. No matter what stage your dog is in, it’s always best to check with the vet about how much and how often to feed it.

Store-Bought Bone Broth vs Homemade

If making your own broth sounds like too much work, pet stores now sell ready-made bone broths just for dogs. Homemade bone broth for dogs is ideal because you control every ingredient, and don’t have to worry about additives or excess salt. It’s typically fresher and free from preservatives. However, it does take time to cook. If you’re torn about which way to go, store-bought or homemade, here is a quick outline of the benefits and drawbacks of both:

Type of Bone Broth	Pros	Cons
Homemade Bone Broth	• Full control over ingredients • No hidden salt, onions, or preservatives • Can customize with dog-safe add-ins like carrots, turmeric• Usually more cost-effective in the long run	• Time-consuming. Takes hours to simmer • Requires freezer or fridge space for storage • Messy to prepare if you’re not used to making broth
Store-Bought Bone Broth	• Convenient and quick to use • No cooking or cleanup required • Some brands make dog-specific options	• Many contain onion, garlic, salt, or seasonings unsafe for dogs • Harder to verify ingredient quality • More expensive over time • Limited control over fat content

I’ve learned that a middle way often works best. I usually make my own because my dogs love it and I know it’s pure. But I also keep a batch of store-bought unsalted, dog-approved broth in the fridge for times when I’m in a pinch.

Takeaway

Bone broth for dogs can be a wonderful, wholesome addition to your canine’s menu, if done right. It offers real benefits for joints, digestion, coat, hydration, and more, as many vets and my own experience confirm. But it comes with caveats: watch the fat content, avoid toxic ingredients, and don’t overdo it. Always prepare it safely (no cooked bones!) and introduce it gradually. And remember, if your dog has special health issues, check with your veterinarian to tailor things properly.