“A pennyworth of broth is better than a pound of meat.”
– Old English proverb
Bone broth is a powerhouse superfood for dogs, perfect for boosting immunity, aiding recovery from illness, or keeping active pups in top shape. Even picky or sick dogs that turn their noses up at food will often lap up a warm bowl of broth. You can drizzle it over kibble to entice eating or serve it solo as a nutrient-packed treat. Here’s why bone broth is a game-changer for your dog and how to make it safely.
Why Bone Broth is Great for Dogs
Bone broth is loaded with easily absorbed minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, which support strong bones and overall health. It’s rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which promote calm behaviour and healthy digestion. The collagen and gelatin from bones help repair the gut lining, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation—perfect for dogs with arthritis, leaky gut, or joint pain. Marrow supports healthy blood cells and immune development, making broth a go-to during flu season or recovery from illness. Plus, gelatin strengthens fur, skin, and nails, keeping your dog looking and feeling great.
“Good broth will resurrect the dead.”
– Old South American proverb
Best of all, it’s budget-friendly! All you need are quality bones, a splash of vinegar, and time.
Key Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar helps leach minerals from bones, maximising the broth’s benefits. It’s also antibacterial, antifungal, and great for digestion, coat health, and deterring parasites like fleas. Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best results.
Organic Bones: Choose raw chicken, pork, or beef bones—meaty marrow bones are ideal. If possible, opt for organic or grass-fed beef bones, which are higher in Omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamin E, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Grass-fed bones are anti-inflammatory and less likely to contain hormones or antibiotics. Outdoor-raised pork bones have a better Omega-3/Omega-6 ratio. If organic isn’t an option, local butchers or pet stores often carry safe, raw bones—just ensure they’re fresh and unseasoned.
Important Health Notes
Bone broth is fantastic for most dogs, but it’s not for everyone. The high fat content can be tough on dogs with pancreatitis, liver disease, or fat sensitivities. Consult your vet before offering broth to dogs with these conditions or those on low-fat diets. Introduce broth gradually to avoid tummy upset, starting with small amounts (e.g., 1-2 tbsp per 10kg body weight daily). Check for allergies to specific bones (e.g., chicken).
How to Serve Bone Broth
- Puppies/Small Dogs: 1-2 tbsp daily, mixed with food or as a treat.
- Medium Dogs (10-25kg): 2-4 tbsp daily.
- Large Dogs (25kg+): 4-8 tbsp daily.
Adjust based on your dog’s needs and activity level. Broth is great for:
- Sick Dogs: Encourages eating and hydrates during recovery.
- Senior Dogs: Eases joint pain and supports mobility.
- Active Dogs: Replenishes minerals and supports muscle repair.
- Leaky Gut: Soothes and repairs the digestive tract.
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Bone broth in 4 hours rather than 24!
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Cooking Methods
I use my Instant Pot but any stove top pressure cooker is just as fast. You know it’s ready when the bones start to soften and get crumbly/chalky.
- Pressure cooker = 4 hours
- Slow cooker = 12-24 hours
- Stovetop = 6-12 hours
Once cooked discard the bones, it's just the broth you want. Dogs should never be fed cooked bones.
Equipment
- Pressure cooker 4 hours cooking
- Slow cooker 12-24 hours cooking
- Stove top pot 6-12 hours cooking
Ingredients
- 1 kg Raw bones chicken, pork, or beef; organic/grass-fed preferred
- 4 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- Water Enough to cover the bones in the pot
Instructions
- Add the bones to your pot or pressure cooker
- Fill pot to cover the bones, I used about 3 litres. Add 4 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
- I’m using my pressure cooker. It doesnt set to 4 hours so I will do it for 2 hours twice over. If using the stove or slow cooker then simmer between 8-24 hours – topping up with water when needed
- 4 hours later and it’s done. Smells amazing! My dogs know something smells good!
- “oh jeez… that smells so good, can I get some? I’m sitting ever so nice, I am”
- Yummy, I add the fresh broth to a bowl and leave it to cool. You can fridge it for a few days or chuck it in the freezer for whenever!
- OK Flo you can have some since you’re such a good girl, yes you are!
I had read the 24 hr cooked bones can be put in the blender with some bone broth and IS nutricious . Why do you say NOT to feed them the cooked (chicken boned if they are ground to a paste? Thanks ahead very much for educating me on this question!
Bones when overcooked breakdown and become chalky and soft, but before that and once cooked, the composition changes from when it was raw so that it becomes brittle and shards into sharp pieces – when like this bones are very dangerous. Uually after being in a pressure cooker they will be breaking down and crumbling, blend that. I just stated not to feed them to be sure no one accidentally fed their dog brittle cooked bones.
I think I have added too much apple cider vinegar it has been in the slow cooker for 24 hours so far should I chuck it and start again or does the acv content not make a difference? It’s for my dog & I’m a vegetarian so I can’t taste it myself
It depends how much more you put in. If it’s just like a little more, even double it should be fine. But more than that, I’d chuck it.
Do you use high pressure for the full four hours? Thanks.
Yip, else they’d take around 24 hours in a standard pot on the cooker.