“A pennyworth of broth is better than a pound of meat.”
– Old English proverb
“Good broth will resurrect the dead.”
– Old South American 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.
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.
Storage Tips
Bone broth stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze it in small portions (ice cube trays work great!) for up to 6 months. Thaw only what you need to keep it fresh and safe.
Ingredients
- 1kg raw bones (chicken, pork, or beef; organic/grass-fed preferred)
- 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Water to cover bones
METHOD
frozen bones
I have a kilo bag of frozen organic grass fed beef bones
organic beef bones
I don’t need to thaw, I’m just gonna chuck ’em in the pot.
bones in a pot no water
So add the bones to your pot or pressure cooker
bones in a pot
Then fill pot to just cover the bones, I used about 3 litres. Add 2-4 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
pressure cooker
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.
cooked bone broth
4 hours later and it’s done. Smells amazing! My dogs know something smells good!
dog sitting nice for treat
“oh jeez… that smells so good, can I get some? I’m sitting ever so nice, I am”
bone broth in a dog bowl
Yummy, I add the fresh broth to a bowl and leave to cool. You can fridge it for a few days or just chuck in a freezer for whenever!
flo drinking broth
OK Flo you can have some since you’re such a good girl, yes you are!
Blossom is 32 days pregnant would this be good for she has gone off her food
Where do you find organic grass fed bones? I can find hamburger from grass fed cows at the grocery store but I am not sure about organic bones.
Try here: https://www.graigfarm.co.uk/organic-bones
I am so pleased I have come across this site.
I will definitely be making this for my Staffy who is 17 years old next month ( I adopted him last December)
I am sure he will love it added to his food .
I will also be making him a birthday cake made from liver, complete with 17 candles 🙂 🙂
Hi if doing the bone broth in the pressure cooker do you put it on the stew function ? My collie has early kidney disease and need to soak his kibble so was going to try the broth. Thanks
Hi Jamie,
I have chicken bones on the go at the moment and there is a huge amount of fat. Do I need to skim this off?
Thanks,
Sharleena
No. Fat is good.
will this effect the jelly babies that I want to make?
if you making jelly babies you might want to skim some of the fat off as it will just sit on the surface and not mix. Try making one jelly baby and if the fat doesnt set on the surface it’s fine, else skim it.
Hi Jamie,
Great site, great recipes, thank you for that 🙂
One question though. When I cook bones to make broth in the slow cooker (for 24 hours) the (smaller) bones come out in a chalk testure, you can break them in your hands. I assume these bones are OK to feed to the dogs, as long as they are soft?
Thanks,
Huw.
That means it’s ready when the bones are chalky. Nah, I think it’s best to still throw the bones out, I would never feed cooked bones for any reason. Plus all the goodness has been cooked out them.
Great article Jamie, Flo is so cute! My dog loves Au Bon Broth after every run. It made him more energetic and made his coat shine.
Hi
Was wondering if this can be done in a slow cooker
Hey Barbara, yeah you can. Around 8-24 hours. You know when the bones begin to soften that it’s ready.
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