We’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance our pet’s health and happiness. One way to achieve this is by providing your dog with a nutrient-rich homemade Bone Broth. Not only is it a delicious treat for your four-legged companion, but it also offers a wide range of health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making nutrient-packed homemade dog bone broth and explore why it’s a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet.

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Nutritional Benefits for Dogs

Homemade bone broth is not just a delectable treat for your canine companion; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that can have a positive impact on your dog’s health in various ways.  It offers numerous benefits:

• Joint Health: One of the standout benefits of bone broth is its ability to support joint health. The gelatin and collagen extracted from the bones during the simmering process can help soothe joint inflammation and promote flexibility, making it especially beneficial to older dogs who may be dealing with arthritis or younger dogs as a preventative measure. 
• Digestive Health: Is your dog prone to digestive issues or occasional tummy troubles? Homemade bone broth can come to the rescue! The amino acids and gelatin in the broth can aid digestion, soothe upset stomachs, and promote a healthy gut.
• Hydration: Proper hydration is vital for your dog’s health, and bone broth can serve as a hydration hero, especially during hot weather or for dogs who don’t drink enough water. The enticing aroma and taste of bone broth make it an enticing way to keep your pup hydrated.
• Immune Support: A strong immune system is your dog’s first line of defence against illnesses. Homemade bone broth contains vitamins and minerals that can give your dog’s immune system a natural boost, helping them stay healthy and vibrant.
• Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Homemade bone broth is like a liquid goldmine of nutrients for your furry friend. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids that contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.

Additional Benefits of Bone Broth

Not only are there numerous health benefits of bone broth, but there are additional benefits including:

• Perfect for Picky Eaters: If you have a picky eater on your hands, bone broth can be a game-changer. Its rich flavour can entice even the fussiest of dogs to eat their meals, ensuring they get the nutrition they need.
• Glossy Coat and Healthy Skin: The nutrients in bone broth aren’t just beneficial on the inside; they can also contribute to a glossy coat and healthy skin on the outside. The amino acids in the broth promote skin elasticity and coat shine.
• Weight Management: For dogs on a weight management plan, bone broth can be a valuable addition. It’s low in calories but high in flavour, making it an excellent topper for reducing portion sizes while still satisfying your dog’s taste buds.
• A Soothing Elixir: During times of illness or recovery, a warm bowl of bone broth can be incredibly soothing for your dog. It’s easy on the stomach and provides essential nutrients to aid in healing.

Why Homemade Dog Bone Broth?

Before delving into the specifics of making your own dog bone broth, let’s discuss why homemade is the way to go. While commercial bone broth products for dogs are available, crafting your own broth provides several advantages:

1 – Ingredient Control

When you make bone broth at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can select the highest quality bones and choose fresh, dog-friendly vegetables and herbs. This ensures that your dog gets the best nutrition possible.

2 – Cost-Effective

Making your own bone broth is cost-effective in the long run. The ingredients are often readily available, and you can use leftover bones from your own meals, reducing waste. 

3 – Tailored to Your Dog

Every dog is unique, and homemade bone broth allows you to tailor the ingredients to your dog’s specific dietary needs. For instance, if your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, you can exclude certain ingredients.

Choosing a Store-bought Broth

If you don’t have time to make your own homemade bone broth, there are some excellent commercial broths on the market.  Most pet stores or raw food stores sell several versions of bone broth.  Many grocery stores also carry bone broth, but if you opt for a grocery store broth, make sure you read the nutritional information carefully as broths for humans often contain ingredients that can be harmful to our pups such as onion or excessive salt. 

My Favourite Tips

I like things that are easy and have multiple uses.  While I vary my recipe almost every time I make broth, I have a few favourites.

• Carrots: I almost always add carrots to our bone broth.  Don’t peel them, just wash them well.  The skin has a lot of vitamins and nutrients!  I cut them into large chunks (4-6 inches).  Bonus: I sometimes pull them out of the broth early and pop them into the freezer for a yummy special treat for my dogs!
• Chicken Wings: While I will often use the bones from a roast chicken, I love using chicken wings because I can use the meat for treats or dog food.  When I do this, I let it simmer until the meat is cooked, then take out the wings and remove the meat, returning the bones to the broth to continue to work their magic.
• Mushrooms: Neither of my dogs love mushrooms, but they are very healthy for them, so I often incorporate mushrooms in our bone broth.  
• Leftovers and Scraps: I need to do this more, but many people will keep a “scraps” bag in their freezer to throw in veggie or meat scraps or minimally seasoned leftovers to add to their next batch of broth.  Things like the peeled skins from carrots, veggie ends, or excess amounts of veg that you will not use before it goes bad.  Anything goes, as long as it is safe for dogs to consume. 

Homemade Dog Bone Broth Recipe

Tools

• Stockpot or Slow Cooker: You’ll need a large pot or slow cooker to simmer the ingredients.  Alternatively, you could use a pressure cooker
• Strainer: A strainer or fine-mesh sieve for separating solids from the broth
• Ladle: to stir with and to transfer the broth for straining and storage
• Containers: To store the finished broth.  I love these large silicone molds. They are the perfect size for storage in the freezer

Ingredients

• Bones: Choose high-quality, dog-safe bones, such as chicken, turkey, or beef bones.  If possible, choose bones from organic sources.
• Vegetables: Opt for dog-friendly veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and celery.
• Herbs and Spices: Parsley, turmeric, and ginger can add flavour and health benefits.
• Water: Use clean, filtered water for the best results.
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: to help draw the nutritious minerals from the bones

Choosing the Right Bones

You’ll also want to consider your dog’s allergies or nutritional needs when choosing bones.  For our dogs, we need to be cautious and feed very small amounts when using pork or beef bones as they tend to get constipated due to their medical issues.  Our dogs do best with poultry (chicken or turkey) bone broth.  Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns with ingredients or serving to your dog. 

You can also use multiple types of bones, or leftover bones from roasts or carcasses.  If you are saving bones for future use, make sure you keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. 

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables: Wash and roughly chop the vegetables into large, manageable pieces. Remember, these veggies will add flavour and nutrients to the broth.
2. Gather Herbs and Spices: Prepare the herbs and spices you plan to use. If using fresh herbs, wash and roughly chop or tear up the herbs.  These not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the nutritional value.

Cooking Process

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making nutrient-rich homemade dog bone broth:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the bones, chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices into your stockpot or slow cooker.  Add 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. 
2. Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients. Be careful not to overfill; leave some space at the top.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for several hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the broth will become.
4. Skim Off Impurities: As the broth simmers, you may notice foam or impurities rising to the surface. Skim these off with a spoon for a clearer broth.
5. Strain: After simmering for several hours (ideally 12-24 hours for maximum nutrition, minimum 4-6 hours), strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to remove solid pieces.
6. Cool and Store: Allow the broth to cool before storing it in airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it in portions for later use.

Storing and Serving

When it comes to storing and serving homemade dog bone broth, keep these tips in mind:

• Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.  Mason jars or other airtight containers for liquids are ideal for this. 
• Freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.  Regular-sized ice cube trays work well, however for freezing large amounts of broth, larger containers, freezer bags or even silicone soup containers work well. 

How to Use Bone Broth

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making nutrient-rich homemade bone broth, you might be wondering how to incorporate this wholesome elixir into your dog’s diet effectively.

• Standalone Treat: One of the simplest ways to use homemade bone broth is as a standalone treat. Pour a small amount into your dog’s bowl, and watch their tail wag with delight. This works well as an occasional indulgence or a reward for good behaviour.  You can also freeze the broth in small molds and serve it to your dog as a frozen treat!
• Mix with Kibble: Transform your dog’s regular kibble into a gourmet meal by mixing it with homemade bone broth. The flavourful broth can entice picky eaters and encourage them to finish their meal while adding extra nutrition.
• Bake into Treats: Get creative by using bone broth in homemade treat recipes. Substitute the liquid in any recipe for bone broth!  Looking for inspiration?  Check out these recipes: Homemade Liver Training Treats: Elevate Your Dog’s Training Experience or Sweet Potato Honey Dog Treats
• Make Gummies: Bone broth is great for making gummies.  Replace the liquid in your recipe with your healthy, homemade broth.  Check out these recipes for inspiration: Peanut Butter Liver Gelatin Dog Treats or Honey Gummies for Dogs: 3 Delicious Homemade Recipes
• Medication Administration: If your dog needs to take medication, consider using bone broth as a medium. The enticing taste can mask the medication’s flavour, making the process much smoother.
• Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Food: For dogs on a freeze-dried or dehydrated food diet, bone broth serves as an excellent rehydrating agent. It adds moisture to the food, making it more palatable and digestible.
• Tummy Troubles: During episodes of tummy troubles, such as diarrhea or vomiting, a small amount of bone broth can help soothe your dog’s stomach. It’s gentle on the digestive system and provides essential nutrients.
• Senior Dogs: Senior dogs, in particular, can benefit from bone broth’s joint-supporting properties. Consider adding it to their daily routine to help alleviate joint stiffness and discomfort.
• Hydration Aid: If your dog struggles to stay hydrated, especially during warm weather, use bone broth as a hydration aid. Mix it with water to encourage drinking or offer it as an alternative to plain water.
• Post-Exercise Recovery: After a vigorous exercise session or a long walk, treat your pup to a bowl of bone broth. It can help replenish electrolytes and provide nourishment for muscle recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making nutrient-rich homemade dog bone broth is a rewarding and beneficial endeavor for any dog owner. Not only does it provide your beloved pet with a delicious treat, but it also supports their overall health and well-being. By following the steps outlined in this ultimate guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a nutritious and tasty broth that your furry friend will adore.

So, why wait? Start preparing a batch of homemade dog bone broth today, and watch your dog thrive on this wholesome addition to their diet. Your pup will thank you with wagging tails and happy, healthy years ahead!

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