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Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?

Written by FOTP Team

Updated

Bone Broth For Dogs — Surely Nothing So Tasty Can Be Good For Your Dog?

Bone broth is growing in popularity. More and more dog owners are turning to this hoping to improve their dog’s health, but whats the truth behind this trend?

Bone broth should be homemade to have the desired effects. A lot of people assume that bone broth is the same as stock that can be bought from the supermarket. This is not the case. Beef and chicken stock, while delicious, is often full of salt, onions and garlic. Which can all prove toxic for your dog. So, preparing your own bone broth is the best way to be safe. That way, you can ensure that it is full of all the good stuff that can give your dog a boost.

Broth is usually full of gelatin, magnesium, iron, glucosamine and vitamins including C and D. Studies suggest it can be good for humans, too!

The most effective methods include simmering the bones of chicken or beef in water for a long time, and including a little apple cider vinegar to enjoy even more health benefits.

Broth is Better Than Bones

The content of many bones is very good for dogs, and your four-legged friend will almost certainly love bones. However, they come with risks.

Raw bones if not very fresh can be too hard for your dog’s teeth and result in tooth fractures. Cooked bones are more prone to splintering, which can cause issues for your dog’s teeth and gums, as well as painful problems moving through the digestive tract.

Broth can be a way to release these benefits with no risk attached.

Broth is Great For Digestion

Your dog’s stomach needs some support. Bone broth is great for your dog’s digestion and provides amino acids, chondroitin sulfate and the sort of “good bacteria” a dog needs. However, this can be variable depending on the type of bones you are cooking and the cooking method.

Alternatives to support healthy digestion include Prebiotics and Probiotics, to support your dog’s friendly gut bacteria.

Broth Strengthens Joints and Bones

I guess it makes sense, really. The good stuff in bones can help…bones.

Bone broth has plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin which support joints, and allow your dog to move more flexibly. Combined with MSM, a natural sulfur often found in vegetables and fruit, broth can ease aches and pains. But again, this can be variable depending on the quality of the bones, so choose wisely!

Give Your Dog a Healthy Boost

Your dog’s immune system needs some assistance from time-to-time. Bone broth contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, and it is a great way to arm your dog’s system with much of what he needs to fight off seasonal illnesses.

Making Bone Broth

Making bone broth for dogs is also incredibly simple. There are a few different methods.

We recommend using ½ a cup of raw apple cider vinegar and four cups of filtered water. On top of this, you can add your choice of bones. About ½ lb is suitable for these measures.

Lamb and beef bones are great, and chicken feet are another fantastic solution.

You can broil it on a low-medium heat, but for the best results we recommend using a crock pot for 20–24 hours on a high setting. This allows all of the beneficial contents to seep into the water.

After you’ve cooked, use a slotted spoon to take the bones out and let it cool. Throw the bones away. Pour the broth through a strainer once it has cooled, and then put it in the fridge. Make sure there are no little bones that have stayed in the broth. After it has been in the fridge for a few hours there will be a hard layer of fat at the top. You should scoop this away and return it to the refrigerator. It will keep for around 3 days, or you can freeze it for long-term storage.

Providing your dog with a balanced and varied diet is the cornerstone of good health. There are things you can do to help, such as turning to dietary additions like bone broth.

Whilst there are undeniably plenty of vitamins and minerals in bone broth that can support joints, immune defences and gut health. This is largely variable depending on the age and quality of the bones, as well as the cooking method.

If you’re looking for a more reliable alternative (and a more Vegetarian / Vegan-friendly solution!) supplements like The One/products/the-one by Front Of The Pack provide 8 benefits across joints, immunity, gut health and more. The 12 clinically-proven ingredients can also help with heart and brain function, plus keep your dog’s skin and coat shiny and in great condition.

Find out more if supplements are right for your dog at Front Of The Pack/.