Bone broth for dogs may sound like "Grandma’s home remedy," but it can be a helpful treat for many pups: especially if your dog drinks little, is a picky eater, or needs to regain appetite after illness. The key is: Bone broth for your dog is always cooked without salt, onion, or spices – unlike broth made for people.
Note: This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
If your dog has illnesses (such as pancreatitis, kidney, or heart disease), please consult your vet before giving bone broth.
In this article, you’ll find a basic recipe for bone broth for dogs – plus a handy checklist to help you get it just right.
Bone Broth for Dogs: What’s Inside?
Bone broth is a slow-simmered broth made from bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. During gentle cooking, especially the following components break down:
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Gelatin/Collagen (which often turns “jiggly” when cooled)
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Amino acids, such as glycine and proline,
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Minerals (which vary depending on the bones used and cooking time)
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Natural cartilage components that are often linked to glucosamine and chondroitin. You can find research on supplements for osteoarthritis here.
Important: Bone broth for dogs is not a complete meal. It’s meant to complement—but not replace—a balanced diet.
It also does not substitute for feeding bones (for example, as a source of calcium).
How it differs from regular broth:
Bone broth for dogs is simmered gently and slowly—without strong spices. When it sets after cooling, it’s usually rich in gelatin.
When can bone broth benefit your dog?
Typical situations where bone broth can be especially helpful include:
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Encouraging more fluid intake: served lukewarm as a drink or poured over their food
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Making meals more tempting: add a small splash of bone broth after a gastrointestinal infection
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For senior dogs: many pet owners use bone broth during winter months
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As a carrier: for herbs or nutritional supplements
Mini case:
Your dog returns home after dental treatment and is hesitant to eat. Just a few tablespoons of lukewarm bone broth poured over a soft meal can encourage them to start eating again.
Helpful tip:
Many dogs also enjoy bone broth frozen into ice cubes – perfect for offering small portions.
Cooking Bone Broth for Dogs: A Safe and Simple Recipe
When making bone broth for your dog, remember: no salt, no onion, no garlic, and no spices.
The bones are gently simmered and then completely removed.
Ingredients
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1–2 kg bones rich in cartilage and connective tissue
(for example, joint bones, breastbone, oxtail, chicken carcasses, or feet) -
2–3 liters of water (enough to cover all ingredients)
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Optional: 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Which bones are best?
Choose pieces with plenty of cartilage like joints and breastbone.
Defat very marrow-rich bones thoroughly later..
Preparation
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Rinse the bones, place them in a large pot, and cover with water.
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Optionally, add apple cider vinegar, bring to a boil, and skim off any foam.
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Simmer gently for 12–24 hours.
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Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
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Let cool and remove the layer of fat that forms on top.
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Divide into portions (for example, using an ice cube tray) and freeze.
Extremely important:
Cooked bones should never be given to pets – they can splinter dangerously.
For more information, see: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-bones-are-not-safe-for-dogs
How much bone broth is safe for my dog?
There’s no exact perfect amount of bone broth for dogs – it really depends on their tolerance.
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Start slowly: 1–2 tablespoons
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Better to give small amounts regularly
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If your dog has a sensitive stomach, dilute the broth 50:50 with water initially
If your dog experiences vomiting, stomach upset, or diarrhea, pause feeding and consult your vet if needed.
Recommended daily amounts
|
Dog size |
Starting Quantity |
Typical Amount Used as Topping |
|
< 10 kg |
1–2 tbsp |
30–60 ml |
|
10–25 kg |
2–4 tbsp |
60–120 ml |
|
> 25 kg |
4–6 tbsp |
120–200 ml |
Avoid These Mistakes: How Bone Broth Can Become Unnecessarily Risky for Dogs
The most common errors:
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Onions, garlic, leeks, Chives
(toxic to dogs)
Source: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals -
Excessive salt or sodium
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Broth with very high fat content
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Bone fragments in the bowl
When to be cautious?
If you have a sensitive stomach, a tendency towards pancreatitis, kidney, or heart disease, please consult with your healthcare provider before use.
Storage & Hygiene: How to Keep the Broth Safe
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Refrigerator: keep well sealed, 3–5 days
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Freezing: portioned, lasts several months
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Serving: only lukewarm and without bone fragments
If the broth smells unusual or your dog reacts oddly, discard it immediately.
Buying Ready-Made Bone Broth: A Checklist for Your Dog's Bowl
When you buy bone broth for dogs, be sure to look for:
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Clear labeling for animals
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Short ingredient list
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Little to no salt
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Single animal protein
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Clear feeding instructions & Storage Notes
If you’re unsure, have the ingredient list briefly reviewed by your veterinarian.
A Bonus for You as a Pet Owner: Using Bone Broth in Daily Life
If you’d like to enjoy bone broth yourself, JARMINO offers ready-made organic bone broths, concentrates, and recipe PDFs.
If you prefer cooking from scratch, this recipe is a helpful guide:
Bone Broth Recipe
(for dogs, please omit onions & spices)
Special situations: bland diet, senior dogs & sensitive stomach
Bone broth for dogs is often praised as a “nutritional boost” – but in practice, it always depends on the individual situation. Especially for senior dogs or after illness, it’s best to start with a mild, defatted broth in small portions. Bone broth is especially handy for picky drinkers: serve it lukewarm as a comforting drink or freeze it into small ice cubes for a refreshing summer treat.
After gastrointestinal issues (vomiting or diarrhea)
Offer only lukewarm, well-defatted bone broth, starting with 1–2 tablespoons. Gradually increase the amount only if your dog appears stable and shows renewed appetite.
If diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, if you notice blood, or if your dog seems lethargic, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
For older dogs & Joint Topics
Many pet owners use bone broth for dogs to make soft food more appetizing and to boost fluid intake. Bones and cartilage also contain elements commonly linked to glucosamine and chondroitin.
While this isn’t a medical claim, offering bone broth daily in small amounts over meals can help ‘picky’ senior dogs eat more consistently.
For sensitive stomachs or pancreas issues
Fat is often the biggest trigger. Be sure to let the bone broth cool completely, carefully skim off the fat layer, and dilute it with water if needed.
When choosing bone broth, opt for a simply labeled supplement for dogs that has a short, clear ingredient list—free from spices or additives.
How to tell if you’re giving the right amount
The right amount becomes clear quickly: firm stool, no stomach upset, and a normal appetite. If the stool softens or your dog appears restless, reduce the amount or pause for 2–3 days.
Important: Never put cooked bones into your dog’s bowl. When giving bone broth to dogs, only the liquid part is served.
FAQ: Bone Broth for Dogs
Can dogs drink bone broth?
Yes – as long as it’s prepared dog-friendly: without onion, garlic, salt, or any bone fragments.
How often can I give bone broth to dogs?
For many dogs, 2–3 times per week as a tasty topper is sufficient. In special circumstances, it can be given daily, provided it’s well tolerated.
Can Bone Broth Help Dogs with Diarrhea?
Many dogs respond well to lukewarm, fat-removed broth. If diarrhea continues, it’s best to have your vet check the cause.
Is Store-Bought Bone Broth Okay to Give?
Usually, it’s not recommended because many store-bought options contain onions, garlic, or too much salt.
Which Bones Are Best for Bone Broth?
Bones with plenty of cartilage and connective tissue, such as joints, sternum, or chicken feet, work best.
How Long Does Homemade Bone Broth Last?
Stored in the fridge, it keeps for 3–5 days; frozen, it lasts several months.
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