Bone Broth Dog Recipe: How to Safely Prepare Bone Broth for Dogs (With

A great bone broth dog recipe is much more than just “throwing bones into water.” When prepared properly, bone broth for dogs can be a wonderful extra: many dogs love the taste, it helps support their hydration, and it works perfectly as a tasty topper for their meals. The most important thing, however, is safe preparation: no salt, no onions or garlic, no seasoning blends — and especially no bone fragments in the bowl.

Important note: This post is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If pancreatitis, kidney or heart issues, or special diets are a concern, please check with your vet first.

For those who want to understand when broth is beneficial, also see: Bone Broth for Dogs: Feeding Safely &

Bone Broth Dog Recipe: The Essential Basics (short & important)

When making a bone broth dog recipe, keep these three simple rules in mind:

Place the bones in a pot, cover with water, and heat slowly – then let it gently simmer (avoid a rolling boil).
Simmering for several hours is ideal: typically 12–24 hours, depending on the type of bones.
After cooking, be sure to strain, cool, remove fat, and portion the broth. And never feed your dog cooked bones.

Why this last point is so important: Cooked bones can become brittle and splinter;

which can lead to injury or choking hazards.

Ingredient List: What You Need (and What to Avoid)

Ingredients (Basic Recipe)

1–2 kg bones (see selection details below)
2–3 liters water (enough to fully cover the bones)
Optional: 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps with nutrient extraction)

Optional Additions (only if your dog tolerates them)

1 small carrot or some celery – but: leave out if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.

What to Avoid in Your Bone Broth Dog Recipe

Onions, garlic, leek, chives (Allium plants): potentially toxic to dogs.
Salt & Broth cubes (excess sodium, additives)
Spices/Chili/Pepper mixes
Feeding cooked bones (risk of splintering).

Which bones are suitable for bone broth for dogs?

For a gelatinous result (high in gelatin), cartilaginous parts are often ideal:

Joint bones / cartilage parts (e.g., beef or veal joints)
Breastbone
Chicken feet (very gelatinous if you tolerate poultry well)
Carcasses (for flavor, but often less gelatinous)

Tip: Broth made with very marrow-rich bones often becomes greasier – be sure to skim off the fat later.

Bone Broth Dog Recipe Step by Step (12–24 Hours)

Step 1: Prepare the Bones

Rinse the bones quickly.
Optional: Blanch the bones for 5 minutes to reduce odor, then discard the water and rinse the bones again.

Step 2: Place in the Pot and Cover with Water

Place the bones in a large pot.
Pour in enough water to cover them completely (at least 2–3 liters, depending on your pot size).
Optionally, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the broth's mineral extraction.

Step 3: Bring to a boil, then let it simmer gently

Bring to a boil briefly.
Reduce the heat and let it gently simmer with small bubbles.

Step 4: Cooking time – how long is really needed?

Minimum: 8–12 hours
Ideal: 24 hours, if you want a highly gelatinous broth (and it fits your schedule).
This extended simmering time is what allows more gelatin to be released into the broth.

Step 5: Straining – very important

Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
Carefully make sure that no bone fragments (not even tiny splinters) are left in the broth.

Step 6: Cooling, defatting, and portioning

Allow the broth to cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate.
A layer of fat often forms on top: if preparing for sensitive dogs, gently skim it off.
Freeze in portions – an ice cube tray works perfectly for this.

Reminder: Bone broth for dogs = only the liquid, never the cooked bones.

How much bone broth can a dog have?

Begin with a small amount and increase only if your dog tolerates it well (no stomach upset, normal stool).

Guideline (per day)

Dog weight	Starting amount	Typical amount as a meal topper
< 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

Helpful tip: If your dog is reluctant to drink water, you can dilute the broth (for example, 1:1 with water). This makes it lighter and helps provide more fluids.

Storage & Hygiene: Keeping bone broth safe for dogs

Bone broth is an animal-derived product – maintaining proper hygiene is essential.

Two-hour rule: Refrigerate leftovers promptly; Do not leave it at room temperature for too long.

Refrigerator: best consumed within 3 to 4 days (when in doubt, discard).

Freezing: freeze in portions; it keeps much longer when frozen, maintaining better quality.

Before serving: serve lukewarm, not hot.

If it smells off or your dog reacts unusually, discard it.

Many pet owners wonder whether to give bone broth to their dogs “straight” or mixed into their meals. Both options are possible – it just depends on what you want to achieve. As a drink (served lukewarm, diluted 1:1 with water if needed), bone broth is especially convenient for dogs who don’t drink much or need extra hydration after a walk or training. As a topper over their food, it’s perfect for boosting dry food or encouraging picky eaters to enjoy their meal again.

To help your dog adjust to the broth, try a simple 3-day plan:

Day 1: 1–2 tablespoons added to their food.

Day 2: the same amount, but skim off the fat layer.

Day 3: if well tolerated, gradually increase the amount or offer once as a diluted “drink.”

If you’ve made a particularly gelled broth, you can portion it easily: ice cubes are great for small dogs or as convenient “mini portions” between meals. During summer, many dogs even enjoy the cubes as a tasty snack. One thing to keep in mind: if your dog's stool softens or their tummy starts to rumble, reduce the amount or take a break for a few days – usually, adjusting the dosage like this quickly does the trick.

When to be cautious

A bone broth dog recipe isn’t suitable for every situation—or it may require some adjustments:

Sensitive stomach or pancreas issues: always make sure to remove excess fat and start with a small amount.
Kidney or heart conditions: use only after consulting your vet, since even though sodium can be controlled with homemade broth, every detail matters when managing illness.
Allergies: use only one protein source (for example, just beef or just chicken) and leave out any additives.
Homemade meals in general: If you prepare mostly at home over the long term, make sure to keep a well-balanced diet; WSAVA highlights the importance of “complete & balanced” nutrition along with a realistic understanding of risks and quality.

FAQ: Bone Broth Dog Recipe

Can my dog have bone broth every day?

Many dogs tolerate small daily amounts very well – just start with a little and watch your dog’s stool carefully. For more sensitive dogs, 2 to 3 times per week is sufficient.

Why shouldn’t dogs have cooked bones?

Because they become brittle when cooked and can splinter, which is dangerous. This can cause injuries in the mouth or digestive tract.

Can I give bone broth from the supermarket?

Often, it’s not the best choice: Many store-bought products contain onion, garlic, or too much salt. For dogs, it's best to have a very simple ingredients list – or even better, make the broth yourself.

How can I tell if my dog doesn’t tolerate the broth?

Common signs include soft stools, stomach rumbling, nausea, or vomiting. In that case, pause for 2 to 3 days, then try a smaller amount again later—or consult your vet.

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Bone Broth Dog Recipe: How to Safely Prepare Bone Broth for Dogs (Without Any Risks)

Bone Broth Dog Recipe: The Essential Basics (short & important)