Dog Owner Guides | Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs
During the colder months, just like us dogs can become under the weather. Bone broth is a great choice for dogs feeling slightly under the weather, as it’s gentle on the digestive system and won’t aggravate an already delicate tummy. Bone broth is flavoursome (especially when served warm), making it highly palatable and can help encourage a dog with reduced appetite to eat along with helping to hydrate and nourish them.
Bone broth can also help to support bone and joint health thanks to the high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin and can act as a general immune booster. This is why we always have some prepared in the freezer ready to give our dogs when they are not quite feeling themselves.
To make bone broth at home you will need a large enough pan or pot to hold all the bones, along with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice is added to the broth because it helps to extract the maximum amount of collagen from the connective tissues in the bones as they cook. It also helps draw the minerals out of the bones more thoroughly.
The longer you can leave the broth to shimmer the better, as more minerals will be drawn out. Ideally leave the bones to shimmer for at least around 12 hours (longer if possible), however remember to check the pot doesn’t boil dry and that there is always around an inch of liquid above the bones. Top up with water if required.
You can use raw or cooked bones but be sure to include joint bones with cartilage. Ideally your broth will have a mix of bones. Definitely include bones that contain a good supply of marrow as well as feet or necks that also contain a large quantity of connective tissues and tendons.
Meat Choice
Turkey tends to be bland and well tolerated for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Chicken bones contain more cartilage than Turkey, therefore can be a great addition for helping to maintain healthy joints.
Lamb is much fatter than Turkey or Chicken which makes for a much richer broth, perfect for helping to support active dogs.
You can also choose to add some vegetable and herb additions around two hours before the broth is finished.
Squash is renowned for helping with digestive aid
Carrots are full of vitamin A and can help support the immune system
Parsley and Thyme are good for joint aid
Chamomile can help calm anxiousness
Ginger can help to reduce nausea and help to treat joint related pain
To finish, strain and remove the bones - NEVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR DOG. You can however handpick the meat off and pop it back in the broth and leave to cool
Once cooled scoop the access fat of which floats to the top and then pour into pots and freeze.
Bone Broth kept in the fridge lasts around 3-4 days.
You can choice to serve the broth warm to your dog alone or in with their current food. During hotter months you can freeze the broth in silicon moulds as a refreshing snack.
