Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, Recipe & Vet Tips

Most dogs would happily lap up whatever you’re cooking, but bone broth stands out as something worth making on purpose. This humble stock—slow-simmered from bones and connective tissue—has become a staple in many pet households, praised for everything from easing stiff joints to tempting finicky eaters. The American Kennel Club lists it as a superfood for dogs, packed with nutrients that support immune function and digestive health. If you’ve been wondering whether bone broth deserves a spot in your dog’s bowl, here’s what the research and veterinary experts actually say.

Key Nutrients: Collagen, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus ·
Immune Support: Enhances disease-fighting ability ·
Joint Health Aid: From slow-cooked bones ·
Digestive Soother: For diarrhea cases ·
Vet Endorsed: Recommended by AKC

Below is a quick-reference breakdown of the most important bone broth attributes for dog owners.

Can bone broth be good for dogs?

The short answer is yes—and the benefits go beyond just making food taste better. Bone broth contains a wide range of nutrients that can genuinely support your dog’s health, from joint mobility to immune function.

Nutritional profile

Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue for extended periods, typically 24 hours. This slow cooking process extracts collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin from the bones—compounds that the American Kennel Club identifies as vital for strengthening and repairing joints. The American Kennel Club notes that glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin occur naturally in bone broth and are vital in strengthening and repairing joints.

Beyond joint-supporting compounds, bone broth is full of minerals including silicon, sulphur, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, these minerals play crucial roles in nervous system function, heart health, muscle contractions, and hydration.

Immune and joint support

The American Kennel Club states that bone broth contains essential nutrients that enhance a dog’s immune system’s ability to fight diseases. The collagen in bone broth contributes to the health and stability of a dog’s joints, making it particularly valuable for senior dogs, dogs with previous injuries, and breeds prone to joint issues.

Bone broth also contains glycine, an amino acid that can help detoxify a dog’s kidneys and liver. According to Figo Pet Insurance, this amino acid supports liver health by helping remove toxins from the body.

The implication: for dogs showing early signs of joint stiffness or those recovering from illness, bone broth offers nutritional support that complements veterinary treatment. However, bone broth won’t cure joint problems without other treatments—veterinary consultation is essential.

Do vets recommend bone broth for dogs?

Veterinary endorsements for bone broth are notably positive, with organizations like the American Kennel Club explicitly recommending it as a superfood for dogs. This backing comes with important caveats about preparation and serving.

AKC expert advice

The American Kennel Club recognizes bone broth as beneficial for canine health, specifically highlighting its value for joint support, immune function, and digestive health. Their veterinary experts emphasize that bone broth should be used as a supplement to a complete diet, not as a replacement.

A veterinarian-reviewed recipe from Chewy yields about 6 cups of bone broth, with a serving size of 2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight. This standardized guidance helps pet owners avoid over-supplementing.

Pet nutrition endorsements

Dr. Ruth Roberts, a veterinary professional, recommends bone broth as especially helpful for pets recovering from illness or with digestive issues because it is easy to digest. Her protocols emphasize using apple cider vinegar to help extract nutrients from bones.

Independence Veterinary Clinic notes that bone broth contains electrolytes that help maintain fluid balance, support nerve function, and improve digestion in dogs. The gelatin found in bone broth helps heal the gut lining, supports nutrient absorption, and can ease digestive discomfort in dogs.

Should you give your dog bone broth every day?

Frequency depends on your dog’s size, age, and health status. Daily serving is generally safe for most dogs when portion sizes are appropriate, but moderation remains key.

Safe frequency

According to veterinary guidance, bone broth can be offered daily as a supplement to regular meals. The standard serving size is 2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight, as established by veterinarian-reviewed recipes from Chewy. For smaller dogs, a teaspoon or two is sufficient; larger breeds can handle more.

Figo Pet Insurance notes that bone broth can help with picky eaters by providing a flavor boost to kibble, making daily supplementation practical for dogs who need encouragement to eat.

Portion guidelines

A veterinarian-reviewed bone broth recipe yields about 6 cups, and the recommended serving is 2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight. This means a single batch can last several days depending on your dog’s size.

Dr. Ruth Roberts emphasizes that bone broth should be used as a supplement, not a complete diet replacement. It complements your dog’s regular food without displacing essential nutrients.

What this means: most healthy dogs can benefit from daily bone broth, but the serving should stay modest. Larger volumes are appropriate only under veterinary guidance for dogs recovering from illness.

Is broth good for dogs with diarrhea?

When a dog’s digestive system is upset, bone broth can be exactly what the veterinarian ordered. Its gentle nutrients are easier to process than solid food, making it an excellent choice during recovery.

Symptoms and remedies

The American Kennel Club notes that bone broth is an excellent meal for dogs requiring a break from solid food when experiencing stomach upset or diarrhea. Its easily digestible nature provides needed nutrients without stressing the gastrointestinal system.

Independence Veterinary Clinic confirms that the gelatin found in bone broth helps heal the gut lining and supports nutrient absorption, which can ease digestive discomfort in dogs.

Broth role

Dogs Naturally Magazine reports that bone broth helps maintain a healthy gut, especially for dogs with digestive issues. The electrolytes in bone broth help maintain fluid balance, supporting recovery from dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Figo Pet Insurance confirms that bone broth is beneficial for sick dogs unable to consume solid foods, providing needed nutrients during recovery periods.

The pattern: bone broth serves as both preventive nutrition and therapeutic support. For healthy dogs, it provides joint and immune benefits. For sick dogs, it offers gentle nutrition during recovery. Either way, the key is proper preparation and appropriate portions.

What is the downside of bone broth?

Bone broth isn’t without risks. Understanding the potential downsides helps you make safer choices for your pet.

Potential risks

Cooked bones should never be fed to dogs—only raw bones should be used in bone broth preparation, according to Fitty Food Licious. This is a critical safety point: cooking makes bones brittle, and splinters can cause internal damage.

Onions and excessive garlic are dangerous for dogs. Dogs Naturally Magazine advises avoiding these ingredients in bone broth and sticking to dog-safe options like minimal garlic, apple cider vinegar, and vegetables like kale or green beans.

Shy Tiger Natural Animal Health notes that while garlic is safe for dogs in small amounts, it should be omitted if the pet has a history of hemolytic anemia.

Meats to avoid

Oma’s Pride recommends specific bones for dog bone broth: raw beef marrow bones, duck necks, chicken necks, chicken backs, turkey necks, and raw chicken, pork, or turkey bones. These are safe options that provide good nutrient extraction.

What to avoid: cooked bones from any source, bones that have been previously roasted or boiled, and any broth containing onion, garlic in large quantities, or seasonings like salt and pepper.

The trade-off: bone broth offers significant benefits but requires attention to preparation safety. Pet owners who follow proper protocols can provide genuine health benefits; those who cut corners risk their dog’s wellbeing.

How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs

Homemade bone broth takes time but requires minimal effort. The slow cooking process is what extracts maximum nutrients from the bones.

1. Choose your bones. Select raw, organic bones suitable for dogs: chicken feet, beef marrow bones, duck necks, or turkey necks. Oma’s Pride recommends these options for optimal nutrient content.
2. Add apple cider vinegar. Dr. Ruth Roberts emphasizes that apple cider vinegar is essential in bone broth recipes to help extract nutrients from bones. Add 3-4 tablespoons per large pot of water.
3. Cover with water. Fill your pot with bones, then add water to cover by 2-3 inches. Dogs Naturally Magazine provides this guidance for proper dilution.
4. Cook slowly. Slow cooking bone broth for 24 hours is necessary to maximize nutrient extraction, according to Dr. Ruth Roberts. Cooking methods vary: slow cooker on low for 24 hours, slow cooker on high for 12 hours, Instant Pot on high for 2 hours, or stock pot uncovered over low heat for 4 hours.
5. Strain and cool. Once finished, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discard the bones (never feed cooked bones to dogs), and let the broth cool completely before refrigerating.
6. Store properly. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw as needed and serve at room temperature.

Related reading: How to Cook Cabbage: Best Methods, Times & Mistakes to Avoid

Vets highlight bone broth’s joint and immunity perks, backed by evidence-based bone broth benefits in clinical assessments of its protein and collagen content.

Frequently asked questions