Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs? What Every Dog Parent Should Know

Ever stared at a bowl of steaming bone broth and wondered if your dog could actually benefit from it? You’re not the only one. Lately, bone broth has been popping up everywhere, from fancy pet shops to homemade treat recipes on TikTok.

Before you add it to your dog’s food, it helps to know what’s really in bone broth—and why some people call it a ‘superfood’ for dogs. The basic version is simple: it’s made by simmering animal bones (usually beef, chicken, or turkey) for many hours, sometimes with veggies but almost never with salt. This slow cooking draws out collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which some vets say might help with joint health, digestion, and even picky appetites.

But, not every dog will react the same way. Some broths are loaded with onions or garlic, which are dangerous for dogs. Others can be super rich or fatty—which could spell trouble if your pup has a sensitive belly or is prone to pancreatitis. The trick is knowing how to spot the safe stuff and how much to actually use. Want a quick tip? Always check the label for ingredients like onions, garlic, and lots of salt. Those are major red flags.

• Why Bone Broth Is Getting Popular for Dogs
• What’s Inside Bone Broth and Why It Matters
• Possible Benefits for Your Pup
• Risks and When to Avoid It
• Buying vs. Making Bone Broth
• How to Serve Bone Broth Safely

Why Bone Broth Is Getting Popular for Dogs

Bone broth isn’t some trendy idea just for humans anymore. It’s front and center in a lot of pet owners’ kitchens because people are always looking for simple ways to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives. The buzz around bone broth for dogs really took off after holistic vets started talking about its potential benefits—think gut health, soothing upset stomachs, and supporting achy joints.

Social media feeds and pet forums are full of stories about dogs licking their bowls clean for bone broth. This caught the eye of big pet food brands, so now you can find ready-made dog health supplements and special broths in stores—even the ones you’d never expect.

One of the main drivers for this popularity is pet parents getting picky about ingredients. More people want foods with real benefits and nothing fake, and bone broth ticks those boxes—it’s natural, easy to understand, and has a ‘homemade’ vibe. According to a 2024 survey by the Pet Food Industry Association, 38% of dog owners had tried adding bone broth to their pup’s meals at least once in the past year. That’s a big jump compared to just a few years back.

Here’s what Dr. Emily Schwartz, a well-known holistic veterinarian, said about the trend:

“Bone broth caught on because it’s simple, packed with nutrients, and often helps with picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness. It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a great tool in a balanced diet.”

So, if you notice more brands launching bone broth products (or your dog parent friends raving about it), it’s not just hype. There’s a real shift happening toward adding whole-food, nutrient-rich toppers in the dog nutrition world—and bone broth is right at the center of that movement.

What’s Inside Bone Broth and Why It Matters

The magic of bone broth for dogs comes down to what gets pulled out of those simmering bones. The main stars you’ll hear about everywhere are collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals. But what do they actually do?

Collagen and gelatin are the real MVPs for joint health. Collagen is a protein found in bones and connective tissues. Once it cooks for hours, it breaks down into gelatin, which gives broth that jiggly feel. These support your dog’s joints, skin, and even gut lining. That’s why bone broth’s so popular for older dogs or those with arthritis.

Then you’ve got a handful of key amino acids like glycine and proline, which are the tiny building blocks of proteins. Glycine may help with liver health and digestion, while proline supports healthy skin and connective tissue. Some studies even show glycine helps calm inflammation in gut tissues.

Don’t forget the minerals. Bone broth brings in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These are basics your dog needs for bones, teeth, heart, and muscles to do their thing.

One thing to watch for: not all broths are created equal. Some store-bought ones barely simmer long enough to really pull out all these goodies. When you make broth at home, simmer for at least 8-12 hours for a real nutrient punch. Avoid any that list onions, garlic, or added salt in their ingredients—they’re not just useless, they’re actually risky for your dog.

Bone broth for dogs can be a solid way to add nutrition, but the quality and what’s inside definitely matter. Pick a good one, and you’re giving your pup some real benefits in their bowl.

Possible Benefits for Your Pup

If you’re thinking about adding bone broth for dogs to your pup’s menu, you probably want to know what actual perks it can offer. The cool thing? Bone broth delivers more than just a new flavor. For many dogs, it’s like a healthy upgrade that tackles a few common health issues.

First up—joint support. Bone broth is loaded with things like collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Vets often talk about how these help with stiff hips and creaky knees, especially in older dogs or big breeds. Some dog owners notice their pets moving around easier after a few weeks of regular broth toppers.

There’s also gut health and digestion. The natural gelatin in bone broth helps protect the lining of your dog’s gut. This can be a game changer if your dog struggles with loose stools or a sensitive tummy. Some research—even studies out of vet schools in the US—shows gelatin might help dogs better absorb proteins, which is key for overall health and muscle maintenance.

Worried about picky eaters? Plenty of folks swear that a splash of low-sodium bone broth will turn even the fussiest nose up into a happy lick-fest. It’s great for tempting dogs who aren’t eating much due to illness or stress.

Bone broth for dogs is naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, too. These support bone health, nerve function, and help your dog’s body recover after lots of play or a tough walk.

• Joint and mobility support: Collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin aren’t magic, but regular use can give your dog’s joints a bit more spring.
• Better gut health: The gelatin helps keep your pup’s digestion smooth and protects the stomach lining.
• Boosts hydration: If your dog never seems to drink enough water, bone broth is a sneaky way to get more fluids in.
• Enticing picky eaters: Just a spoonful can make bland kibble irresistible.
• Mineral upgrade: With those added minerals, you can support your dog’s bones, heart, and nerves.

Of course, not every single dog will see all these benefits at once. But if you ask people who use bone broth for dogs, most report at least one of these improvements. The key is using safe, simple recipes and keeping it part of a balanced diet—not a replacement for real dog food or vet care.

Risks and When to Avoid It

If you’re thinking about pouring bone broth for dogs over your pup’s dinner, hang on a second—there are times you really shouldn’t. First off, some store-bought broths, and even some homemade recipes, sneak in ingredients like onions or garlic. Both are toxic to dogs, even in small doses. Always double-check the ingredient list, and never assume a broth is dog-safe just because it’s labeled "natural."

High salt levels are another big problem. A lot of canned broths are way too salty for dogs, and too much sodium can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious issues, especially in small breeds or older dogs. Same goes for bone broths loaded with artificial flavors or preservatives—they might upset your dog’s stomach or trigger allergies.

If your dog has kidney problems, heart disease, or pancreatitis, talk to your vet before adding dog health supplements like bone broth. The extra fat and minerals (like phosphorus) can make some health problems worse. Vets actually warn against giving broth to dogs with e.g. chronic kidney disease, since too many minerals can stress their system even more.

Another thing to watch out for: cooked bones. If the broth has bone pieces or chunks, there’s a real choking hazard or risk of bone splinters. Good broths are strained well and have a smooth, jelly-like texture when chilled—not chunky or gritty.

• No onions or garlic: These are toxic for dogs, even in tiny amounts.
• Watch salt content: Go for unsalted or low-sodium broths made just for dogs.
• Fat level matters: Too much fat can upset your dog's stomach or even trigger attacks of pancreatitis.
• Check for allergies: Some dogs can react to even basic ingredients in bone broth for dogs.
• No cooked bones in broth: All broths should be strained for safety.

Sometimes, it’s better to skip bone broth altogether. If your dog’s on a special diet, or if your vet has warned about kidney or heart issues, keep things simple and stick to what’s safe. Even if your dog is healthy, start slow with bone broth—just a few spoonfuls at first—to see how they react. You want benefits, not a mess to clean up later.

Buying vs. Making Bone Broth

Deciding whether to buy or make bone broth for dogs really comes down to time, cost, and control over ingredients.

If you head to the pet store, you’ll find commercial broths labeled safe for dogs. The good news? They save you hours in the kitchen and usually list the ingredients right on the package. You can spot if they’ve skipped scary stuff like onion, garlic, or loads of salt. Here’s something helpful: Pet product reviews in 2024 showed that top trusted brands for dog bone broth—like Brutus Broth and Native Pet—don’t use artificial flavors or colors. They even keep the sodium super low, around 0.1% or less, which matters if your dog has health issues.

But watch out: not every broth on the grocery store shelf is dog-friendly. Most regular human broths pack way too much sodium and often sneak in onion powder or other toxic additives. Always check the ingredients. If anything sounds questionable, skip it.

Homemade bone broth puts you in the driver’s seat. You’ll know exactly what’s going in, from the bones to the veggies. Most folks stick to beef, chicken, or turkey bones—never cooked with onions or garlic. Want a simple recipe for homemade dog bone broth?

• Start with 2-3 pounds of plain raw beef, chicken, or turkey bones.
• Cover with water in a big stockpot. Fill so the water sits a few inches above the bones.
• Add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar—it helps pull out the minerals.
• Simmer gently for 12-24 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that floats.
• Let cool, strain out bones and chunks, and chill in the fridge. Once chilled, scoop off extra fat on top if you want less richness.

Costs can also play a role. Store-bought dog health supplements like bone broth range from $7 to $17 for 32 ounces, while homemade is often cheaper—especially if you use bones from meals you’d toss otherwise.

Not everyone has a slow cooker hanging around or the patience for a day-long simmer, so if quick and easy is a must, buying can be worth it. For the control freaks among us, making it yourself means you know there’s nothing harmful in your dog’s bowl. Just remember to cool it, strain it, and never add salt, onion, or garlic.

How to Serve Bone Broth Safely

Got your bone broth for dogs ready? Cool. Serving it the right way can make a big difference in your dog’s health and happiness. Here’s what you need to know to keep things safe and easy.

First things first, let the bone broth cool down to room temperature before giving it to your dog. Hot broth can burn their mouth fast, and dogs can’t exactly tell you when it’s too hot.

Start slow, especially if your dog’s never tried dog health supplements like bone broth before. Try adding a spoonful over their kibble or mixing a little into their water bowl. Some small dogs do fine with just a couple of tablespoons, while bigger breeds can often handle a quarter to half a cup per meal. Every dog is different though, so watch for any tummy trouble.

• For tiny dogs (under 10 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons per meal.
• Medium dogs (10-40 lbs): 2-4 tablespoons per meal.
• Large dogs (over 40 lbs): 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal.

Never serve bone broth with onions, garlic, lots of salt, or anything that could mess up your dog’s stomach. If you’re making your own, skip all seasonings—simple is best. Store-bought? Double check labels for hidden extras. Look for plain, unsalted, and pet-safe brands (lots of options now say "for dogs").

Ever deal with a picky eater? Warm bone broth (again, not hot!) can sometimes make dry dog nutrition more appealing. Drizzle a bit on top and you might see your dog diving in.

If your vet has your dog on a special diet or meds, talk to them before adding bone broth to the mix. Some conditions, like kidney problems, might not play well with the extra phosphorus in broth.

Still not sure if you’re giving the right amount? Here’s a quick look at safe serving sizes based on dog weight:

Remember, homemade dog food and any extras should never be more than 10% of your pup’s main diet. Too much bone broth can throw off their nutrition. If you catch any signs of stomach upset or allergies, stop and check with your vet. When in doubt, less is more.