Discover the benefits of bone broth for dogs, from supporting healthy joints and digestion to hydration, nutrition and tempting fussy eaters.
If your dog turns their nose up at dinner, needs a little encouragement to eat, or you’re simply looking for an easy way to add something nutritious to their bowl, bone broth could be worth a try. Often described as ‘liquid gold’, bone broth has been enjoyed by people for centuries and has become increasingly popular as a natural addition to dogs’ diets too. Made by slowly simmering bones and connective tissue, it’s packed with naturally occurring nutrients including collagen, amino acids and minerals.
And the best bit? Most dogs absolutely love it. We’ve got Forthglade Bone Broth in stock at the Hildreth’s Pet Shop now – so here’s all you need to know about it.
So, what is bone broth?
Bone broth is made by slowly cooking bones, connective tissue and sometimes small amounts of meat in water. The long cooking process helps release nutrients including collagen, gelatine, protein and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
The result is a tasty, nourishing liquid that can be served alongside your dog’s usual food.
When chilled, good bone broth can even turn into a wobbly, collagen-rich jelly – making it a fun addition to your dog’s dinner or a refreshing treat on a warm day.
6 reasons to add bone broth to your dog’s diet…
1. It supports healthy joints
Bone broth naturally contains collagen, gelatine and amino acids such as glycine and proline. These nutrients are important components of connective tissues, including cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
That makes bone broth a particularly appealing addition for older dogs or those who need a little extra nutritional support for healthy mobility.
2. It’s gentle on the tummy
Bone broth is highly digestible and contains gelatine, which can help support the digestive tract and a healthy gut lining.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who can be a little fussy about what they eat, it can be an easy way to add some extra nutrition without dramatically changing their usual diet.
3. It can help keep your dog hydrated
Bone broth is mostly water, so it can be a tasty way to encourage dogs to take on a little extra fluid.
This can be particularly useful for dogs who aren’t naturally big drinkers. Try adding a small amount to their food, or serve it on its own as a tasty drink.
4. It can support healthy skin and a glossy coat
Collagen, protein and naturally occurring minerals all contribute to healthy skin and coat.
So, alongside a balanced diet, bone broth can provide an extra source of nutrients to help keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat looking its best.
5. It’s a great way to tempt a fussy eater
Some dogs are enthusiastic about absolutely everything. Others take considerably more convincing!
Bone broth has a naturally rich, meaty flavour, making it a simple way to add extra taste and moisture to dry food. Just pour a little over their usual meal and see if it gets their tail wagging.
It’s also a useful option when you’re introducing a dog to a new food or simply want to make their everyday dinner a little more exciting.
6. It’s an easy nutritional boost
Bone broth contains naturally occurring protein, collagen and minerals, making it a simple addition to your dog’s normal diet.
And there are plenty of ways to serve it. Pour it over their food, offer it as a warm drink after a chilly walk, chill it into a jelly or freeze it into little portions for a refreshing treat when the weather warms up.
What should you look for in a dog-friendly bone broth?
Not all bone broth is suitable for dogs, so it’s important to check the ingredients before adding it to their bowl.
Look for a simple recipe without unnecessary additives, and avoid broths containing onion, garlic, excessive salt or artificial flavourings, which can be unsuitable or harmful to dogs.
It’s also worth remembering that human bone broth isn’t automatically safe for pets. Many shop-bought stocks and broths contain salt, seasoning or ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
A broth specifically made for dogs, or a genuinely plain, additive-free option, is the safest choice.
How to give bone broth to your dog
There’s no need to overhaul your dog’s diet. Bone broth works best as an addition to their usual complete and balanced food.
Try:
- Pouring a little over dry food to add flavour and moisture
- Serving it as a tasty drink
- Chilling it until it sets into a jelly
- Freezing small portions to make refreshing treats
- Adding a little to meals for older or particularly fussy dogs
As with any new food, introduce it gradually and start with a small amount to see how your dog gets on.
A simple way to add more goodness to their bowl
From supporting healthy joints and skin to encouraging hydration and making dinner more tempting, bone broth is a wonderfully simple addition to your dog’s routine.
And if your dog is the sort who believes dinner should be a five-course tasting menu, it could just become their new favourite thing!
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