Complete Guide to Bone Broth For Dogs & Cats: Health Benefits, Recipes & More
I am sure you have MANY questions. Like... what is safe to feed your dog? Are bones safe? Is bone broth good for dogs? How long do you boil bones for broth? Is bone broth for cats? Or just dogs? We are going to give you all the answers and more!
What is bone broth?
While not a new trend, the idea of bone broth has been a trending topic for a while now! But many people still ask, what is bone broth, and can my dog eat it? To put it simply, bone broth is broth made from bone broth! We will provide you with everything you need to make your own bone broth for dogs and cats and provide you with the health benefits too!
How do you make bone broth for dogs and cats?
There are a couple of different methods you can use when making bone broth. One way is to use a crock pot! A common question asked when considering the ingredients of this recipe is: what are the best bones for bone broth? Should it be chicken? Beef? How good are pork bones for dogs? The simple answer is beef broth is simply a steeping of animal bones; whatever kind you choose! (My pup's favourite is definitely beef bone broth)
Now, to actually make the broth, it is quite simple!
1. Make sure you have some bones saved, whether they are frozen bones or thawed, they’ll work! Add those to a large pot or crock pot. (Some people even suggest used slightly cooked bones for dogs!)
2. Generously cover the bones in water (about 12 cups)
On a stovetop
1. On a stove top, you will want to bring the broth to a boil before simmering it.
2. For the next 2 hours you will need to be nearby so you can scoop out anything that floats to the top
3. Depending on the type of bones used you will then simmer anywhere from 8-12 hours
4. The mixture can then be strained and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen until you want to use it!
In a crockpot (my personal favourite is make dog food in the instant pot):
1. Set the valve to seal and let cook for 2 hours at on the high-pressure setting
2. Strain and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze until you want to use it
You will find quite quickly that most recipes are quite simple and do not require much actual cooking, especially with a crockpot!
Homemade Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs and Cats with Turmeric
Bone broth is a very popular product and can easily be made at home to suit the needs of even the pickiest pets! With that being said, recipes themselves are very straightforward and they really don't require much time or ingredients ! So let’s get into it. To start you will need the following:
Ingredients:
-raw bones or cooked bones
-Distilled water
-1tbs of turmeric
-Apple cider vinegar
For the sake of this particular recipe we will be using a stovetop and a big pot. While the instructions will be slightly different if you were to use a crock pot, please refer to the previous section for details regarding the process!
1. Start by adding in your bones to the pot, pour in your water making sure that your bones are generously covered
2. Add your turmeric- turmeric is great as an anti-inflammatory so we LOVE to use it!
3. Start by bring your broth to a boil and then reducing to simmer for 2 hours. Check occasionally to stir and remove anything that floats to the top of the pot
4. Then let sit for another 6-10 hours. Cooking times will be different if you choose to use a pressure cooker
5. Strain the contents and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze until you are ready to use!
FUN TIP: Summer is coming and we all know how hot our furry friends can get in the sun! So, take some broth and fill up an ice cube tray to freeze! After 24 hours you will have the perfect frozen dog treats!
Bone Broth For Dogs With Upset Stomachs
Your dog is sick! Now what? Well, bone broth might just be the answer you have been looking for! Besides other health benefits, bone broth is a “very mild, liquid meal, that sits easily in upset canine’s stomachs” (Burke, 2016). It is also quite dense in nutrients and can be a great way to entice your dog to eat, especially when they have lost most of their appetite (Burke, 2016).
Not quite convinced yet? Well, like we said before, bone broth is packed full of nutrients and many of those are actually agents in preserving gut and digestive health. Bone broth contains Gelatin, Glycine, and Collagen! These crucial elements that aid in proper kidney function, digestive health and joint health. Basically, bone broth can give your pets immune systems a boost!
Bone Broth for Older Dogs
Why is bone broth good for older dogs? Well, let us tell you! To start, it’s a great way to prevent dehydration. Not to mention it’s the power house of natural dietary supplements. Bone broth contains very key elements that support healthy immune and digestive function, such as:
- Glycine (and turmeric if you choose to add it), for natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Hyaluronic acid for joint support
- Gelatin for help reducing stomach acid
- Glycine for optimal liver function
- Additional vitamins and minerals to support general health
Besides the elemental comments older dogs may need help increasing their appetites which bone broth does a fantastic job of convincing even the pickiest of eaters to eat. Simply add to dry food as a topping or a mix and you should find the bowel licked clean!
The Best Place To Buy Bone Broth
While homemade is always great, you don’t always have the time you need to make it yourself. But that’s okay, because we understand and hear your need for a product like this!
Introducing Kafka’s Bone broth; the healthiest alternative to homemade! Rest assured that we spend hours simmering our broth to ensure quality. Made from only organic and locally sourced ingredients, this one is PAWSATIVELY delicious and your furry friends will not be able to keep their PAWS off of it!
Hurry and get yours, while supplies last!
Leave a comment