Bone broth has been having a moment in the human wellness world for a while now, and it has started spilling over into the dog world too. You have probably seen it mentioned in dog groups, at the pet store, or on social media. But is it actually good for your dog, or is it just another trend?
The truth is: it’s helpful for some things, overhyped for others. It is worth understanding what bone broth actually does before you start adding it to your dog’s bowl.
What Bone Broth Actually Provides
Bone broth is made by simmering bones for a long time, usually with some vinegar to help pull minerals out of the bones. The result is a collagen- and gelatin-rich liquid, and if you use cartilage or joint bones it can also include small amounts of natural joint compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your dog’s body. It supports skin, coat, gut lining, and joints. As dogs age, their natural collagen production slows down, just like it does for humans. Gelatin comes from broken-down collagen and is easy for dogs to digest. It may be gentle on the stomach and useful during recovery, which is why some people use it for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It should not be used as a treatment for serious GI conditions.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Glycine supports normal liver function and may help some dogs settle more easily, while arginine supports the immune system and wound healing.
The other benefit that gets overlooked is hydration. Many dogs do not drink enough water, especially senior dogs or dogs on dry kibble. Adding broth to their food or water bowl often helps them drink more because it makes water and food more appealing.
Benefits for Senior Dogs with Joint Issues
If your older dog is starting to slow down, bone broth might help. The glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in broth may provide mild supportive benefits for joint comfort and mobility. It is not a miracle cure, and you should not expect your twelve-year-old dog to start running like a puppy again. Worth noting: the concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin in broth are lower than what you would get from a dedicated joint supplement, so broth alone is not a replacement for therapeutic-dose supplementation.
The collagen also supports connective tissues, which can help with stiffness that comes with aging. Some owners report that their dogs seem more willing to get up and move around after being on bone broth for a few weeks.
It works best when combined with other joint-support strategies like maintaining a healthy weight, moderate exercise, and possibly joint supplements or medication prescribed by your vet. Bone broth is a supportive addition, not a standalone solution for arthritis.
Benefits for Sick Dogs or Dogs Recovering from Illness
This is where bone broth can be most useful. When a dog is sick or recovering, they often lose their appetite and do not want to eat. Bone broth is light, easy to take in, and very appetizing. It can encourage them to eat when nothing else seems appealing.
The glycine in bone broth supports normal liver function, which can be helpful when a dog is recovering from an illness or medication. The amino acids support the immune system and help with tissue repair.
When our dog Hazel was going through kidney testing, her vet directed us to add a small amount of bone broth to her water bowl to encourage her to drink more. Staying hydrated was critical during that period, and the broth made the water more appealing to her. That was the extent of how we used it, and it was done specifically under our vet’s instruction for that purpose.
If your dog has kidney disease, do not add bone broth without talking to your vet first. Bone broth can be high in phosphorus, depending on how it is made, and phosphorus is one of the primary minerals restricted in renal diets. It can also be high in sodium. Both matter for kidney dogs, and both depend on the bones used and the cooking method. What worked for Hazel, under direct veterinary guidance and for a specific reason, may not be appropriate for another dog with CKD. Always check with your vet before adding anything to a kidney dog’s diet.
For dogs recovering from surgery, illness, or even just a rough bout of gastroenteritis, bone broth can be a gentle way to reintroduce nutrients and fluids. It is easy on the stomach and provides actual nutritional value, not just empty calories.
How to Use Bone Broth
There are a few different ways to incorporate bone broth into your dog’s routine.
The most common method is to add a spoonful on top of their regular food. This adds flavor, moisture, and nutrients. For a dog on dry kibble, this can make mealtime more appealing.
You can also mix it into their water bowl. This is especially useful for dogs who do not drink enough water or for senior dogs who need extra hydration. Just be aware that the broth will change the taste of the water, and some dogs might be picky about it.
Frozen treats are another option. Pour broth into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze it. On a hot day, this gives your dog a cool, hydrating snack. You can even add small pieces of dog-safe vegetables like carrots or blueberries for variety.
Start with small amounts. A tablespoon or two for a small dog, up to half a cup for a large dog. You can always increase the amount if your dog tolerates it well.
A Simple Recipe You Can Make at Home
You do not need to buy expensive specialty products. You can make bone broth in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have.
You will need bones. You can use chicken necks, backs, feet, or wings. Beef or pork bones work too. If you want more joint-supporting compounds, include some joint bones or feet, which are rich in cartilage.
Place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker. Cover them with water. Add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps draw minerals out of the bones. Let it sit for twenty to thirty minutes before turning on the heat.
Simmer on low heat for at least twelve hours, preferably twenty-four. Simmering for 12 to 24 hours helps extract collagen and gelatin from the bones, which is where most of the benefit comes from. If using a slow cooker, set it on low and let it go overnight or all day.
Let the broth cool, then refrigerate it overnight. Once chilled, a layer of fat will solidify on the surface. Skim the solid fat layer off before serving. Too much fat can cause digestive upset or trigger pancreatitis, especially in dogs already prone to it.
Strain out the bones and any debris. Discard the bones. They become very soft and crumbly after long simmering, but they can still pose a choking hazard or cause digestive issues, so it is best to discard them.
You can store the broth in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it in ice cube trays or containers for up to three months.
A Critical Warning About Store-Bought Broth
You need to be careful about which bone broth you use because many broths made for humans include onions and garlic, and your dog cannot have those.
Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs. They can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to anemia. Even small amounts over time can be harmful. Many store-bought bone broths made for humans contain onions, garlic, or onion powder for flavor. While pet-specific broths are typically formulated without these ingredients, you should always check the label carefully regardless of what the packaging says.
Only use broths with bones, water, and maybe apple cider vinegar. If you see onion, garlic, scallion, leek, or any derivative on the label, put it back on the shelf. Also check the sodium content. Many commercial broths, and even reduced homemade versions, can be high in sodium, which matters for dogs with heart disease or kidney disease. For healthy dogs, moderate sodium is not a concern, but for dogs with those conditions, it is worth flagging to your vet.
When in doubt, make your own. It is cheaper, you know exactly what is in it, and your dog will be safer.
When Bone Broth Is Not Enough
Bone broth is a supportive addition to your dog’s diet, but it is not a substitute for veterinary care.
If your dog is showing symptoms like persistent lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or signs of pain, see a vet. Bone broth might help with hydration and nutrition while you are working on getting your dog to eat, but it will not fix an underlying medical condition.
For senior dogs with arthritis, bone broth can help with comfort, but if your dog is struggling to walk, having trouble getting up, or showing signs of pain, talk to your vet about a comprehensive treatment plan. This might include prescription medications, physical therapy, or other interventions.
If your dog has kidney disease, only use bone broth if your vet says it fits your dog’s renal plan.
The bottom line is this. Bone broth is not hype, but it is not magic either. It is a nutritious, hydrating addition to your dog’s diet that can support joint health, recovery, and overall wellness. It is easy to make at home, affordable, and dogs love the taste. Just make sure you are using a safe, simple recipe without any harmful ingredients, and always talk to your vet if your dog is dealing with a health condition that needs more than dietary tweaks.
Tyler Tilton
I do not write surface-level dog advice. When our dog got sick, I learned the hard way that most of what is out there is recycled, watered down, or just wrong. I started The Daily Dog to be the resource I could not find, the one that goes deeper, asks harder questions, and gives you the full picture so you can make real decisions for your dog.
