Your dog’s kitchen puppy eyes just got a whole lot more relevant. Bone broth is cheap, easy, and dogs go absolutely nuts for it. Here’s the good news: you probably already have everything you need to make it right now. Let’s skip the fluff and get straight into how to make this stuff without messing it up.
What Exactly Is Bone Broth (And Why Dogs Love It)
Bone broth is basically bones, water, and time. You simmer animal bones—usually with a splash of vinegar—for hours until all the good stuff leaches out into the water. Think collagen, gelatin, minerals, and amino acids. Unlike regular broth, bone broth cooks way longer. This extra time pulls nutrients straight out of the bone marrow and connective tissue. That’s what gives it the thick, jiggly texture when it cools down. Dogs love it because, well, it smells like meat and tastes like meat. But the benefits go beyond just being tasty:
- Supports joint health thanks to natural collagen and glucosamine
- Helps with hydration, especially for picky drinkers
- Can soothe upset stomachs and support gut health
- Adds flavor to boring kibble (instant food upgrade)
- Packed with easy-to-absorb nutrients for senior or sick dogs
Is it a miracle cure? No. But IMO it’s one of the easiest “healthy treats” you can make with almost zero effort.
Choosing the Right Bones
Not all bones work the same, and this part actually matters. You want bones with lots of connective tissue, marrow, and cartilage—not just bare, meaty bones.
Best Bone Options
Here’s what tends to work best:
- Chicken feet, necks, or backs
- Beef marrow bones or knuckle bones
- Turkey necks or carcasses
- Pork neck bones
- Fish heads and frames (great for smaller batches)
Ask your local butcher for “soup bones” or “broth bones.” They’re usually cheap since most people don’t want them anyway. Your dog, on the other hand, will think you struck gold.
Bones to Avoid
Steer clear of these:
- Cooked bones – they splinter easily and can hurt your dog’s mouth or gut
- Bones from seasoned or marinated meat (onion and garlic are toxic to dogs)
- Weight-bearing leg bones served whole (too hard, can crack teeth)
Raw bones only, folks. This isn’t the place to get creative with leftovers from taco night.
The Basic Bone Broth Recipe
Alright, let’s get into the actual cooking. This recipe works whether you’re using a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
What You’ll Need
- 2-3 pounds of raw bones (chicken, beef, or turkey)
- Enough filtered water to cover the bones by an inch or two
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Optional: a few chopped veggies like carrots or celery (skip onions and garlic completely)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add bones to your pot. Place them in a large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Cover with water. Make sure the bones are fully submerged with an inch or two of water above them.
- Add the vinegar. This helps pull minerals out of the bones. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before turning on the heat.
- Simmer low and slow. On the stovetop, keep it at a low simmer for 12-24 hours. In a slow cooker, use the low setting for the same time. Instant Pot? About 2-3 hours on high pressure gets the job done faster.
- Skim the foam. Every few hours, skim off any foam or gunk that rises to the top.
- Strain it. Once it’s done, strain out all the bones and solids using a fine mesh strainer.
- Cool completely. Let the broth cool to room temperature before storing.
That’s it. Not exactly rocket science, right? The hardest part is just being patient while your kitchen smells amazing for a whole day.
Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot vs. Stovetop
Which method should you actually use? Here’s the honest breakdown.
Slow Cooker
This is the easiest hands-off method. Dump everything in, set it, and forget it for 24 hours. The only downside is it ties up your slow cooker for a full day.
Instant Pot
Fastest option by far. You get similar results in 2-3 hours instead of a full day. If you’re impatient (no judgment), this is your best bet.
Stovetop
The old-school method. It works great but requires you to babysit it a bit more, checking water levels and skimming foam. Good option if you don’t own a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Honestly? Any of these work fine. Pick whatever fits your schedule and kitchen setup.
Storing Your Homemade Bone Broth
You made a big batch, so now what? Let’s talk storage because nobody wants wasted broth.
Refrigerator Storage
Bone broth stays good in the fridge for about 4-5 days. You’ll notice it turns into a jiggly, gelatin-like consistency once cold—that’s totally normal and actually a good sign. It means you extracted plenty of collagen.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freezing is your best friend. Try these tricks:
- Pour broth into ice cube trays for easy, pre-portioned servings
- Use silicone muffin tins for slightly bigger portions
- Store in freezer-safe bags laid flat to save space
Frozen bone broth stays good for up to 3 months. Just pop out a cube or two whenever you need it.
How to Serve Bone Broth to Your Dog
Got your broth ready? Now let’s talk serving sizes because more isn’t always better here.
Serving Guidelines
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 2-4 tablespoons per day
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day
Start small, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. You can always increase the amount gradually.
Ways to Serve It
Get creative with how you offer it:
- Pour it over dry kibble to make it more appealing
- Serve it warm (not hot) as a standalone treat
- Freeze it into pup-sicles for hot summer days
- Mix it into homemade dog treats
- Use it to encourage eating when your dog is sick or recovering from surgery
Warming it up slightly makes the smell more intense, which usually gets even picky eaters interested. Just don’t serve it piping hot—nobody likes a burnt tongue.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own?
You can, but check the label carefully first. Most store-bought broths contain onion, garlic, or excessive sodium—all bad news for dogs. If you go this route, look specifically for broths labeled “dog-safe” or make sure the ingredient list is clean.
How long can bone broth sit out at room temperature?
Don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours. Bone broth is a breeding ground for bacteria once it cools below a certain temperature, so get it into the fridge or freezer pretty quickly after cooking.
Can puppies have bone broth?
Yes, puppies can enjoy bone broth too. Just stick to smaller portions since their stomachs are more sensitive, and always check with your vet first if your puppy has any health concerns.
Is bone broth safe for dogs with kidney disease?
This one’s tricky since bone broth can be high in phosphorus and sodium, which isn’t ideal for dogs with kidney issues. Always talk to your vet before adding bone broth to the diet of a dog with any existing health condition.
Why did my bone broth not gel in the fridge?
If your broth stays liquid instead of turning gelatinous, you probably didn’t use enough bones with connective tissue, or you didn’t cook it long enough. It’s still safe to feed, just won’t have as much collagen. Try adding more chicken feet or knuckle bones next time.
Can I add vegetables to the broth?
Sure, some veggies like carrots, celery, or parsley work great. Just avoid onions, garlic, and anything from the allium family completely—these are toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
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Wrapping It Up
Making bone broth for your dog really doesn’t require any special skills or fancy equipment. Grab some bones, add water, add a splash of vinegar, and let time do the rest. Your dog gets a nutrient-packed treat, and you get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in it. Give it a try this weekend. Worst-case scenario, your house smells like a five-star restaurant for a day. Best case? Your dog thinks you’re the greatest human alive—which, let’s be honest, they probably already think anyway.