One of the best gifts that pet parents can give their furry friend is a nutrient-packed meal. By including the best bone broth for dogs as a meal-topper, you will be able to enhance the taste of your pet’s food — it can also have a long-lasting positive impact on your dog’s joint health, digestion, and coat, irrespective of the dog breed.
Bone broth is made by simmering bones, meat, and vegetables in water. The outcome is delicious — a rich source of nutrients extracted directly from these ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to keep your dog hydrated, support joint health, or simply make their tails wag, choosing the right bone broth is a rewarding process. Keep reading to find out more!
Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs?
Including bone broth in your dog’s diet is a tasty way to support their overall wellness. However, it’s essential to use high-quality, homemade, or commercially produced bone broth specifically formulated for dogs, as some store-bought broths may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food or supplement to your dog’s diet. We’ve listed the benefits of bone broth below:
Nutrient-Rich
Bone broth is packed with essential nutrients like collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, and amino acids, which can support your dog’s overall joint health, digestion, and well-being.
Joint Health
The glucosamine and chondroitin found in bone broth can help maintain and repair joint cartilage, making it particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those with joint issues like arthritis.
Digestive Health
Bone broth, rich in gelatin and amino acids, can have a calm effect on your dog’s digestive system — perfect for those with sensitive tummies or gastrointestinal issues.
Hydration
Bone broth is a flavorful way to keep your dog hydrated, especially during hot weather or when they are recovering from illness.
Enhanced Appetite
The delicious taste and smell of bone broth can entice even the most picky eaters. When dogs lose interest in food because of sickness, this strategy often tempts them back to the bowl.
Immune Support
The nutrients in bone broth can help support a healthy immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.
Can I Make My Own Bone Broth for Dogs?
Yes, here’s how you can make bone broth for dogs at home:
What You’ll Need
Dog-safe Bones: Raw, uncooked beef marrow bones, knuckle bones, or chicken feet. Avoid giving cooked bones to your dog as they can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Water: Enough to cover the bones by 2-3 inches
Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): 2-3 tablespoons (helps extract nutrients from the bones)
Slow Cooker or Large Pot
Instructions
- Place the bones in your slow cooker or pot.
- Add apple cider vinegar (if using), and then cover the bones with water.
- Bring to a boil on the stovetop if using a pot, and then reduce heat to low. If using a slow cooker, set it to low.
- Simmer for 24-36 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer the broth will be.
- Once finished, let the broth cool completely.
- Strain the broth to remove the bones and any remaining solids.
- Store leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- You can add chopped vegetables or herbs like carrots, celery, parsley, or turmeric for extra flavor and nutrients (avoid onions, garlic, and chives, which are toxic to dogs.)
- Skim off any excess fat from the cooled broth before serving to your dog.
- Serve the broth warm or at room temperature.
The Best Bone Broth for Dogs in 2024
Now that you know all the paw-some benefits that bone broths bring to your furry BFF, it’s time to take a look at our editor’s top picks. At DogTime, we recommend only the best products. This is why we have combed through several bone broth options so you can ensure your dog’s diet is top-notch.
BEST OVERALL
The Honest Kitchen Daily Booster Beef Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: The Honest Kitchen
Why We Love
Easy to serve
Extra protein
Dehydrated mix preserves nutrients
No fillers or preservatives
Available in three flavors
Made from human-grade ingredients
But…
Can’t be served straight out of the packaging
Our top pick for enhancing the health and happiness of beloved canine companions is this bone broth from The Honest Kitchen. Your dog will love this broth made from the finest human-grade ingredients, all naturally dried and packed with an extra punch of protein — truly nutritious! Plus, it has turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, keeping your dog in tip-top shape.
Whip up a quick, healthy treat for your pet by simply adding water and waiting three minutes. Choose your favorite from three available flavors: pumpkin, beef, and turkey. It’s super convenient and easy to make, so you can give your dog this bone broth without any fuss or worry. The great news? Dogs love the flavor as much as we appreciate their happiness.
BEST POWDER
Native Pet Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: Native Pet
Why We Love
Available in powder form
Packed with protein
Made from grass-fed beef bones
Vet formulated
Made from only two ingredients
No gluten or artificial flavor
But…
It is more expensive than some others on our list
Made from just two ingredients, this powder from Native Pet is one of the cleanest options for bone broths available in the market. It has all the goodness from grass-fed beef bones and sunflower lecithin, a substance known for its immune support in dogs. The broth is packed with proteins, specifically collagen, which is a powerful supplement for your pooch’s skin, coat, heart, and joint health.
That’s not all; vets have formulated this broth, and it comes in a powder form that is versatile to use — sprinkle over your dog’s food, use it to rehydrate freeze-dried meals, or simply mix it with warm water for a hydrating drink full of nutrition and deliciousness. With its ease of use and the many health benefits for your furry friend, you’ll find yourself reaching for this broth more and more.
BEST WITH FISH OIL
Nature’s Diet Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: Nature’s Diet
Why We Love
Made from human-grade ingredients
Aids in digestion
Improves skin and coat
Supports joint health
Available in 5 flavors
It can be used in powder form or mixed with water
But…
Some pet parents may not appreciate the smell
The addition of pumpkin, fish oil, and turmeric to this bone broth makes it a blockbuster. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, fish oil contains omega 3 and 6, and turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties — making this broth a wholesome supplement for your dog. It will improve not just their joint and cartilage health, skin, and coat, but also their overall wellness.
Made from human-grade ingredients, it is available in powdered form and comes in five delicious flavors — ensuring there is something that appeals to every dog. You can use it as a dry meal topper or mix it with water to serve as a delicious liquid treat — the options are endless, as are the health advantages.
BEST VET-FORMULATED
Caru Daily Dish Beef Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: Caru
Why We Love
Packed with proteins and fiber
Easy to serve
No artificial preservatives
Promotes hydration
Corn and soy-free
Made from human-grade ingredients
But…
The carton may leak if not closed properly
Whether you’re looking to spice up your dog’s meal or encourage them to eat, this broth topper does the trick. Made from all-natural, human-grade ingredients, the broth has almost the same nutritional value, taste, and smell as it would have if you made it at home. So why not give them the next best thing?
While the beef flavor is a hit among our furry friends, the bone broths from Caru also come in two other flavors — chicken and pumpkin so you can choose whichever your pet likes best. They are available in a carton, making them very convenient to pour out of. All the delicious flavors are chock-full of proteins, fibers, and fats that will help you boost your dog’s overall health and your ranking as a pet parent!
BEST GLUTEN-FREE
Merrick Grain Free Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Grain-free
Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Made from human-grade ingredients
No artificial preservatives or flavors
Suitable for all breeds
Enhanced with ginger, turmeric and cinnamon
But…
Needs refrigeration once opened
This wholesome bone broth from Merrick is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and has the added health benefits of spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Brimming with flavors and made using only natural components, it offers a healthy dose of deliciousness. It’s also grain-free, which makes it the best bone broth for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
You can use it as a standalone liquid treat, or in place of water for rehydrating freeze-dried meals. When mixed with their dry food, the broth also makes them easier to digest. Available in pouches, just pour it over your dog’s food to enhance the taste, provide extra hydration, and see it become a hit with your furry friend.
BEST WITH TURMERIC
Solid Gold Bone Broth
PHOTO CREDIT: Solid Gold
Why We Love
Enriched with turmeric
Human grade ingredients
Contains naturally occurring collagen
Promotes gut health
Available in three flavors
Resealable pouches
But…
The pouch may leak if not closed properly
If we were to tell you the ingredient list for this bone broth, we are pretty sure you would want to make a soup for yourself, too. It’s made from sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, pumpkin, and ginger — all tummy-friendly ingredients that promote your four-legged friend’s gut health. Plus, the presence of collagen — a protein that is found in beef bones — makes it a nutrient powerhouse that is great for your dog’s skin, coat, nails, and joint health.
That is not all; it also contains turmeric, a known anti-inflammatory ingredient, and with its low sodium content and absence of additives, this Solid Gold Bone broth is a safe and wholesome choice for your furry friend’s diet. Available in three flavors, beef, chicken, and turkey, and offered in a resealable pouch, the broth is convenient to pour out of. You can use it as a meal topper, serve it as a treat at room temperature, or warm it up and give it to your dog. Once opened, though, be sure to refrigerate the pouch to retain its nutritious goodness.
BEST FOR JOINT HEALTH
Brutus Bone Broth Beef
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Gluten-free
Natural human-grade ingredients
Delicious beef flavor
Easy to digest
Environmentally conscious packaging
Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin
But…
Some pet parents may not like the smell
Giving a meal topper to a fussy eater can be tricky, but this broth by Brutus boasts a natural beef flavor that all dogs are sure to love. Made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients, it’s rich in nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin — popular and effective ingredients found in dog joint supplements — enhancing your precious pooch’s joint and cartilage health.
With low sodium content and no additives, it will be a safe and wholesome addition to your dog’s diet. Environmentally conscious and convenient carton packaging makes it easy to serve, whether as a standalone treat or mixed with food. Moreover, it is hydrating, which is essential not just for joint health but also for the overall well-being of your furry companions.
How We Chose the Best Bone Broth for Dogs
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best bone broth for dogs by assessing factors such as ingredients, nutrients, ease of serving, and overall value. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What brand of bone broth is safe for dogs?
Brands like The Honest Kitchen and Solid Gold offer bone broth specifically formulated for dogs. The broths are made from nutrient-rich natural ingredients, which ensures many health benefits for your furry friend.
Do vets recommend bone broth for dogs?
Yes, many vets recommend bone broth for dogs because of its many potential health benefits, which include joint support and hydration. However, individual recommendations may vary based on a dog’s specific needs.
What brand of bone broth is best?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. While there are many grocery store bone broths for dogs available, brands like Native Pet, Nature’s Diet, CARU, and Merrick offer quality options worth considering.
Which animal bone broth is best?
The best animal bone broth for dogs depends on individual preferences, but beef, chicken, and turkey bone broths are all popular options. Beef and chicken might be better for dogs because they have fewer allergens.
What should you avoid in bone broth for dogs?
When choosing bone broth for dogs, avoid products containing high sodium levels, artificial additives, or ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, or added spices.
How to make bone broth for dogs at home?
The recipe for making bone broth at home for dogs is very simple and easy. Simmer the bones (like beef or chicken) with water and vegetables in a pot for several hours. Strain the broth, let it cool, then serve.
Which broth is better for dogs?
While you can certainly serve vegetable and fish broths to your furry companion, bone broths, made from beef, chicken, or turkey bones are a more wholesome option to give them.
How much bone broth per day for a dog?
The answer to this question depends on factors like the dog’s size, health, and dietary needs. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day is a good starting point. Please check the product label to find out the correct amount.
Is bone broth good for dogs’ kidneys?
Bone broth is generally considered safe for dogs’ kidneys, as it’s low in phosphorus and can help maintain hydration. However, if your dog has kidney issues, consult a veterinarian before adding bone broth to their diet.
Can dogs have bone broth from the store?
Yes, dogs can have bone broth from the store as long as it’s specifically made for them and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like onions or excessive salt.
Can bone broth replace water for dogs?
Bone broth can supplement a dog’s water intake, providing hydration as well as additional nutrients. However, it shouldn’t entirely replace water, as dogs still need plain water to meet their daily hydration needs.
