Homemade Broths for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Feeding dogs broth is an ancient practice that dates back over 2,000 years. Historically, broth was used to soften hard grains, stretch scarce food resources and nurse sick animals back to health. Roman guard and herding dogs were fed bone soup and soft bones to strengthen their teeth and keep them from straying from the flock. Greek hunting dogs were given meat broth mixed with bread scraps and grease to boost their stamina after a chase.
Today, broths have become one of the most popular dishes for those of us who cook for our dogs. Simple to prepare, broths are an excellent way to increase moisture intake, encourage fussy eaters and add variety to home cooked food.
Broth Recipes
What is broth?
Broth is a liquid made by gently simmering meat, bones, vegetables or a combination of ingredients in water to extract flavour and nutrients. Unlike many human broths and stocks, homemade broths for dogs should be free from ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as onions, excessive salt and artificial flavourings.
A properly prepared broth creates a flavourful liquid that can be served in a variety of ways and enjoyed by dogs of all ages from puppies to senior adults.
Health benefits of homemade broths for dogs
Supports hydration
One of the biggest advantages of broth is its high water content. Some dogs naturally drink less water than they should, particularly during colder months or when eating predominantly dry food.
Adding broth to meals helps increase overall fluid intake and makes hydration more appealing than just drinking plain water.
Encourages fussy eaters
Many dogs find the aroma and flavour of broth irresistible — especially if it has a little meat in it. A small amount poured over food can make meals more enticing and encourage dogs who have become selective about eating.
Adds variety to meals
Just as people enjoy different flavours and textures, dogs appreciate variety in their diets. Broths can add moisture, flavour and interest to everyday meals without dramatically increasing either calories or cost.
Gentle on the digestive system
Because broth is easy to consume and digest, it can be a useful option for dogs recovering from illness, older dogs with reduced appetites, or those with dental problems who might simply prefer softer foods.
Ideal for enrichment activities
Broth can be frozen into ice cube trays, enrichment toys, lick mats and frozen treats, providing both mental stimulation and hydration.
Beneficial for gut health
Bone broth in particular is rich in gut-healing properties that can benefit dogs suffering from increased intestinal permeability, something that used to be known as leaky gut syndrome. Rich in amino acids, bone broth helps heal and repair the tight junctions of a dog’s intestinal walls which contributes greatly to overall good health.
Popular types of homemade broths for dogs
Homemade broths are excellent, nutrient-rich meal toppers for dogs that promote joint health, improve digestion and boost hydration.
Of all the types of broth for dogs, bone broth is both the most popular, most enjoyable and the most beneficial for a dog’s health. It can also be the most cost-effective in that it is made with the bones of the likes of chicken and beef, bones that otherwise might simply be thrown away and all their goodness wasted. That said, don’t neglect other types of broth. They all have their benefits in keeping your dog hydrated and interested in food.
Beef Marrow Bone Broth
High in joint-supporting collagen. Use marrow or knuckle bones simmered with water and apple cider vinegar for 24–48 hours to draw out maximum minerals.
Chicken Foot & Neck Broth
Excellent for senior dogs. Chicken feet and necks are naturally packed with glucosamine and chondroitin which create a highly gelatinous, joint-protecting broth.
Sensitive Tummy Turkey Broth
Ideal for dogs with allergies or GI issues. Simmer gentle turkey bones with digestive aids like pumpkin purée and fresh ginger.
Omega-3 Fish Broth
Ideal for skin, coat and cognitive health. Simmer raw fish bones or heads for a shorter period of 4–8 hours to avoid a bitter taste.
Immune-Boosting Mushroom Broth
Perfect for sick or recovering dogs. Sauté and simmer mushrooms with turmeric to create a prebiotic, antioxidant-heavy liquid.
Bone broth vs regular broth
Many people new to making homemade food for dogs might wonder about the difference between regular broth and bone broth.
Regular broth
Regular broth is typically made by simmering meat and vegetables (or just vegetables for a purely plant-fed dog) for a short period — a much shorter period than bone broth — resulting in a nutritious, richly flavoured liquid that can be used as a meal topper or snack.
Bone broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones for an extended period — often 12 to 24 hours or even longer in the case of the likes of beef stock bones. This process extracts compounds such as glucosamine, chondroitin and gelatin from the bones and connective tissues, creating a richer, more nutrient rich broth.
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How much bone broth for dogs?
Made only with natural ingredients, your dog cannot overdose on homemade bone broth. Strictly speaking then, there is no limit to the amount of bone broth your dog can have a day.
You might start off feeding your dog 30g to 60g (2 to 4 tablespoons) per day per 4.5kg of body weight, but this could comfortably increased if for example you add some bone broth to your dog’s food as a topper and provide yet further bone broth mixed with water for healthy hydration on a warm day.
How to make simple homemade broth for dogs
Ingredients
- 1kg chicken carcass or meaty bones
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 cups water
Method
1. Place ingredients into a large pot or slow cooker or Crockpot.
2. Cover with the water.
3. Simmer gently for 12–24 hours (beef bones for 24–36 hours).
4. Strain the liquid (use a fine mesh sieve to catch and discard all bones. Never feed cooked bones to your dog as they splinter easily).
5. Allow to cool completely.
6. Remove any fat that solidifies on the surface.
7. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Always discard cooked bones after making broth as cooked bones can splinter and pose a safety risk.
Ways to feed your dog broth
Broth for dogs is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways.
Popular serving ideas include:
- Pouring over dry dog food
- Mixing into homemade meals
- Freezing into ice cubes
- Adding to lick mats
- Using in frozen enrichment toys
- Serving as a warming snack during colder months
- Adding to plain water to aid hydration during the warmer weather
A little broth can go a long way in making meals more appealing.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is broth a complete meal?
A. No. Broth should generally be viewed as a supplement, topper or enrichment addition rather than a complete diet. While broth can provide flavour, moisture and nutrients, it does not contain all of the vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and calories required to meet a dog’s complete nutritional needs. Broth works best when incorporated into a balanced fresh food, homemade diet.
Q. Which dogs may benefit most from broth?
A. Many dogs can enjoy broth, but it can be particularly useful for:
- Fussy eaters
- Senior dogs
- Dogs recovering from illness
- Dogs needing additional hydration
- Dogs eating dry food
- Dogs participating in sports and outdoor activities
Q. What ingredients are toxic and must be omitted from homemade broths for dogs?
A. Onions, chives and leeks must never be used because they cause hemolytic anaemia in pets.
Q. Which bones are best for extracting the most collagen?
A. Joint bones, chicken feet, beef marrow bones, pig trotters and knuckle bones yield the highest amounts of gelatin and collagen.
Q. Why do recipes call for apple cider vinegar in homemade bone broth for dogs?
A. Raw apple cider vinegar breaks down the structural components of the bones. This chemical reaction forces the essential minerals and joint-protecting glucosamine out into the water.
Q. How long does homemade broth need to simmer?
A. 12 to 48 hours in a slow cooker or stockpot is required to thoroughly extract nutrients from dense bones.
Q. Should the fat layer be removed after cooking?
A. Yes, always skim off the cooled fat layer. High fat content can trigger acute, dangerous pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
Q. Can homemade broth replace a regular meal?
A. No, broth is a food component, not a complete diet. It lacks the comprehensive daily nutrients your dog requires.
Q. How much broth can a dog drink daily?
A. Start with 1 tablespoon per 4.5kg (10lbs) of body weight to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust, particularly if it is not used to homemade food. Larger dogs can gradually move up to 30 ml per meal.
Q. Is it safe to give dogs the leftover cooked bones?
A. No, absolutely not. Cooked bones become brittle and splinter easily, posing severe risks of choking, throat lacerations or internal intestinal punctures. Strain the broth thoroughly through a fine mesh sieve.
Q. How long does homemade broth last in the fridge?
A. Up to 5 to 7 days when stored in a tightly sealed container inside a cold refrigerator.
Q. Can you freeze homemade dog broth?
A. Yes, for up to 6 months. Freezing the liquid in ice cube trays creates excellent, pre-portioned frozen hydration treats.
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