Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, Research & How to Use It
Bone broth has become a popular addition to dog diets—and for good reason. When made properly, it provides natural glucosamine, collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support joint health, gut function, and hydration. But not all bone broth is created equal. Here's what you need to know.
Bone Broth for Dogs: Key Points
- Natural joint support — Provides glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen from whole-food sources
- Gut healing — Gelatin and amino acids (glycine, glutamine) support intestinal lining
- Hydration boost — Especially useful for picky drinkers or senior dogs
- Nutrient-dense — Contains minerals, amino acids, and collagen in bioavailable forms
- Quality matters — Should gel when refrigerated (high collagen content)
- Dosing — 1-12 ounces daily depending on dog size
- Safe for most dogs — Use caution with kidney disease (high phosphorus)
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by slow-simmering bones—typically chicken, beef, or turkey—along with connective tissue and cartilage for 12-24+ hours. This long cooking time extracts collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin, and amino acids into the liquid.
What makes bone broth different from stock:
- Longer cook time — Stock: 2-4 hours. Bone broth: 12-24+ hours.
- More collagen — The extended simmer breaks down more connective tissue, yielding gelatin.
- Gels when cooled — High-quality bone broth becomes semi-solid when refrigerated due to gelatin content. Stock stays liquid.
Why this matters for dogs: The longer cooking extracts compounds that support joint and gut health—specifically glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs?
1. Joint Support: Natural Glucosamine and Collagen
Bone broth is one of the best whole-food sources of glucosamine and chondroitin—the same compounds found in joint supplements.
What the science shows:
- Bone broth made from cartilage-rich bones (chicken feet, knuckles, oxtail) contains significant amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin—compounds shown to support cartilage health.
- Research on collagen peptides shows they can improve joint mobility and reduce pain in humans and animals. Bone broth provides collagen in the form of gelatin, which is partially broken down and easier to digest.
- The amino acids glycine and proline (abundant in bone broth) are building blocks for collagen synthesis in the body.
Real-world benefits: Many dog owners report improvements in mobility, stiffness, and overall activity levels when adding bone broth to their senior dogs' diets. While the evidence isn't as strong as for omega-3 fatty acids or weight management, bone broth provides joint-supportive compounds in a whole-food form that may be better absorbed than synthetic supplements.
Bone Broth vs. Glucosamine Supplements: Bone broth provides lower, less standardized amounts of glucosamine compared to concentrated supplements. You'd need to give large quantities of bone broth to match typical supplement doses (1,000-1,500mg glucosamine). Bone broth is best used as a complementary whole-food source—not a replacement for targeted supplementation in dogs with significant joint disease.
2. Gut Health: Gelatin and Amino Acids
The gelatin in bone broth is particularly valuable for digestive health.
How it works:
- Gelatin coats and soothes the gut lining — It forms a protective layer over the intestinal mucosa, which may help repair damage from inflammation or poor diet.
- Glutamine supports gut barrier function — This amino acid (abundant in bone broth) is the primary fuel for intestinal cells. Research shows glutamine supplementation can improve gut integrity in stressed or ill animals.
- Glycine reduces inflammation — Glycine has anti-inflammatory properties and supports detoxification in the liver. It's one of the most abundant amino acids in bone broth.
Clinical use: Many veterinarians recommend bone broth for dogs with:
- Chronic diarrhea or digestive upset
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Recovery from surgery or illness
- Picky eaters who need gentle, easily digestible nutrition
While direct research on bone broth for canine gut health is limited, the mechanisms are well-supported: gelatin protects the gut lining, and amino acids like glutamine and glycine support repair and reduce inflammation.
3. Hydration and Appetite Stimulation
Bone broth is an excellent way to increase fluid intake—especially useful for:
- Senior dogs who don't drink enough water
- Dogs recovering from illness (bone broth provides hydration + nutrients)
- Picky eaters — The rich flavor encourages eating and drinking
- Dogs on dry kibble diets — Adds moisture, making food easier to digest
Bone broth is also a low-calorie way to add volume and satiety to meals—helpful for overweight dogs on restricted diets.
4. Nutrient Density: Minerals and Amino Acids
Bone broth provides bioavailable minerals extracted from bones during the long simmer:
- Calcium and phosphorus — Essential for bone health
- Magnesium — Supports muscle and nerve function
- Trace minerals — Zinc, selenium, copper (amounts vary by bone source)
The amino acid profile is particularly impressive:
- Glycine — Anti-inflammatory, supports detoxification, aids digestion
- Proline — Collagen building block, supports skin and joint health
- Glutamine — Fuels intestinal cells, supports immune function
| Benefit | Key Compounds | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Support | Glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, glycine, proline | Moderate (whole-food source, not isolated) |
| Gut Health | Gelatin, glutamine, glycine | Moderate (mechanisms supported, limited direct studies) |
| Hydration | Fluid, electrolytes, amino acids | Strong (well-established) |
| Nutrient Density | Minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), amino acids | Strong (nutritional analysis confirms) |
How Much Bone Broth Should You Give Your Dog?
Bone broth can be given daily as a supplement or used intermittently for specific health concerns.
| Dog Size | Daily Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small dogs (under 20 lbs) | 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) | Start with 1 oz |
| Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) | 2-4 ounces (¼-½ cup) | Start with 2 oz |
| Large dogs (50-80 lbs) | 4-8 ounces (½-1 cup) | Start with 4 oz |
| Extra-large dogs (80+ lbs) | 8-12 ounces (1-1.5 cups) | Start with 8 oz |
How to Serve Bone Broth:
- Meal topper — Pour over kibble to add moisture and flavor
- Standalone treat — Serve in a bowl as a snack or meal replacement (for sick dogs)
- Frozen treat — Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds for summer enrichment
- Hydration boost — Mix with water for dogs who don't drink enough
- Food softener — Rehydrate freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food
Start Slowly:
Introduce bone broth gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start with 25-50% of the target dose for the first few days, then increase. Watch for loose stools—if they occur, reduce the amount. The gelatin content can have a mild laxative effect if given in large quantities too quickly.
How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs
Making bone broth at home gives you full control over quality and ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2-4 lbs bones — Choose cartilage-rich bones like chicken feet, chicken backs, beef knuckles, oxtail, or a mix
- Water — Enough to cover bones by 1-2 inches
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar — Helps extract minerals from bones (optional but recommended)
Method:
- Place bones in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Cover with water — Bones should be fully submerged with 1-2 inches of water above them.
- Add apple cider vinegar — Let sit for 30 minutes before heating (helps mineral extraction).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Simmer for 12-24 hours — Chicken bones: 12-24 hours. Beef bones: 24-48 hours. The longer you simmer, the more collagen and nutrients are extracted.
- Skim foam and fat — Remove any foam that rises to the surface in the first hour. You can leave the fat or skim it off at the end.
- Strain and cool — Remove all bones and solids. Let cool, then refrigerate.
- Remove fat layer (optional) — A layer of fat will solidify on top. You can leave it (adds calories and flavor) or remove it (for overweight dogs).
Signs of High-Quality Homemade Broth:
- Gels when refrigerated — The broth should be jiggly and semi-solid when cold. This indicates high gelatin content.
- Rich color — Deep golden (chicken) or brown (beef)
- Strong aroma — Should smell rich and meaty
Safety Note: Never give dogs cooked bones directly—they can splinter and cause choking or intestinal damage. The bones used for broth are strained out and discarded. Only the liquid is safe for consumption.
Buying Bone Broth: What to Look For
If you don't have time to make bone broth, buying pre-made is an option—but quality varies dramatically.
Red Flags (Avoid These Products):
- Water listed as the first ingredient — Bone broth should be broth, not watered-down stock.
- Doesn't gel when refrigerated — This means low collagen content. You're paying for expensive water.
- Contains onion or garlic — Toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- High sodium — Many store-bought broths are heavily salted. Look for low-sodium or unsalted options.
- Shelf-stable in cartons — Often highly processed and low in beneficial compounds. Frozen or refrigerated is better.
- Made from conventionally raised animals — Higher risk of antibiotics, hormones, and lower nutrient quality.
What to Look For:
- Bones or bone broth listed first — Not water
- Gels when refrigerated — The gold standard for quality
- Organic or pasture-raised — Better nutrient profile, fewer toxins
- No additives — Just bones, water, and maybe vegetables (no onion/garlic)
- Made for dogs OR unsalted human-grade — Both can work, but avoid high-sodium human products
- Packaged in glass or BPA-free containers — Safer than plastic
Cost Reality:
High-quality bone broth is expensive—often $15-30 per quart. If you're using it daily, making your own is far more cost-effective. A batch from $10 worth of bones can yield 3-4 quarts of high-quality broth.
Best Bones for Making Dog Bone Broth
Not all bones are created equal. The best bones for bone broth are those rich in cartilage, collagen, and connective tissue.
| Bone Type | Collagen Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken feet | Very High | Maximum gelatin, gels firmly |
| Chicken backs/necks | High | Good balance of collagen and flavor |
| Beef knuckle bones | High | Rich flavor, high collagen |
| Oxtail | Very High | Maximum gelatin, expensive |
| Turkey/chicken carcass | Moderate | Good use of leftovers |
| Pork feet | High | High gelatin, rich flavor |
| Beef marrow bones | Moderate | Good flavor, less collagen (combine with knuckles) |
| Beef femur (leg bones) | Low | Dense, slow to release nutrients (not ideal alone) |
Pro Tips:
- Mix bone types — Combine marrow bones (flavor) with knuckle bones or chicken feet (collagen) for best results.
- Ask your butcher — Many butchers sell soup bones or "dog bones" cheaply. Look for joints, feet, and cartilage-rich cuts.
- Save chicken carcasses — After roasting a whole chicken, save the bones for broth. Roasted bones add extra flavor.
Is Bone Broth Safe for All Dogs?
Bone broth is generally safe, but there are some considerations.
Safe for Most Dogs:
- Senior dogs with joint issues
- Dogs with digestive problems
- Picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness
- Dogs on kibble-based diets (adds moisture and nutrients)
Use Caution With:
- Kidney disease — Bone broth is high in phosphorus, which can be problematic for dogs with compromised kidney function. Consult your vet before adding bone broth to a renal diet.
- Severe food allergies — Use an appropriate protein source (e.g., if allergic to chicken, use beef or turkey bones).
- Overweight dogs — Bone broth contains calories from fat and protein. Factor it into daily calorie intake, or skim off the fat layer before serving.
Start Slowly:
Introduce bone broth gradually—start with small amounts (1-2 tablespoons) and increase over a week. Watch for:
- Loose stools (reduce amount if this occurs)
- Allergic reactions to the protein source (rare but possible)
Bone broth is a supplement, not a complete food. It should complement a balanced diet, not replace meals.
Bone Broth vs. Other Joint Supplements
How does bone broth compare to other popular joint support options?
| Supplement | Key Benefits | Comparison to Bone Broth |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth | Natural glucosamine, collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals | — |
| Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements | High, standardized doses of joint compounds | Higher glucosamine concentration, but synthetic and isolated (bone broth is whole-food) |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) | Anti-inflammatory, strong evidence for joint pain reduction | Stronger evidence than bone broth; use both together |
| Green-Lipped Mussel | Natural glucosamine, omega-3s (ETA), anti-inflammatory | Whole-food source like bone broth, but higher omega-3 content |
| Collagen Peptides | Hydrolyzed collagen for easier absorption | More bioavailable collagen, but lacks gelatin and amino acid diversity |
The bottom line: Bone broth is an excellent whole-food addition to a joint-support strategy, but it's not a replacement for interventions with stronger evidence (weight management, omega-3s, veterinary pain management). Use bone broth alongside—not instead of—proven approaches.
How to Store Bone Broth
Refrigerator Storage:
- Duration: 3-5 days in an airtight container
- Tip: The layer of fat on top acts as a seal—leave it until ready to use
- Signs of spoilage: Off smell, mold, or slimy texture (discard immediately)
Freezer Storage:
- Duration: 4-6 months in freezer-safe containers
- Best practice: Freeze in small portions (ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small jars) for easy thawing
- Leave headspace: Broth expands when frozen—don't fill containers to the top
Storage Tips:
- Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing (prevents condensation and spoilage)
- Label with date
- Remove fat layer if your dog is overweight (or save it for cooking)
- Never leave bone broth at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Frozen Bone Broth Treats: Pour bone broth into ice cube trays and freeze. These make excellent summer treats for dogs—hydrating, nutritious, and cooling. You can also freeze in silicone molds shaped like bones or paws for enrichment.
Real-World Results: What to Expect
While individual dogs respond differently, here's what many owners report after adding bone broth to their dog's diet:
Most Common Benefits:
- Improved mobility in senior dogs — Less stiffness, easier getting up from lying down
- Better digestion — Firmer stools, less gas, reduced digestive upset
- Increased hydration — Dogs drink more willingly when water is mixed with bone broth
- Shinier coat — The amino acids and gelatin support skin and coat health
- Improved appetite — Picky eaters are more interested in food when bone broth is added
Timeline:
- Week 1-2: Dogs typically enjoy the taste immediately; digestive improvements may appear
- Week 3-4: Joint mobility and coat quality may begin to improve
- 6-8 weeks: Consistent benefits in joint health and overall vitality become apparent
Remember: bone broth isn't a miracle cure. It's a supportive, nutrient-dense addition to a healthy diet. For dogs with significant health issues, it should complement—not replace—veterinary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bone broth and why is it good for dogs?
Bone broth is made by slow-simmering bones (chicken, beef, turkey) with connective tissue and cartilage for 12-24+ hours. This long cooking time extracts collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin, and amino acids (glycine, proline, glutamine) into the liquid. For dogs, bone broth provides natural joint support compounds (glucosamine and chondroitin in bioavailable forms), gut-healing gelatin and amino acids, hydration (especially useful for picky eaters or sick dogs), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) in easily absorbed forms. The gelatin in bone broth is particularly valuable—it's collagen that's been broken down into a more digestible form, supporting gut lining integrity and joint health.
Does bone broth actually help dogs with joint problems?
Bone broth provides naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin—the same compounds found in joint supplements, but in whole-food form with co-factors that may improve absorption. While direct research on bone broth for canine arthritis is limited, studies show glucosamine and collagen from whole-food sources have better bioavailability than synthetic supplements. Bone broth also provides glycine and proline—amino acids needed for collagen synthesis in cartilage. The evidence is stronger for collagen peptides and omega-3s, but bone broth offers a whole-food source of these supportive compounds. Don't expect miracles—weight management and omega-3 fatty acids have stronger evidence for joint health. But bone broth is a safe, nutrient-dense addition that many dog owners report helps with mobility, especially in senior dogs.
Can bone broth help with dog digestive issues?
Yes. Bone broth contains gelatin—a protein derived from collagen that coats and soothes the digestive tract. Gelatin may help repair intestinal lining damage (leaky gut), reduce inflammation in the GI tract, and support beneficial gut bacteria. The amino acid glutamine (found in bone broth) is the primary fuel source for intestinal cells and supports gut barrier function. Glycine helps regulate stomach acid production and supports detoxification. Many veterinarians recommend bone broth for dogs recovering from digestive upset, surgery, or illness. It's gentle, easy to digest, and provides hydration along with nutrients. For chronic digestive issues, bone broth should complement veterinary treatment—not replace it.
How much bone broth should I give my dog?
Dosing guidelines: Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) daily. Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-4 ounces (¼-½ cup) daily. Large dogs (50-80 lbs): 4-8 ounces (½-1 cup) daily. Extra-large dogs (80+ lbs): 8-12 ounces (1-1.5 cups) daily. You can serve bone broth as a meal topper (poured over kibble), a standalone treat (frozen in ice cube trays, served in a bowl), or for hydration support (mixed with water for picky drinkers). Start with smaller amounts and increase gradually. Bone broth is generally safe, but too much can cause loose stools due to the gelatin content.
Should I make bone broth or buy it for my dog?
Both options work—it depends on your priorities. Homemade bone broth: Pros—Complete control over ingredients and quality, more cost-effective if made in bulk, typically higher gelatin content (better joint/gut benefits). Cons—Time-consuming (12-24 hour simmer), requires storage space, must use proper bones and avoid harmful ingredients. Store-bought bone broth: Pros—Convenient, consistent quality (if reputable brand), no prep time. Cons—More expensive per serving, many products marketed for dogs are overpriced and low-quality, some contain onion or garlic (toxic to dogs), less gelatin (especially shelf-stable versions). If buying, look for products that gel when refrigerated (indicates high collagen content), list bones or bone broth as the first ingredient, contain no onion, garlic, or excess sodium, are made for dogs or humans (not shelf-stable stock). If making at home, use bones with lots of cartilage and connective tissue (chicken feet, knuckle bones, oxtail), simmer for at least 12-24 hours, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals, and avoid cooked bones that can splinter.
What are the best bones to use for dog bone broth?
The best bones are those with high collagen and connective tissue content. Excellent choices: Chicken feet (extremely high in collagen), chicken necks and backs, beef knuckle bones, oxtail, turkey or chicken carcasses (after roasting), pork feet or trotters. Good choices: Beef marrow bones (add collagen-rich bones too), lamb or goat bones with cartilage. Avoid: Weight-bearing leg bones from large animals (femurs) alone—they're dense and low in collagen, cooked bones given directly to dogs (can splinter), and bones from unknown sources (potential contamination). For maximum benefit, combine different bone types—for example, beef knuckles with chicken feet provides both minerals and high collagen content.
Is bone broth safe for all dogs?
Bone broth is generally very safe, but there are some considerations. Safe for most dogs: Senior dogs with joint issues, dogs with digestive problems or recovering from illness, picky eaters who need hydration or appetite stimulation, and dogs on kibble-based diets (adds moisture and nutrients). Use caution with: Dogs with kidney disease (bone broth is high in phosphorus—consult your vet), dogs with severe food allergies (use appropriate protein source), and overweight dogs (bone broth has calories—factor into daily intake). Start slowly: Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset. Watch for loose stools (sign of too much too soon). Monitor for any allergic reactions to the protein source. Bone broth should complement a balanced diet, not replace it. It's a supplement, not a complete food.
How do I know if bone broth is high quality?
High-quality bone broth should gel when refrigerated—this indicates high gelatin and collagen content. The broth should form a semi-solid, jiggly texture when cold. If it stays completely liquid, it's low in beneficial compounds. Other quality indicators: Ingredients list bones or bone broth first (not water), made from organic or pasture-raised animals (fewer toxins, better nutrient profile), contains no onion, garlic, or artificial additives, low sodium (unsalted or lightly salted), and packaged in glass or BPA-free containers. For homemade broth, signs of quality: Layer of fat on top when cooled (shows marrow was rendered), rich, deep color (brown for beef, golden for chicken), strong aroma, and gels firmly when refrigerated. Poor quality bone broth is thin and watery when cold, lists water as the first ingredient, contains additives or preservatives, and comes from conventionally raised animals with no transparency about sourcing.
Can I use bone broth instead of joint supplements?
Bone broth provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin, but the amounts are lower and less standardized than concentrated supplements. You'd need to give large amounts of bone broth daily to match supplement doses. Bone broth is best used as a complementary whole-food source—not a replacement for targeted supplementation in dogs with significant joint disease. A better approach: Use bone broth as part of a joint-support strategy that includes weight management (most important), omega-3 fatty acids (strong evidence), veterinary pain management as needed, and whole-food sources of collagen and amino acids (bone broth, cartilage-rich foods). If your dog has moderate to severe arthritis, work with your vet on a comprehensive plan. Bone broth is a valuable addition, but not a standalone solution.
How long does bone broth last and how should I store it?
Refrigerator storage: 3-5 days in an airtight container (glass is best). The layer of fat on top acts as a protective seal—leave it until ready to use. Freezer storage: 4-6 months in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays (for portioned servings). Leave some headspace—broth expands when frozen. Storage tips: Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, remove and discard the fat layer if your dog is overweight (or save it for cooking), label containers with the date, and freeze in small portions for easy thawing (ice cube trays work well). Never leave bone broth at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If it smells off or develops mold, discard it. Frozen bone broth cubes make excellent summer treats for dogs.