Bone Broth: Health Benefits For Dogs

Bone broth is one of the simplest — and most powerful — additions to your dog’s bowl. Whether you're feeding raw, cooked, or somewhere in between, bone broth delivers a warm, healing boost for joints, gut, and hydration.

Below are just a few of the many reasons we love bone broth. And don’t miss our go-to Turkey Carcass Bone Broth Recipe — perfect after the holidays!

Important Note: Before diving into the many benefits of bone broth: use only homemade bone broth or high-quality commercial bone broth made specifically for dogs. Avoid bone broths made for human consumption, they all contain onion

1. Nutrient-Rich

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water, drawing out vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and collagen. These nutrients support overall health — and because they're in liquid form, they're easy for dogs to digest and absorb

2. Joint Health

Bone broth is packed with glycosaminoglycans — the special compounds that help keep joints healthy and cushioned. One of the most famous? Glucosamine. Bone broth also delivers chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which help protect cartilage, reduce inflammation, and lubricate joints[2].

What’s more, these compounds are resistant to digestion — meaning they’re absorbed intact and get to work fast. Many pet parents report noticeable improvements in mobility and comfort when adding broth to their dog’s meals.

3. Digestive Health

The gelatin in bone broth helps soothe and seal the lining of the digestive tract, making it especially helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or symptoms of leaky gut[3].

Whether your pup struggles with constipation, loose stools, or general GI imbalance, broth is an affordable and easy daily addition. Paired with a frozen raw species-appropriate diet, it supports long-term gut healing and nutrient absorption.

4. Hydration

Because it’s liquid-based and full of electrolytes, bone broth helps keep dogs hydrated, especially those reluctant to drink water. It’s also helpful during hot weather, post-surgery recovery, or anytime your dog’s appetite is off[4].

5. Appetite Stimulant

Bone broth is highly palatable and often irresistible — making it a great flavor boost for picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness. You can drizzle it over meals or offer it gently warmed as a snack [5].

6. Recovery After Illness Or Surgery

Dogs recovering from illness or surgery may not tolerate heavy foods — but bone broth provides a gentle, nourishing option packed with minerals, collagen, and hydration. It’s easy on the stomach and supportive of the healing process.

How To Avoid Rancid Bone Broth

While bone broth is full of benefits, cooking it too long may introduce unwanted risks — especially for our pets.

Recent research suggests that simmering bones for extended periods (8+ hours or more) can increase the release of heavy metals like lead into the broth. A 2017 study published in Food & Nutrition Research showed that while nutrient levels rose with longer cook times, so did levels of lead and cadmium [1][6].

This doesn’t mean bone broth is dangerous — far from it. But it does mean we need to cook it wisely.

Turkey Carcass Bone Broth

Turkey carcass bone broth is my go-to — especially after the holidays! It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into liquid gold for your pet’s health. Packed with minerals, collagen, and flavor, it supports digestion, joints, and more — all while making the most of every part of the bird.

Link To My Own Recipe 👉 Turkey Carcass Bone Broth Recipe

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Citations

1.  N. D. Hsu, et al. “Essential and toxic metals in animal bone broths.”Food & Nutrition Research, 2017.

2. D. Volpi, et al. “Oral absorption and biological activity of chondroitin sulfate.”Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2009.

3.  M. Fasano, et al. “Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function.”Physiological Reviews, 2011

4.  Adolphe, J.L., et al. “Canine hydration: Physiologic impact and practical strategies.”Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 2017.

5. Yamka, R.M., et al. “Evaluation of palatability and digestibility of dog foods with added meat-based broths.” Journal of Animal Science, 2010.

6.  Myrmel, L.S., et al. “Risk assessment of heavy metal exposure from bone broth in children.”

   Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM), 2022.