Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

Bone broth is the latest health craze to find its way into dog bowls. Humans sip overpriced cups of bone broth for "gut health" and "glowing skin. But dogs have already been enjoying this culinary delight for centuries. And why wouldn’t they? It's like the canine version of grandma’s chicken soup, packed with nutrients and a flavor that says, "I’d hunt down a bison if I wasn’t lounging on this couch all day." 

But humans have been having milk as well for centuries, and many are raising the question of whether it is actually good for humans. So, we should also ask if bone broth is good for dogs, which you did and so did we. So, here’s the answer. 

Let’s start by looking at how it’s made. 

Bone broth is made by simmering bones, herbs, spices, and other ingredients together in water for a long time (sometimes for even a day). These ingredients combined offer a power pack of nutrients that includes – ⁽²⁾

What do these nutrients do for dogs? ⁽¹⁾

Basically, bone broth is not only good for dogs but can be a super food for them!  

Can Dogs Eat Bone Broth?

Looking at the list of nutrients and the resultant benefits for the health of dogs, bone broth is an undoubted yes for dogs. You can add bone broth to your dog's meals, serve it as a treat, or use it as a restorative drink after exercise. 

How Much Bone Broth Should I Give My Dog?

The recommended quantity of bone broth for your dog depends on their size and weight. Experts suggest the following – ⁽³⁾

However, while adding a new ingredient to your dog’s diet, you should always start small. Begin with 1–2 tablespoons per day and increase gradually if your dog seems to like it. Check for any signs of discomfort the first few times you feed it to your dog. If none, you can increase the quantity gradually till the recommended limit. 

The long list of benefits of bone broth for dogs may make you feel like replacing your dog’s diet with bone broth, but that’s not recommended. While we can call bone broth a superfood for dogs, it doesn’t form a complete meal for dogs. It doesn't contain all the amino acids a dog needs. 

Remember to always feed bone broth specially made for dogs and not one for humans as it can contain ingredients that can be toxic for dogs. 

What are the Side Effects of Bone Broth for Dogs?

Bone broth is usually safe for all dogs to consume. However, there can be some potential side effects. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to ingredients in the broth. Giving a lot of it at a time may also cause an upset stomach as it can be too many nutrients for your dog’s small belly to digest. Some studies even show elevated levels of lead in bone broths, which can be harmful to health if consumed in large amounts. ⁽⁴⁾

Furthermore, the ones available at grocery stores may also contain onions or onion powder which is deadly for dogs. Preservatives, chemicals and added salts can also cause severe problems for your dog. It is also recommended to consult your vet before adding bone broth to your dog’s diet if they have serious health issues, such as liver disease or cancer.  

More about Spot Pet Insurance

It is great that you’re asking questions and the right ones before adding or making any modifications to your dog’s diet. This will minimize the chances of you feeding something harmful to your dog and putting their health in danger. However, there can be times when you may unknowingly end up feeding something wrong or in the wrong proportion to your dog. Your dog may also end up eating something bad on their own and get into trouble. 

They then stand a chance of getting sick. Some illnesses may be minor, but others might be severe and may even surgery. At such a time, worrying about your pet would be more important than worrying about all the medical bills. This is where pet health insurance helps. You can save up to 90% of all expenses and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!