BONE BROTH FOR DOGS
Over the past decade, bone broth has become quite popular as an additive in dog diets. Research has shown that it is an added supplement that provides many health benefits to dogs.
Incorporating pet bone broth into your fur baby’s diet can aid in digestion, improve joint health, help to detox the liver and boost their immune system. Bone broth may also help with skin and coat health.
WHAT IS BONE BROTH?
Bone broth should not be confused with soup. Essentially, bone broth is created from animal bones, marrow, tendons, skin ligaments and/or feet of animals. These parts are cooked over long periods of time in water.
The collagen and amino acids extracted, are typically not components found in ordinary pet food, or homemade pet food.
CAN I FEED MY PET, BONE BROTH FIT FOR HUMANS?
The short answer is, NO. Unless, you are making it at home and can monitor the amount of sodium. Additionally, you must be careful not to include ingredients that may be harmful or toxic to dogs. Adding onions to your dog’s bone broth is a no-no!
BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH FOR DOGS
Still trying to decide if you should add bone broth to your pet’s diet? Here are a few of the many health benefits:
- Aids Digestion: Is your doggy exhibiting signs of gut issues? Bone broth is packed with proline and glycine. Both of which can promote a healthy gut, repair intestinal damage and help relieve inflammation.
- Liver Detox: We all know that Fido can be quite curious of smells, prompting him to want to taste. Over time, his curiousness can be harmful to his liver. Glycine found in bone broth helps to detox and promote a healthy liver.
- Protein and Collagen: The many substances extracted from bones and marrow to create this healthy broth are an excellent source of protein. Protein and collagen contribute to the health of your pet, inside and out.
- Improves joint health: Have you noticed Fido slowing down a little? This could be the sign of joint problems. Bone broth is an excellent source of chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. All of which are known to help protect joints and may even help repair connective tissue in older dogs.
- Immune booster: Bone broth is a great way to boost your boost your doggy’s immune system. This is extremely important for your elder dog.
HOW TO MAKE BONE BROTH
The two most popular types of pet bone broth are chicken and beef. Bison, pork, lamb, deer, elk, and turkey are also great options.
If you choose not to make your own, most pet stores carry a variety of bone broths in liquid form, powder form and as supplements.
However, it’s important to note that the cost to make bone broth is relatively low. Most local grocery stores carry frozen beef bones. You may want to ask to your local butcher to save you bones they may otherwise throw away. Just be certain the bones you are using are human-grade and come from trusted sources.
As mentioned earlier, bone broth needs to cook for a long period of time to ensure the extraction of all that healthy goodness.
In a large stockpot, add the bones and cover completely with water. Add in a touch of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help with extraction.
Toss in vegetables. Again, keeping in mind not to add any vegetables
that are toxic to your pet. Carrots, celery, green beans, kale, and sweet potatoes are all great choices. Also, add in a bit of turmeric root as this will provide extra anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat. Simmer at least 24 hours for chicken bone broth, and 48 hours for beef bone broth. Bones should be covered in water, at all times.
Strain the broth using a mesh strainer (you want to catch any tiny bits of bone). Pour into air-tight storage jars or containers. Bone broth will last up to five days in the fridge. Make a huge batch as pet bone broth can be frozen for up to six months.
DOSAGE AND SIDE EFFECTS
The introduction of any “new” food into your pet’s diet can sometimes be a little tricky. It’s best to start slowly with small amounts.
Start with a few ounces of bone broth, a few times a week. Monitor how your pet tolerates the bone broth. No reaction? Feel free to increase to a few ounces per day, depending on the size of your dog (one ounce per 10 pounds is a good measure).
Be sure to buy/make bone broth with high quality ingredients. This can help to limit the risk of side effects, like diarrhea. Additionally, be cautious of your pet’s allergies. Finally, if you are wondering, your kitty cat can also benefit from bone broth!
