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Home » Bone Broth For Dogs

Bone Broth For Dogs

Renee Dobbs · October 27, 2022 · 35 Comments

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bone broth for dogs ingredients and the broth in jars.
homemade bone broth for dogs in two jars on top of a kitchen towel.
homemade bone broth for dogs in a small bowl and mason jars.

The best homemade Bone Broth for Dogs made with chicken, turkey, and vegetables. This healthy DIY dog broth is so much better than store-bought.

There are so many health benefits associated with fortifying your dog’s food with homemade bone broth. In this guide, I’ll answer all your biggest questions about homemade chicken broth, beef broth, veggie broth, and how to make your own bone broth for your pet.

homemade bone broth for dogs in jars.

FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is Bone Broth for Dogs?

Bone broth for dogs is a liquid made from any type of raw bones, dog-safe veggies, dog-safe herbs, water, and vinegar.

When you boil bones that still have connective tissues on them, you will extract amino acids from them that is fantastic for your dog’s joint health.

I have the entire recipe for a dog-safe broth at the bottom of this post. First, I want to share lots of information and answer your questions.

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

When you make homemade broth from marrow bone, even small amounts are a great way to help your pup if they have leaky gut. It’s a wonderful thing for a dog’s digestive system. Since you are making it at home, it will have less sodium than regular broth.

This delicious broth is a fantastic source of hyaluronic acid, which is wonderful for your dog’s healthy skin and coat.

This is a nutritious broth to share with senior dogs. It will help them have a healthy gut.

Why This is the Best Bone Broth for Dogs Recipe

You have full control over how you make this simple bone broth recipe. It’s a better choice than store-bought broth because it won’t have sodium, garlic, or onions.

So, next time you want to spend money on expensive dog food gravy packets, just make your own delicious broth at home.

Serve it at room temperature and pour it over your dog’s food. They will gobble up their kibble in no time at all.

When you make your own meals for your pet, slow cooking some bone broth is a good idea and an easy way to nutritiously make their food taste delicious.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store.

  • Chicken and Turkey Bones
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Fresh Curly Parsley
  • Raw Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Use organic ingredients if you want to make organic bone broth for dogs.

Be sure to use curly parsley and not Italian flat leaf. And, yes, I know flat leaf is in the photos – it was a mistake.

bone broth for dogs ingredients.

Best Bones for Bone Broth for Dogs

Chicken wings, chicken backbones, bone-in chicken thighs, chicken feet, turkey necks, turkey wings, beef bones, marrow bones, knuckles, oxtails, pork bones, pigs feet, and veal bones are the best bones for making bone broth for dogs (and people too!).

Leftover chicken or turkey carcass is great too.

Raw or Cooked Bones? Both are fine. Roasting the bones adds more flavor but it isn’t necessary to make broth for dogs. If using cooked bones, like leftover chicken wings, make sure they don’t have any seasonings or sauces on them. They need to be plain.

For the most collagen, use chicken feet, beef oxtails, or pigs feet.

Equipment Needed

  • Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Large Soup Pot
  • Colander or Strainer for straining out the broth
  • Large Metal Bowl for straining the broth into and cooling it
  • Mason Jars, Plastic Storage Containers, or Ice Cube Trays for storage

How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs

There are three methods you can use for making dog bone broth – slow cooker, pressure cooker, or stovetop.

Here are the simple steps for each and a photo collage. I hope they help you with making broth for dogs.

Oh, and there’s a printable recipe card below.

Crock Pot Slow Cooker Method

  1. Place the bones in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add vegetables and parsley.
  3. Add enough water to cover.
  4. Add apple cider vinegar.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 24 hours.
  6. Strain out and discard the cooked bones and vegetables.
collage of bone broth recipe steps.

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Method

  1. Place the bones in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  2. Add the vegetables and parsley.
  3. Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
  4. Add apple cider vinegar.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 2 hours. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  6. Strain the broth and discard the cooked bones and vegetables.

Stovetop Method

  1. Place bones in the bottom of a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add vegetables and parsley.
  3. Add enough water to cover the ingredients by an inch.
  4. Add apple cider vinegar.
  5. Bring it just to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first hour of cooking.
  6. Loosely cover and simmer on the stovetop’s lowest setting for 24 hours. You may need to add a little water during the cooking process if it water level goes below the top of the ingredients.
  7. Strain and discard cooked bones and vegetables.

Cooling and Storing Bone Broth

Because bone broth is super hot after cooking for an extended period of time (or under pressure), it takes a long time for it to cool. The broth temperature will be between 40 and 140°F for a long period of time. That’s the temperature range when pathogens and harmful bacteria grow most quickly.

The best way to cool bone broth is in an ice bath. Fill the sink with ice and cold water. Have the broth in a large plastic or metal container and place it in the ice bath. Stir often while it is cooling. It should cool to about 50°F in about 15 minutes.

Then you can pour the broth into mason jars or airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. Or pour it into freezer-safe plastic containers or ice cube trays and freeze it. Remember to transfer the bone broth cubes to a plastic freezer bag.

Note that when bone broth cools in the fridge, it will become thick and have a hard layer of fat on top of the broth. You can easily scrape off the fat and discard it.

homemade bone broth for dogs in jars on top of a kitchen towel.

Recipe Variations

You can use different types of bones to make the broth. Some dogs are food sensitive to chicken or other meat and this bone broth recipe is easily customizable with other animal bones. Here are some ideas:

  • Beef Bone Broth – use knuckles, joints, marrow bones, shank, or oxtails
  • Chicken Bone Broth – use only chicken bones or whole chicken carcass
  • Pork Bone Broth – use raw pigs feet, rib bones, or other pork bones
  • Turkey Bone Broth – use turkey necks, wings, or a leftover carcass
  • Veal Bone Broth – use veal bones

Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs with Turmeric

Turmeric is rich in the plant polyphenol curcumin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.

If you want to make bone broth for dogs with turmeric, simply stir 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder into the broth 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Do not add it at the beginning.

Bone Broth For Sick Dog

This is a great thing to give your dog if they have an upset stomach. This nutritious bone broth has so many valuable nutrients in it. Even if your dog can’t eat solid foods, they can still drink the broth and get plenty of vitamins from it.

How to Use Bone Broth for Dogs

You can use this tasty and healthy broth in a number of ways:

  • Dog Food Broth Topper. Adding bone broth to dog food is a great topper.
  • Rehydrate freeze-dried food with it instead of water.
  • To make homemade dog food. Great for adding nutrition and moisture.
  • To make homemade dog gravy.
  • To make chicken soup for dogs.
  • To make homemade dog treats. Mix some broth with plain cooked sweet potatoes and freeze in silicone molds.
homemade bone broth for dogs in a small bowl and fresh parsley beside it.

How Much Bone Broth for Dogs

Giving dog bone broth can be done on a daily basis. The recommended amount is 1 ounce per every 10 pounds of body weight. For easy measuring, note that 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons. A standard ice cube tray usually holds 1 ounce in each well.

Can Humans Eat Bone Broth for Dogs?

Yes, everything in the broth is safe for human consumption. In fact, it’s a great no sodium bone broth great for cooking since it won’t add salt to the dish. It’s also perfect for those who need to watch their sodium intake.

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homemade bone broth for dogs in mason jars.

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Find the best dog treat recipes on Spoiled Hounds.

homemade bone broth for dogs in jars.
Print Pin
4.89 from 9 votes

Bone Broth for Dogs

Make the best bone broth for dogs in a Crock Pot Slow Cooker, Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, or on the stove top.
Course Dog Food
Cuisine Pet
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 1 day day
Total Time 1 day day 5 minutes minutes
Servings 16
Calories 10kcal
Author Renee Dobbs

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Bones such as chicken back bones, chicken feet, chicken thighs, chicken wings, turkey carcass, or turkey necks
  • 4 Carrots cut into chunks
  • 4 Celery Stalks cut into chunks
  • ¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Curly Parsley Leaves (do not use flat leaf parsley)
  • Water
  • ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

Crock Pot Slow Cooker

  • Place the bones in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
  • Add vegetables and parsley.
  • Add enough water to cover.
  • Add apple cider vinegar.
  • Cook on low for 24 hours.
  • Strain into a large pot or metal mixing bowl. Discard cooked bones and vegetables.
  • Fill the sink with ice and cold water. Place the broth in the ice bath and cool the broth to about 50°F, about 15 minutes. Stir often while the broth is cooling.
  • Pour the broth into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

  • Place bones in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  • Add vegetables and parsley.
  • Add enough water to cover.
  • Add apple cider vinegar.
  • Cook on high pressure for 2 hours. Allow pressure to release naturally.
  • Strain into a large pot or metal mixing bowl. Discard cooked bones and vegetables.
  • Fill the sink with ice and cold water. Place the broth in the ice bath and cool the broth to about 50°F, about 15 minutes. Stir often while the broth is cooling.
  • Pour the broth into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Stove Top

  • Place bones in the bottom of a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add vegetables and parsley.
  • Add enough water to cover the ingredients by an inch.
  • Add apple cider vinegar.
  • Bring just to a boil then reduce heat to low. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first hour of cooking.
  • Cover and simmer on the stove top lowest setting for 24 hours. You may need to add a little water during the cooking process if it water level goes below the top of the ingredients.
  • Strain into a large pot or metal mixing bowl. Discard cooked bones and vegetables.
  • Fill the sink with ice and cold water. Place the broth in the ice bath and cool the broth to about 50°F, about 15 minutes. Stir often while the broth is cooling.
  • Pour the broth into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Notes

Once the broth has cooled in the refrigerator, you can scrape off the layer of hard fat from the top.
The chilled bone broth may be thick due to the collagen from the bones. You can reheat it in the microwave or over low heat for a liquid consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 10kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2672IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Filed Under: Dog Food Recipes, Dog Treats

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa says

    January 15, 2023 at 6:23 pm

    How long will this broth last in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      January 15, 2023 at 6:55 pm

      It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

      Reply
      • Leigh says

        January 17, 2023 at 7:09 pm

        How many ounces does this make? I only use an ounce or two on her kibble. So if it only last 4 days can you freeze this

        Reply
        • Renee Dobbs says

          January 18, 2023 at 6:08 am

          It makes anywhere from 6 to 8 cups, depending on how much water you use. You can freeze it in ice cube trays. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

          Reply
  2. Gail says

    January 22, 2023 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    I made this bone broth for my three dogs yesterday in the instant pot pressure cooker. They absolutely loved it. Good thing I only gave them a little because I tried the gravy recipe and doubled the ingredients and used up almost all of the broth for it. These will be my go to recipes now instead of expensive can food for a topper. So much healthier and they love it. One of my dogs is a four year old Boston and has been battling Immune mediated hemolytic anemia for over a year now. Relapsed once soon as he was off prednisone and he’s close to stopping prednisone for the second time. He needs healthy food and this can only help him. Thank you so much for this bone broth recipe and the gravy recipe. They are just what we needed. When my babies are happy mamas happy.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      January 23, 2023 at 6:43 am

      I’m so glad your dogs enjoyed the broth and gravy. Thank you for letting me know, it really made my day!

      Reply
  3. Susan says

    February 14, 2023 at 4:37 pm

    5 stars
    I am so thankful for your website. I have been looking forever for good healthy dog treats to enhance my dog babies food. You have given me so much useful information and recipes, thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      February 14, 2023 at 6:33 pm

      Awe, you made my day! I’m so glad you enjoy my website.

      Reply
  4. Rita says

    February 28, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    Can you bring up the bones and leftover vegetables and feed that to the dogs?

    Reply
    • Rita says

      February 28, 2023 at 2:30 pm

      I meant to say grind up the bones

      Reply
      • Renee Dobbs says

        March 1, 2023 at 6:44 am

        You can grind up the leftover vegetables and feed them to dogs but not the bones.

        Reply
  5. Amanda says

    July 30, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! I buy the soup bones that have the marrow in it. Once it’s done cooking I push out the marrow and stir it in the broth. I love how easy it is to add super nutritious food to my sports dog’s diet!

    Reply
  6. Gloria says

    December 3, 2023 at 10:56 am

    Why do you add apple cider vinegar to the broth?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      December 3, 2023 at 11:38 am

      The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the collagen and makes it more abundant in the broth.

      Reply
      • Cheryl says

        March 23, 2024 at 4:37 pm

        White vinegar will do the same, in a pinch 😋

        Reply
  7. Xuan says

    January 11, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    Hi Renee, Thanks for the recipe! I’m going to try this for the first time. Would the ice bath step be necessary or it is alright to have the broth cool naturally (off the heat)?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      January 12, 2024 at 6:36 am

      The ice bath helps to cool the broth faster and prevent bacterial growth.

      Reply
  8. Lori says

    January 20, 2024 at 3:41 am

    I just read that curly leaf parsley is the only safe parsley that they can eat. I made your recipe with Italian/flat leaf parsley which looks like what is in your pictures. Can you verify this please?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      January 20, 2024 at 5:41 am

      Yes, it is best to use curly parsley. I updated the info to specify it.

      Reply
  9. Nancy says

    February 8, 2024 at 2:12 am

    Hi Renee,
    I am going to use 4 pounds of marrow bones. Should I double the amount of veges, parsley & ACV too?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      February 8, 2024 at 7:10 am

      Yes, if you are doubling the amount of bones you will also need to double the other ingredients.

      Reply
  10. Bonnie Meada says

    June 30, 2024 at 4:59 pm

    This came out very very bland… Used extra beef leg bones too. Not sure what went wrong. Very clear looking and still smelled like acv after 2 hrs in IP 😕

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      July 1, 2024 at 7:11 am

      I’m not sure what could have caused it to be so bland. I usually use marrow bones and/or oxtails and it comes out nicely.

      Reply
  11. Teri says

    August 11, 2024 at 1:09 pm

    I made this but it’s kind of greasy- is that how it should be?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      August 12, 2024 at 6:09 am

      It can be greasy. You can either let it sit and skim off the grease from the top or refrigerate it and the grease will solidify and then it’s easy to just spoon it off.

      Reply
  12. Wanda says

    October 2, 2024 at 1:11 pm

    Hello. I made this to use as a topper on kibble. Can I peel the meat and use that also?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      October 2, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      Yes, you can chop or shred the meat and feed it to your dog. You can even eat it if you want.

      Reply
  13. Susanna says

    October 15, 2024 at 5:42 am

    5 stars
    Hi! Thanks for the recipe! I’m trying it with a stove top using chicken feet and pig ears. After that I’d like to make gummies (I love both recipes!) How do I know if my broth is good for the next step? Will it still be sour because of the ACV? And will it become thick and sticky? I’m adding water when its level cannot fully cover the ingredients. Afraid it will be too diluted as the gummy base. Please advise, thanks.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      October 15, 2024 at 6:56 am

      The broth is good after the long cooking time. When it cools it will thicken. It will not be sticky. The ACV will not cause it to be sour, it just helps to draw the nutrients out of the bones. Adding a little water should not dilute it too much. The collagen and gelatin from the bones is what thickens it.

      Reply
  14. Leslie says

    October 26, 2024 at 5:39 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been using this recipe, or variations of, for several months now, and my beagle is healthier than he’s ever been! I use a combination of beef marrow bones, turkey necks, chicken feet and pig’s feet, along with carrots and celery. It may look like a Halloween movie when it starts off, but once it’s cooked down and strained, it makes a beautiful, savory topping to my boy’s food. I put in several small canning jars and freeze, so I can take them out as needed.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      October 27, 2024 at 10:12 am

      Oh fantastic! I’m so glad you and your dog are enjoying the recipe and broth!

      Reply
  15. Kellie says

    June 6, 2025 at 10:57 am

    How much water in the slow cooker?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      June 7, 2025 at 5:50 am

      It can vary depending on the size of your slow cooker. You add just enough water to cover the meat and vegetables.

      Reply
  16. Kellie says

    June 6, 2025 at 10:58 am

    And can I add zucchini and cabbage if there’s room?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      June 7, 2025 at 5:51 am

      Yes, you can add zucchini and cabbage. Note that cabbage can make it slightly bitter.

      Reply
4.89 from 9 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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