Feeding our pups the best is often a top priority for dog owners. Due to the rise in popularity of so-called “superfoods” for humans, dog owners wonder if the same benefits humans enjoy, such as weight loss, improved energy levels, and disease risk reduction, can be passed on to our pups if they’re fed the right foods. 

Like raw dog food diets and giving your dog probiotics, many pet parents praise the positive results that they notice from incorporating bone broth into their dog’s diet. Dogs generally love it because it has a hearty, meaty taste. One broth can also be used to spice up bland dog food that you might otherwise have trouble convincing your dog to eat, such as diet dog food varieties for weight loss or special, veterinarian-formulated prescription dog food to treat conditions such as urinary tract issues, allergies, and more. 

In this article, we explore more about bone broth for dogs, including whether it is as good for dogs as pet owners think it is, the potential benefits of incorporating bone broth into your dog’s diet, recipes that guide you on how to make bone broth for dogs, and much more. 

What is Bone Broth for Dogs?

Is Human Bone Broth Good for Dogs?

While bone broth can be healthy for both humans and pets, not all broths are created equal. Human bone broth often contains ingredients that aren’t suitable for dogs, such as high levels of sodium, onions, garlic, or added flavoring agents. Even small amounts of these ingredients can upset your dog’s digestive system—or worse, become toxic over time. Dogs process sodium differently from humans, and too much can strain their kidneys or cause dehydration. Similarly, onions and garlic (common broth seasonings) can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in dogs.

By contrast, dog-specific bone broths are formulated without these additives and keep sodium levels at a safe minimum. If you’d like to share bone broth with your pup, stick to unsalted, pet-safe versions or make your own at home with plain bones, water, and no added salt, onion, or seasoning.

What Does Bone Broth Do for Dogs?

Like raw diets, the research on the benefits of bone broth for dogs is mostly anecdotal, with some veterinary clinics touting its effectiveness. One thing that’s true, though, is that bone broth does contain effective nutrients and ingredients that are beneficial to your dogs' health, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid for joint health, and glycine and proline, which are known for promoting a healthy gut environment. 

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Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth can be a nutrient-rich addition to your dog’s diet that supports everything from digestion to joint mobility. Because it’s packed with amino acids, collagen, electrolytes, and trace minerals, bone broth can deliver benefits across several areas of canine health.

Digestive Support and Soothing Upset Stomachs

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or occasional digestive upsets can benefit from the soothing nature of bone broth. The gelatin and glycine found in broth help repair and strengthen the lining of the digestive tract, restoring a healthy balance of gut flora. For pups experiencing nausea or temporary loss of appetite, a warm serving of bone broth is gentle on the stomach while still providing hydration and nutrients.

Additionally, bone broth provides liver support, thanks to its high levels of amino acids, such as glycine. Since dogs explore the world with their mouths, they can sometimes ingest unwanted substances. Glycine helps the liver break down and remove these toxins, promoting healthy detoxification.

Hydration and Appetite Boost for Picky Eaters

Bone broth is a simple, natural way to encourage picky eaters or senior dogs to stay hydrated. Its savory, meaty flavor makes kibble more enticing while providing additional moisture—especially helpful for dogs prone to urinary tract or kidney concerns. Whether poured over dry food or offered alone, bone broth can stimulate appetite while helping maintain healthy hydration levels.

Joint and Mobility Health (Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin)

Bone broth naturally contains compounds that support joint and connective tissue health, such as collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These ingredients contribute to cartilage strength and elasticity, helping keep your dog’s joints comfortable and mobile.

Still, pet owners should exercise caution when using it as a singular treatment method for joint or digestive conditions that their dog may have. Bone broth isn’t likely to contain enough therapeutic ingredients to provide enough of a difference in your dog’s joint health compared to if you incorporated a joint supplement solution into their diet. 

TRI-ACTA, a joint supplement formulated to be a daily supplement to support your dog’s joint health, has guaranteed therapeutic amounts of ingredients like glucosamine (provides lubrication, cartilage support, and affects overall joint health), chondroitin (works alongside glucosamine to aid in cartilage repair and regeneration), and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory).

Immune System Support

A strong immune system begins in the gut, and bone broth contributes to this balance with its rich blend of collagen, gelatin, and amino acids, including glutamine. These nutrients support the gut barrier, helping the body better absorb vitamins and minerals while preventing inflammation. Bone broth also delivers electrolytes and antioxidants that enhance immune resilience—helping your dog fight off illness and recover faster from stress or injury.

Types and Forms of Bone Broth for Dogs

Whether you make it yourself or purchase it at your local pet store, bone broth for dogs is available in several convenient forms. Each type has its own benefits depending on how you prefer to feed your pup and how much time you want to spend preparing meals.

Homemade Bone Broth for Dogs vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth for Dogs

Both homemade and store-bought bone broths can be excellent options; it just depends on what’s most practical for you and what your dog prefers.

• Homemade bone broth gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s free from high sodium, onions, garlic, and additives that are unsafe for dogs. It’s also a great way to use leftover bones and tailor the recipe to your pet’s specific needs.

• Store-bought bone broth for dogs, on the other hand, offers convenience and consistency. Many pet-specific options are formulated with safe sodium levels, added collagen, and no harmful flavoring agents. Just be sure to choose products labeled for pets, as human bone broths often contain ingredients (like onions and salt) that can be toxic or irritating for dogs.

Fresh/Frozen Liquid Options

Liquid bone broth is the most familiar format—and often the most appetizing for dogs. It’s typically sold in cartons or resealable pouches and can be poured directly over food or served as a standalone treat.

• Storage: Refrigerate after opening and use within 4–7 days (always check the packaging).

• Freezing: Both homemade and commercial liquid bone broth can be frozen for up to 12 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent spills as it expands during freezing.

Liquid bone broth adds instant hydration and aroma to your dog’s meals, making it perfect for picky eaters or pets that need a little extra moisture in their diet.

Bone Broth Powder for Dogs

Bone broth powder for dogs is a dehydrated version that retains most of the same nutrients as liquid broth but with a much longer shelf life. It’s easy to store, doesn’t require refrigeration, and can be mixed with warm water or sprinkled directly onto your dog’s food.

Because powder is lightweight and portable, it’s ideal for travel or multi-pet households. However, quality matters—some powders are made using high heat, which can destroy natural proteins and reduce nutritional value. Look for brands that use gentle dehydration methods to preserve flavor and nutrients.

Organic Bone Broth for Dogs

For pet parents who prefer a clean, sustainable option, organic bone broth for dogs is made from bones sourced from animals raised without hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs. Organic broths often contain fewer artificial additives and can be gentler on sensitive stomachs.

When selecting organic options, ensure they are pet-formulated, not simply human organic broths. Even organic human bone broths may still have unsafe sodium levels or ingredients like garlic or onions.

Quick Comparison: What Is the Best Bone Broth for Dogs?

In short: the best bone broth for dogs is one that’s pet-safe, low in sodium, and made from quality ingredients, whether that’s a homemade recipe or a certified dog-specific product.

How To Make Bone Broth For Dogs

Making your own homemade bone broth for dogs is a great way to not only maximize your groceries, but it’s also a way to save money. You can boil any type of animal bone for your dog, including duck, beef, chicken, and fish. When you boil any type of bone, the marrow within it leaks out and breaks down into gelatin. This gelatin is what contains the essential nutrients and amino acids that make up the benefits of bone broth. 

How Long Should I Boil the Bones to Make Bone Broth?

The optimal length of time for boiling bones to make bone broth for dogs depends on the recipe you’re following, but you usually need to boil the bones at a low temperature for at least 5–9 hours. Most recipes, however, recommend using a slow cooker and boiling the ingredients for at least 12 hours and as much as 48 hours to ensure that the maximum amount of nutrients are extracted from the bones. For this process, a pot on the stove works just fine, but a crockpot or Instant Pot can also be used. 

Some dog owners prefer to use bones that contain a high amount of joints, such as chicken feet, because joints are rich in collagen. Realistically, any bone will do, so feel free to use discarded bones from your meals, but be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any spices or seasonings that may upset your dog’s stomach.

Bone Broth for Dogs Recipe

The great thing about homemade bone broth for dogs is that you can add vegetables and other ingredients, including turmeric, to the mix that you’ve found beneficial for dogs. One key ingredient in most homemade bone broth for dogs recipes is vinegar, which is responsible for extracting the gelatin and nutrients from the bones. With regards to vinegar, a little often goes a long way, and you don’t want to add too much, as it will affect the final product's taste. 

With that being said, here is an easy recipe for homemade bone broth for dogs. We chose this recipe because it just needs a big pot on the stove, and the recipe itself is very straightforward (The vegetable and mushroom ingredients are optional):

• Use 3–4 lbs of raw bones containing marrow (e.g., chicken, turkey, rabbit, duck, beef, pork, or oxtail)

• 3 inches of ginger root, sliced (ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants)

• 2 ounces of parsley, chopped (parsley has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties)

• 4 ounces of shiitake mushrooms (has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties)

• 2 stalks of celery, chopped (a great source of fiber and potassium)

• ¼ cup of organic, raw apple cider vinegar (regular is also fine)

• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped (omit this ingredient if your dog has a history of hemolytic anemia)

• 6 quarts of water

Directions for cooking:

1. Place all prepared ingredients in a large soup pot, slow cooker, or instant pot.

2. Cook on low heat for 12 to 24 hours (12 on the stove at a simmer, 24 in the slow cooker on low, or 3 to 4 hours in an Instant Pot).

3. Allow the finished broth to cool. Remove and discard all remaining bones (never feed cooked bones to a dog, as they can splinter and cause blockages)

4. Place cooled broth in the refrigerator and allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim the fat and discard. 

The recipe notes that you can either use raw bones or cooked bones, but that cooked bones may have fewer nutrients because they’ve already been cooked. 

How Much Bone Broth Should Dogs Have?

Like any supplement or topper, it’s important to serve the right amount of bone broth based on your dog’s size, activity level, and overall health. While bone broth is safe for most dogs when made properly (no salt, onions, or additives), moderation is still key.

General Daily Bone Broth Serving Guidelines for Dogs by Weight

The following table was made by aggregating the serving sizes for a variety of bone broth products for dogs from around the internet. These serving sizes are meant to be an estimate only. It’s always a good idea to start small to see how your dog will react to bone broth, especially if it’s homemade, and then add more over time. If using commercially purchased bone broth, always follow the serving directions on the packaging.

You can serve bone broth on its own, pour it over dry kibble, or mix it with wet food. Just make sure your dog is still getting the appropriate amount of complete and balanced food for their daily energy needs.

Daily vs. Occasional Use: When to Feed Bone Broth

• Daily use:
  Ideal for senior dogs, picky eaters, or dogs recovering from illness or surgery. Bone broth can help maintain hydration, encourage eating, and provide ongoing joint and digestive support. It’s also safe for daily use in healthy dogs as part of a well-rounded diet.

• Occasional use:
  Perfect for dogs that don’t need regular support but could use a boost during stressful events (e.g., travel, vet visits, hot weather), after gastrointestinal upset, or following intense activity or injury recovery.

If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition (such as pancreatitis or kidney disease), consult your veterinarian before adding bone broth or other nutrient-dense toppers to their meals.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Which Is Better?

When it comes to bone broth for dogs, both homemade and store-bought versions have their place in a balanced canine diet. The right choice ultimately depends on your dog’s needs—and your lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Homemade Bone Broth for Dogs

Homemade bone broth gives you complete control over every ingredient. You can select the bones, skip problematic additives, and customize the recipe with dog-safe vegetables, such as turmeric, ginger, or parsley, for added benefits.

Pros:

• Total control over ingredients and sourcing

• No preservatives or unnecessary additives

• Customizable for your dog’s dietary needs or sensitivities

• Often more cost-effective when using leftover bones

Cons:

• Time-consuming (12–48 hours cook time)

• Must be stored and used quickly (typically within 5–7 days)

• Requires freezer space if batch-prepping

Homemade bone broth is an excellent option if you regularly cook with whole meats or want to reduce food waste. However, it's not always practical for busy pet parents—especially those managing multiple pets or tight schedules.

Convenience of Store-Bought Bone Broth for Dogs

Store-bought bone broths are ideal when you need a quick, consistent, and safe option.

Why go store-bought?

• Ready to serve with no prep time

• Long shelf life (especially powders or frozen options)

• Easy to portion for daily use or travel

• Some include added nutrients like turmeric, glucosamine, or collagen

Just be sure to read the label carefully. Avoid human broths unless clearly marked as pet-safe, and always check for harmful ingredients or excess sodium.

When to Choose Organic or Low-Sodium Options

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or kidney concerns, organic and low-sodium bone broths are safer choices. These options are typically:

• Made from pasture-raised or grass-fed animals

• Free from hormones, antibiotics, and synthetic additives

• Lower in salt, which reduces strain on the kidneys and urinary tract

While organic broths tend to cost more, they can be a better long-term choice for dogs with health issues or for pet parents who prioritize clean, traceable ingredients.

Best Bone Broth For Dogs

If you’re not into making your own bone broth and would prefer to purchase store-bought bone broth for dogs, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations:

1. Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Dog and Cat Meal Topper

Source

This broth comes in easy-to-pour packaging and is made with high-quality ingredients, including humanely farmed beef. The beef bones are slowly simmered with additional immune-boosting ingredients and superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, and turmeric. The ingredients are also free from antibiotics, growth hormones, salt, garlic (which can be harmful for some dogs), and onion. One serving is two tablespoons for every 10 lbs of body weight. Also comes in chicken flavour.

$9.99 CAD for a 12 oz pouch. Pricing as of October 2025.

2. The Honest Kitchen Daily Boosters - Beef Bone Broth

Source

The Honest Kitchen’s beef bone broth is a powdered version made with all-natural ingredients, including turmeric, parsley, and pumpkin. The powdered bone broth for dogs can be rehydrated using hot water (be sure to let the broth cool before serving to your dog) or be sprinkled over your dog’s kibble as a meal topper. This powdered bone broth option is made in the USA and is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, chemicals, and preservatives.

$16.99 CAD for a 16 oz container. Pricing as of October 2025.

3. Now Fresh Good Gravy Recipe for Adult Dogs (Chicken Coated in Bone Broth)  

Source

This product is a bit of a different take on bone broth for dogs—instead of being a liquid, it’s regular dog kibble coated in a bone broth formula. This may be a great option for dog owners who are on the go or who just want to worry about serving their dog one meal product rather than multiple. Now Fresh’s bone broth kibble also has added fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, blueberries, and carrots to help with digestion and to support your dog’s immune system.

$22.99 CAD for a 1.59 kg (3.5 lb) bag. Pricing as of October 2025.

4. Pets In The Kitchen Bone Broth

Source

If you’re looking for a bone broth for dogs that mimics homemade as much as possible and is effortless to serve, then the Pets In The Kitchen Bone Broth recipe for dogs is a great choice. Instead of being a liquid where you have to measure each serving, this bone broth recipe for dogs is frozen in individual cubes, making it easy to grab a cube or two to heat and incorporate into your dog’s food or simply pop it into their water or food on a hot day. This bone broth contains all-natural ingredients, including:

• Pork joint bones

• Organic apple cider

• Turmeric 

• Ginger

$17.99 CAD for a 19 oz bag. Pricing as of October 2025.

Improving the Effectiveness of Bone Broth

Incorporating bone broth into your dog’s diet has many health benefits, including joint health support. However, the level of therapeutic ingredients in bone broth, the same as dog foods that contain joint support ingredients like glucosamine, are not enough on their own to provide therapeutic benefit to your dog’s joints.

Like eating ginger isn’t going to cure your flu, giving your dog bone broth won’t cure their joint issues. However, incorporating a supplement like TRI-ACTA or TRI-ACTA H.A. into your dog’s diet alongside bone broth is an effective way to enhance your dog’s overall joint health while making the administration even easier by dissolving it further into their food so they lap every last bit of goodness up.

The therapeutic ingredients in TRI-ACTA products are guaranteed, while in a product like bone broth, it’s hard to guarantee the level of therapeutic ingredients during the manufacturing process. TRI-ACTA contains 100% all-natural ingredients, as outlined in the table below:

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

Summary

Nutrient-packed bone broth can support various aspects of a dog’s health, from bolstering the immune system to aiding digestion and joint health. However, while bone broth offers valuable nutrients, it’s important to understand that it shouldn’t be solely relied upon as a cure-all solution for specific health conditions. 

Instead, bone broth for dogs should be viewed as a beneficial supplement alongside a well-rounded diet and targeted supplements like TRI-ACTA, which provides guaranteed therapeutic amounts of essential joint-supporting ingredients. Incorporating bone broth into a dog's diet can be a flavorful and nutritious enhancement, but it's most effective when combined with a holistic approach to canine health and wellness.

Purchase TRI-ACTA online or learn where to buy at a store near you.