Can Dogs Eat Bone Broth? Safety, Benefits, and How to Make It
Dogs can eat plain, homemade bone broth in small amounts, provided all bones are strained out and no salt, onion, or garlic is added.
Quick Answer
Yes, dogs can eat bone broth when it is made plainly at home and all bones are removed before serving. Bone broth is made by simmering bones for a long period and then straining them out completely. It may contain minerals, collagen, and gelatin and can be served as a drink or meal topper. Never feed cooked bones to dogs, and avoid store-bought broths that contain onion, garlic, or added salt. Serve bone broth cooled and in moderation.
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Safety Verdict
Plain, homemade bone broth is generally considered safe for dogs when it is prepared correctly. The single most important safety rule is that all bones must be removed before the broth is served. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injury or blockages, so they should never be given to a dog. When bones are simmered and then completely strained out, the remaining liquid is typically safe in small amounts.
The other main safety concerns involve added ingredients. Many commercial broths and soup bases contain onion, garlic, high levels of sodium, or other seasonings that are not suitable for dogs. Onion and garlic can be toxic to dogs, and excess sodium can be harmful, especially for dogs with heart or kidney conditions. The safest approach is to make bone broth at home using only bones and water, with no salt or aromatics.
Nutritional Value and Benefits
Plain bone broth may offer a few potential benefits when used as an occasional topper:
- Collagen and gelatin: Released from connective tissue during simmering, these proteins may support joint and connective tissue.
- Minerals: Bone broth may contain small amounts of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Hydration and palatability: Adding broth to food can encourage picky eaters and increase fluid intake.
- Easy to digest: A mild, plain broth can be gentle on the digestive tract.
Bone broth is not nutritionally complete on its own, so it should complement rather than replace a balanced diet.
How Should Bone Broth Be Prepared and Served?
Safe bone broth starts with careful preparation:
- Use plain bones and water: Simmer raw bones in water for several hours. Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or spices.
- Simmer thoroughly: A long, slow simmer helps extract collagen and gelatin from the bones.
- Remove all bones: Strain the broth completely through a fine sieve to ensure no bone fragments remain. Never leave bones in the broth.
- Skim the fat: After cooling, fat may solidify on top. Skimming it off makes the broth lighter and easier to digest.
- Cool before serving: Always let the broth cool to a safe temperature before offering it to your dog.
- Serve in small amounts: Pour a little over your dog's regular food or offer it as a drink. Portion size should be modest.
Store leftover broth in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it in small portions for later use.
Which Dogs Need Extra Caution?
Bone broth may not suit every dog:
- Dogs on sodium-restricted diets: Even homemade broth can contain natural sodium; dogs with heart or kidney disease need veterinary guidance.
- Dogs with pancreatitis: The fat content may be a concern unless the broth is thoroughly skimmed.
- Dogs with food allergies: If the broth is made from a protein the dog reacts to, it should be avoided.
- Dogs with fragile digestion: Introduce broth gradually and watch for loose stools.
Always confirm with a veterinarian before adding broth to a therapeutic diet.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Contact a veterinarian if your dog shows vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain after consuming bone broth. If you suspect your dog swallowed a bone fragment, seek veterinary care immediately, as cooked bones can cause serious internal damage. Dogs with kidney, liver, or heart conditions should have any new topper, including bone broth, approved by a veterinarian first.
FAQ
Can dogs eat store-bought bone broth?
Most store-bought broths are not suitable for dogs because they often contain onion, garlic, high sodium, or other seasonings. If considering a commercial product, choose one made specifically for dogs and check the ingredient list carefully.
Can dogs eat the bones in bone broth?
No. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injury. All bones must be completely strained out of the broth before it is served.
How much bone broth can I give my dog?
A small amount poured over food or offered as a drink is generally fine for most healthy dogs. The exact portion depends on your dog's size and diet, so it is best to start small and consult a veterinarian if unsure.
MEAL TOPPERS
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This tool provides general nutrition information only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Can Dogs Eat Bones?" https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-bones/
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Onion Toxicity in Dogs and Cats," https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/onion-garlic-chive-and-leek-toxicity-in-dogs-and-cats
- ASPCA, "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets," https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Meal Toppers tool provide general nutrition information, not an individualized feeding plan. Dietary needs vary by species, age, size, health, medication, and main diet. Consult a veterinarian or qualified veterinary nutrition professional for pets with medical conditions or therapeutic diets.