Bone broth has become a staple in many raw feeders’ kitchens — and for good reason. This nourishing liquid gold can support gut health, joint function, hydration, and overall vitality. But, like many trendy health foods, there’s a right way (and a wrong way) to use it — especially when it comes to store-bought versions and dogs prone to histamine overload.
Let’s dig into what makes bone broth beneficial, how to make it safely at home, and when it might not be the best choice for your pup.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering bones, cartilage, and connective tissue for an extended period, extracting nutrients like collagen, gelatin, amino acids (glycine, proline, glutamine), and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The result is a flavorful, nutrient-dense broth that supports many aspects of canine health.
Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
1. Supports Joint and Bone Health
Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, both of which provide the amino acids needed to support cartilage repair and reduce inflammation in joints — especially important for senior dogs or those with arthritis.
2. Aids Gut Healing and Digestion
The gelatin in bone broth helps restore the intestinal lining, making it a great food for dogs with leaky gut, food sensitivities, or chronic digestive issues. Glycine also supports detoxification and the production of stomach acid, aiding digestion.
3. Boosts Hydration
Bone broth is an excellent way to increase fluid intake, especially for picky eaters or dogs that don’t drink enough water. You can serve it warm, chilled, or as ice cubes for summer.
4. Encourages Appetite During Illness or Recovery
For dogs that are recovering from illness, surgery, or simply feeling off, bone broth can entice them to eat again while delivering gentle nutrition that’s easy on the stomach. Warmed bone broth might also entice picky eaters.
5. Supports Liver Detoxification
The amino acid glycine plays a key role in phase II liver detoxification — helping the body eliminate toxins more efficiently.
Bone Broth Helps Rehydrate Kibble-Fed Dogs
One often-overlooked issue with kibble is that it absorbs moisture in the digestive system, which can actually promote dehydration over time. Dogs on a dry diet have to pull water from their own body to help digest their food — not ideal when hydration supports everything from healthy kidneys to flexible joints.
Pouring bone broth over kibble does more than make dinner smell irresistible — it adds back the moisture dogs lose with dry food and delivers a nutrient boost at the same time. The broth helps hydrate, lubricate joints, support digestion, and turn an otherwise dry, processed meal into something much more nourishing.
If you’re not ready to switch to raw or homemade food yet, this simple step can make a big difference in your dog’s hydration and overall wellness.
Why You Should Avoid Store-Bought Bone Broth Meant for People
While bone broth sold in grocery stores may look appealing, most are not dog-friendly. Here’s why:
Added Salt: Many commercial broths contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to dehydration or even salt toxicity in dogs.
Onions & Garlic: These ingredients are toxic to dogs, and they’re commonly used to flavor human broths.
Flavor Enhancers: Ingredients like yeast extract, “natural flavor,” or hydrolyzed protein can trigger allergies or digestive upset.
Preservatives & MSG: These can irritate the gut and nervous system, especially in sensitive dogs.
Low Nutritional Value: Many commercial broths are made quickly and lack the long-simmered nutrients of homemade broth.
If you’re buying premade broth, always choose one specifically made for pets — free from salt, onions, and artificial ingredients.
The Best Bones for Making Bone Broth
To get a gelatinous, nutrient-rich broth, choose bones with lots of connective tissue and cartilage:
Beef: knucklebones, marrow bones, oxtail, or joint bones
Chicken: backs, feet, necks, or wings
Turkey: necks, wings, or feet
Duck: feet, necks, and wings
Pork: hocks, feet, or neck bones
Fish: heads, frames, and tails (shorter cooking time, 1–2 hours max)
You can also mix species for variety — just ensure all bones are raw, not smoked or cooked beforehand.
Optional Add-Ins for Nutrition & Flavor
Add at the beginning of cooking:
Apple cider vinegar (1–2 tbsp): Helps draw minerals from the bones. But it’s not necessary for making bone broth.
Dog-safe vegetables: carrots, celery, zucchini, or leafy greens.
Seaweed (kelp or dulse): Adds trace minerals and iodine.
Herbs: parsley, rosemary, thyme, turmeric root (fresh slices), or a small piece of ginger for anti-inflammatory support.
Add during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking:
Fresh herbs: basil, oregano, or cilantro (to retain aromatic compounds).
Mushrooms: like turkey tail or shiitake for immune support.
Blueberries or cranberries: optional for antioxidants (added in the final 15 minutes).
Avoid onions, leeks, or excessive garlic. A tiny sliver of garlic (1 clove per several quarts) can be therapeutic, but skip it if your dog has anemia or is sensitive.
Bone Broth Recipe (Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot)
Ingredients:
2–3 lbs of raw bones (mix of joint and marrow bones)
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (optional)
8–10 cups filtered water (enough to cover bones)
Optional veggies and herbs (see list above)
Directions:
Add bones, vinegar, and water to the pressure cooker.
Add any veggies or herbs for long simmering (carrots, celery, kelp, ginger).
Seal and cook on high pressure for 2 hours, then allow natural release.
Strain broth through a fine mesh sieve.
Let cool completely, then refrigerate overnight.
The next day, remove the layer of hardened fat (optional) — beneath it should be a gelatinous broth.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for easy use.
Bone Broth Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients:
2–3 lbs bones (chicken feet, necks, or beef knuckles are ideal)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
12–14 cups filtered water
Optional veggies/herbs (as above)
Directions:
Add bones, vinegar, and water to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 24–48 hours.
During the last hour, add any delicate herbs or mushrooms.
Strain and cool as above.
Just keep in mind that the longer you cook it, the higher the histamines — and that can be tough on dogs who already struggle with allergies, sensitivities, or a histamine overload.
Do You Really Need Apple Cider Vinegar in Bone Broth?
For years, recipes have recommended adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to bone broth to “draw minerals from the bones.” It’s one of those tips that’s been repeated so often it became dogma — but modern research and real-world testing show it’s not actually necessary.
Here’s why:
Minimal Impact on Mineral Extraction
Studies comparing bone broths made with and without vinegar found no meaningful difference in calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus content. The pH of the broth only drops slightly when ACV is added, and that small change isn’t enough to extract significantly more minerals from the bones.Nutrients Come from Collagen, Not Acid
The real nutritional value of bone broth isn’t in the dissolved minerals — it’s in the gelatin, collagen, and amino acids released from the connective tissues, tendons, and cartilage. These nutrients are extracted through time and temperature, not acidity.Dogs Don’t Need the Extra Acidity
Dogs already have very acidic stomachs (pH 1–2 when fasting), so adding vinegar isn’t necessary to “help” their digestion or mineral absorption.It Can Alter Taste and Tolerance
Some dogs dislike the tangy flavor ACV gives the broth. For sensitive dogs or those prone to reflux, even a small amount can cause mild stomach upset or lip licking after eating — a subtle sign of discomfort.
You can skip the apple cider vinegar. Long, gentle cooking — or pressure cooking — is what truly breaks down collagen and releases the beneficial nutrients from the bones. A small splash won’t hurt, but it’s optional, not essential.
How to Serve Bone Broth to Dogs
Add 1–2 tbsp to meals for small dogs, ¼–½ cup for medium dogs, and up to 1 cup for large dogs.
Pour over raw or cooked meals to warm food slightly or increase palatability.
Freeze in silicone molds for a cooling treat during summer.
The Drawbacks of Bone Broth
While bone broth can be beneficial, it’s not perfect for every dog.
1. High Histamine Levels
The long cooking time — especially in slow cookers — allows histamines to build up. Dogs with histamine intolerance, allergies, or mast cell issues may experience itching, redness, ear infections, or digestive upset after consuming bone broth.
Tips to reduce histamine:
Use fresher bones and avoid aged meats.
Use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker (less cooking time = fewer histamines).
Make small batches and freeze immediately after cooling.
Avoid re-boiling or reheating multiple times.
2. Potential for Heavy Metals
Bones can accumulate trace amounts of heavy metals like lead. While usually minimal, it’s best to use bones from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals for higher quality and lower contamination risk.
3. Fat Sensitivity
Dogs with pancreatitis or sensitive digestion should have the fat skimmed off after cooling, as high fat levels can trigger flare-ups.
4. Not a Complete Meal
Bone broth is a supplement, not a balanced diet. It should enhance meals, not replace them.
Final Thoughts
Bone broth can be a powerful addition to your dog’s diet — supporting joint, gut, and immune health while adding hydration and flavor. But like any supplement, it should be used intentionally. For dogs with histamine intolerance, gut dysbiosis, or chronic allergies, you may need to test tolerance with small portions or opt for a shorter-cooked, pressure-cooked broth.
When made safely and tailored to your dog’s needs, bone broth is truly liquid love in a bowl.