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.
Table of Contents
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.
Bone Broth vs. Fish Bone Broth
When I make bone broth, I alternate between necks (beef, lamb, pork), feet (chicken, duck, pork), and a few other bones. I primarily use bone broth to take the chill off my dogs’ food, although it has many more benefits. But, out of curiosity, I delved into the nutritional similarities and differences, which were interesting.
Making Bone Broth: The Differences
Salmon fish broth
Fish heads, frames, skin, fins
Sometimes lightly simmered (short cook time)
Often includes skin + connective tissue, not just bone
Beef or pork bone broth
Large weight-bearing bones (knuckles, femurs, joints)
Long simmer (12–48 hours)
Heavy on collagen-rich connective tissue
Nutrient differences (side-by-side)
Protein & amino acids
Nutrient | Salmon Fish Broth | Beef/Pork Bone Broth |
|---|---|---|
Gelatin | Low–moderate | High |
Collagen | Low | High |
Glycine | Low | High |
Proline | Low | High |
Glutamine | Moderate | Moderate–high |
Bone broth wins for joint, gut lining, and connective tissue support
Fish broth is gentler and less “protein-dense”
Minerals
Mineral | Salmon Broth | Beef/Pork Broth |
|---|---|---|
Calcium | Moderate | Moderate–high |
Phosphorus | High | Moderate |
Magnesium | Low–moderate | Moderate |
Trace minerals | Variable | Higher overall |
Neither should be relied on as a primary calcium source in a balanced diet.
Fats & fatty acids (BIG difference here)
Fat | Salmon Broth | Beef/Pork Broth |
|---|---|---|
Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) | High | Minimal |
Omega-6s | Low | Moderate |
Saturated fat | Low | Higher |
Anti-inflammatory compounds | Higher | Lower |
Salmon broth shines for brain, skin, immune, and anti-inflammatory support
Bone broth is not an omega-3 contributor
Histamine levels (this matters a LOT)
Fish broth is more likely to contain high levels of histamines. Why?
Fish naturally accumulates histamine very quickly after death
Salmon skin + head = higher histidine content
Even refrigeration doesn’t stop histamine formation
Cooking does not destroy histamines
Beef & pork bone broth:
Lower natural histidine levels
Slower histamine formation
Still increases with very long simmers
Histamine risk ranking (lowest → highest)
Fresh, short-simmer beef or pork broth
Long-simmer beef or pork broth
Salmon broth (especially if slow-cooked or stored too long)
Dogs with the following conditions often react worse to fish broth than bone broth.
Itchy skin
Chronic ear issues
GI upset
Mast cell activation
“Mystery” reactions to healthy foods
When each broth makes the most sense
Choose salmon fish broth if:
You want omega-3 support without oil
Skin & coat support is the goal
Your dog tolerates fish well
You keep cooking times short and portions small
Choose beef or pork bone broth if:
Joint support is the priority
You want gut-lining amino acids (glycine, proline)
Your dog is histamine-sensitive
You’re feeding seniors or orthopedic cases
Using Herbs to Help Reduce Histamine Load in Bone Broth
Because bone broth is simmered for long periods, histamines can build up during cooking and storage. This can be problematic for dogs that struggle with itching, digestive upset, or histamine intolerance/overload.
Now that I have a dog that struggles with seasonal allergies, I wondered whether I could reduce histamine in the bone broth. Using a pressure cooker is the first step, given the shorter cooking time, and I learned that another way to support a lower-histamine broth is to add specific herbs during cooking.
While herbs don’t remove histamines already present, some can help inhibit histamine formation, support mast cell stability, and reduce histamine-related reactions in the body.
Herbs That Work Best
Bay Leaf
Bay leaf contains polyphenols with mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These compounds may help slow bacterial activity during cooking, which is important because histamines are produced when bacteria break down proteins.
Why it helps: May reduce histamine formation during long simmers
Bonus: Adds trace minerals and a mild anti-inflammatory effect
Ginger Root
Ginger is known to help inhibit histamine release from mast cells and supports digestion. It’s frequently recommended in low-histamine diets for humans and animals.
Why it helps: Supports mast cell stability and digestive motility
Bonus: Helps counter nausea and supports gut comfort
Turmeric Root (or powder)
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has mast-cell-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. While it doesn’t neutralize histamines directly, it can reduce the inflammatory response associated with histamine release.
Why it helps: Helps calm histamine-related inflammation
Bonus: Joint and liver support
Parsley (added at the end)
Parsley is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which may help the body degrade histamine more efficiently.
Why it helps: Supports natural histamine breakdown
Bonus: Kidney and breath support
How Much to Add (for 8 Quarts of Bone Broth)
Use fresh herbs when possible, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
For an 8-quart batch:
2–3 dried bay leaves
2–3 inches fresh ginger root, sliced
(or 1 tablespoon dried ginger)1–2 inches fresh turmeric root, sliced
(or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder)¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (add during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking)
It’s important to avoid overdoing the herbs, as more isn’t better; the goal is support.
Important Notes on Histamines & Broth
Herbs do not eliminate histamines already present
They work best as preventive and supportive tools, not fixes
Cooking time, storage, and handling matter just as much:
Use fresh bones
Start broth as soon as possible
Cool quickly after cooking
Freeze in small portions
Avoid slow cookers for histamine-sensitive dogs
For dogs with severe histamine issues, a short-simmer meat broth or fish broth cooked under 90 minutes may be better tolerated than traditional long-simmer bone broth.
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.
I keep bone broth stocked in the dog freezer, pouring small amounts over their meals to take away the chill, as I don’t feed cold food to my dogs due to the risk of stagnation (Traditional Chinese Medicine) in the system. I’ve also used bone broth as a treat, or when a dog has an upset tummy.
When made safely and tailored to your dog’s needs, bone broth is truly liquid love in a bowl.