The Wonders of Bone Broth

 Bone broth can be a deeply nourishing addition to the diet for many of our canine companions. Gentle and easy to digest, it can provide valuable nutritional and emotional support during times of recovery, transition, stress, illness, reduced appetite, or digestive imbalance.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Joint & Mobility Support

Bone broth naturally contains glycosaminoglycs, including compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which may help support joint comfort, mobility, and connective tissue health.

Gut Support & “Leaky Gut”

The gelatin found in bone broth may help soothe and support the gut lining, particularly in cases of increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), digestive sensitivity, or gastrointestinal upset.

Liver & Detoxification Support

Bone broth contains the amino acid glycine, which is required for glutathione production and plays an important role in the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Glycine may also support digestion and help calm inflammation within the body.

Hydration & Appetite Support

Many canine companions find bone broth highly palatable, making it useful for encouraging hydration and supporting appetite during illness, recovery, post-operative care, or periods of stress.

Gastrointestinal Upsets

Bone broth is often well tolerated during digestive disturbances. The gelatin content may help reduce digestive strain, while the naturally occurring minerals can support hydration and immune function.

Dysbiosis & Probiotic Support

Bone broth can be helpful alongside probiotics and during periods of dysbiosis, helping provide gentle nourishment whilst supporting digestive recovery.

Transitioning Diets

Bone broth may help support dietary transitions, especially in more sensitive dogs who can sometimes be hesitant with dietary changes.

Inflammation & Recovery

Bone broth is often used during periods of inflammation, post-operative recovery, elimination diets, or pancreatitis recovery protocols where appropriate and professionally guided.

Important Considerations & Contraindications

Whilst bone broth can be incredibly supportive, it may not be appropriate for every canine companion.

Histamine Content

Bone broth can be high in histamine, particularly when prepared with apple cider vinegar (ACV) or cooked for extended periods. For this reason, it should be avoided in cases involving mast cell tumours. For itchy or sensitive companions, a shorter cooking time may sometimes be better tolerated.

Glutamate Sensitivity

Bone broth is naturally high in glutamate. It may not be suitable for companions with epilepsy, glutamate sensitivity, or those who become extremely anxious or hyperactive.

Potassium Levels

Bone broth can also be high in potassium, therefore it should not be given to companions with Addison’s disease. It should be used cautiously or restricted in cases of cardiac or renal disease, particularly where ACE inhibitors are being prescribed.

Choosing a Safe Bone Broth

If purchasing ready-made bone broth, always ensure it is specifically dog-safe and free from onions, or other ingredients that may be harmful to dogs.

Homemade broths should also avoid onions and rich flavourings.

How Much Should I Feed?

There are no strict rules when it comes to feeding bone broth.

Some guardians prefer to offer a small amount daily, for example freezing broth into ice cube trays and adding a cube to meals. Others prefer to offer a larger serving occasionally as a nourishing treat.

Because bone broth contains a high moisture content, larger amounts may simply result in a few extra toilet breaks.

As with any new food, introduce gradually and observe how your companion responds.

Final Thoughts

Bone broth can be a beautiful way to provide nourishment, comfort, hydration, and digestive support for many canine companions. When thoughtfully selected and appropriately used, it can become a valuable addition to a holistic care approach. However, if your dog has a medical condition or is receiving medication, it is best to seek individual guidance before introducing bone broth.

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