Bone broth for dogs has many benefits that you might not yet be aware of. This is why we’ve taken the time to write this buying guide, and review the best bone broth for dog’s on the market, and tell you which brands are worth buying. This review for the best bone broth for dogs in 2022 will include why it’s become so popular, the benefits of broth for dogs, and which products are worth buying.
First Vet explains that bone broth is a nutritious addition to a complete and balanced diet. Though it has a plethora of health benefits, it’s always advised to reach out to your veterinarian before making bone broth a regular part of your dog’s diet.
First Vet describes bone broth as ” Simply cooked soup or stew that uses the leftover bones from beef, pork, or poultry. If your dog is prone to food allergies, you can use lamb, duck, fish, or bison bones to make the broth. For people’s food, bone broth is the stock liquid or soup base that is a vital ingredient of many tasty dishes.”
Benefits of bone broth for dogs
Bone broth is a great way to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need. Not only will it help improve their health, but you can also expect improvements in other areas like joints and skin! For example, bone broth is a superfood used for decades as nutritional support. This may be because it’s packed with collagen and other nutrients.
Bone broth is a rich and beneficial liquid from simmering chicken or beef bones. Studies have shown it to be full of amino acids, essential nutrients your dog needs for good health! This recipe not only lacks these common allergens but also contains no gluten, so you can feel safe serving this easy-to-make broth at any time.
Glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, are the basic building blocks of cartilage. You may have heard of glucosamine, which is one type of GAG, but chondroitin sulfate is another essential type that can help support healthy cartilage. One of the main benefits of bone broth for dogs is that it contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to keep healthy joints, skin, and hair.
Collagen is also vital in bone broth for dogs and is found in bone broth. It helps strengthen bones and promote healthy joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a protein that helps protect lean muscle mass and promote healthy skin and hair.
In a rush? Here are the top picks:
- Pros
- Flavorful
- Supports joint health
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Enhances kibble & wet dog food
- Slow-cooked
- Safe for dogs
- It lasts up to a week refrigerated.
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
Castor and Pollux, makers of Pristine Grain Free dog food, introduced a “bone broth for dogs” to their product line in response to the increased demand for products related to pet health. Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Bone Broth Dog Food Topper (Case of 24) features four flavors and is broth made from grass-fed beef. This is a grain-free and potato-free meal topper that is sure to get your pup’s tail wagging.
Packed with 70% pure meat ingredients, Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Bone Broth Dog Food Topper (Case of 24) is a nutrient-rich dog food that includes vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. This bone broth is a favorite among dogs.
Features
- Grain-free with no corn, soy, wheat, or gluten ingredients
- Four flavors
- 8.4 Ounce (Pack of 24)
- Affordable
- Organic from grass-fed beef
- A Castor & Pollux pet food product
- Pros
- All natural
- A portion of all proceeds are used to help animals
- Delicious, savory flavors
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, wheat-free
- It can help improve joint health & improve energy levels
- Easy to digest
- Hydrates & nourishes your pup.
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
Brutus Bone Broth for dogs is infused with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints in all dogs, including puppies and older dogs. It’s crafted with all-natural human-grade ingredients, nutrients, and flavors and is gluten-free. Brutus Bone Broth for dogs includes beef bone broth, organic carrots, organic sweet potatoes, and organic turmeric.
This is our top pick because it’s packed with protein and vitamins and only contains 0.1% sodium. The bone broth is also made and packed in human-grade facilities right here in the USA. This product has over 1,500 positive reviews.
Brutus Bone Broth for dogs comes in 12 oz. vacuum-sealed bottles and has a long shelf life, making it easy to always have some on hand. In addition to being an excellent source of hydration, Brutus Bone Broth for dogs doubles as a dog food gravy and dog treat topper.
Features
- Affordable
- Three size options
- Good broth serving guide per dog breed & size
- Two flavors: chicken or beef
- Low sodium content at 1%
- Infused with glucosamine & chondroitin
- All-natural 100% human-grade ingredients, nutrients & flavors
- Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, wheat-free
- Made in the US
- Recycled packaging
- Family-owned & operated
- Over 1,500 positive reviews
- Pros
- Suitable for warming treats or pouring over kibble or wet food.
- Lightweight
- Supports joint health
- Nourishing & tasty
- Minimally processed whole foods
- High in protein
- Inspired by Ayurvedic Principles
- Flavorful
- Vet recommended
- Suitable for travel
- Powder packages last longer
- Cons
- Packages filled halfway
Honest Kitchen is one of our favorite pet food brands because they’re holistic and feed human-grade ingredients. This recipe features 100% h human-grade ingredients produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients and more safety standards, just like you’d expect from your food.
Honest Kitchen bone broth features no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy. All you need to do is add warm water to make your own nourishing homemade bone broth. This product features over 3,400 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Powdered bone broth in 12 packages
- Crafted with parsley, pumpkin, & turmeric
- Beef or turkey flavor
- Slow-cooked
- Mix with warm water
- Suitable as a daily protein booster
- Made in a human food facility
- Made in the US
- Over 3,400 positive reviews
- Pros
- Encourages dogs & cats with urinary issues to drink more liquid
- Tasty, healthy meal topper for dogs & cats
- Prepared in small batches
- It may be beneficial for joint health
- Enhances dog food flavor & aroma
- Limited ingredients
- Cons
- Some may not like the taste
CARU Bone Broth for Dogs uses 100% human-grade ingredients. There are three flavors of which the beef bone broth is CARU’s #1 Seller. Caru Bone Broth is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins essential for healthy skin, hair, hips, joints, and the digestive system.
It provides a variety of nutrients to support healthy joints, skin, and hair because it contains glucosamine and chondroitin. We like this product because it has no salt, GMO ingredients, added preservatives, colors, onions, garlic, salt, or MSG. This product is veterinarian formulated and has over 1,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Contains no GMO ingredients, onions, garlic, salt, or MSG.
- Crafted in 3 flavors
- Vet formulated
- BPA-free packaging
- 100% natural, human-grade ingredients
- No colors or preservatives
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Low calorie
- Nearly 70% of protein
- Good serving size charts for all dog breeds & sizes
- Suitable as a savory topper
- No fillers or "inactive ingredients."
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
Native Pet’s Bone Broth for dogs is a healthy organic bone broth that provides a rich chicken or beef flavor, especially for picky eaters, older dogs, and cats. This bone broth features only three dairy-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly, and contains zero by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
It can be used as a dog food seasoning or mixed with water for an easy broth treat. The bone broth helps provide nutrients your pet needs for healthy skin, hips, joints, and digestive system; it also includes collagen, promoting healthy skin and joints.
Native Pet’s Bone Broth for Dogs and Cats is made from human-grade ingredients sourced in the USA to ensure quality control, sustainability, affordability, and transparency. This product has over 1,300 positive reviews.
Features
- Nutrient-dense protein in powder form
- Two flavors
- Three sizes
- Organic
- Dairy-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly
- Zero by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
- Easy to mix
- Long shelf life
- Over 1,300 positive reviews
- Pros
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Made in a human food facility
- High-quality bone broth
- Can freeze for up to a year
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet homes.
3 Pouches of Freestyle Bone Broth Size: (3) x 20 fl oz. Flavor: (1) Chicken, (1) Beef, (1) Turkey
FreeStyle Bone Broth is a nourishing bone broth that can be served straight from the pouch and mixed with your pet’s dry or canned food. Freestyle is an exclusive formula. This food topper for dogs and cats is made with the finest quality bones that have been kettle-cooked for up to 10 hours to extract nourishing protein. It’s infused with delicious, savory ingredients like basil, thyme, and turmeric.
FreeStyle Bone Broth is available in a 20-ounce pouch. Bone broth is a natural source of collagen and chondroitin sulfate. Well-known as a hearty and comforting dish, bone broth is as flavorful as nourishing. This product may help support your pet’s coat, skin, and joint health.
Features
- A Nulo pet product
- Three flavors
- Infused with basil, thyme, & turmeric
- Kettle cooked
- Suitable for all life stages
Is bone broth safe for dogs?
Simmering bones simply make bone broth with vegetables, seasonings, and water for hours on end. The cooking process breaks down the bones to release their natural electrolytes, amino acids, and calcium, which creates a nutrient-dense liquid that both humans and pets can consume.
The popularity of bone broth is on an upward trend, but how can you tell if your dog will benefit from bone broth? Many factors, including age, type of breed, activity level, and dietary requirements, come into play.
While the information below is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary advice, it can help you understand how bone broth may be beneficial for your dog. Here’s the takeaway:
- Dogs who are elderly or have joint injuries should consider supplements to ease the discomfort.
- Any dog breed will benefit from a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Pets who are constantly on the go will enjoy the added boost to their endurance levels.
- Active dogs will enjoy its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pets can benefit from what they eat and feel the best when they consume a nutritious and safe diet. Bone broth for dogs is not designed to cure or heal but to promote overall health.
The best way to find out if your dog will benefit from bone broth is by trying it! Many of the amino acids found in pet food are similar to those found in human nutrition. Bone broth supplies dogs with an extra boost of calcium, potassium, and glucosamine (source).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give a sick dog bone broth?
Bone broth is a very mild, liquid meal easily digested in upset canine stomachs. It is also a nutritious and delicious way to add moisture and flavor to dry food and encourage dogs with reduced appetites to eat. You can easily freeze the broth in small containers like an ice cube tray for later use.
The broth has the added benefit of being a good source of electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining vital hydration in sick dogs. Broth can be given to dogs with upset stomachs or dogs vomiting. It will help to settle an upset stomach and replace lost electrolytes.
When do you start feeding bone broth to a puppy?
I would start with a commercial bone broth if you do not have time to make it. The broth alone is low in calories and nutrients, so adding some pureed meat can help to increase the amount of protein in the diet. Never replace your pup’s meals with bone broth. Instead, use it as a topper to your pup’s regular meals. As always, please check with your veterinarian if you are in doubt about feeding your dog bone broth.
Can dogs eat bone broth every day?
A standard serving of bone broth for a dog is 1 ounce of broth for every 10 pounds of body weight. It is not recommended to feed broth as a replacement for your dog’s regular meals. Your dog can consume up to 2 servings of bone broth a day.
Can I give my dog regular bone broth?
As we talked about before, homemade bone broth is very different from what you will find on store shelves. Commercially made bone broth for humans may often contain preservatives and other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog. If you make your bone broth for your pup, make sure to let it cool completely before serving. Please refer to our six best low sodium picks.
Does bone broth have bones?
No, the name “bone” broth is derived from the fact that bones are commonly used in making this product. But there are no actual bones in commercially produced bone broths– only a meaty flavor and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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