Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Is bone broth good for dogs?

Is bone broth good for dogs?

The truth about the bone broth trend

Every year or two, there is a new trend or topic that people like to ask about more than usual. For a while, people asked more about, for example, turmeric, coconut oil, fish oils and omega oils, sardines, the ketogenic diet, and other topics.

Recently, I have seen more questions about bone broth for dogs, which prompted me to write the following summary. 

 

HOW IS BONE BROTH PREPARED AND IS THERE A GOOD RECIPE?

Bone broth is prepared by long-term cooking of bones and here is an example of a bone broth recipe:

  • 2000 ml (2 litres) of water
  • 3000 gm (approximately 7 lbs) of organic or non-medicated bones
  • 2 tbsp of vinegar to increase the acidity and to aid bone softening during the cooking process

Bone broth can be made from poultry, medium-sized animals, or large animal bones. Usually, they are cooked in a pressure cooker on low heat for 12 to 24 hours. Water has to be added periodically as it evaporates during cooking. Some recipes also call for the addition of vegetables for extra flavour and additional nutrients.

 

IS BONE BROTH WORTH THE WORK OR COST IF STORE-BOUGHT?

Before you dive into preparing bone broth for your dog, you may want to read the following lines. While I am not against adding bone broth to your dog’s diet, I will let you decide if it is worth it by answering the most frequently asked questions.

 

IS BONE BROTH A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMINS FOR DOGS?

Vitamins such as Vitamins C, thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and folate (B9) are vulnerable to cooking, which makes bone broth a poor source of such vitamins. When it comes to vitamins in general, their content decreases with cooking; and this is why fresh food is always the best source.

Generally, plants seem to be a much better source of vitamins; however, even with plants, the vitamin content depends on the quality of soil and their freshness. This is one of the reasons why I use fermented whole food vitamins for my canine patients to ensure they receive the full spectrum.

IS BONE BROTH A GOOD SOURCE OF MINERALS?

While most blogs and articles proclaim that bone broth is mineral rich, there is surprisingly very little research published on the mineral content in bone broth. However, I have come across one experimental reference where the author cooked different types of bone broth and analyzed them for mineral content.

It appears that minerals are not released into the bone broth, which is surprising considering how many articles say the exact opposite. For years, I have been supporting the idea that the cooking of bones and heat processing of bone meal makes minerals much less bioavailable, in addition to the fact that feeding COOKED bones to dogs is dangerous.

The experiment mentioned above confirms that the mineral content in bone broth is even lower than in vegetable broth which is surprising. It appears that minerals in bones bind to the bone matrix during cooking, which makes them less soluble, and that plant-based minerals are much more bioavailable.

 

SHOULD LEAD AND HEAVY METALS BE A CONCERN?

Leaded gasoline of the past and industrial pollution, in general, have been the biggest sources of environmental lead in food and water.

About 90 percent of lead content in the body is deposited in bones, and it is practically impossible to monitor each food item we serve to our dogs for heavy metals. With the worldwide food chains being closely connected to heavily polluted China, I suggest that you stay away from commercially produced bone broths.

If you are curious and wondering about the quality of your dog’s food with regards to mineral levels and heavy metals, you should consider hair testing. It is an accurate and inexpensive method to determine if your dog’s diet contains lead and other heavy metals.

 

ARE ORGANIC AND NON-MEDICATED BONES THE SOLUTION?

Even if bone broth is not an ideal source of bone minerals, the composition of the local soil minerals may be high in some elements and low in others, which makes the mineral balance less complete.

Nature “designed” the whole nutrient chain in such a way where wild animals would roam free receiving a full spectrum of minerals that would then be passed onto the canines. Unfortunately, the modern age has made mineral supplementation more complex, and this is why I use algae-based mineral support for dogs.

DOES BONE BROTH CONTAIN OTHER BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS?

It appears that bone broth is most rich in amino-acids and proteins.  However, because raw meat is already a protein-rich source, the labour-intensive bone broth preparation makes little practical sense.

 

IS BONE BROTH GOOD FOR YOUR DOG’S JOINTS?

There is no doubt that feeding raw bones provide the ideal building blocks for your dog's bones and joints. Perhaps bone broth would make more sense in humans because we do not eat bones. However, when it comes to dogs, a good free-range organic bone is nutritionally superior and, in my opinion, much closer to nature.

ADDITIONAL READING

 

 © Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close