What Is Bone Broth Good For Pets? Health Benefits You Need to Know
Although bone broth has been a staple in a tasty and nutritious diet for humans for a long time, many people aren’t aware that it can also be a health superfood for pets as well!
These days bone broth in its various forms (raw, cooked, powder) has become a very popular supplement to add to a dog or cat's diet, for several reasons.
Bone broth, as it’s made for humans,, is full of collagen and amino acids as well as minerals that promote overall health, aid digestion, on and even soothe joint pain in pets just like in humans.
You already heard what bone broth is good for, if it is for your beloved furry friends.
Below, we will have a look at bone broth for pets and all the numerous, health benefits that owners can benefit from, and how it can be incorporated into your pet’s diet.
What Is Bone Broth and How Is It Made for Pets?
Simmering animal bones together with vegetables and herbs (with some ingredients such as onions and garlic possibly not good for your pet) makes up bone broth for pets.
The key here is that this slow cooking process gives release of beneficial nutrients, such as collagen, gelatin, amino acids and key minerals, into the broth.
Bone broth for pets is different from regular broth in that it contains collagen and gelatin. Bone broth is a powerhouse of nutrients for pets’ health, including joint health, digestion, and skin health, but it also supports inflammation.
It’s very easy and cost-effective to make bone broth for pets at home. It can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, and there is no need to worry about any harmful additives or preservatives.
The Top Health Benefits of Bone Broth for Pets
For older dogs, the collagen in bone broth can be very beneficial for their joints.
Bone broth collagen helps to strengthen connective tissues such as joints and cartilage (1).
Arguably, this is particularly handy for older pets and senile pets, or those with arthritis, as it might aid in reducing inflammation and alleviating joint pain.
We know from studies that some of the amino acids present in collagen can be used to reduce the pain of the joints and provide flexibility.
It’s very easy to give your animal bone broth and to give them the nutrition they need to support their joints.
Boosts Digestive Health
Bone broth is good for your pet’s digestive system and will help improve gut health.
Bone broth is a great supplement for pets with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs, as the gelatin is known to support the lining of the gut (2).
Bone broth can also aid in pets with diarrhea, leaky gut syndrome, or constipation.
Bone broth is a source of amino acids like glutam,ine which can heal and seal the gut lining, making it easier to absorb nutrients and reduce inflammation.
Supports Skin and Coat Health
If you have a dry-skinned or dull-coated pet, inquire about Bone broth, which can help!
Bone broth has collagen and gelatin, which helps your pet’s skin with its elasticity, hydration, and shiny coat.
Collagen is important in nourishing skin from the inside out, thus helping to reduce dryness and sometimes the appearance of flaky skin.
Strengthens the Immune System
The key minerals in bone broth, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, are essential for a healthy immune system.
Arginine and glycine in bone broth are amino acids that enhance pets’ natural defense mechanisms (3), making it a great immune support supplement for pets.
Bone broth can help with recovery from illness or just provide an extra boost to the immune system, no matter if it is their recovery from illness or an extra boost for their immune system.
Aids in Weight Management and Metabolism
Bone broth is a great addition to your pet’s diet if they are overweight.
Because it’s low in calories and ridiculously high in protein, bone broth makes for a satiating snack or meal topping (4).
Since bone broth contains protein, which satiates the pets without overfeeding them, it promotes a healthy metabolism.
How to Make Bone Broth for Pets at Home
Actually, it’s not difficult to make bone broth for your pet when you just keep a few things on hand. A basic recipe to follow is here.
Ingredients:
- Chicken, turkey, beef bones (2-3 pounds)
- Enough water (to cover the bones)
- Pet-safe vegetables like carrots or celery (without onions, garlic, or any poisonous herbs) are optional.
Instructions:
- Place the bones and water into the slow cooker or pressure cooker.
- If you’re using water, add safe vegetables and herbs for your pets.
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker for 12-24 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Brogue the broth to get rid of any bones or hard items that may be a choking hazard.
- Let the broth cool and serve.
- The leftover broth can be stored in the fridge for 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
Who Should Drink Bone Broth and How Often?
Most of the time, most pets can eat bone broth daily with no side effects, especially if your pet has joint discomfort, digestive issues, or other immune deficiencies.
As for general health maintenance, feed your pet 1 – 2 tablespoons of bone broth for the smaller pets or 1/4 – 1/2 cup for the larger pets daily.
Nevertheless, do take into account your pet’s dietary limitations or health problems. If your pet has kidney problems or is on a low sodium diet, then it’s best to limit the amount of bone broth or opt for a low sodium version.
New foods should be added to your pet's diet after consulting your veterinarian first.
Bone Broth Side Effects for Pets
Bone broth is generally safe for pets, though there is always a possibility of adverse reactions, so monitoring is important.
If not used to the high level of collars, the collar can cause digestive discomfort or diarrhea in some pets.
Moreover, bone broth can be quite salty, particularly the supermarket variety.
Commercially prepared bone broths aren’t for pets with kidney disease or on a low-sodium diet and must be avoided in favor of homemade, low-sodium broths that you make (5).
Final Thoughts
A supplement that can be bone broth for your pet can provide a variety of benefits to your pet, including joint health, improved digestion, stronger immunity, and shinier coat.
Bone broth can be included in your pet’s diet easily and naturally to maintain their health and vitality.
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich food that helps to support your pet's body’s natural nutrient-rich function, helping them feel their best, regardless of whether they are young or growing old.
Definitely an empty stomach, time of day for the bone broth. This flavor will be loved by your pet and the health benefits that follow from it.
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FAQs on Bone Broth Benefits for Pets
Benefits of bone broth for pets include the following.
Bone broth helps the skin and coat of the pets, supports joint health, boosts the immune system, and improves digestive health.
Can I give bone broth to my pet as often as I should?
Bone broth is generally quite safe for a majority of pets to consume daily, usually 1-2 tablespoons for small pets and 1/4 to 1/2 cup for larger pets.
What bones are the best to use for bone broth for pets?
For making bone broth, chicken, turkey, and beef bones are great. Stay away from bones that splinter, such as chicken wings or rib bones.
Is bone broth safe for a pet with a dietary restriction?
High-sodium store-bought bone broth should be avoided by your pet. High-sodium diets are associated with kidney disease, but at home lower sodium bone broth can be made for high blood pressure.
Does bone broth help the owner of the owner-sodium’s joint pain?
While the collagen in bone broth supports joint health and can help reduce inflammation, which may ease joint pain, especially in aged pets, no specific studies have been conducted in the dog.
Related Studies
1. Title: Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Collagen and Inflammation in Animal Models
This study demonstrates that oral administration of native type II collagen reduces articular inflammation and cartilage degradation in animal models of osteoarthritis, highlighting collagen’s role in joint health and inflammation control.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10058045/
2. Title: Gelatin and Its Role in Gut Health and Healing the Digestive Tract (Inferred from gelatin-related gut health research)
Gelatin supports gut health by aiding in the repair of the gut lining and reducing inflammation, which helps maintain digestive tract integrity and function.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6021736/
3. Title: Immune-Modulating Effects of Amino Acids Arginine and Glycine
Amino acids such as arginine and glycine play significant roles in enhancing immune function by modulating immune cell activity and supporting overall immune health.
Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/important-roles-of-amino-acids-in-immune-responses/7C414640F0C812DBCDEECE1EC067183C
4. Title: Protein Metabolism and Weight Management in Pets
Dietary protein supports metabolism and helps regulate weight in pets by promoting lean muscle mass and enhancing metabolic rate.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8846339/
5. Title: Sodium Risks in Pets with Kidney Disease
High sodium intake poses risks to pets, especially those with kidney disease, by exacerbating hypertension and renal damage.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8846339/
