Bone Appétit: Uncovering the Benefits of Bone Broth
Why is everyone so obsessed with bone broth? It’s not just a trend - it’s loved for its health benefits and has become increasingly popular in pet nutrition. I’ve been adding hydration to my pets’ bowls for years, and bone broth is my go-to choice.
Adding hydration to pet food is one of the best ways to improve your pet's overall nutrition. It’s especially beneficial when used to rehydrate dry diets, making the food easier to digest and allowing pets to absorb nutrients more effectively. Don’t worry, I’ll dive deeper into the benefits of hydrating dry food in a future post, but today it’s all about bone broth!
So, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is bone broth?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Bone broth is made by simmering bones (and sometimes connective tissues) in water for an extended period, usually 12–24 hours. This process pulls out nutrients like collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals from the bones, creating a nutrient-packed liquid that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Bone broth comes in a few different forms. In stores, it’s mostly sold as a liquid. Pet-specific brands often sell it as a dehydrated powder you can mix with water to make a broth. And if you make it at home, it’ll most likely have a jelly-like consistency once it cools - that’s all the natural gelatin doing its magic!
Bone broth isn’t just a tasty addition to your pet’s meals; it’s packed with benefits that can boost their overall health.
Here’s what makes it so special:
Joint Health: The collagen and gelatin extracted during the simmering process support joint health by maintaining cartilage integrity. Regularly incorporating bone broth can help keep your pet’s joints flexible and strong.
Digestive Support: Gelatin in bone broth aids digestion by protecting and strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. This can be particularly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from gastrointestinal issues.
Hydration: Adding bone broth to your pet’s diet is an excellent way to increase their fluid intake, especially for pets that aren’t keen on drinking water. Proper hydration supports kidney function and overall vitality.
Nutrient Boost: Bone broth is rich in essential amino acids and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which contribute to your pet’s overall nutrition. These nutrients support various bodily functions, from muscle maintenance to immune support.
Immune Support: Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and arginine, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help strengthen the immune system. This makes it a great addition to help pets stay healthy, especially during times of stress or illness.
Cognitive Health: Bone broth provides nutrients like glycine, which plays a role in neurotransmitter function, potentially supporting brain health and cognitive function. Older pets, in particular, may benefit from this added support.
Skin & Coat Health: The collagen in bone broth doesn’t just benefit joints—it’s also great for skin elasticity and maintaining a healthy, shiny coat.
Palatability: For picky eaters, bone broth can make meals more enticing. Its savory flavor can encourage pets to eat their food, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need.
Incorporating bone broth into your pet’s diet can be a simple yet effective way to enhance their health and well-being. Whether you choose store-bought options or make it at home, your furry friend is likely to appreciate this delicious and nutritious addition.
What about the boxes of chicken or beef stock at the grocery store?
Great question! As much as I’d love to say they’re a great and cost-effective option, they’re unfortunately not. While they’re amazing for cooking human meals, the very ingredients that make them so flavorful can be harmful to our pets.
For example, many store-bought stocks contain added salt, garlic, and onions. Salt in excess can be dangerous, and garlic, while beneficial in small amounts, can be toxic in higher doses. Onions, on the other hand, are always a no-go for pets.
If you’re considering using any broth or stock from the grocery store, take a peek at the ingredient list first. Unfortunately, because these products aren’t formulated with pets in mind, the amounts of these ingredients could be harmful, or even toxic, to your furry friend.
The good news is I’ve been able to find a few grocery store options that are great! Roli Roti makes simple ingredient bone broth in a variety of proteins. I’ve spotted their products in a few shops including H-E-B and Costco, but you can find more locations on their website!
That being said, making bone broth at home is my favorite method.
DIY is certainly the most cost effective, and customizable but also the most time consuming. With a crock pot, it typically takes about 24 hours. I (sadly) don’t own a pressure cooker, but if you do, you can knock that time down to 4-6 hours!
The best party is having total control of the ingredients. This is great for dogs with allergies, people who often have leftover bone scraps, or families who enjoy bone broth for both pets and humans. It’s also the freshest option - and it’s how you get that fun jelly-like consistency once it cools.
A few months ago, I made a simple batch in my crock pot, and as someone who’s known for “winging it,” I can confidently say it’s a fairly easy process. It might take some time, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Where to find bone broth for pets
There are endless options for bone broth these days, but I do have a few favorites aside from good grocery store finds and homemade recipes. Most pet stores carry a variety of brands, and they’re usually fine, just be sure to double-check the ingredients.
You’ll want to look for options that are mostly made from animal-based ingredients. Fruits, veggies, herbs, and seasonings are fine too. They can add their own benefits and of course, extra flavor. Just keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, so they don’t really get much out of those non-animal ingredients.
One of my favorite pet-based brands for bone broth is Crude Carnivore. It’s a liquid broth, so there’s no need to mix it with water - just shake it up, pour it into their bowl, and store it in the fridge after opening.
The ingredients are organic and come from pasture-raised farms, which is a big plus for me. A 16 oz bottle is typically $13.99, which feels like a fair price for the quality. The glass bottle is also a nice touch, and they even offer a pump you can screw onto the top to reuse once the broth is gone. I used all of my leftover broth bottles for lotion as Christmas gifts!
If you’re curious about trying it, I do have a discount code: HOLLY15, which will save you 15%.
Liquid broths tend to have a fresher, richer flavor and more consistent texture, which can be especially appealing for picky pets. Since they don’t go through the dehydration process, they also retain more natural nutrients and gelatin, providing added benefits.
That being said, dehydrated options are incredibly versatile and shelf-stable, even after opening. They’re perfect for meal prepping - you can scoop it into food, sprinkle it on top of just about anything, or easily mix it into homemade treats. Dehydrated bone broth is also generally more budget-friendly in the long run. Since it’s concentrated, you get more servings out of it, even though the upfront cost might be higher.
There are plenty of options on the market, but my two favorites are the Native Pet bone broth (use code HOLLY to save), which comes in chicken and beef. The ingredients are super simple, just like the rest of their products, and both of my pets love it. Another great option is Wild Acre, which includes a mushroom blend for extra benefits like immune and cognitive support.
Bone broth is a simple and nutritious way to boost your pet’s health, whether you make it at home or choose a store-bought option. With benefits like joint support, improved digestion, hydration, and even immune and cognitive boosts, it’s a game-changer for their overall well-being. From liquid broths like Crude Carnivore to versatile dehydrated options like Native Pet, there’s something to suit every pet’s needs and every budget. However you decide to use it, your pets will love the flavor and you’ll love the benefits!