"Homemade Bone Broth For Dogs and Cats: Safe Easy and Vet-Approved Recipe"

"Homemade Bone Broth For Dogs and Cats: Safe Easy and Vet-Approved Recipe"

Annmarie Palazzola-Holbrook

You’ve probably heard the buzz: bone broth isn’t just a trendy superfood for humans—it’s liquid gold for our furry companions, too. And believe it or not, bone broth has been enjoyed for centuries.

 

Whether you're trying to support your aging pet's joints or tempt a picky eater (looking at you, Oreo 🐱), bone broth is an easy and nourishing way to boost your pet's overall health. The best part? You can whip it up right in your kitchen!

 

In this blog, I want to help share:

  • The health benefits of bone broth for your pet
  • Help you with ingredients to avoid when making it
  • Walk you through a homemade, pet-safe bone broth recipe that your dog or cat won't be able to resist
  • Give you easy ways to serve it up at mealtime, OR enjoy it as a snack

 

 

But first—what’s all the hype about this rich, golden liquid? Let’s find out, shall we?

 

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What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth brings together the best of both worlds in a nutrient-rich liquid. "It's a simple process— really." This process involves simmering bones, connective tissue, and sometimes skin in water for an extended period, typically 24 hours or longer. It can be prepared in a stock pot or a crock pot. 

 

I've made it in both. I prefer the crockpot because it's an easier process altogether. 


What types of bone broth are there?

Bone broth can be made from almost anything with bones and skin. However, most are prepared using leftovers from the butcher's block. 

  • Chicken - The most popular kind of bone broth, higher in amino acid content and lower in fat. 🐓
  • Beef - Packs more fat and has a richer consistency 🐮
  • Pork - Sometimes made with pigs feet, which gives it more of a gelatinous texture. This bone broth is a less popular choice for dogs and cats due to it's high fat and salt content, which can lead to obesity, pancreatitis and diarrhea. 🐖


 

What are the nutritional benefits of bone broth for your pet?

There are so many benefits to giving bone broth to your dog or cat, and with just a few bones and minimal vegetables, you've created a powerhouse of nutrition. Win-win!

 Here's what you can expect to get:

  • Glucosamine & Chondroitin- Great for mobility and inflammation
  •  Gut Healing properties- Bone broth helps to maintain a healthy gut, especially in dogs or cats with digestive issues.
  • Glycine- Supports the immune system and detoxes the liver.
  • Collagen & Gelatin- Helps protect their joints.
  • Hydration Boost- Better Hydration for your pet
  • Minerals- Bone broth contains minerals, including silicon, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.


 

"Ever wonder what the difference is between broth and stock?"

  • Animal-based stock is made using bone.
  • Broth is made using the meat and skin of an animal.

When you make Bone Broth, you get the best of both worlds. In addition to the meat, skin, and bone.

 

 

Pet-friendly vegetables can be added to your bone broth.

If you are thinking of adding vegetables to your bone broth, let's break it down for you. I like to keep it simple and add one or two vegetables. 

 

Pet-safe vegetables for bone broth:

✅ Mild, nutritious options (These are good for both Dogs and Cats):

  • Carrots - "Carrots are not just for rabbits. Oh, no!" Dogs and cats can benefit from this delicious vegetable. They're loaded with beta-carotene and fiber.
  • Celery - Rich in antioxidants and great for inflammation
  • Zucchini - Zucchini is easy to digest and adds potassium.
  • Green beans - Green beans are gentle on the stomach and high in fiber
  • Pumpkin or butternut squash - Great for digestion and gut health

 

❌Never add these to bone broth (Toxic to Pets):

  • Onions
  • Garlic (Not toxic in specific amounts according to body weight) Check out this article on Veterinary Secrets regarding giving garlic to your dog or cat, HERE.
  • Leeks
  • Chives
  • Tomatoes
  • Mushrooms (Unless specifically pet-safe varieties)
  • Seasoning Blend
  • Bay Leaf

 

Would you like to know what specific fruits and vegetables you can give your pets? Read about it, HERE.

 

 

"ARE YOU READY FOR SOME DIY RECIPES? LET'S GO!"

 

Vet Approved Bone-Broth Recipe (for Dogs & Cats)

"Seriously, this is so easy to make. And it costs around $10 to make!" Servings: 2-4 weeks, depending on the number of poochies you have. I have two dogs, so this will last me for up to three weeks since I am freezing individual servings. 

I'm going to use Beef bones in this recipe. And I will also be using a crockpot. 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs. of raw organic (if possible) beef bones 
  • 1 T. of apple cider vinegar (helps extract the minerals)
  • 6 medium-sized carrots, washed and sliced
  • Filtered water to cover

Instructions:

  1. (Optional) Before adding your beef bones to the crockpot, place them in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes. This will remove any impurities. And you will get a tastier broth.
  2. Add your beef bones, skin, fat and scraps to your crockpot. 
  3. Add water to cover. 
  4. Cook on low for 18 hours. You may need to adjust the amount of water according to the size of your crockpot. I did not have to add additional water for the entire cooking process.
  5. Once your bone broth is finished, allow it to cool slightly. 
  6. Strain through a wire mesh strainer. PLEASE SEE PHOTOS.

 

 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

 Side note - "I started my bone broth at 2:00 pm and shut it off at 8:00 am the next morning. I then took all the bones out and kept the lid off, stirring occasionally and allowing the mixture to cool." (1 hour)

 

 

Liquid Gold 👆 👆🐶   (Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

Add the carrots to the bone mixture 1.5 hours before it is finished. 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

After the mixture had cooled, I strained it to ensure that no bone fragments remained. I kept the carrots. I then blended the bone broth and carrots in a blender. 

 

Look at the creamy results.


(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

You can serve 1-2 tablespoons by mixing it into your dog's food bowl, or you can place the blended mixture in a piping bag and fill the paw-shaped silicone molds to freeze and use in your dog's next meal. Especially during the warm summer months. "They LUUUUVE it!"

 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

After the paw-shaped bone broth has frozen, simply pop each one out and place it in a freezer zip-lock bag for each meal. 

 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

I use a slow-feeder bowl for my dog, Hershey. "He's like a vacuum around feeding time. You would think he hasn't eaten for a week." LOL



Vet Approved Chicken-Broth Recipe (for Dogs & Cats)

I'll be using leftovers from a roasted chicken in this recipe. And I will also be using a crockpot. 

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs. of raw organic (if possible) chicken bones 
  • 1 T. of apple cider vinegar (helps extract the minerals)
  • 3 medium-sized carrots, washed and sliced
  • Filtered water to cover

Instructions:

  1. I will be adding the leftovers of a roasted chicken (skin, bones, scraps) to the crockpot.
  2. Add your chicken leftovers to your crockpot. 
  3. Add water to cover. 
  4. Cook on low for 12 hours (16-18 is best). You may need to adjust the amount of water according to the size of your crockpot. 
  5. Once your chicken broth is finished, allow it to cool slightly. 
  6. Strain through a wire mesh strainer. 

You can give your cat 1 Tablespoon to mix with their canned or dry food at feeding time.

 

 

You can freeze your bone broth mixture for up to 3 months or you can store it in the fridge for 5 days. I chose to freeze mine so it will keep fresher, longer. 

 

Final Thoughts:


Honestly, once you make bone broth at home, there’s no going back. It’s budget-friendly, ridiculously easy, and your pets will think you’re a five-star chef. And who doesn’t love watching their cat or dog lick the bowl clean with a happy tail wag or purr? Go ahead—try it out. Your pet’s health (and taste buds) will thank you.

Share your story in the comments below, if you tried this healthy easy recipe. I would love to hear from you. Thank you again for your interest. -Annmarie

 

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