Recipe Note
FAQs
1. Is this broth supposed to be jiggly?
The first time I made it, it did turn out jiggly—I used less water and simmered it longer. The second time, I added more water and only simmered for 4 hours, and it didn’t gel.
That jiggle is a good sign! It means your broth is rich in gelatin, which usually comes from longer cooking times and higher collagen bones like chicken feet or beef knuckles. Using more water or cutting the simmer time can dilute the gelatin content, so for a jiggly broth, stick with less water and a longer simmer.
2. Is bone broth good for dogs?
Yes! Bone broth is a nutrient-rich powerhouse packed with collagen, amino acids, glucosamine, and minerals that support joint health, digestion, and hydration. It’s a great addition to home-cooked meals, especially for senior dogs or picky eaters. It has also been shown to improve gut health. Learn more about bone broth here “Can Dogs have Bone Broth? Bone Broth for Dogs: A Nutrient-Packed Superfood Topper”
3. Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Bone Broth?
Apple cider vinegar helps extract the good stuff from bones. Adding just a small amount (1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water) increases the release of important nutrients like:
- Collagen – supports joints, skin, and gut health
- Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus – essential for bone and muscle health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin – great for joint support
The acidity of ACV breaks down the bones gently, helping to draw out minerals and gelatin during the slow simmer. It’s especially useful if you’re using collagen-rich bones like chicken feet or beef knuckles.
Make sure to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother” for maximum health benefits.
4. What kind of bone broth is good for dogs?
In our opinion homemade is always best. But you want to look for low-sodium, unseasoned bone broth made from high-quality bones like chicken, beef, or turkey. It should be free from onion, garlic, added salt, or artificial ingredients—all of which can be harmful to dogs. There are lots of dog bone broths to choose from like this one from Native Pet.
5. What is the link between gut health and bone broth?
Bone broth can play a supportive role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome in dogs. It’s rich in gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine, which help strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation—key factors in improving digestive health and microbial balance. A 2024 study found, dogs who had bone broth significantly increased levels of Bifidobacterium, a key beneficial bacteria, by an astounding +1500%.
By nurturing the gut lining and providing easily digestible nutrients, bone broth may help restore balance in dogs with digestive issues, food sensitivities, or after antibiotic use.
6. What bones can I use to make bone broth at home?
You can safely use:
Chicken feet, necks
Beef marrow bones, knuckle bones
Turkey necks or backs
Chicken wings like above
7. How much bone broth can I give my dog?
How much to serve daily:
- Tiny dogs (under 10 lbs): ¼ cup (2 oz)
- Small dogs (10–25 lbs): ¼ – ½ cup (2–4 oz)
- Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): ½ – 1 cup (4–8 oz)
- Large dogs (50–90+ lbs): 1 – 2 cups (8–16 oz)
Ways to serve:
- Daily as a hydrating topper
- A few times per week as a nutritional boost
8. Want more recipes like this?
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9. Do you have other bone broth recipes?
Yes, there are a bunch!
Homemade Bone Broth For Dogs
Turkey Neck Bone Broth For Dogs
Chicken Feet Bone Broth for Dogs
10. Can dogs have store-bought bone broth for humans?
Yes—but read the label carefully. Many human broths contain onion or too much salt, which aren’t safe for dogs. Look for plain, unseasoned options or better yet, make your own.
11. What are the best bone broth brands for dogs?
Look for dog-specific bone broth brands or human ones free from onion and harmful additives. If you’re unsure, stick with simple homemade recipes to be safe.
12. Interest in Learning More About Cooking for Your Dog At Home?
Check out The Dog Parents Guide to Home Cooking.
13. Any tips for making bone broth at home?
Absolutely. Here’s our go-to:
- Use a slow cooker or instant pot for low-effort cooking
- Add apple cider vinegar to draw nutrients from the bones
- Start slow if your dog is new to bone broth—some dogs may have mild digestive reactions at first.
- Adjust based on activity level and climate (more in hot weather or for active dogs).
- Let it cool and skim off fat before serving
- Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning—perfect for meal prep.
14. Is this bone broth safe for all dogs?
Yes! As long as you use only dog-safe ingredients (like chicken and carrots), this broth is safe for all breeds and sizes. Just be sure to remove the cooked bones and never add onion or garlic.
15. How do I meal prep with bone broth?
Bone broth is perfect for batch prepping! Make a large batch and freeze it in silicone molds or ice cube trays for easy portions. You can thaw and pour over meals, mix into enrichment toys, or use to rehydrate our meal mixes. Want to switch things up? Try our Chicken Feet Bone Broth for Dogs for a gelatin-rich alternative your dog will love.
16. Can I use this with your meal mixes?
Definitely. Bone broth is a fantastic liquid base for rehydrating any of our Dog Child Meal Mixes for extra flavour and nutrients.
