This Bone Broth Recipe Will Nourish Your Sick or Elderly Dog (2024)

A good bone broth recipe provides ' tried and true ' nourishment for your dog. Bone broth is nutrient dense food. Remember when your grandmother used to make homemade chicken soup? We all know that chicken soup will ' cure what ails ya '!

This Bone Broth Recipe Will Nourish Your Sick or Elderly Dog (1)

There is not much difference in my opinion, between how to make chicken broth, and how to make chicken stock. Since this is a bone broth recipe for your dog, we don't have to be gourmet chefs, we just have to understand that chicken bones, beef bones or any other kind of bones, provide excellent dog nutrition. Especially if your dog is...

  • recovering from illness
  • has an irritable bowel
  • elderly
  • dying
  • a picky eater

Tasty, appetizing bone broths smell great. Dogs are all about the nose! Often the tempting aroma is enough to peak the interest of a sick dog who is not interested in eating or chewing food anymore. Your dog can easily lick it from a small bowl or plate. If you're anything like me, you'll hand feed a sick animal.

The key to making this broth recipe excellent, is to simmer it for a long time. Usually about 24 to 48 hours. Over these long hours of slow cooking, the bones will release their minerals, fats and other nutrients into the water. Be sure to use filtered water when making bone broths, and if you can find bones from pasture fed animals and free range chickens, that is perfect!

We're going to start with chicken bone broth because of all the bones available, it has the mildest flavor. Other types of bones tend to be stronger in taste and aroma.

So, here we go...


Two Step Chicken Broth Recipe

Step One

Get started with your bone both recipe using a whole, free range ( if possible ) chicken or cut up chicken pieces. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with pure ( filtered ) water. Bring the chicken and water to a boil, and be sure to remove (skim off ) the grey, foamy scum that forms on top, as the broth begins to boil. The scum contains impurities.

You can add a small amount of easily digested vegetables such as spinach, carrots, celery or parsley at this point, if you want. It's not necessary though, because we're not making vegetable soup, right? We're making nutritious bone broth for your dog.

Next, turn the heat down to low and simmer this way for about 4 hours, or until all the meat and skin fall off the bones. Dump all of the meat and bones into a large colander or strainer making sure to save the liquid in one bowl, and the meat, skin, optional vegetables and bones in another. Let cool.

When cool, separate the meat, skin and optional vegetables from the bones. Save this to use as an easily digested soft food, when your dog is starting to feel better. Old dogs like this too, if their teeth are not the best.

Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Step Two

Now, put the bones back in the large pot with the saved liquid, and add morewater to cover. Bring to a boil again, and then turn the heat down. Simmer again for about 24 hours. Add small amounts of water when necessary. You can also do Step Two in a crock pot.

At this point, I like to adda tablespoon of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar ( any vinegar will do ) to the bones and liquid. The acidicvinegar will help to extract the healthy, rich minerals from the bones, intothe bone broth. The simmering is the longest part of the process. It takes a long time to get the minerals out of the bones. So don't be impatient!

When your bone broth recipe is finished cooking, strain the bones from the liquid and discard. Keep this lovely nutritious broth liquid. After cooling, you can feed small amounts, slowly, to your sick or old pet.

You will have lots, so freeze it and keep it. I like to pour the extra broth into a couple of ice cube trays and freeze it. Then I can take out small amounts as I need it. That's a good idea eh? Brilliant, if I do say so myself!

Even though all the bones have been removed and discarded, I like to put the liquid into a blender and whiz for a few seconds, just to make sure there are no cooked bone shards. Never feed cooked bones to your pet. Feed only raw bones.

After the broth cools, you will notice that the bone broth is quite gelatinous. This is good. It means you have extracted all the nourishing minerals and collagen from the connective tissue of the chicken. This gelatin contains natural glucosamine.

Bone Broth Recipe
Using Other Types of Bones

Don't forget that your bone broth recipe can be made from beef bones, pork bones, lamb bones whole fish bones including the head, and bones from game animals such as venison, too. I suggest you start with the chicken bone broth recipe above.

This delicious soup like food, is nutrient dense and very healing for both people and dogs. If your dog is experiencing allergies, leaky gut, irritable bowel, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or any other immune related health problem rooted in the gut, feeding small amounts of bone broth one day a week instead of food, can go a long way toward helping your dog recover.

You might be thinking that making bone broths is too much trouble and takes too much time. Believe me, it is well worth the effort. However, I get it!

If you would rather not make bone broths, here's where you can get my personal favorites. They are completely natural, nutritious and affordable.

Get homemade Chicken Broth here.

Get homemade Beef Broth here.


Great Broth Recipe Tip to Save Time

Try using a pressure cooker.Simply put in as many whole chickens as your cooker will hold. Mineholds 2 or 3. Add water. I use a gallon. Put the top and pressureregulator on, and cook for 3-4 hours. Mine goes about 3.5 hrs.Cool and release pressure. I cheat a bit and pull out the breasts formyself. But all the rest of the meat, the broth and the bones can be fedto your dog. Yes, I said the bones, they become potato chip soft andwill be easily digested by the dog. They'll get all that lovely bonemarrow that's inside. Once cooled, you'll see that gelatinous broth.Trust me, make a batch using this both recipe time saving tip, and prepare to be amazed!

Offered from a loyal reader

Cathy C, Ohio USA


Using Bone Broths With Dog Food

Homemade dog food - simply add a frozen cube or two of bone broth to your dog's meal once a day, or a few times a week. It will enhance the nutrient value and digestibility of your homemade dog food, tremendously.

Raw dog food - Since this method of feeding is more nutritionally complete, I like to use bone broth as a treat food. Every dog likes a bone broth ice cube. Alternatively, add a small amount to your dog's raw food meal. There will be no digestive conflict.

Dry dog food - This is my favorite suggestion. If you feed dog kibble, adding a small amount ( a few tablespoons ) of bone broth will make your dog's food bowl a gourmet delight. It will enhance nutrition and flavour and your dog will love you because he will be getting some actual REAL food.

During fasting - I'm a big fan of fasting for healthand so if my old dogs are due for a fasting day, I simply give them acouple of thawed out bone broth cubes at night to tide them over 'tilmorning. It makes them think they're getting some food, and the brothsmells great, is delicious and nutritious, without overloading thedigestive system, which is resting during a fast.

Yeah!!! Real food at last!

Bon appetite!


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This Bone Broth Recipe Will Nourish Your Sick or Elderly Dog (2024)

FAQs

Is bone broth good for elderly dogs? ›

Improving Joint Health with Bone Broth for Senior Dogs

Bone broth is rich in nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen that are essential for joint health. These nutrients help to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and promote healthy cartilage.

Can you give a sick dog bone broth? ›

If your dog gets a tummy upset, feeding them bone broth can help to repair their stomach lining, keep them hydrated and promote a healthy gut. Boosted immune system: The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids found in bone broth can help to support a healthy immune system in dogs.

What is the difference between dog bone broth and human bone broth? ›

While it might be tempting to choose a broth from your pantry, experts suggest sticking to bone broth made specifically for dogs, since human formulations often have higher levels of sodium, and can include ingredients that are toxic to dogs like onions and garlic.

What to avoid in bone broth for dogs? ›

Both dogs and humans can eat bone broth; however, to make the broth dog-safe, some ingredients like salt and onions should be left out of the pot.

How many times a day should I give my dog bone broth? ›

Feeding Your Dog Bone Broth

Those who feed bone broth to their dogs regularly recommend ¼ cup per 25 pounds daily. You can pour it over your dog's meals or serve it as an afternoon snack.

What brand of bone broth is safe for dogs? ›

Best for Small Dogs: Castor & Pollux Pristine Beef Bone Broth. The Pristine product line from Castor & Pollux offers a range of flavors with different proteins and grain-free options (including a beef version without turmeric).

Does bone broth heal sickness? ›

Unfortunately, neither bone broth, nor any other remedy, can cure the common cold. A cold is a virus, and that means that the only cure is time. Your body's immune system will eventually fight off the infection, usually in about 10 days. However, that doesn't mean that bone broth and other hot soups do not help.

What are the side effects of bone broth? ›

Other side effects
  • Stomach upset.
  • Increased bowel movements.
  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome (may trigger IBS)
  • Bloating.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea.

Why add vinegar to bone broth? ›

Then add apple cider vinegar, which is added primarily because the acidity breaks down the collagen and makes it more abundant in the broth. You can also sub lemon juice, but we prefer apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs? ›

Apple cider vinegar may not be the miracle-working solution some claim it to be. But it definitely has benefits that your dog could use. ACV can relieve your dog's itching, repel fleas and ticks and can be used as an ear cleaner. ACV can help your dog internally as well.

Does turmeric help dogs? ›

In addition to treating joint issues, turmeric can also be used for dogs suffering from digestive issues, as it stimulates the production of bile in the liver that help break food down quicker, enabling your dog to feel more comfortable after eating.

Is bone broth good for aging dogs? ›

Bone Broth Helps Ease Arthritis in Senior Pets

Pets are living longer than ever, but arthritis concerns parents with senior pets. As our pets age, the protective layer of cartilage between their bones can thin.

Do vets recommend bone broth for dogs? ›

Bone broth is an excellent source of chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. All of which are known to help protect joints and may even help repair connective tissue in older dogs. Immune booster: Bone broth is a great way to boost your boost your doggy's immune system.

Is boxed chicken broth ok for dogs? ›

Onion, garlic, high levels of sodium, and additives can all be harmful to dogs and, unfortunately, they're commonly found in chicken broth. Therefore, when shopping for chicken broth for your dog, be sure to choose an organic, non-GMO chicken broth, with low sodium.

Is bone broth good for seniors? ›

Bone broth is a liquid made from simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for an extended period. The simmering process draws out the minerals and nutrients, filling it with protein. It's healthy and hydrating for seniors! It's something that elder care providers can help seniors add to their diet plans.

What age can dogs have bone broth? ›

Feeding Guide

Bone broth can be served on its own or added to their favourite dry food for moisture and flavour (adjust the serving size according to the weight, age and exercise levels of your dog). Suitable for puppies from 3 months old. Check your pet always has plenty of fresh water to drink.

Are bones good for senior dogs? ›

It is a myth that dogs need to chew bones. While dogs want to chew, and most would love to chew on bones, bones are dangerous and they can cause serious injuries.

Is bone broth good for dogs with kidney problems? ›

In the case of dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease, the safety of broth, including bone broth, depends on multiple factors. While broth can offer hydration, palatability, and some valuable nutrients, it must be used with caution, taking into consideration the sodium and phosphorus levels, as well as protein content.

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