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Your Guide to Bone Broth for Dogs
… and why the broth in your pantry may not be the best choice.
Bone broth is having a major moment in the wellness world, and for once, the hype is actually backed by science—especially for our dogs.
Whether you have a senior dog slowing down on walks or a picky eater who needs a reason to wag their tail at dinner, bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse.
But as this trend hits the mainstream, a big question has surfaced: Can I just share my own bone broth with my dog? While it’s tempting to grab the “cheaper” human version, there are some very important reasons why dog-specific broth is the gold standard for your pup’s bowl.
The Amazing Benefits of Bone Broth for Your Pup
Before we talk about the labels, let’s look at why you’d want to add this to your dog’s diet in the first place:
- Joint Support & Mobility: Real bone broth is packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. These are the building blocks of healthy joints, helping your dog stay “springy” as they age.
- A “Glow-Up” for Skin and Coat: The high collagen content helps support skin elasticity and a shiny, soft coat.
- Digestive Harmony: Bone broth is incredibly soothing for the gut lining. It’s the perfect “recovery food” for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those transitioning to a new diet.
- The Ultimate Hydration Hack: If your dog doesn’t drink enough water, a splash of flavorful broth can encourage them to hydrate, especially during hot summer months.
Human vs. Dog Bone Broth (The Hidden Differences)
It’s easy to think “broth is broth,” but human-grade versions are formulated for our taste buds, not a dog’s biology.
The Onion & Garlic Factor
Most human broths use onions, garlic, or leeks for depth of flavor. While delicious for us, these are part of the Allium family and are toxic to dogs, as they can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
Even “natural flavors” on a human label often hide these concentrates.
The Sodium Struggle
Humans love salt, but a dog’s kidneys are much more sensitive to it. A single cup of human broth can contain half a dog’s recommended daily salt intake. Dog-specific versions are formulated with little-to-no salt to keep things heart-healthy.
The “Jiggle” Test (Nutrient Density)
Human broth is often processed to be thin and watery because we find “jelly” in a carton unappealing. However, that jiggle is actually the gelatin—the sign of high-quality collagen.
Dog-specific broths (especially frozen or high-end brands) prioritize that gelatinous texture, ensuring your pup actually gets the joint benefits promised on the box.
Comparison Table: Human vs. Dog Bone Broth
| Feature | Human-Grade Bone Broth | Dog-Specific Bone Broth |
| Onions/Garlic | Almost always included for flavor. | Strictly excluded. |
| Salt Content | Usually high (even “low sodium” is often too much). | Zero or very low sodium. |
| Texture | Liquid; can vary in thickness. | Often highly gelatinous (high collagen). |
| Additives | May include preservatives or sweeteners. | Sometimes includes dog-safe extras like turmeric or ginger. |
Shopping for Dog Bone Broth: What to Look for in a Brand
When you’re browsing the “Idea Factory” approved list of broths, keep these three criteria in mind:
- Transparency: You should see a very short list of ingredients (Water, Bones, maybe Carrots or Turmeric).
- No “Alliums”: The label should explicitly be free of onions and garlic.
- Low Processing: If you find a brand in the frozen section, it’s often less processed and higher in natural gelatin.
Top Reputable Bone Broth for Dogs Brands to Try:
1. The Honest Kitchen (Best Dehydrated Option)
This brand is famous for pioneered “Human Grade” pet food standards. Their bone broth comes in a powder that you rehydrate with warm water.
- Why it’s great: It is incredibly clean. The Beef flavor contains just: Dehydrated beef broth, beef, pumpkin, parsley, and turmeric.
- The Perk: Because it’s a powder, you don’t have to worry about a carton going bad in the fridge after 5 days.
The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth Dogs
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$12.73
Human Grade Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric for Dogs 3.6 Ounces (just add water!)
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04/25/2026 12:44 pm GMT
2. Open Farm (Best Liquid/Ethical Option)
If you prefer a pourable liquid that you can keep in the pantry (until opened), Open Farm Bone Broth is the gold standard for transparency.
- Why it’s great: They use pasture-raised, grass-fed bones and non-GMO vegetables. Their ingredients are simple: Bone broth, carrots, pumpkin, parsley, turmeric, and cinnamon.
- The Perk: You can actually trace every ingredient back to the farm it came from using a lot code on the back of the packaging.
Check pricing for Open Farm Bone Broth for Dogs (and Cats!) on Amazon
3. Stella & Chewy’s (Best for “The Jiggle”)
If you are looking for that high-collagen, gelatinous texture we talked about, their “Bountiful Bone Broth” is excellent.
- Why it’s great: It is slow-simmered in small batches to maximize the gelatin extraction. It’s grain-free and uses grass-fed beef or cage-free chicken bones.
- The Perk: It has a very high moisture content and a rich smell that is great for “restarting” dogs that have lost their appetite due to illness or age.
Stella & Chewy's Beef Bone Broth for Dogs
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$9.97
Human-Grade Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth for Dogs - Joint & Gut Health Liquid Food Topper with Collagen & Turmeric
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04/25/2026 12:46 pm GMT
4. Native Pet (Best Single-Ingredient Powder)
For the ultimate minimalist, Native Pet offers a bone broth topper that is often just one single ingredient (e.g., Beef Bone Broth).
- Why it’s great: There are zero fillers, zero spices, and zero “extras.” It’s literally just the dried broth.
- The Perk: It’s arguably the most “allergy-safe” option because there are no hidden veggies or herbs for sensitive stomachs to react to.
Native Pet Bone Broth for Dogs and Cats
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$24.99
Chicken Bone Broth Powder Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters - Extra Nutrition for Joint Strength, Immune Support & Heart Health
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04/25/2026 12:47 pm GMT
Genius Hacks: Feeding Bone Broth to Your Dog
Now that you know how to pick the perfect broth, it’s time to get creative! Bone broth is incredibly versatile—here are our favorite ways to use it beyond just a boring pour-over.
1. The “Brain Boost” (Mental Enrichment)
Don’t just feed your dog; challenge them! Mix your bone broth with a little bit of unsweetened applesauce or canned pumpkin and freeze it inside a KONG or lick mat.
- The Benefit: It keeps them occupied for 20 minutes, provides mental stimulation, and delivers those joint-building nutrients all at once.
2. The “Kibble Restart” (For Picky Eaters)
If your dog has started snubbing their dry food, don’t reach for the expensive canned toppers just yet. Warm up 1/4 cup of bone broth (not hot, just lukewarm) and pour it over the kibble. Let it sit for 2 minutes until the kibble softens slightly.
- The Benefit: The heat releases the aroma of the broth, which is often enough to convince even the pickiest dog to clean their bowl.
3. The “Broth-cicle” (The Low-Calorie Snack)
Standard dog treats can be surprisingly high in calories. Instead, pour your bone broth into silicone molds or ice cube trays and freeze them overnight.
- The Benefit: These make the perfect “guilt-free” summer snack. They provide hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits without the extra weight gain.
4. The “Sick-Day Soother” (Gentle Nutrition)
When a dog has an upset stomach, vets often recommend a “bland diet.” Bone broth is a fantastic bridge back to regular food.
- The Benefit: It is incredibly easy on the digestive tract and helps prevent dehydration. Serving it slightly warm can be very comforting for a dog who isn’t feeling their best.
5. The “Traveler’s Secret” (Hydration on the Go)
Many dogs refuse to drink water when they are in a new environment or stressed from travel.
- The Benefit: Packing a small bottle of bone broth (or a packet of dehydrated broth) can save the day. Most dogs find the scent of broth irresistible, ensuring they stay hydrated even when they’re away from home.
Bone Broth for Dogs: The Quick FAQ
Q: Can I make the bone broth at home?
A: Absolutely! Just simmer bones in water with a splash of apple cider vinegar for 12–24 hours. Just remember: No salt, no onions, and no garlic.
Q: Can I just buy “Low Sodium” human broth for my dog?
A: No. Even “low sodium” versions often contain onion or garlic powder for flavor. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause long-term damage to their red blood cells. Always stick to pet-specific brands or homemade recipes.
Q: Why doesn’t my store-bought bone broth “jiggle” like Jell-O?
A: Most shelf-stable broths are filtered and processed to stay liquid for consumer appeal. While they still have nutrients, a “jiggly” broth (usually found in the frozen section) indicates a much higher concentration of collagen and gelatin, which is better for your dog’s joints.
PRO TIP: If you’re giving it to your dog for joint health, the jiggle matters because that gelatin is where the glucosamine and chondroitin live. If you’re just using it to hydrate them or make their kibble taste better, the liquid stuff is perfectly fine—as long as it doesn’t have those onions and garlic we talked about!
Q: How much bone broth should I give my dog daily?
A: A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce of broth for every 10 pounds of body weight. You can pour it directly over their kibble or serve it as a standalone treat.
Q: Is bone broth a meal replacement?
A: No. Bone broth is a supplement, not a balanced meal. It lacks the fiber, fats, and specific vitamins required for a dog’s daily diet. Think of it as a “superfood topper.”
Q: Can bone broth help a dog with an upset stomach?
A: Yes! It is incredibly gentle on the digestive system and helps keep a sick dog hydrated. Because it’s so flavorful, it often encourages dogs to eat even when they aren’t feeling their best.
Q: Can I freeze bone broth?
A: Absolutely. In fact, many owners freeze bone broth in silicone molds or ice cube trays. These “broth-cicles” make for a perfect, cooling summer treat that’s also great for their joints!
The Bottom Line
Sharing is caring, but when it comes to bone broth, your dog deserves a formula that’s built for their body.
By choosing a dog-specific broth, you’re cutting out the hidden toxins and maximizing the collagen your best friend needs to stay happy and active.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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