Bone Broth

A Nutritional Guide to Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth has become a staple in many canine feeding routines thanks to its gentle digestibility, natural nutrient profile, and versatility. When prepared thoughtfully, it offers hydration, amino acids, gelatine, and trace minerals that complement a whole‑food diet beautifully.

This guide explores how to make bone broth safely, how to manage histamine levels, and why many owners choose to feed it daily.

1. Why Bone Broth Is Valued in Canine Nutrition

Bone broth is created by simmering bones, cartilage, and connective tissue, allowing naturally occurring nutrients to infuse into the liquid. These include:

Gelatine

Formed from collagen, gelatine gives broth its jelly‑like texture when cooled. It contributes amino acids that support normal digestive comfort.

Collagen & Amino Acids

Broth contains glycine, proline, glutamine, and hydroxyproline — amino acids involved in normal tissue structure, skin integrity, and digestive processes.

Trace Minerals

Depending on the bones used, broth may contain small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, contributing to normal hydration and electrolyte balance.

Hydration

Because broth is liquid‑rich, it’s an easy way to increase moisture intake — especially helpful for dogs who don’t naturally drink much water.

2. Why Many Owners Feed Bone Broth Daily

Bone broth is one of the few additions that works for almost every dog, every diet, and every life stage.

Gentle on Digestion

Its light, liquid nature makes it suitable for most dogs, including those with sensitive appetites.

Supports Hydration

Adding broth to meals increases moisture intake, which is beneficial for raw‑fed dogs, kibble‑fed dogs, seniors, and dogs in warm weather.

Encourages Eating

The aroma and flavour can help tempt fussy eaters or dogs who are slow to start meals.

Complements Any Diet

Broth works with raw, cooked, kibble, weaning foods, and transitional diets.

Provides Consistent Amino Acids

Daily broth ensures a steady supply of gelatine and amino acids that support normal digestive comfort and tissue structure.

Useful During Diet Transitions

Broth softens meals and helps dogs adjust to new foods more easily.

General Daily Amount:50–150 ml, depending on dog size (Always introduce gradually and adjust based on individual tolerance.)

3. Understanding Histamine in Bone Broth

Histamine forms naturally as proteins break down. Because bone broth is slow‑cooked, histamine levels can rise — especially with long simmering.

Why Histamine Matters

Some dogs tolerate histamine well, while others may be more sensitive. Sensitivity varies widely and is not inherently linked to diet type.

How Histamine Builds Up

• Long cooking times

• Older or previously thawed ingredients

• Certain proteins (fish, beef, pork tend to be higher)

• Slow cooling

• Warm storage conditions

  
  

Lower‑Histamine Proteins

Owners often choose:

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Lamb

These tend to be lower in histamine than beef or fish.

4. How to Reduce Histamine Load in Bone Broth

Here are practical, food‑science‑based ways to keep histamine levels lower:

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh bones and meat reduce initial histamine levels. Avoid bones that have been thawed multiple times.

Shorter Cooking Times

Long simmering increases histamine. Lower‑histamine approaches include:

• Pressure cooker: 1.5–2 hours

• Stove top: 6–12 hours

• Slow cooker: 12–18 hours

  
  

Add Organic ACV (With the Mother)

A small amount helps extract minerals from bones without increasing histamine.

Strain Through a Cheesecloth

Removes particles that may continue breaking down and releasing histamine.

Rapid Cooling (Very Important)

Cooling slowly allows histamine to continue forming.

How to cool safely:

1. Remove pot from heat.

2. Place in a sink filled with cold water and ice.

3. Stir occasionally to release heat.

4. Once warm, transfer to containers.

5. Refrigerate immediately.

   
   

Avoid High‑Histamine Additions

Do not add:

• Fish bones

• Tomato

• Spinach

• Aubergine

• Fermented ingredients

• Onions (toxic to dogs)

  
  

5. What Bones Can Be Used?

Bones with connective tissue produce the richest gelatine:

• Chicken feet

• Turkey feet

• Pigs’ trotters

• Beef knuckles

• Marrow bones

• Spines and necks

Fresh or frozen bones are fine — they are cooked, not fed directly.

6. How to Make Bone Broth

Ingredients

• Fresh bones

• Water

• 1–2 tbsp raw, unfiltered ACV per litre

• Optional: dog‑safe herbs added after cooking

  
  

Method

1. Fill your pot with bones.

2. Add water to cover, leaving 2 cm at the top.

3. Add ACV.

4. Cook using one of the following:

   • Pressure cooker: 1.5–2 hours

   • Stove top: 6–12 hours

   • Slow cooker: 12–18 hours

5. Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth.

6. Cool rapidly using the ice‑bath method.

7. Refrigerate for 24 hours.

8. Remove excess fat.

9. Store for up to 7 days or freeze.

⚠️ Never feed cooked bones. Discard safely.

7. Feeding Suggestions

• 50–150 ml per day, depending on dog size

• Start with small amounts and increase gradually

• Serve warm, cold, or frozen into cubes

• Add to meals, enrichment toys, or weaning foods

  
  

8. Equipment Examples

• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

• Ninja Foodi Multi cooker

• Morphy Richards Slow Cooker

(These are examples only, not endorsements.)

9. Where to Buy Ready‑Made Bone Broth

Dog‑specific brands often provide clear ingredient lists and simple formulations.

Examples include:

• Alexander’s Natural

• Karnlea

⚠️ Avoid supermarket broths — they often contain onion or seasonings unsuitable for dogs.

Final Thoughts

Bone broth is a gentle, nutrient‑rich addition that fits seamlessly into daily feeding. With fresh ingredients, shorter cooking times, and rapid cooling, you can keep histamine levels lower while still producing a flavourful, nutritious broth your dog can enjoy every day.