Bone Broth: Dr. Nicole’s Simple Recipe for a Nutritious Pet Tonic

Bone broth – is it a fad, or does it truly have benefits for our pets? If you’ve been hearing mixed opinions, you’re not alone. Some people think bone broth is a trendy, overhyped remedy, while others swear by its health-boosting properties. So, where do I stand on this?

Now, I know that bone broth can stir up some debate. Some critics argue that bone broth isn’t as nutritionally rich as it’s made out to be. While I understand the skepticism, my experience – and the science – tells a different story. When made properly, bone broth pulls essential minerals from the bones, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, all of which contribute to your pet’s health.

As an integrative vet with a passion for holistic and natural remedies for pets, I use it regularly in my clinic and recommend it to pet parents for several compelling reasons. Bone broth is far from just a comforting liquid. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, offering hydration, collagen, and amino acids – all of which are essential for your pet’s overall health. But first, let’s dive into why it works so well.

The Benefits of Bone Broth for Pets

1. Hydration 

First and foremost, bone broth is an excellent way to keep pets hydrated. Pets recovering from illness, surgery, or even an upset tummy can benefit from the hydration bone broth offers. It’s easy to consume, gentle on the stomach, and often more enticing for pets who might refuse plain water.

When pets are unwell, they may not drink enough water on their own, which can lead to dehydration. A warm, soothing bowl of bone broth often gets them drinking and replenishing those lost fluids without any fuss.

2. Collagen 

Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that’s essential for maintaining healthy joints, connective tissues, and skin. For older dogs or those with arthritis, this is especially important. Collagen can help reduce inflammation, improve joint flexibility, and promote mobility, giving your pet the support they need to stay active and comfortable.

Think of it as a natural joint supplement that tastes a whole lot better than a pill!

3. Amino Acids 

Bone broth is packed with amino acids, particularly glycine, which is known for supporting gut health, immune function, and detoxification. Glycine also has calming properties, which can help promote restful sleep in both humans and pets – a critical part of the healing process when they’re unwell.

Amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine found in bone broth are vital for repairing the gut lining, which can be particularly beneficial for pets with digestive sensitivities or inflammatory conditions. A healthier gut means a stronger immune system and overall vitality.

It’s not a complete meal on its own, but it’s a wonderful supplement to your pet’s regular diet, offering hydration, nutrients, and digestive support.

How to Make a Nutritious Bone Broth for Your Pet

Are you ready to try bone broth for your pet? The best part is that it’s incredibly simple to make at home, and you can customise it with pet-safe ingredients to boost its nutritional value.

Ingredients:

• 6 litres of water
• 2-3 large bones with marrow (beef, pork, chicken, or even kangaroo or goat, depending on what’s available)
• 3 cloves of chopped garlic (yes, garlic is safe for dogs in small amounts! But do omit if your pet has a history of hemolytic anemia)
• 8 cm (3 inches) of fresh ginger
• A handful of fresh parsley
• 60-80g (about 4 ounces) of shiitake mushrooms
• 2 stalks of celery (or any leftover pet-safe veggies like carrots or pumpkin)
• ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar

Method:

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the water, bones, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar is crucial because it helps to draw out the minerals from the bones, making your broth more nutritious.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, parsley, mushrooms, and celery (or any other pet-friendly veggies you have on hand). Herbs like thyme or coriander can add a nice touch as well.
3. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 12 hours on the stovetop or 24 hours in a slow cooker on low heat.
4. Once the broth is done, strain it to remove the bones (never feed cooked bones to your pet – they can splinter and cause harm). The veggies can be fed over the next couple of days, but be sure to discard the bones.
5. Allow the broth to cool in the fridge. Once cooled, skim off the fat layer on top. You can store the broth in ice cube trays in the freezer for easy, portioned servings. It will last up to 12 months in the freezer.

Tips for Serving Bone Broth

Start by giving your pet small portions and gradually increase the amount. You can pour it over their regular meals, serve it warm on its own, or even freeze it as a refreshing summer treat. The broth will provide extra nutrients and hydration, which is especially helpful during illness or recovery.

A Final Thought on Bone Broth

So, is bone broth worth the effort? In my professional opinion – absolutely! Whether your pet is recovering from illness, suffering from arthritis, or just in need of a nutritional boost, bone broth is a simple and effective addition to their diet.

The combination of hydration, collagen, and amino acids is enough to justify its regular use, but bone broth shines when your pet is unwell or needs extra digestive support.

If you haven’t tried bone broth for your pet yet, now’s the perfect time to give it a go, especially during allergy season when extra nourishment and immune support can make a world of difference. This simple, nutritious recipe is a fantastic addition to your pet’s routine, offering a natural boost to their hydration, digestion, and overall health. Whether your pet is recovering from illness, dealing with seasonal sensitivities, or just in need of something comforting, bone broth is a wholesome way to keep them happy and healthy all year round. Give it a try – your pet will thank you!