From Bones to Broth
Bone broth is a superfood for dogs.
If you think back to old traditional home remedies for illness, chicken soup is the first thing that comes to mind.
It’s not pre-packaged or canned chicken soup that is so healing.
Bone broth is made from simmering bones in water along with some veggies that add to the taste, smell and nutrient value. The minerals and vitamins are drawn out of the bones and into the water.
Bone broth is easily absorbed, so you get all kinds of vitamins and minerals for your body to heal itself.
The same is true for your dog. Bone broth is great for overall health and well-being and has been shown to increase immune system function and boost energy levels.
Simmer the bones for a minimum of 4 hours. The longer the broth cooks, the softer the bones will be. If you simmer the broth after removing the bones and let it reduce, it will become a gelatine (jelly-like) consistency that can be scooped like jello.
The best bones are the ones with connective tissues like joints as well as the marrow. A whole chicken carcass is great. The connective tissues are collagen, which will become a part of the broth and are especially good for skin, coat and joint health.
Not all the foods found in people broths are good for dogs. When it comes to bone broth, most human versions have onion which are toxic for dogs. So let’s leave that out. I drink this broth all the time and if I had a tail, it would wag.
Introduction
Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is my favourite. I love it when mums gets a whole chicken but she always tells me I need to wait. She pours that on my food and I lick the bowl clean.
Ingredients
- 1 Chicken Carcass
- 2 Carrots
- 2 Celery Stalks
- Water to cover the carcass.
- Salt
Simple and yet deliciously nutritious. I always try to buy free range and organic chicken. A happy chicken is a healthy chicken and how an animal is treated has a great impact on the quality and nutritional impact of the animal as food.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Place Chicken Carcass, carrots and celery in a large pot.
Step 2
Cover with cold water. Starting with cold water brings out better taste.
Step 3
Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for at least 4 hours.
Step 4
Strain. Remember cooked bones are dangerous for dogs.
Step 5
Serve or store in a sealed container. I like to freeze in fun shapes and add those to my dogs dinner. They make the perfect summer time cooling treat.
Nutrition
Bone broth is both gentle on your dogs system and a nutritional powerhouse at the same time.
Collagen → Gelatin: contains amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which support joint, skin, and gut health.
Minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium & trace minerals: zinc, copper, manganese, iron
Amino Acids:
-
Glycine: Anti-inflammatory, supports detoxification and helps sleep.
-
Proline: Helps with skin elasticity, tissue repair.
-
Glutamine supports gut lining integrity.
-
Glucosamine & Chondroitin help support joint health and reduce symptoms of arthritis.
How does you dog like their bone broth?
Shaken, not stirred? Frozen or warm?
Let us know in the comments.