You have probably heard of bone broth and its benefits, and you might have even purchased it for your dog.
Alexanders Natural make it near to us and there are now a number of suppliers in the UK. Making your own gives you control over the ingredients that you use, which is particularly important if your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies.
Bone broth also provides several essential nutrients, making it yourself can save you money, and it’s easy to make!
To read more about its uses see elsewhere on the website.
Bone broth has several health benefits for dogs, as it contains collagen, gelatine, minerals, and plenty of protein. It can provide dogs with extra hydration and enhance their appetite. It can also boost their immune system and decrease inflammation.
It’s known to improve gut health and is beneficial for dogs with leaky gut syndrome. It can even detox the liver, provide joint support, and be good for the skin and coat.
Ingredients:
Bones: You’ll need bones, of course. It’s up to you what kind of bones you want to use. If your dog is a big fan of beef, opt for beef bones. You can also throw in a mixture of bones, such as chicken feet, pig’s feet, and beef marrow bones. It’s a good idea to include bones with joints.
Water and (apple*) cider vinegar: To create the broth, you’ll need to cover the bones in water and add a small amount of vinegar with apple cider vinegar being the best option. The vinegar helps extract healthy minerals from the bones and collagen from the connective tissues. (* You could use wine or pear)
Vegetables: Like with the bones, you can add any dog-safe vegetables that you want. Carrots and celery are great options.
Herbs: You can add culinary herbs such as sage, rosemary but use late in the cooking process.
Equipment
You’ll need to have the right cooking equipment before you start. One of the best ways to make bone broth is in a slow cooker because it has a long cooking time. But you can also use a stock pot or instant pot.
That said, this recipe is geared for a slow cooker, which you might want to consider purchasing if you don’t have one, especially if this won’t be the only bone broth that you make. Making a good bone broth might take 24 hours, so leaving a slow cooker turned on overnight is the safer option.
- 2–5 lb (1-2kg). bones (depending on the size of your pot or slow cooker)
- Enough water to fill your pot or slow cooker
- 1–2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 carrots, chopped (optional)
- 2- 3 celery sticks, chopped (optional)
- Place the bones in the slow cooker — How many bones you put in the slow cooker depends on its size. Generally speaking, you’ll want about 1 to 2 pounds of bones for every 1 gallon (or 16 cups) of water.
- Add water to the slow cooker — The water should cover the bones by about 1 inch.
- Add the apple cider vinegar — Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- Cover with the lid — Set your slow cooker to low or your pot to simmer.
- Cook for up to 24 hours — You’ll know it’s done when the bones are soft and somewhat crumbly.
- Add the chopped vegetables/herbs — Let them gently cook with the heat of the broth and pot.
- Remove the bones, and throw them into your compost or garbage — The cooked bones must not be given to your dog, as they are likely to splinter and damage your dog’s GI tract.
- Strain — Only do this if you haven’t used vegetables and want to keep them intact with the broth. But double-check for any small pieces of bones if you’re not straining.
- Allow the broth to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.
Once the broth has chilled, take it out, skim off the fat layer, and discard. You’ll know that you’ve done a great job if you’re left with a jelly-like substance like that shown below.
Storing
You can store the broth in the pot that you cooked it in or in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also put it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for 3 months, Freeze in single meal portions.
Using Bone Broth where when and how
If your dog hasn’t had bone broth before, start them out with a small amount. It is rich in collagen, which can lead to loose stools until they get used to it.
Start with just 1 or 2 tablespoons on their food, and then work up to 2 tablespoons for every 5 kilograms body weight.
When to use
When appetite is lost or after diarrhoea it is an ideal first food for dogs and cats as well
If he suffering from Leaky gut – search the site – chronic recurring diarrhoea perhaps an itchy skin; try some broth (I would also use Cessorex and Adoptrex herbs)
How can you use it other than sickness
You can freeze it in ice cube trays for hot summer days. Give your dog refrigerated jelly broth by the spoonful.
Warm up the broth, and serve it over your dog’s regular food.
Give your dog a small bowl of bone broth.
If your dog isn’t a big water drinker, add a small dash to their water bowl.
