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This bone broth recipe will have you and your dog licking your chops: Video tutorial

Cody Godwin   Paste BN
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Bone broth is good for humans, and your dog might consider it lick-quid gold, too! 

Your pup probably enjoys chewing on bones, so why not make them a tasty bone broth treat? Plus, you can freeze it with a dash of peanut butter, yogurt, mashed banana or unsweetened apple sauce in an ice cube tray to make an even tastier frozen treat. 

Making bone broth for pets and humans is super easy but requires a lot of time. For this pet-friendly recipe, we’ll omit a few ingredients that would normally be included in the recipe for people.

Tell your dog I say, “Bone appétit!” 

Watch this video to see how to make bone broth for your dog.

Benefits of bone broth 

Bone broth is a “nutrition-rich version of hot water,” Dr. William Li, a Harvard-trained doctor, researcher, and author of "Eat To Beat Your Diet," previously told Paste BN. Made from boiling animal bones in water with aromatics, the liquid contains minerals and nutrients that are good for us, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

WebMD says some of the health benefits of bone broth include:

  • Better hydration.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Collagen boost. 
  • Reduced inflammation.

The American Kennel Club says bone broth can also be beneficial to our pups! Among the benefits it can provide:

  • A boost for your dog’s immune system.
  • Joint support and help in fighting inflammation.
  • Improved digestive health.
  • Support for liver health.
  • Help in maintaining a healthy skin and coat.

How to make bone broth

The biggest challenge to making bone broth is how long it takes. The ingredients need to simmer anywhere from 8-24 hours. However, some smaller portion sizes can be made faster in a pressure cooker.

Use a variety of bones like knuckle bones, pig trotters and chicken feet for a better broth. Start by roasting the bones at 400ºF for about an hour in the oven or 15-20 minutes in an air fryer.

To make bone broth: 

  1. Put the roasted bones in a large pot or a slow cooker. 
  2. Add aromatics like carrot, celery and parsley. The vegetables should be cleaned, but they can be roughly chopped. For your pet's batch, leave out onions, garlic, peppercorn, salt and spices.
  3. Add enough filtered water to cover everything.
  4. Add a couple of glugs of apple cider vinegar (optional). 
  5. Cover and let it simmer on the stove or in a slow cooker for 8-24 hours. Keep a watchful eye on it if you opt to make it on the stove. 
  6. Strain out all the solids. Don’t let any marrow still attached to the bones or in the strainer go unused! The marrow is a nice treat for humans and pets. You can also give the vegetables to your pet if they're part of their diet or put them in the compost.
  7. Portion out the strained broth and let it cool.
  8. A gelatinous layer of fat will form on the top as it begins to cool. Skim this off with a spoon and discard it.  
  9. Put the broth in the fridge to cool completely. You can also freeze it. 

If this is your dog's first taste of bone broth, start with smaller portions and gradually introduce it into their diet to decrease the risk of upsetting their stomach.

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Does bone broth go bad

Bone broth will last around a week in the fridge, but it can be stored in the freezer for several months. 

Consider portioning it up before freezing with a silicone mold or an ice cube tray. Make sure the serving size is appropriate for the size of your pup. 

If frozen treats aren’t an option for your pet, you can turn the broth into a chewy treat using beef gelatin powder.

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