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  • By: Lulu & Daisy

Making bone broth at home for your dog is a rewarding experience that provides numerous health benefits. This nutrient-dense superfood is easy to prepare and can be made using a variety of bones, including chicken, fish, mutton, and buffalo. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making homemade bone broth.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pounds of bones (chicken, fish, mutton, or buffalo)
  • 1 gallon of water
  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals)
  • Optional: dog-friendly vegetables like carrots and celery

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bones: Begin by gathering your bones. For chicken broth, you can use chicken carcasses or chicken feet. For fish broth, use fish heads and bones. For mutton and buffalo broths, use marrow bones or knuckle bones. Make sure to source high-quality, organic bones whenever possible.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the bones and then add the apple cider vinegar. This will help to extract the beneficial minerals from the bones during the cooking process.
  3. Simmer Slowly: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the broth to simmer for a minimum of 12 hours. For best results, simmer chicken bones for 24 hours, fish bones for 8 hours, and mutton or buffalo bones for 48 hours. The longer the simmer, the more nutrients will be extracted.
  4. Strain the Broth: After the broth has simmered for the appropriate amount of time, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove all bones and vegetable pieces. Be sure to discard any small bone fragments, as these can be harmful to your dog.
  5. Cool and Store: Allow the broth to cool completely. You can store the bone broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to thaw and serve as needed.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Hydration Boost: Add a few tablespoons of bone broth to your dog’s water bowl to encourage hydration.
  • Meal Topper: Pour bone broth over your dog’s regular food to enhance flavor and nutrient content.
  • Frozen Treats: Freeze bone broth in ice cube trays and serve as a refreshing treat on hot days.

Health Benefits:

  • Joint Health: The collagen and gelatin in bone broth support joint health and can alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
  • Digestive Health: Bone broth is gentle on the stomach and helps soothe and repair the gut lining.
  • Immune Support: The amino acids and minerals boost the immune system and promote overall health.

Making bone broth at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure your dog is getting a nutritious and delicious addition to their diet. For more convenience, you can explore our ready-made bone broth options: