If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen holding a chicken carcass, wondering if you’re supposed to make soup, dog food, or just cry into it — you’re in the right place. Because today we’re talking about bone broth. Not for you (though, yes, it’s great for humans too), but for your pets.

That’s right — bone broth isn’t just a bougie wellness drink you see on TikTok in a $15 glass jar. It’s one of the oldest, most nutrient-dense hacks for boosting your pets’ health without spending a fortune at the vet. And the best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make.

So let’s break it down: what it does, why it works, how to make it, and where to cheat if you don’t want your house smelling like a medieval kitchen for 24 hours.

What Exactly Is Bone Broth?

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: bone broth is basically what happens when you simmer bones, cartilage, and connective tissue until they break down and release all the good stuff hiding inside.

Think collagen, gelatin, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium — basically the things your pets’ kibble claims to have, but in real, digestible form.

It’s not new. Ancient cultures fed it to themselves, their kids, their livestock — pretty much anyone with a stomach and a pulse. And your pets? They’re biologically designed to thrive on it.

Bone Broth Nutrition Breakdown

Forget the nutrition textbook. Here’s the blunt version of why bone broth is magic for pets:

• Collagen = Joint Juice. Collagen turns into gelatin when simmered. This literally lubricates joints, strengthens cartilage, and keeps pets from hobbling around like your grandma after Zumba class.

• Amino Acids = Gut Glue. Glutamine, glycine, proline — these amino acids help repair the gut lining, which means better digestion, fewer allergies, and less dog fart devastation in your living room.

• Minerals = Strong Bones. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus — hello stronger bones, teeth, and nails.

• Hydration = Secret Weapon. Many pets don’t drink enough water. Bone broth sneaks in hydration because it tastes amazing. (Try competing with that, tap water.)

• Flavor = Meal Saver. Picky eater? Medication refuser? Dump some broth on it. Suddenly it’s a gourmet dinner.

Who Actually Benefits From Bone Broth?

Short answer? Every pet. Long answer? Let’s get specific:

1. Senior Pets

• Arthritis? Bone broth helps.

• Stiffness? Bone broth helps.

• Can’t jump on the couch anymore? Bone broth helps.

Think of it as WD-40 for aging joints.

2. Pets With Gut Issues

• Chronic diarrhea.

• Food sensitivities.

• The kind of gas that clears the room.

Bone broth soothes the gut lining, making digestion smoother and reducing inflammation.

3. Picky Eaters

Some pets look at kibble like it’s cardboard. Pour a little bone broth on top, and suddenly they’re devouring it like you served filet mignon.

4. Post-Surgery or Sick Pets

If your pet is recovering, bone broth delivers easy-to-digest nutrients and hydration. It’s basically the pet version of chicken noodle soup.

5. Healthy Pets Who You Want to Keep Healthy

Even if your dog or cat is perfectly fine, bone broth is prevention in a bowl. Better joints, stronger immunity, better hydration, shinier coat — it’s a cheap insurance policy.

DIY vs Store-Bought: Should You Make It or Buy It?

Here’s where chaos meets reality.

The Case for DIY:

• You control the ingredients.

• You can use bones you already have (cheap).

• You feel like a pioneer woman simmering bones on the stove all day.

The Case for Store-Bought:

• Convenience. No 24-hour simmer. No stinking up your house.

• Perfect ratios of collagen, minerals, and amino acids.

• Shelf-stable powders or frozen cubes = zero mess.

Bone Broth Recipe for Pets

Let’s not overcomplicate this. You don’t need Gordon Ramsay yelling at you.

Ingredients:

• Bones (chicken, beef, turkey, whatever you’ve got — raw or cooked).

• Apple cider vinegar (helps leach minerals out of bones).

• Optional add-ins: carrots, celery, parsley. (Skip onions, garlic, salt, or seasoning — those can be toxic to pets.)

Steps:

1. Throw bones in a big pot or slow cooker.

2. Add water until bones are covered.

3. Splash in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

4. Simmer for 12–24 hours (slow cooker: low).

5. Strain out bones. (Never feed cooked bones — they splinter!)

6. Chill 

7. Store in fridge (up to 5 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).

Serving Size:

• Small pets: 1–2 tbsp.

• Medium pets: ¼ cup.

• Large pets: ½ cup.

• Pour over meals or serve alone like a treat. (Start slow)

Bonus Hacks with Bone Broth

• Freeze it into ice cube trays for summer “pup-sicles.”

• Use it to rehydrate freeze-dried raw pet food.

• Pour it over dry kibble to make it more digestible.

• Hide pills in broth-soaked treats.

• Mix with pumpkin puree for a gut-healing combo.

 Safety & Warnings

• No onions, garlic, or salt. Ever.

• Always strain the bones. Cooked bones = splinters = emergency vet bill.

• Start small. Too much at once can cause loose stools. (Fun for no one.)

• Check with your vet if your pet has serious health conditions.

Why Bone Broth Deserves a Spot in Your Pet’s Bowl

Bone broth isn’t just hype. It’s cheap, powerful, and has actual results you can see in your pets: better joints, shinier coats, improved digestion, more hydration, and a lot more tail-wagging energy.

Whether you’re the DIY type who loves simmering a pot of bones like a kitchen witch, or you’d rather order a ready-to-pour broth online — adding this simple superfood is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet’s health.