Just like humans and babies – our furry friends can benefit from bone broth, too. While animals can be finicky with food, the smell of the bones typically attracts them to the nutritious elixir. Many cats and dogs absolutely love a delicious bone broth, especially when ill.
Can Dogs and Cats Have Bone Broth?
The answer to Yes! My pups, Chevy and Chloe, have been enjoying bone broth mixed in with their dry dog food since I started making it. If you’re looking for a nutritious dry dog food that provides a foundation of health then consider some of my favorites: Whole Earth, Nutrish Natural, and Merrick. Adding bone broth to a pet food that is low quality will not provide much value. Research has proven that cats and dogs cannot live solely on a bone broth diet. Bone broth is not a complete meal. So, adding bone broth to a nutrient rich diet (quality dry and wet food, treats and exercise) is essential in order to have a positive impact on your pets health and longevity.
Really quick, let’s talk about bone broth and what it is. Bone broth is a soup or stock created from the bones of animals. Beef, chicken, fish, and turkey bones are commonly used to create the broth. Vegetables and spices will often be added to the bones to create a mixture that’s even healthier. You should know that garlic and onion are on the no-no list for pets. So if you’re making a batch of broth you plan to share with your furry friend, be sparing on these two items. Carrots and celery on the healthy treat list for both cats and dogs. However, too much carrot can totally throw off the flavor of your broth and not in a good way. Turmeric and ginger are also placed on the “approved” list of spices for pets. According to Rodney Habib, Turmeric is one of the best herbs you can add to your pets diet.
The Benefits of Bone Broth For Cats and Dogs
Just like humans find many benefits to consuming bone broth; our furry friends can, too. Bone broth for cats and dogs can be exceptionally healthy. Below you’ll find just a few of the numerous benefits when animals consume bone broth:
- Liver Detox: A bone broth will deliver a lot of glycine to your furry friend. This can clean their liver, as the amino acid clears out any and all toxins found in food and water.
- Improved Joints: Bone broth is incredible for human joints, and it’s just as good for dogs and cats. If your animal suffers from arthritis, then bone broth could be the cure. Broth contains a lot of collagen and gelatin, that’s ideal for joint repair.
- Boosting Immune System: Bone broth often contains a lot of marrow. Bone marrow improves an immune system’s ability to battle and ward off sicknesses – in both animals and humans.
- Gut Health: By adding collagen to your pet’s diet, you’ll help their digestive tract significantly. Collagen lines the stomach and ensures food that’s not digested cannot enter the bloodstream.
- Healthy Bones: Bone broth is filled with a number of nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus. Both of these are incredibly important healing or maintaining the health of bones and teeth.
- Improve Bad Appetites: Some pets have lagging appetites. Other animals have food allergies and sensitivities. If your furry friend suffers from one of these ailments, then bone broth may help, as the taste is attractive and it’s easy to digest for all pets.
An Ideal Bone Broth Recipe For Pets
The interesting things about bone broth recipes for pets, it that they’re quite similar to those for humans. Bone broth seems to be healthy for every creature! As such, you can create a similar bone broth for your pet as you would for you. Here’s an easy recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- Two pounds organic bones
- Two carrots
- Two stocks of celery
- One knob of Turmeric
- Two inches of Ginger (diced)
- One medium onion
- Two garlic cloves (smashed)
- One teaspoon Himalayan salt
- Three tablespoon ACV
- Fill crock-pot with 10 cups of water or until all bones are covered. Whichever comes first.
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and fill with water.
- Cook for 24 hours in the crock-pot.
- Occasionally, you’ll want to skim the fat off the top.
- After 24 hours, turn the pot off and let everything sit for two hours.
- Pour the broth through a sieve into whatever container you prefer.
- Let your furry friend get some of that nutritious elixir!
When creating a bone broth for animals, you’ll want to make sure you include the apple cider vinegar and the garlic. These are essential. Also, cooking the broth for 24 hours is advised when preparing for cats and dogs.
Feeding Bone Broth to Sick Animals
Many pet owners have found bone broth the ideal elixir for sick animals. If your pet doesn’t have an appetite any longer or has diarrhea, then bone broth could be the cure you need.
According to studies from nearly 200 years ago, if a body has sufficient collagen in their diet, then protein from meat sources is not as important. Bone broth is packed with collagen and gelatin, allowing you to wade your animal off dry food and feed bone broth until he or she feels better!
TIP! Do not add bone broth to large portions of dry pet food. Your pet will love it so much that they will eat until the bowl is gone. We all know what happens when our furry friends overeat. Keep this in mind to avoid puking.
Bone Broth For Cats and Dogs
Overall, bone broth for cats and dogs is an incredibly healthy food – just like it is for humans! If you’re a health nut and make broth for you, feel free to feed a little to your furry friend, too. If you have a sick pet or one who won’t eat, bone broth can be a great idea, as well. Here’s to pet health!
