What is bone broth for dogs — and is it worth adding?

At a glance

• Bone broth is made by slow-simmering animal bones — the long cook time extracts collagen, gelatin, glycine, and glucosamine
• It supports joint comfort, gut lining integrity, hydration, and can encourage fussy dogs to eat
• Bone broth is a supplement, not a complete food — it should always accompany a balanced meal
• Store-bought versions made for humans often contain onion, garlic, or excess salt — always use a dog-safe version
• Homemade bone broth is safe and straightforward, provided you skip the toxic ingredients

What is bone broth for dogs, exactly?

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period — typically 12 to 24 hours. That long cook time breaks down the collagen in bones and joints into gelatin, and releases amino acids like glycine and proline, plus natural glucosamine and chondroitin from the cartilage.

The result is a flavourful, concentrated liquid packed with compounds that support joint health, gut integrity, and hydration. It is not a complete food — it does not contain the full range of nutrients a dog needs day to day. But as an add-on to a well-balanced meal, it brings genuine nutritional value. Understanding how individual ingredients contribute to your dog's health is part of reading dog food nutrition properly — bone broth is no different.

What does bone broth actually do for dogs?

The benefits come from four main compounds released during the slow cook.

Gelatin and gut health. Gelatin, which is cooked collagen, coats and soothes the gut lining. It supports the tight junctions between intestinal cells — the structures that stop undigested particles passing into the bloodstream. Dogs with sensitive digestion or a history of gut upset benefit most from this.

Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. These compounds occur naturally in cartilage. Glucosamine helps maintain the cartilage between joints, and chondroitin supports its elasticity. Both are commonly used in joint supplements. Bone broth provides them in a bioavailable, food-first form.

Glycine for liver support. Glycine is an amino acid that plays a role in detoxification in the liver. It is classified as conditionally essential — dogs produce some, but dietary sources help during periods of stress, illness, or recovery.

Hydration. Dogs that are reluctant to drink enough water — particularly seniors, or dogs recovering from illness — will often lap up bone broth readily. Added to food, it increases moisture intake without fuss.

Is there solid evidence behind bone broth for dogs?

The honest answer is: the direct research on dogs is limited, but the underlying science is sound. Most of the clinical evidence for collagen, gelatin, and glucosamine comes from human and rodent studies, with a body of veterinary research supporting glucosamine and chondroitin specifically for canine joint conditions.

A 2016 review in the journal Open Access Animal Physiology confirmed that glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate reduce cartilage degradation markers in dogs with osteoarthritis. Gelatin's role in supporting intestinal barrier function is well-established in gastroenterology research, even if large-scale dog-specific trials are still sparse.

The practical evidence from veterinary nutritionists is consistent: bone broth is low-risk, palatable, and delivers nutrients in a form dogs absorb well. It is not a cure for joint disease or a leaky gut — but as part of a broader nutritional strategy, it earns its place.

If your dog has persistent joint pain, digestive issues, or unexplained appetite loss, speak to your vet before relying on any supplement as the primary intervention.

How do you add bone broth to a dog's diet safely?

The main risk with bone broth is not the broth itself — it is what gets added to it. Many human bone broths contain onion, garlic, leeks, or high levels of sodium, all of which are harmful to dogs. Always check the label, or make it yourself.

Making it at home is simple. Use raw or roasted bones (beef marrow, chicken carcasses, or lamb bones all work well), cover with cold water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals, and simmer on a low heat for 12 to 24 hours. Strain, cool, and skim off the fat layer before serving. It keeps in the fridge for five days or freezes well in ice cube portions.

How much to give. For small dogs, 30 to 60ml per day is a reasonable starting point. Medium dogs can have 60 to 120ml. Large breeds can take up to 240ml. Pour it over food rather than serving it separately — it improves palatability and adds moisture to the meal.

If you are already feeding a high-quality complete food, bone broth sits alongside it naturally. Marleybones meals are freshly prepared and sealed raw before being slow-cooked in-pack — a format that preserves the natural nutrients in the ingredients without needing preservatives or freezing. Adding bone broth on top means your dog gets the full spectrum of a complete diet plus the targeted support of a collagen-rich topper.

Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.

Is bone broth better than a dedicated joint or gut supplement?

It depends on what you are trying to achieve. Bone broth provides glucosamine, chondroitin, and gelatin in modest, natural amounts — useful for general maintenance and as a daily habit. A targeted supplement delivers standardised, therapeutic doses, which matters more when a dog is already showing symptoms.

For dogs with specific joint concerns, a dedicated joint supplement provides measured levels of active ingredients. Bone broth and a supplement are not mutually exclusive — many owners use both. The nutrition-ingredients landscape is broader than any single ingredient, and learning to read what is actually in your dog's food helps you make better decisions across the board.

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Frequently asked questions

Can puppies have bone broth?

Yes. Bone broth is safe for puppies provided it contains no onion, garlic, or added salt. It is a useful way to add moisture and palatability to meals during the transition to solid food. Keep portions small — 15 to 30ml per day for small breeds, up to 60ml for larger puppies.

Can I give my dog bone broth every day?

Daily use is fine for most dogs. It is a food-based addition rather than a pharmaceutical supplement, so there is no standard upper limit for healthy dogs. Monitor weight — broth adds calories, particularly if it is a fatty batch. Skim the fat layer before serving to keep it lighter.

Does bone broth help dogs with arthritis?

Bone broth provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin, which support cartilage health. For dogs already diagnosed with arthritis, it is a useful supportive addition but should not replace veterinary treatment or a dedicated supplement with standardised doses. Use it alongside your vet's recommended plan, not instead of it.

What bones are best for making dog-safe bone broth?

Beef marrow bones, chicken carcasses, chicken feet (which are especially high in collagen), and lamb bones all produce excellent broth. Avoid cooked bones when feeding directly — but for broth, the long simmer makes them safe to use. Always strain thoroughly before serving so no bone fragments remain in the liquid.

Is store-bought bone broth safe for dogs?

Only if it is specifically formulated for dogs, or a human version with a confirmed ingredients list containing no onion, garlic, leeks, chives, or high sodium. Most supermarket bone broths include at least one of these. Dog-specific versions are the safer choice, or make it at home where you control every ingredient.

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