Updated July 2026
Bone broth has become a popular way to add flavor and moisture to a dog’s meals. But is bone broth actually good for dogs?
For many dogs, a small amount of dog-safe bone broth can be used as an occasional food topper. The ingredients, sodium content, serving size, and your dog’s individual needs all matter, though. Here’s what pet parents should know before adding it to the bowl.
Bone Broth vs. Regular Stock
Bone broth and standard cooking stock may look similar, but not every product made for people is safe for dogs.
Many packaged broths and stocks contain ingredients dogs should avoid, including onion, garlic, leeks, or chives. They may also contain more sodium, fat, or seasoning than your dog needs.
When choosing bone broth for your dog, look for an option that is:
- Made specifically for pets
- Free from onion, garlic, leeks, and chives
- Unseasoned or lightly formulated
- Low in sodium
- Appropriate for your dog’s dietary needs
Always review the complete ingredient list rather than relying on words such as “natural” or “homemade” on the label.
What Can Bone Broth Do for Dogs?
Bone broth can add moisture, flavor, and variety to a dog’s regular food. This may make it useful as an occasional topper, especially for dogs that enjoy extra flavor at mealtime.
However, the nutritional content of bone broth varies considerably by recipe and preparation. It should not be treated as a reliable source of specific vitamins, minerals, probiotics, glucosamine, or chondroitin unless those nutrients are listed and quantified on the product label.
Bone broth is also not a complete and balanced meal. It should complement an appropriate diet rather than replace your dog’s regular food or a veterinarian-recommended supplement.
Can Dogs Have Homemade Bone Broth?
Homemade bone broth can be prepared for dogs, but the recipe should remain simple. Avoid onion, garlic, leeks, chives, added salt, and heavily seasoned ingredients.
Most importantly, strain the finished broth thoroughly and discard all bones. Never give your dog the cooked bones used to prepare it. Cooked bones can splinter and may cause choking, internal injury, or digestive obstruction.
Allow the broth to cool before serving and remove excess hardened fat from the surface. Rich or fatty broth may cause digestive upset and may be unsuitable for dogs with certain health conditions.
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used in bone-broth recipes, but it is not required to make a dog-friendly broth.
How to Serve Bone Broth Safely
Introduce bone broth gradually and serve only a small amount at first. You can pour it over your dog’s regular food or offer it separately according to the product directions or your veterinarian’s advice.
After serving it, watch for changes such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Itching or skin irritation
- Unusual discomfort
- Changes in energy or behavior
Stop serving the broth and contact your veterinarian if your dog has an unexpected reaction.
Check with your veterinarian before adding bone broth if your dog has food sensitivities, weight concerns, pancreatitis, kidney or heart disease, another diagnosed condition, or a prescribed diet.
A Simple Mealtime Addition
Bone broth can be a flavorful way to add moisture and variety to some dogs’ meals, but it is not a cure-all. Choose a dog-safe option, check every ingredient, keep portions modest, and never serve the cooked bones.
When in doubt, your veterinarian can help you decide whether bone broth fits your dog’s diet and how often it should be served.
If you have any additional questions or comments on the benefits of bone broth, please share your thoughts below or reach out to us at +1(800)738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com.
