Bone broth is packed with nutrients in an easily absorbable form. It packs a nutritional punch of collagen, amino acids and minerals that aren’t typically found in either home-made or commercial pet food. Puppies (and kittens) need nutrient-rich foods to build strong joints, muscles, and teeth. Older dogs (and cats) lose protein, and can benefit from support for achy joints, brain function, the gastro-intestinal and immune systems, and more.
Bone broth is NOT the same as Stock.
Bone broth is made by long-slow-cooking of bones and joints rich in marrow and cartilage with a small amount of acid (such as apple cider vinegar) to enhance extraction of the nutrients, to produce a broth rich in collagen, protein, calcium, magnesium and iron.
It’s an excellent source of chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to protect joints and connective tissues. The minerals, collagen and cartilage support strong bones. Cartilage also supports the immune system.
Bone broth is packed with proline and glycine, which are anti-inflammatory, promote a healthy gut and repair intestinal damage. These amino acids, plus the high moisture content, assist the body in breaking down foods and eliminating waste, and can help relieve the discomfort of gas and indigestion. Improving the gut microbiome supports a healthy immune system. Bone broth helps fight ulcerative colitis by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, according to veterinary nutritionist Dr Karen Becker.
Bone broth also contains the amino acid l-tryptophan, which helps increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is most commonly known for its role in supporting mood and sleep, but it is also involved in bowel function, blood clotting, and much more. We could go on indefinitely.
Benefits (the short version)
Improved digestion and gut health
Joint and connective tissue protection and repair.
Reducing joint pain and inflammation.
Healthier fur, skin and teeth
Supports the immune system
During illness – It’s easy added nutrition for unwell dogs who may be reluctant or unable to eat. it is rehydrating, palatable, and readily diluted to taste.
It seems a simple way to increase the nutrition of recipes, but it is time-intensive. Dr Karen Becker recommends 48 hours to slow-cook beef or lamb bones, 24 hours for chicken bones.
Bone broth for dogs is NOT the same as for people. Both high-end and supermarket brands usually contain too much salt to be safe for dogs. They often also contain onion, which is toxic to pooches.
So, you could either;
- make your own, if you have the time and a slow cooker.
- buy a bone broth designed for dogs and made with human-grade ingredients or
- get home-delivered frozen meals that use human grade, dog-safe bone broth in their recipes. Yes, that’s us.
You may be interested in –
https://independenceveterinaryclinic.com/pet-topics/bone-broth-for-dogs/
https://drkarenbecker.com/ (new site under construction)
Image by: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/Madeleine_Steinbach?mediatype=photography