Can Dogs Drink Bone Broth

The Short Answer: Yes — Plain Bone Broth Is One of the Best Drinks for Dogs

Plain, unseasoned bone broth is safe and genuinely beneficial for dogs. It is one of the most nutritious liquid supplements you can give your dog — rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that support joint health, gut health, skin, and coat. Bone broth also encourages hydration in dogs who are reluctant to drink, and is an excellent food topper for picky eaters. The critical rule is plain and unseasoned only — commercial bone broths made for humans often contain garlic, onion, and high sodium that are harmful to dogs.

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

1. Rich in Collagen and Gelatin

Bone broth is made by simmering bones for an extended period, releasing collagen and gelatin. These compounds support:

• Joint health and mobility — particularly beneficial for older dogs and large breeds
• Gut lining integrity — gelatin helps seal and heal the intestinal lining
• Skin and coat health — collagen supports skin elasticity and coat shine

2. Amino Acids

Bone broth is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — amino acids that support liver detoxification, immune function, and tissue repair.

3. Minerals

Bone broth provides calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium in bioavailable forms that support bone health and overall nutrition.

4. Hydration Support

Many dogs who are reluctant to drink water will readily lap up bone broth. It is an excellent way to increase fluid intake in dogs who are ill, recovering from surgery, or simply not drinking enough.

5. Appetite Stimulant

The rich aroma and flavor of bone broth makes it an excellent food topper for picky eaters or dogs with reduced appetite due to illness or aging.

6. Gut Health Support

The gelatin in bone broth supports the gut lining and may help dogs with leaky gut, inflammatory bowel disease, or digestive sensitivity.

Critical Rules — What to Avoid

1. No Garlic or Onion

Most commercial bone broths made for humans contain garlic and/or onion for flavor. Both are toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list and choose bone broth specifically made for dogs or homemade broth with no alliums.

2. Low Sodium

Human bone broths are often high in sodium. Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties, or make your own.

3. No Seasonings or Spices

Plain bone broth only — no herbs, spices, or flavor additives beyond the bones themselves.

How to Give Bone Broth to Dogs

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed
• Use as a food topper over kibble or wet food
• Freeze in ice cube trays for a cooling summer treat
• Mix with water to encourage drinking
• Small dogs — 1–2 tablespoons daily
• Medium dogs — 2–4 tablespoons daily
• Large dogs — up to ¼ cup daily

Best Bone Broth for Dogs

👉 Stella & Chewy's Bountiful Bone Broth for Dogs (Grass-Fed Beef & Cage-Free Chicken) — a dog-specific bone broth made with grass-fed beef and cage-free chicken. No garlic, no onion, no harmful additives — just pure, nutritious bone broth formulated for dogs. Available in a convenient resealable pouch.

👉 NaturVet Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics & Prebiotics for Dogs — pairs perfectly with bone broth to provide comprehensive gut health support for dogs with digestive sensitivity.

The Bottom Line

Plain, unseasoned bone broth is one of the best drinks you can give your dog. Rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals, it supports joint health, gut health, hydration, and appetite. Always choose dog-specific bone broth or make your own with no garlic, onion, or high sodium. It is a genuinely excellent addition to any dog's diet.