Is bone broth just another pet wellness trend, or does science support its benefits? This nutrient-rich, time-tested food isn’t just hype — it offers real support for dogs dealing with joint stiffness, gut imbalances, poor hydration, and more.

Let’s break down how bone broth works and why it can be a powerful tool for your dog’s long-term health.

What is Bone Broth? 

Bone broth is a nourishing liquid made by simmering animal bones (commonly chicken or beef) in water for an extended period. This slow simmering process extracts amino acids, collagen, minerals, and other nutrients that support healing and repair.

Traditionally, recipes include root vegetables, herbs, and a small amount of apple cider vinegar to help draw out minerals and collagen. The result is a digestible, hydrating broth that delivers targeted benefits for the joints, gut, skin, and immune system.

Key Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

• Joint Protection: Bone broth contains naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin — compounds known to support cartilage health and reduce joint inflammation. These nutrients are especially helpful for aging dogs or breeds prone to arthritis.

• Bone Strength: It delivers minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all essential for maintaining strong bones and proper nerve function.

• Gut Repair: Bone broth is rich in glycine and glutamine, two amino acids that help repair and strengthen the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This makes it particularly soothing for dogs with sensitive stomachs or symptoms of leaky gut.

• Skin & Coat Health: The collagen in bone broth supports skin elasticity and hydration, which can contribute to a shinier, healthier coat — especially in dogs with dry skin or chronic itching.

• Natural Hydration: Some dogs don’t drink enough water on their own. Bone broth is flavorful and highly palatable, encouraging better hydration, especially in picky eaters or sick dogs.

• Immune Support: 70% of your dog’s immune system lies in the gut. The amino acids and minerals in bone broth support gut health, which helps strengthen immune function, and provides gentle nourishment for dogs recovering from illness, surgery, or stress. By soothing the gut and reducing systemic inflammation, bone broth can also help improve immune resilience in dogs prone to environmental and seasonal allergies.

• Liver Health: Bone broth contains the amino acid - Glycine, which can help support the liver detoxification process. By supporting gut lining integrity and reducing inflammation, bone broth further assists the liver in its detox function by promoting optimal elimination of toxins through the GI tract.  

Gut Health: Where Bone Broth Shines 

Your dog’s digestive system plays a central role in their overall health — influencing everything from nutrient absorption to immune function. Bone broth provides nutrients that help maintain gut barrier integrity, especially glycine, which calms inflammation and aids in tissue repair.

When the gut lining is compromised (as in cases of leaky gut), toxins and food particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger widespread inflammation. Bone broth helps reinforce this barrier and reduce downstream effects on skin, digestion, and behavior. Its gentleness also makes it suitable during periods of low appetite, recovery, or detox support.

What The Research Says

Scientific literature supports many of the functional benefits bone broth offers:

• Glycine, found in collagen and gelatin, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and support liver detoxification pathways (Wang et al., 2019; Hou et al., 2015).
• Glutamine helps maintain the intestinal barrier and is beneficial in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (Rhoads et al., 1997).
• Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, extracted from cartilage and connective tissues during simmering, are well-documented for their ability to support joint cartilage and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs (McCarthy et al., 2007).
• Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus support healthy bones and metabolic processes (Dobenecker et al., 2018).
• The glycosaminoglycans found in bone broth, including hyaluronic acid, contribute to skin hydration and elasticity, which may improve coat quality and skin health in dogs (King et al., 2013).
• One study found that dogs fed bone broth produced more antioxidant enzymes — offering protection against age-related oxidative stress and cellular damage (Candioti et al., 2021).

Quality Matters: Heavy Metals and Sourcing 

Bone tissue can accumulate environmental toxins like lead or cadmium — making quality a critical factor. To reduce risk, look for bone broth made from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, and avoid broths that include onion, garlic, or added salt. Prioritize:

• Short, clean ingredient lists
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• Low or no sodium
• Verified animal sourcing (organic, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free) 

How To Offer Bone Broth To Dogs 

Bone broth is incredibly versatile:

• Pour it over kibble to enhance taste and moisture
• Mix it with wet, fresh, or raw food for added nutrition
• Serve it as a warm treat on cold days or during recovery
• Freeze it into cubes for a hydrating summer snack
  

Final Thoughts 

Bone broth isn’t a magic cure, but it is a powerful, evidence-supported addition to your dog’s wellness routine. It provides joint nourishment, digestive support, immune resilience, and better hydration — all in a simple, easy-to-digest form.

By choosing high-quality sources and incorporating it consistently, you can offer your dog real, science-backed support that aligns with both tradition and modern nutritional science.