Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits & How to Use It
Bone broth is everywhere at the moment, and for good reason. It's rich, warming and packed with goodness, and one of the simplest ways to add a little extra nourishment to your dog's bowl.
So what can it do for your dog?
At Happy Hounds, we think the best way to judge any food is simply to watch your dog. Is their tummy more settled? Are they finishing their meals? Is their coat looking healthy, and do they seem brighter and more comfortable? Here's a look at how bone broth can support your dog's gut and joints, and how to make the most of it.
What is bone broth, exactly?
Bone broth is made by simmering bones (often with some cartilage and connective tissue) slowly in water for many hours. Over that time, the collagen in the bones and connective tissue breaks down into gelatine, which is why a good broth sets into a wobbly jelly when it's cold. Broth also carries amino acids such as glycine and proline, along with small amounts of minerals.
One thing worth knowing upfront: no two broths are the same. The type of bones, how long they're cooked and how much fat is skimmed off all change what ends up in the bowl, which is why it's worth knowing where your broth comes from.
Bone broth and your dog's gut: what we can say
Bone broth is a gentle, nourishing way to support good gut health.
It's hydrating. Broth is mostly water, and a tasty way to get more fluid into a dog. That's useful for older dogs who don't drink enough, for hot Cape summers, and for dogs on dry food.
It gets dogs eating. Broth is very palatable. Poured over a meal, it can coax a fussy eater or a dog who's off their food back to the bowl. For many owners, a dog who eats willingly again is the first sign that things are on the mend.
It's gentle. Broth is easy to digest and low in fibre, so it's a light option when a dog's stomach needs a rest. (If your dog has an ongoing tummy upset, please speak to your vet first.)
It's rich in gelatine and glycine. Broth is rich in gelatine and the amino acid glycine, which are thought to support a healthy gut lining. Research in dogs is still in its early days, but it's one of the reasons broth has long been a go-to for gentle, nourishing meals.
What owners tend to notice: meals finished, bowls licked clean, and a tummy that seems more settled. Those are the outcomes that count.
Bone broth and joint health
Healthy joints rely on collagen and cartilage. Bone broth is rich in collagen, in the form of gelatine, along with amino acids such as glycine and proline, the building blocks your dog's body uses to make its own collagen. That's why we describe broth as supporting joint health.
It's worth being clear about what that means: bone broth is a nourishing food, not a treatment. Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy weight, it can be a helpful part of keeping your dog moving comfortably, especially as they get older. If your dog is slowing down, limping or struggling on the stairs, a vet check is always the right first step.
A bonus for skin and coat
Collagen is also a key protein in healthy skin and hair, and the extra moisture broth adds to a meal helps keep your dog hydrated. Together, that makes broth a lovely way to support skin and coat health too.
Choosing a good bone broth
If you're buying a broth for your dog, look for:
- No onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs and common in human broths and stock cubes
- Little or no added salt
- A short, clear ingredient list with no flavourings or fillers
- Hormone- and antibiotic-free bones
Our bone broth and gravy
Our broths and gravy are made by hand in our kitchen. Our beef broth is made from grass-fed beef bones, our fish broth from whole, pole-caught fish, and our gravy from free-range chicken, with certified organic vegetables (no onion and garlic) and zero hormones or antibiotics. We simmer our broths slowly until they're rich and gelatinous (you'll see them set into a wobbly jelly in the fridge), then skim off most of the fat. Because every batch is handmade, no two are exactly alike. A little variation in colour and set is the mark of real food made in small batches, not a factory line.
Shop our broth:
How to use bone broth
- As a meal topper: a splash over your dog's usual food, warmed slightly, or poured over dry kibble to make it more enticing.
- For fussy or recovering eaters: to make the bowl more appealing.
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As a hydration helper: for dogs who need a little extra moisture alongside their daily water
- As a frozen treat: frozen in an interactive toy, ice-tray or lick mat to keep your dog busy and engaged
Start with a small amount and see how your dog gets on. If they tolerate it well, gradually increase the amount to 3–4 tablespoons per day.
The real test is your dog
Bone broth isn't a miracle food, and it doesn't need to be. Used well, it's a simple, nourishing way to support your dog's gut, joints and coat, keep them hydrated and make mealtimes more fun. Watch how your dog responds, and let that guide you.
For the Love of Hounds. For the Long Run.
