Well, you have heard bone is excellent for dogs. But how about bone broth? If you are familiar with cuisine additives and recipes, you will understand that bone broth is a genuinely delicious ingredient in human food. The mix could single handedly improve flavoring.
In this episode of items your dog can eat or drink, this article examines the compatibility of bone broth with your dog.
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is essentially a mix of bones, spices, vinegar, and herbs commonly used in cooking some recipes. You can use it while preparing soups, stews, and even meat gravies to make them more delicious.
Most health-conscious people are turning to bone broth because of its numerous health benefits. Although some experts believe it does not contain as many amino acids as are required for humans, it remains an excellent broad-spectrum supplement to our everyday diet.
Spices and vegetables commonly added include carrot, garlic, thyme, curry, cabbage, and celery. You can decide to prepare it yourself or get one from the local grocery store. Also, you can make bone broth from any animal's bones–chicken, pork, beef, venison, and so on.
Is bone broth safe for my dogs?
First, it's best to understand that bone broth prepared for humans is not very safe for animals. It contains some ingredients that could affect your dog's health negatively. Some of them include vinegar and spices like onions and salt that might be unfit for dog meals.
On the other hand, you could get bone broth specially formulated for dogs at pet stores. That way, you are sure your dog isn't in danger of toxin accumulation. Alternatively, you can prepare your dog's bone broth at home so you can customize its ingredients.
Essential constituents of bone broth formulas
Bone broths are well known worldwide as excellent supplements for dog meals. On their own, they aren't considered balanced meals. So, you mustn't give your dog bone broth as a meal. Give it as a treat, or mix it with your pup's kibble while feeding it.
Nonetheless, it contains many nutrients that might be missing from your dog's diet. Some nutrients, like glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, are absent in regular dog kibble and wet food. Some of the other essential nutrients in bone broths include:
- Vitamins A and K
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Glycine
- Proteins like chondroitin and collagen, for strong bones
- Glucosamine for proper cell development and repair.
- Fatty acids
Health benefits of feeding your dogs bone broth
Apart from being an excellent source of essential nutrients, bone broth plays a host of other roles in ensuring your dog's health is optimal. Treating your dog to some bone broth daily keeps you assured it is getting the best nutrition.
Some of the vital health benefits of bone broth in dogs are highlighted below:
The digestive system, especially the small intestine, has numerous pores through which digested food passes to the blood. Unfortunately, poor diet and increased microbial activity could widen the pores and cause mass seepage of both digested and undigested food. Most times, undigested food contains toxins that destroy body cells or cause health issues.
You can feed your dog with prescribed probiotic supplements to correct the condition if the issue is with the microbial population. On the other hand, bone broth contains gelatin, a sticky gel-like substance that plugs the widened pores and prevents unwanted nutrient seepage.
Many canine supplements have one or more side effects associated with their uses. Such side effects range from causing dizziness to diarrhea or incompatibility with certain breeds or types of dogs.
However, most dogs easily accept bone broth. It has an enticing aroma and also tastes great. Apart from that, it doesn't cause any gastrointestinal discomfort. Even if your dog has allergies, it can still take bone broth.
Dogs only require water for their hydration. In some cases, like after surgeries, your dog might only be able to swallow fluids. At such moments, you will need a fluid that can supply several nutrients that might be absent from the IV fluids it receives. Bone broth boasts a wide range of macronutrients. Consequently, it is a decent alternative for dogs in such conditions.
Bone broth also aids your dog's liver's detoxification function. The amino acid glycine is an important metabolite in clearing substances from the body through the liver. Bone broth also contains a lot of glycine, which helps your dog's liver function correctly and stress-free.
Courtesy of specific proteins, bone broth is a crucial bone supplement. It helps reduce joint aches and provides the necessary proteins to repair and restore most joint components to their original, unaffected forms.
Some proteins include collagen, which is excellent for cartilage rebuilding and maintaining a good healthy coat, and chondroitin, which is also essential for cartilage growth. Glucosamine is a glycoprotein that forms a part of the extracellular matrix in bones and cartilages.
As with many other supplements, bone broth boosts your dog's immunity. This boost helps it fight infections effectively and reduce body inflammations, especially those caused by hyperactivity.
Having a picky dog is a pain, especially regarding eating. Bone broth helps resolve this issue. Because of its rich aroma, even picky eaters will be curious to taste their meals if you add bone broth to them.
How to prepare bone broth for dogs
Like we said earlier, you can get bone broth formulated for dogs from pet stores. If you choose to prepare it on your own, you could follow this procedure:
- Get bones of your desired animal from your local butcher. You could also save bones from meals for the broth.
- Add some water to the bones, along with some apple cider vinegar. Vinegar helps absorb the nutrients from the bones into the resulting broth.
- Consult your vet for advice on vegetable dogs can eat, like celery and parsley. Add these to the mixture.
- Cook the mixture for about 24 hours. Afterward, remove the bones and allow the soup to simmer.
- Put the broth in a refrigerator. When the fat accumulates on the surface, skim it off. The broth is then ready for your dog.
You can prepare a lot of broth and keep it frozen for long periods. You would only need to microwave it before serving your dog.
Conclusion
Bone broth is a valuable supplement for your furry companion. It has a wide range of health benefits and no apparent side effects. You only need to ensure it is for dogs before you give your pup. Also, it would be best if you remembered it's not a full meal; you can use it for treats and as a supplement for dog food.
