Bone Broths For Dogs And Cats
Bone broth has been used in traditional cooking around the world for centuries. Every culture has a variation of a bone broth recipe that used to simmer on the stove continuously. The cooks would take some of the nutritious liquid, vegetables, meat and bones out and add new ones in so the cooking can continue. I’m sure pets of the past used to get some of this liquid gold with meat scraps!
Western societies are looking more now than ever for traditional remedies and whole foods to heal the chronic health problems we are facing. This is not only goes for people but our pets are facing a health crisis too.
We are moving our pets' diets away from processed foods back to traditional feeding and this is having a huge impact on the quality and quantity of life they are leading.
Is Bone Broth Good For Dogs And Cats?
People have seen the benefits of bone broth added to their daily diet help with all sorts of chronic ailments including joint pain, a whole range of digestive issues and it has shown anecdotal evidence of improvements in overall general health.
Adding broth to our pet’s diet on a regular basis can also have similar benefits. We often see an improvement in joint, skin and coat health with daily supplementation with bone broths.
Bone broth contains a wonderful protein called collagen. This is extracted from the slow cooking of the bones and joints which draws the collagen into the broth. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body of mammals (including humans and our dogs & cats). As we age, its production is drastically reduced. Collagen is known as the glue of the body, since binds the muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, blood vessels and digestive system.
In addition to collagen, bone broth is nutrient-rich with minerals and amino acids including proline, glycine, and glutamine, which can help support healthy digestion and immunity.
Benefits Of Bone Broth For Dogs And Cats:
- Decreased Inflammation
- Skin & Coat Health
- Rebuilding bones, tendons and joints
- Improved immune response
- Helps boost digestive health and soothe the gut
- Improved absorption of other nutrients
- Great for fussy eaters to entice them with flavour
However, not all bone broths are created the same. When cooking or buying bone broth, opt for one with locally sourced free-range chicken or pasture-raised beef. Good sourced mean a healthier and more nutritious product. We stock a chicken bone broth, lamb bone broth and beef bone broth that we can highly recommend for a simple, no fuss option. If you're making your own bone broth, brisket bones and marrow bones make great bone broth.
How To Feed Your Dog Or Cat Bone Broth?
The easiest way is to add a small amount to your pet's meal each day (see feeding guidelines on the packet). It makes the meal delicious, but also adds moisture to the food to hydrate your dog.
Another idea is to freeze in ice cubes and give as a refreshing treat on those hot summer days, you can always add some berries or chopped vegetables to their ice blocks!
Bone broth is also amazing for senior dogs and a great compliment to a raw food diet for cats. You can feed it to cats and dogs recovering from illness or suffering diarrhea who need extra hydration or encouragement to start eating again.
If your dog is being picky with their food, broth is a great way to give something nourishing for them to improve their appetite.
As always, seek advice from your vet if you are in doubt about your pet’s symptoms and feeding habits.