At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, bone broth is one of the few things we actually cook for dogs, and it has earned a loyal following among Australian owners for good reason. It is simple, inexpensive and something most dogs genuinely enjoy. This guide covers what bone broth actually is, the nutrients it provides, and a straightforward recipe you can make at home in your own kitchen.
What Exactly Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is the nutrient-rich liquid produced by simmering bones over low heat for an extended period, often with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help draw nutrients out of the bone into the liquid. It is quite different from the stock you might buy at the supermarket, which is typically made using higher heat over a much shorter time and can contain higher sodium levels and preservatives that are not ideal for dogs.
What Nutrients Does Bone Broth Contain?
Slow simmering releases a range of nutrients into the broth, including amino acids such as glycine and proline, collagen, and minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Some vitamins are also present depending on what else goes into the pot, such as vegetable offcuts. This nutrient profile is one of the reasons bone broth has become a popular addition to raw feeding routines across Australia.
Why Dogs Love It
Beyond the nutritional content, bone broth is simply appealing to most dogs. Its rich smell and savoury flavour make it a hit even with fussy eaters who might otherwise turn their nose up at a regular meal. Pouring a small amount of warm broth over kibble or a raw meal is a common trick owners use to make food more enticing without changing the meal itself.
A Simple Homemade Recipe
Making your own bone broth at home is straightforward and does not require any special equipment. Here is a basic method using chicken bones, which tend to be widely available and inexpensive.
- Place raw chicken bones such as frames, necks or feet into a large stock pot or saucepan and cover with filtered water, leaving two to three centimetres of water above the bones.
- Add two to three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and let the mixture sit for around 30 minutes before turning on the heat. This step helps draw nutrients out of the bone.
- Add any dog-safe vegetable offcuts you have on hand, such as carrot, celery or parsley. Avoid onion and garlic, which are unsafe for dogs.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covered, for around 24 hours for chicken bones or up to 48 hours if using beef bones.
- Skim any foam from the surface every 30 minutes for the first two to three hours.
- Once finished, strain the liquid and discard the cooked bones. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, so they should never be given to your dog.
Once cooled, the broth is ready to serve on its own or poured over your dog's regular meal. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze for easy use throughout the week.
How Often Should You Serve It?
Bone broth works well as an occasional addition rather than a daily staple, whether that is a couple of times a week poured over meals or as a standalone treat. If your dog is currently eating less than usual, perhaps during a bout of low appetite, a small amount of warm broth can sometimes help make food more appealing, though a persistent loss of appetite should always be checked by your vet rather than managed with broth alone.
Choosing the Right Bones
Not all bones are equally suited to broth making. Bones with plenty of joints and connective tissue, such as chicken frames, necks and feet, tend to yield the richest broth because they contain more collagen than solid cuts. Beef marrow bones and knuckle bones also work well for a heartier broth, though they need the longer simmer time to properly break down.
Mixing bone types can also work nicely. Combining chicken frames with a few beef bones gives you a broth with a slightly different flavour and nutrient profile compared to using a single bone type, and it is a good way to use up whatever you have on hand from previous meals.
Adding Extras to Your Broth
Once you are comfortable with the basic method, there is plenty of room to experiment. A few slices of fresh ginger can add a warming note that some dogs enjoy, while a small amount of turmeric adds colour and a mild earthy flavour, though it should only be used in small amounts and always paired with a fat source for better absorption. Leafy greens like kale or spinach can be added in the final hour of cooking for a nutritional boost without overpowering the broth.
Keep any additions modest and dog-safe. The goal is a simple, nourishing broth rather than a complicated dish, and overloading it with too many extras can make it harder to know exactly what your dog is consuming.
Bone Broth Alongside a Balanced Raw Diet
Bone broth is a lovely addition, but it is not a replacement for a complete and balanced diet. Our beef, chicken and duck ranges provide that nutritional foundation, with bone broth serving as a flavourful, nutrient-rich extra on top. If you are new to raw feeding and want to see how broth fits alongside a full meal plan, our sample pack is a good starting point, and our meal planner quiz can help you calculate the right portion sizes for your dog's main meals.
Safety Notes
Always use raw bones for making broth rather than bones your dog has already chewed, and never feed the softened, cooked bones once the broth is done. The MSD Veterinary Manual and other veterinary resources note that cooked bones pose a choking and splintering risk that raw bones generally do not carry in the same way. If your dog has any existing health condition, check with your vet before introducing bone broth or any new food to their routine.
We are proud to be a Sydney-based business sharing simple, practical tips like this one with dog owners across Australia. Bone broth is a wonderful example of how a little kitchen effort can add real variety to your dog's week.
A Treat for Multi-Pet Households
If your household includes both dogs and cats, note that cats have their own specific dietary needs and any broth intended for them should be made without the vegetable extras used for dogs and kept plain. Always check with your vet before sharing broth between species, since a recipe designed for one is not automatically appropriate for the other despite both being carnivorous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bone broth for dogs?
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by slowly simmering bones, often with a splash of vinegar, over many hours to draw out nutrients into the broth.
What nutrients are in homemade bone broth?
Homemade bone broth typically contains amino acids, collagen, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, along with some vitamins.
Can I feed my dog store bought stock instead of homemade broth?
Homemade broth is generally preferable because store bought stocks often contain higher sodium levels and preservatives not suitable for dogs.
How long does homemade bone broth take to make?
Chicken bone broth typically simmers for around 24 hours, while beef bone broth may take up to 48 hours to fully extract nutrients from the bones.
Can I feed cooked bones to my dog after making broth?
No, cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, so they should always be discarded after straining the broth rather than given to your dog.
How should I store bone broth for my dog?
Bone broth can be portioned into ice cube trays or small containers and stored in the freezer, then thawed as needed for individual servings.
Can bone broth help fussy eaters?
Many owners find that pouring a little warm bone broth over regular meals can make food more appealing to a fussy eater.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
