Slow Cooker Bone Broth for Dogs: Recipe, Benefits & Dosage

You’ve likely heard bone broth described as "liquid gold" in the pet health community, and for good reason. It is one of the most nutrient-dense, inexpensive, and versatile supplements you can add to your dog's diet. Whether you have a senior dog with achy joints, a pup with a sensitive stomach, or a picky eater, this simple addition can work wonders.

While you can buy expensive pouches at the store, making human-grade bone broth at home in your slow cooker is superior. It’s safer, preservative-free, and practically free if you use leftover bones.

Below is your comprehensive guide to making, storing, and feeding slow cooker bone broth, synthesized from top veterinary advice and expert nutritionists.

Why is Bone Broth Called 'Liquid Gold'? (The Science)

Bone broth isn't just tasty water; it is a nutritional powerhouse. When you simmer bones for an extended period (12 to 48 hours), the connective tissues break down, releasing vital nutrients into the water.

Here is exactly what this "liquid gold" does for your dog's physiology:

Joint Protection and Mobility

This is perhaps the most cited benefit. Bone broth is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as natural collagen.

• The Data: These compounds are the building blocks of cartilage. As dogs age, collagen production slows down. Supplementing with broth helps protect joints and can alleviate pain in dogs with arthritis.
• Pro Tip: Including parts with many joints, like chicken feet, will significantly increase the gelatin content, making the broth thicker and richer in collagen.

Gut Health and Digestion

If your dog suffers from "leaky gut," diarrhea, or sensitive digestion, bone broth is a soothing balm. It is rich in gelatin, which helps stabilize the gut mucosa.

• How it works: Gelatin absorbs water and provides a layer of mucus that protects the intestinal barrier from excess acid and harmful microbes.
• Nutrient Spotlight: One cup of bone broth contains about 0.5 to 1.7 grams of glycine, an amino acid that aids in digestion and liver detoxification.

Immune System and Liver Detox

The liver is the master detoxifier of the body. The glycine found in bone broth helps the liver flush out toxins. Furthermore, the abundance of minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) bolsters the immune system, helping your dog fight off infections and allergies.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Bone Broth

Before you start tossing leftovers into the Crockpot, you must understand the difference between human soup and dog broth.

NEVER use Onions or Garlic. While some humans love these aromatics, they are toxic to dogs. Onions can cause oxidative damage to your dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia.

• The Rule: If you are using leftover bones from a roasted chicken that was cooked with heavy garlic and onions, it is safer to skip using those bones. Start with raw bones or a carcass cooked without these toxins.
• Avoid Sodium: Do not add salt. Commercial stock cubes are often loaded with sodium and onion powder—avoid these entirely.

Selecting the Best Bones for Nutrient-Rich Dog Broth

To get that "jelly" consistency (which indicates high gelatin content), you need the right mix of bones:

• Jointy Bones: Chicken feet, wings, turkey necks, and ox tails are high in cartilage.
• Marrow Bones: Beef marrow bones provide rich healthy fats and minerals.
• Leftovers: The carcass of a roasted chicken or turkey is perfect (provided it’s onion-free).

Homemade Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs

The slow cooker (Crockpot) is the preferred method for making bone broth because of its safety, ease of use, and ability to maintain a low simmer for long periods without dangerous stove-top monitoring.

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs of Bones: (Mix of marrow bones and joint bones like chicken feet).
• Water: Enough to cover the bones by about an inch.
• 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): This is crucial. The acidity in the vinegar helps extract the minerals and nutrients from the bones into the broth.
• Optional Veggies: Carrots, celery, or green beans (Remember: NO onions).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Load the Pot: Place your bones (and optional veggies) into the slow cooker.
2. Add Acid: Pour in the apple cider vinegar.
3. Fill: Add water until the bones are completely submerged.
4. The Long Simmer: Turn the slow cooker on low.
   • Timeframe: Let it cook for at least 12 hours, but 24 to 48 hours is ideal. The longer it simmers, the more nutrients are drawn out. You know it's done when the bones crumble easily when pressed.
5. Strain: Remove the solids. Discard the cooked bones immediately.
   • Safety Note: Never feed cooked bones to dogs; they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.
6. Cool and Skim: Let the broth cool. A layer of fat may form on top. If your dog has pancreatitis or is overweight, skim this fat off. Otherwise, it’s a healthy fat source.
7. The "Jiggle" Test: Once refrigerated, a good bone broth should look like Jell-O. If it's liquid, it's still healthy (bone stock), but next time, add more apple cider vinegar or chicken feet.

Feeding Guide: Bone Broth Dosage and Creative Uses for Dogs

How much should you give? While it's a food, not a medicine, you should introduce it gradually.

The Golden Ratio

A general guideline supported by research is 1 ounce of broth per 15 pounds of body weight per day.

• Small Dog (15 lbs): ~1 oz (2 tbsp)
• Medium Dog (45 lbs): ~3 oz
• Large Dog (75+ lbs): ~5 oz

Creative Ways to Feed

1. Food Topper: Pour warm broth over dry kibble to soften it and increase palatability (great for picky eaters).
2. Pupsicles: Pour broth into ice cube trays and freeze. These make excellent cooling treats for summer.
3. Medicinal Gummies: Mix the broth with plain gelatin powder to create gummy treats—perfect for joint health supplements.
4. Rehydration: Add a splash to their water bowl on hot days to encourage drinking.

Storing Homemade Bone Broth for Optimal Freshness

Because this recipe contains no preservatives, proper storage is key to preventing spoilage.

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight jars (mason jars work great). It will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days.
• Freezer: This is the best method for batch cooking. Bone broth freezes exceptionally well.
  • Longevity: It keeps for 6 months up to 1 year.
  • Method: Freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays first, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This allows you to grab a single portion whenever you need it without defrosting the whole batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I give my dog store-bought bone broth? A: Yes, but be careful. Ensure it is formulated for pets (like Brutus Bone Broth or Honest Kitchen) or check the label on human broth meticulously to ensure there is zero onion and low sodium.

Q: Can dogs eat bone broth every day? A: Absolutely. It is a gentle, whole-food supplement that supports daily gut and joint maintenance.

Q: What is the difference between bone broth and bone stock? A: Time. Stock is usually simmered for 3-4 hours. Bone broth is simmered for 12-48 hours. The longer simmer time is required to extract the collagen and gelatin that provides the therapeutic health benefits.

Q: My broth didn't gel. Is it ruined? A: Not at all! It still contains valuable minerals and hydration. To get the gel next time, use more acidic vinegar (ACV) and include more connective tissue (chicken feet or joints).