Proper nutrition keeps your dog healthy and vibrant. Bone broth for dogs contains vital nutrients that boost your dog’s joint strength, mobility, and digestive health because it contains glucosamine, collagen, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bone broth doesn’t replace your dog’s regular meals but is used as a tasty addition to a well-balanced diet.
We reviewed dozens of bone broths for dogs as we created our top five list. We considered the bone broth’s source, such as grass-fed or free-range animals, as well as the ease of use of the packaging. The bone broth’s form — powder, liquid, or freeze-dried — came into play as well. We’ve picked five of the best bone broths that are easy to use and provide your dog with the best in nutrition.
Bone broth is a food topper that you add to your dog’s regular meal. The Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bone Broth comes in a pump dispenser that’s easy to use and store. A few pumps on top of your dog’s food, and he gets added nutrients to keep him limber and strong.
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The 5 Top-Rated Dog Bone Broths for Dogs
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Bone Broth for Dogs Overall | Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bone Broth | 4.7 |
Best Powdered Bone Broth for Dogs | NutraPet K9 Broth & Hemp Protein Powder | 4.6 |
Best Budget Bone Broth for Dogs | The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth | 4.1 |
Best Liquid Bone Broth for Dogs | Zesty Paws Probiotic Bone Broth | 4.6 |
Best Freeze-Dried Bone Broth for Dogs | Herbsmith Smiling Dog Beef Bone Broth | 4.3 |
*Ratings are current at the time of publication and can change
Best Bone Broth for Dogs Overall: Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bone Broth
Bone broth naturally contains nutrients that support joint health. However, Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bone Broth includes those nutrients and then some. It’s packed with the normal bone broth bonuses of glucosamine and collagen, but this recipe also includes MSM (a chemical naturally found in humans and animals), chondroitin sulfate, and eggshell membrane to further support your dog’s joint health.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) enhances joint cushioning and motion. The chondroitin sulfate supports the structure of the joint, while the eggshell membrane contains a type of collagen that helps joint flexibility. Plus, it comes in an easy-to-use dispenser. The liquid bone broth has to be refrigerated after opening and can be stored in the fridge and pulled out for easy application to your dog’s meals.
Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bone Broth Key Features:
- Easy to use pump
- Additions of MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and eggshell membrane
- Grain-free
Best Powdered Bone Broth for Dogs: NutraPet K9 Broth & Hemp Protein Powder
Powdered bone broths are easy to store and provide one of the best bangs for your buck. The NutraPet K9 Broth & Hemp Protein Powder is designed for joint health and reduced inflammation but also improves gut health.
Glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen fill every serving, and with this powder, you get a lot of servings. It’s a highly concentrated formula, so you get 60 servings per container. Considering that with some liquid formulas only have four servings per package, that’s a pretty good deal.
Finally, you get two serving options with a powder. You can directly sprinkle the powder on your dog’s food, or mix it with water to create a broth to pour on top.
NutraPet K9 Broth & Hemp Protein Powder Key Features:
- Additional hemp powder to reduce inflammation
- Highly-concentrated powder
- 60 servings per container
Best Budget Bone Broth for Dogs: The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth
The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth meets the FDA’s human standards, which technically means it’s safe for you both. However, this one’s packed with extras your dog will probably like and need more than you. It has the glucosamine and chondroitin of other bone broths, but this recipe also includes pumpkin and turmeric.
For dogs who struggle with stomach issues, pumpkin is a gentle alternative to get some much-needed calories in them. In this recipe, it settles the stomach, so your dog gets energized. It also includes turmeric, a bright yellow spice with natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These ingredients work together with the bone broth for a boost in your dog’s health.
We like that you get a full ten cups of broth at a reasonable price. Broth can be expensive, but powders offer you the best deal, and this one takes the cake.
The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth Key Features:
- Contains pumpkin and turmeric
- Human-grade ingredients
- Each container makes 10 cups of bone broth
Best Liquid Bone Broth for Dogs: Zesty Paws Probiotic Bone Broth
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bone Broth brings everything that’s great about bone broth and adds probiotics into the mix. But what really makes this broth the best liquid is the easy to use pump. You can store the bottle in the refrigerator and easily pull it out and add some bone broth without making a mess — fast and simple.
Then, of course, there are all the benefits of the bone broth. The glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen keep joints strong and flexible, while probiotics improve gut health for better digestion.
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bone Broth Key Features:
- Contains probiotics
- Easy to use pump
- Aids digestive health
Best Freeze-Dried Bone Broth for Dogs: Herbsmith Smiling Dog Beef Bone Broth
Herbsmith Smiling Dog Beef Bone Broth isn’t your typical bone broth product. It’s freeze-dried, creating a flaky topper that you can sprinkle or rehydrate and pour on your dog’s food. If you’re looking for a bone broth you can store for years and gives you easy use options, this freeze-dried recipe is probably the right one for you.
It’s specially designed for dogs with allergies, leaving out the grains and gluten that could hurt your dog’s digestive health. A sprinkle of flakes can reintroduce some of the nutrients he needs to help his guts relax.
Herbsmith Smiling Dog Beef Bone Broth Key Features:
- Freeze-dried flakes
- Can be rehydrated
- Gluten-free
Who Should Buy Bone Broth for Dogs
Dogs have unique nutritional needs that change throughout their life. Like humans, their joints and ligaments lose their strength and flexibility as time passes. If your dog struggles with arthritis or other painful joint and mobility problems, a bone broth for dogs is a food topper you should definitely consider.
Bone broth contains the collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin naturally found in bones. Those nutrients strengthen, cushion, and improve the flexibility of the most mobile and vulnerable areas of the body. Bone broth won’t solve all of your dog’s mobility issues, but it can work in conjunction with any other treatments or medications prescribed by your vet.
Even if your dog isn’t struggling with joint pain, bone broth provides nutrients that keep him young and spry. He’ll be playing tug of war and fetch for years to come.
If you’re looking for a variety of bone broth for you, then you should check out The Best Bone Broth Protein.
Important Features to Consider
A bone broth for dogs needs a few features for which you need to watch. Here’s what to consider as you make your decision:
- Type of bone broth. Bone broths are made from lamb, pig, beef, venison, and poultry. However, bones contain the same nutrients no matter what animal they come from. What’s more important is how the bone broth is preserved and packaged, mostly because it affects the ease of use. There are liquid, powdered, and freeze-dried bone broths. Liquid bone broths are ready to serve, but they’re expensive, and you don’t usually get very many servings in a package. Both powered and freeze-dried bone broths store well and give you more bang for your buck. However, your dog may not like them quite as much as the pre-mixed variety.
- Grain and gluten-free. Many dogs have grain and gluten allergies. A grain and gluten-free broth ensures that your dog’s digestive health won’t suffer.
- Natural and/organic. Natural and/or organic bone broths are made from bones of animals that have been raised organically. There aren’t too many bone broths that fall into this category, but if you want to keep pesticides, antibiotics, and herbicides out, look for organic bone broth.
- Ease of use/application. Bone broths come in cartons, pouches, tins, boxes, and pump bottles. Pump bottles are the easiest to use, but they’re pricey. Powered bone broths in tins, boxes, and cartons are easy to use and store. Pouches are great if you need to feed your dog on the road, while liquid broths in cartons are fairly simple to store in the refrigerator once opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is made by boiling the bones of a pig, cow, or any other animal. After cooking the bones in water and vinegar for up to 24 hours, you strain out the bones and keep the broth. It has a gelatin-like consistency and is packed with nutrients, like glucosamine and collagen, found in the bones, joints, and connective tissues.
How much bone broth should I give my dog?
Most bone broths for dogs have a recommended amount of broth per pound of dog. For example, some powdered recipes may call for one teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog per meal. Liquid broths may call for one cup of broth per 20 or 30 pounds of dog per meal. Read the bone broth’s recommended use and follow them based on your dog’s weight.
Can dogs eat bones from bone broth?
Dogs should not eat bones after they’ve been used to make broth. Bones get brittle after they’ve been cooked and can splinter in your dog’s throat or intestines. They’re sharp enough that they can perforate the lining and cause serious damage. Throw those bones out when you’re done.
How long do you cook bone broth for dogs?
If you want to try making your own bone broth, you’ll need to cook the bones for anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the recipe. While it’s not hard to make broth, it is a long term commitment that will either take up counter space in a slow cooker or one element on your stovetop.
Other Bone Broths for Dogs We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other bone broths for dogs. While these recipes didn’t quite make our 5 best bone broths for dogs list, they’re still some delicious and nutritious bone broths worth considering. They’re packaging or ease of use might make them a good choice for you.
Freeze-Dried Bone Broths for Dogs
Under the Weather Rice, Chicken, and Bone Broth
Freeze-dried bone broths store well and easily rehydrate for a nutritious addition to your dog’s next meal.
Key Features:
- Made from cage-free chicken
- Sprinkle on food or rehydrate
- Gluten-free
Powdered Bone Broths for Dogs
K9Nature Supplements Turmeric Curcumin Bone Broth for Dogs
Turmeric is a natural treatment for joint inflammation, making it a great addition to a healthy bone broth.
Key Features:
- Includes organic coconut milk
- Turmeric for joint health
- For cats and dogs
Cost: $30
Native Pet Organic Bone Broth for Dogs
Organic bone broth skips any of the pesticides and antibiotics you don’t want in your pet’s food.
Key Features:
- Only three (3) organic ingredients
- Can be sprinkled on food or mixed into a gravy
- Made with 70 percent protein
Cost: $20
Nature’s Diet Pet for Pets Bone Broth Original Blend
With five flavor options, you’re sure to find a blend your dog loves.
Key Features:
- Five (5) flavors – Original chicken, original beef, functional benefits blend, skin and coat, and digestion
- Can be mixed and used as gravy or sprinkled on food
- Grain and gluten-free
Cost: $13
Nature’s Logic Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth
All-natural ingredients leave out the chemicals you don’t want for your dog and keep the nutrients you do.
Key Features:
- For dogs or cats
- All-natural
- Made of 90 percent protein
Cost: $16
This bone broth contains both bones and antlers for added minerals.
Key Features:
- Made from elk bone and elk antlers
- Grain and gluten-free
- Does not require a water additive
Cost: $20
Strawfield Powdered Bone Broth for Dogs
Free of common allergens like gluten and corn, this powder provides a powerful nutritional punch and contains up to 60 servings.
Key Features:
- Free of grain, gluten, dairy, sugar, and salt
- Turmeric further promotes joint health
- Pumpkin for gentle digestion
Cost: $25
The Honest Kitchen Bone Beef Broth with Turmeric Spice
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties only add to the benefits of bone broth’s joint supportive nutrition.
Key Features:
- All-natural, human-grade ingredients
- Pumpkin eases digestion
- Turmeric reduces inflammation and promotes joint health
Liquid Bone Broths for Dogs
An all-natural bone broth leaves out artificial flavors, dyes, and sweeteners for pure nourishing goodness.
Key Features:
- Low sodium
- All-natural
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cost: $25
Caru Free-Range Chicken Bone Broth
Made for dogs and cats, this recipe consists of 90 percent protein.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients
- All-natural and non-GMO
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cost: $19
Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Bone Broth
There’s nothing like grass-fed beef or, as it turns out, bone broth.
Key Features:
- Grain and potato-free
- Easy to pour and store carton
- Made with responsibly-sourced ingredients
Cost: $65
Turkey bone broth with a hint of ginger makes a delicious topper. The easy squeeze pouch is a simple way to serve the broth.
Key Features:
- Contains cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger
- Grain-free
- Contains sweet potatoes and blueberries
Cost: $8
Nulo Freestyle Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth for Dogs
An easy pour pouch and human-grade ingredients make this a great broth to fortify your dog.
Key Features:
- Contains extra vegetables and herbs
- Turmeric aids joint health
- For dogs and cats
Cost: $8
Only Natural Pet Human Grade Bone Broth
The added nutrition from vegetables, turmeric, and chia seeds gives dogs a delicious boost to their daily meal.
Key Features:
- Made with turmeric and chia seeds
- Grass-fed beef bones
- Human-grade ingredients
Cost: $13
Open Farm offers three flavors that are all made with responsibly-sourced ingredients.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients
- For dogs and cats
- Easy to pour pouch
Cost: $17
Osso Good Dog Chicken Bone Broth
Organically raised chicken and vegetables leave out harmful ingredients while packing this bone broth with nutrients to keep your dog limber and healthy.
Key Features:
- Organic chicken and vegetables
- Gluten-free
- Can be frozen for storage
Cost: $27
Organic, human-grade ingredients provide the best nutrition for your pup.
Key Features:
- Organic
- Easy pour pouch
- For dogs and cats
Cost: $20
Solid Gold Bone Broth Meal Toppers
A convenient pouch makes this bone broth easy to store and serve.
Key Features:
- Easy squeeze pouch
- Grain and gluten-free
- Human grade ingredients
Cost: $45
Heartier than bone broth alone, this stew contains hearty vegetables and whole-grain brown rice.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients
- Grass-fed lamb
- Can be used as a supplement or meal
Cost: $4
The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs
The bone broth in this mix contains vegetables and chunks of meat.
Key Features:
- Each box contains two (2) servings
- All-natural
- Grain-free
Cost: $24