Making our four-legged friends comfortable while recovering from illness or surgery is a top priority for pet owners. Since our pups can’t verbally express to us how they are doing, it’s important we pay extra attention to their behavior and moods.
Our dogs can benefit from extra nutrition during this time, which is why bone broth specifically made for dogs is such a great idea. New to the concept? No problem! Everything you need to know about bone broth for your dog's recovery is right here.
What Is Bone Broth For Dogs?
Bone broth is a nutritious and healing food that can provide numerous benefits for dogs, just like it does for humans. This is especially true for any pup recovering from an illness or surgery. Bone broth is made by simmering bones, meat, and vegetables in water for several hours.
Once done, you can count on bone broth being packed with essential nutrients, including protein, collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients can help support the immune system, aid in digestion, and promote healthy joints and bones. When caring for dogs that are recovering from illness or surgery, bone broth can be incredibly beneficial because of its easily digestible and soothing properties.
It can help provide much-needed hydration, boost energy levels, and support overall healing. Additionally, bone broth is a great way to help entice picky eaters to consume necessary nutrients and medications.
Key Ingredients for a Good Bone Broth
A bone broth for a dog is not the same as a bone broth for humans. There are similarities, but understanding the differences is key. Let’s take a look and make sure your puppy is getting the right nutrients.
- The Bones: Using high-quality bones, like beef or chicken bones, is key. They must be free of any seasonings or flavorings for your dog's safety. You can use raw or cooked bones. However, most agree that raw bones are better since they contain more nutrients. They are also easier to digest.
- Good Meat: Adding some meat to your puppy's bone broth will add valuable nutrients as well as savory flavor. Your meat choice is up to you. Chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey are all great.
- The Veggies: Vegetables are equally important as meat. They add flavor and nutrients. Some vegetables that are commonly used are carrots, celery, and parsley.
- Water: Water will cover all the ingredients inside to soak and create the broth.
It's incredibly important to note that you should never add onions or garlic to bone broth for dogs. These ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
How Bone Broth For Dogs Can Help Recover?
There are so many benefits to explore when giving your dog bone broth while in recovery. From digestion to joint health, bone broth seems to do it all.
Improves Digestion
Our pup may have a difficult time eating due to an upset stomach when they aren’t feeling well due to illness or post-surgery. Bone broth contains gelatin and collagen. These ingredients help soothe and heal the lining of the digestive tract. This directly reduces inflammation and irritation.
Bone broth also has amino acids that help stimulate bile and hydrochloric acid. These are referred to as digestive juices, which aid in proper digestion. Bone broth is also easy to digest. Because of this, it allows the dogs to take the nutrients better in a much needed time of recovery. These nutrients will help produce healthy bacteria in the gut and support a healthy gut microbiome.
If your dog is eating hair or a number of other problematic things, bone broth can be helpful in settling their stomach.
Supports Healthy Joints
Joint health is important for any aging pup, but especially great for those dogs who had surgery.
This is because broth provides a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. These two nutrients are important for healthy joints and bones. They are best known for rebuilding and maintaining healthy bones.
Bone broth also stores a good amount of collagen. Collagen helps to reduce inflammation in the joints helping alleviate pain and discomfort. Not to mention it contains rich minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which makes for strong bones.
Keeps Your Dog Hydrated
Proper hydration is important for so many reasons. Joint health is one of them. During recovery staying hydrated is important for the immune system. Bone broth provides that much-needed extra hydration.
Great For Picky Eaters
If your dog is a picky eater, this is a great option. You may notice that your dog isn’t wanting to eat much during this time, still a great option! The flavor is enticing for dogs. It’s also great to help encourage your dog to take the necessary medication for recovery.
Can You Buy Store-Bought Bone Broth For Dogs?
We wouldn’t. Bone broth for humans and dogs are not the same thing. There are a lot of ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs to consume and ingest. Making your own or buying a bone broth that is specialized for dogs is key. This won’t be found at the grocery store, but you may find bone broths for dogs at the pet store. Check the ingredient label to ensure it is a high-quality option.
If you are unsure about which route to go, you can always check in with your vegetarian to get recommendations on brands as well as how to make a good homemade dog bone broth.
Making The Introduction
If you have never given your dog bone broth before, there are a number of ways to introduce it You can put it on top of their normal dog food or make it as a part of a homemade doggy dessert if you are feeling creative.
When your doggy is in recovery mode, they may not feel super adventurous to try new foods. Getting creative about how to introduce this nutritious meal is imperative to ensuring its success. And your dog's health!