Bone Broth
ボーンブロス (bōnburosu)
Definition
A broth made by simmering bones for many hours, popular as a hydration helper and appetite-boosting topper for dogs and cats. Unsalted, and never with onion or garlic.
Key points
- Bone broth is made by simmering bones for many hours
- It is popular as a hydration helper and a topper when appetite dips
- For pets it must be unsalted and free of onion, leek and garlic, and the simmered bones themselves are never fed
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering bones, typically chicken or beef, in water for many hours, until gelatin and other compounds from the bones and joints pass into the liquid; chilled, a good batch sets into a wobble. It rose to fame in the Western pet world and has been spreading since, as a hydration helper and an appetite-boosting topper for dogs and cats.
Where it fits in gut care
Bone broth is not a source of live bacteria; its contribution is humbler and very practical. Aroma and savoriness coax hesitant eaters, and the liquid itself carries water into animals that drink too little, a common project for households with dry-food cats. In that role it sits alongside goat milk among the topper-and-fluids tools, with gentle fiber options such as pumpkin covering a different corner of the same toolkit.
The safety rules that matter
- Unsalted, always. Human soups, stocks and bouillon almost always contain salt, so never repurpose them
- No onion, leek or garlic. These are considered dangerous for dogs and cats
- Never feed the simmered bones. Cooked bones turn brittle and can splinter, with risk of injury to the throat and digestive tract. Strain thoroughly; the liquid is the product
- Skim the hardened fat after chilling, and start with small servings
To make it at home: bones and water only, a long gentle simmer, strain out every solid, cool and skim. Ice cube trays turn a weekend batch into weeks of easy daily toppers. For animals with ongoing conditions or on prescription diets, check with your veterinarian before adding it.
This entry shares general knowledge and is not veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. If you have concerns about your dog or cat, please consult your veterinarian.
FAQFrequently asked questions
Can dogs and cats have bone broth?
Broth made without salt, onion, leek or garlic, served in small amounts, is generally considered acceptable for many animals. Human soups and stocks usually contain salt and aromatics, so do not repurpose them. Ask your veterinarian first if your animal has an ongoing condition.
Can I give the bones after simmering?
No. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, with risk of injury to the throat and digestive tract. Strain them out completely and serve only the liquid.
How do I make bone broth for pets?
Simmer chicken or beef bones in water for many hours, strain out all bones and solids, cool, and skim off the hardened fat. No salt, no aromatics. It keeps a few days refrigerated, and freezing it in ice cube trays makes daily servings easy.