Bone Broth for Dogs: Is It Safe, and How Much Should You Give?
Yes, dogs can have bone broth, but not just any broth. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and the easiest ways to add it to their bowl.
In this guide
If you’ve ever made a pot of broth at home, you’ll know the look. The head tilt. The nose working overtime. The sudden, devoted interest in exactly where you are standing.
Dogs clearly think bone broth is a wonderful idea. But is it actually good for them?
The short answer
Yes, dogs can have bone broth, as long as it’s the right kind. A broth made for dogs can be a tasty, simple addition to their everyday food. The kind to avoid is the broth or stock made for humans, which often contains ingredients that aren’t safe for them.
What to avoid
- Onion and garlic. These belong to the allium family, which is toxic to dogs and cats. They turn up in a lot of human broths, stocks and gravies, sometimes as powders, which are even more concentrated. Cooking doesn’t make them safe.
- Lots of salt. Many human stocks and broths are highly seasoned.
- Cooked bones. If you make broth at home, never give your dog the cooked bones. They can splinter.
- Xylitol and other additives. Rare in broth, but always check the label of anything you share.
Human stock vs pet broth at a glance
| Human stock or gravy | Our pet broths | |
|---|---|---|
| Onion or garlic | Often | ✗ Never |
| Added salt | Usually high | ✗ None |
| Made for dogs and cats | ✗ | ✓ |
| Added prebiotic | ✗ | ✓ Chicory root fibre |
| Ingredients | Often a long list | Two |
Why owners add broth to the bowl
Most dog owners add broth for very everyday reasons:
- Fussy eaters. A little broth over dry food can make dinner far more appealing.
- Dogs that don’t drink much. Some dogs are simply not enthusiastic drinkers. Broth adds flavour and extra liquid to their routine.
- A treat without the biscuits. Frozen broth cubes or a lick mat make a low-fuss reward.
- Older dogs. As appetites change, a warm, savoury topper can make food more tempting.
Start young, not just when they’re old
Many people only think about broth once their dog is older or off their food. But a broth topper can be part of your dog’s routine from early on. Dogs that grow up with it simply see it as part of dinner, which is handy if they ever become fussy later.
How to serve it
- As a topper: sprinkle the powder over their food, or mix it with a little warm water first and pour it over.
- In their water: stir a little into their water bowl, alongside their usual fresh water.
- Frozen: freeze broth in an ice cube tray or spread it over a lick mat.
How much bone broth should I give my dog?
For our pet broths, the guide is:
| Your dog’s weight | Daily amount | For example |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10kg | ½ tablespoon | Miniature Dachshund, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu |
| 10–25kg | 1 tablespoon | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie |
| Over 25kg | 1½ tablespoons | Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever |
To make it as a broth, mix one tablespoon with 100ml of hot water and let it cool before serving. Introduce anything new gradually.
Why we made a pet broth
Our pet range started with a puppy called Bella. She became very poorly as a pup, and for a while she wouldn’t drink water. Looking for something gentle and tempting is how our pet broths began. Bella is very well now, and very much in charge.
Our Pets Chicken Broth + Prebiotic and Pets Beef Broth + Prebiotic are made specifically for dogs and cats, as an everyday topper rather than a medicine. Each pouch contains just two ingredients: bone broth and chicory root fibre, a natural prebiotic. That’s it. No onion, no garlic, no artificial ingredients.
If your pet is very young, elderly, on medication, has a health condition or follows a special diet, check with your vet before adding anything new to their bowl.
Questions people ask
Can I give my dog human bone broth?
It’s best not to. Many human broths contain onion, garlic and salt. Choose a broth made specifically for pets.
Can puppies have bone broth?
A pet-specific broth can be introduced gradually. Check with your vet if your puppy is very young or has any health concerns.
How often can my dog have bone broth?
Many owners add it daily as a topper. Follow the feeding guide on your pouch.
Made for dogs (and cats)
Pets Chicken Broth + Prebiotic is our most popular pet broth, a simple everyday topper for dogs and cats. Prefer beef? Pets Beef Broth + Prebiotic is available while stocks last.
Related Reading
- Can dogs have stock cubes? What to check first
- Homemade frozen dog treats: eight easy ideas
- Can cats have bone broth?
Sources & Further Reading
