The short answer is yes — and dog parents who've added it to the bowl rarely go back.
Bone broth has become one of the most practical additions to a dog's daily routine. It's easy to use, dogs love the taste, and it works with whatever you're already feeding — kibble, raw, fresh, or a blend. But not all bone broths are the same, and what's in the broth matters as much as the broth itself.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Bone Broth for Dogs?
Bone broth is made by cooking animal bones low and slow — or in our case, under pressure — to draw out naturally occurring minerals, collagen compounds, and amino acids into a rich, drinkable liquid.
At The Gourmutt Kitchen, we pressure-cook our broth in small batches using beef marrow bones. Pressure cooking extracts more from the bone than traditional simmering — a richer, more concentrated broth in less time, with consistent results batch to batch.
Our Gourmutt Bone Broth contains:
- Filtered water
- Beef marrow bones
- Celery
- Carrot
- Apple cider vinegar
- Turmeric
- Rosemary
That's the entire ingredient list. No salt. No preservatives. No fillers. No ingredients you can't pronounce. Just real food, prepared the way we'd want it made for our own dogs.
It comes in a convenient 20 oz spouted pouch — refrigerated, not shelf-stable — for easy pouring and clean storage.
Is Bone Broth Safe for Dogs?
Yes — with one important caveat. It has to be made for dogs.
Most bone broths made for human consumption contain onions, garlic, high sodium, or seasonings that aren't appropriate for dogs. Some can cause real harm. The ingredient list is the first thing to check.
When shopping for bone broth for dogs, look for:
- No onions or garlic (toxic to dogs)
- No added salt or sodium
- No artificial preservatives
- Ingredients you can recognize and spell
Our broth meets all of those standards. It's made specifically for dogs, with ingredients selected for canine safety and digestibility.
As always, if your dog has a specific health condition or dietary restriction, check with your veterinarian before introducing anything new.
Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
Bone broth isn't a medication and we won't claim otherwise. What it is — consistently, for thousands of dogs — is a simple daily addition that makes meals better and supports overall wellness.
Hydration
Dogs on dry kibble often don't drink enough water. Adding broth to the bowl is one of the easiest ways to increase daily moisture intake — especially for senior dogs, hot weather, or active breeds who need more than their bowl provides.
Digestive Comfort
Bone broth is gentle on the gut. Many dog parents use it during food transitions to ease the switch, or as a soothing addition when a dog's stomach needs a lighter touch. The apple cider vinegar in our recipe supports digestive balance without being harsh.
Joint and Mobility Support
Beef marrow bones naturally contain compounds associated with joint health and connective tissue. We're not making medical claims here — but it's why bone broth shows up consistently in routines for active breeds, working dogs, and seniors whose joints need a little extra support.
Picky Eaters
This one is simple. The aroma of warm bone broth is one of the most reliable ways to get a reluctant dog interested in their bowl. If your dog grazes, picks, or walks away from meals, bone broth is often the first thing that turns that around.
Appetite During Recovery or Stress
Dogs who are under the weather, stressed by travel or change, or recovering from illness often lose interest in food. A small amount of warm broth — served alone or over food — can be the bridge that gets them eating again.
How to Serve Bone Broth to Your Dog
This is one of the most flexible additions you can make to a feeding routine. There's no wrong way to use it.
Ways to serve:
- Meal topper — pour a splash directly over food, kibble or fresh
- Hydration boost — serve in a separate bowl alongside water
- Kibble softener — soak dry food for 5 to 10 minutes before serving
- Frozen enrichment — pour into ice cube trays and freeze for a summer treat or slow-feeding activity
- Warm treat — gently warmed and served alone, especially appealing for senior dogs or picky eaters
How much? Start with a few tablespoons for small dogs and work up from there based on size and preference. Most dogs tolerate it well from day one.
Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 5 days of opening. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw as needed. Our spouted pouch makes it easy to pour what you need and seal the rest.
Bone Broth for Senior Dogs and Picky Eaters
These are the two groups we hear about most from our customers — and where bone broth tends to make the most immediate difference.
For senior dogs, the combination of added hydration, gentle digestibility, and the joint-supporting compounds in marrow broth makes it one of the easiest quality-of-life additions you can make to an aging dog's routine. Warm broth over food can also make chewing easier for dogs whose teeth or jaw strength has changed with age.
For picky eaters, the savory aroma works when nothing else does. We've heard from more than a few Gourmutt customers who tried everything before discovering that a splash of broth was all their dog needed to clean the bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I give my dog bone broth?
Daily is fine for most dogs. Bone broth is gentle enough to use as a regular part of the feeding routine rather than an occasional treat. Start with a small amount and increase based on how your dog responds.
Can puppies have bone broth?
Yes, in appropriate portions. Bone broth made with dog-safe ingredients is generally well-tolerated by puppies. If you're unsure about amounts for your puppy's size and breed, your vet can give you specific guidance.
Is bone broth a meal replacement?
No. Bone broth is a supplement to complete and balanced meals — not a replacement for them. Think of it as an enhancer, not a main course.
What's the difference between dog bone broth and human bone broth?
The primary difference is ingredients. Human broths often contain onion, garlic, and high sodium levels that are harmful to dogs. Dog-specific broth is formulated without those ingredients. Always check the label.
Can I make bone broth at home for my dog?
You can — but it takes hours of slow simmering to extract meaningful nutrients, and you need to be careful to leave out any unsafe ingredients. Our pressure-cooked broth delivers a richer extraction in a ready-to-use format, with no prep time required.
Does bone broth need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Unlike shelf-stable powdered toppers or boxed broths, our broth is refrigerated to preserve freshness without preservatives. Keep it cold, use within 5 days of opening, or freeze for longer storage.
Try Gourmutt Bone Broth
Our broth is pressure-cooked in small batches in Roswell, Georgia — made with real ingredients, prepared with the same care we put into every product that leaves our kitchen.
20 oz spouted pouch. Refrigerated fresh. No preservatives.
→ Get Gourmutt Bone Broth — $10.95
Available for in-store pickup and local delivery in Roswell and North Fulton.
Ship nationwide from our Shopify store.
920 Marietta Hwy, Suite C320, Roswell, GA 30075
678-353-4705
service@thegourmuttkitchen.com