The Healing Power of Bone Broth for Dogs (Easy Instant Pot Recipe)
If you’ve made meat stock a staple in your toddler’s routine for gut healing and nourishment… why not offer the same support to your dog?
We often reach for meat stock to comfort little bellies and support adults with sensitive digestion… it’s gentle, rich in minerals, and lower in histamines. But what about all those leftover bones? Instead of tossing them, you can transform them into bone broth! It is a deeply healing food for your four-legged companion that offers many of the same gut, joint, and immune benefits (and sometimes even more).
In fact, for dogs struggling with allergies, joint stiffness, chronic gut issues, anxiety, or age-related decline, a warm cup of homemade bone broth can be one of the most affordable and powerful tools in your kitchen.
How Bone Broth Supports Your Dog’s Gut, Joints, and Immunity
Bone broth isn’t just a trendy addition to your dog’s diet, it’s one of the oldest, most nourishing foods across all traditional cultures. And it turns out, the same gut-healing properties that make it a favorite in holistic human nutrition also make it incredibly valuable for your four-legged family member.
Made by simmering bones, joints, connective tissue, and a few nutrient-rich vegetables in water over several hours (or using an instant pot to sped up the process), bone broth becomes a concentrated source of bioavailable minerals, amino acids, and collagen, all in a form that’s gentle on digestion and deeply supportive to the whole body.
Here’s why that matters for your dog:
Gut Health & Digestive Repair
Most dogs today (especially those fed conventional kibble or exposed to medications) struggle with some level of gut imbalance. Bone broth is one of the simplest, most effective ways to support and repair the gut lining.
Bone broth contains:
Gelatin: helps bind water in the digestive tract to keep things moving and coats the gut lining for smoother digestion.
Glycine: an amino acid that supports detoxification in the liver and calms inflammation in the gut.
Glutamine: fuels the cells that line the intestinal wall and supports healing of “leaky gut,” which is often at the root of food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic inflammation.
Helpful for dogs who:
Have loose stools or diarrhea
Experience gas, bloating, or gurgling after eating
Struggle with recurring allergies or itchy skin
Have taken antibiotics, steroids, or NSAIDs
Show signs of gut dysbiosis (excessive shedding, bad breath, chronic ear infections)
Joint Support & Mobility
Bone broth is rich in the building blocks that form cartilage, connective tissue, and joint fluid. These compounds naturally break down with age or overuse, especially in active dogs or large breeds, making joint support a top priority.
Bone broth provides:
Collagen: supports the integrity of joints, tendons, and ligaments
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: naturally occurring compounds that help rebuild cartilage and reduce joint pain
Hyaluronic Acid:helps keep joints lubricated and cushioned
Anti-inflammatory amino acids: such as proline and glycine, which reduce pain and stiffness
Helpful for dogs who:
Are aging or slowing down
Struggle with arthritis or hip dysplasia
Limp or show signs of stiffness after walks
Are highly active and need joint maintenance
Recovering from orthopedic surgery
Skin & Coat Health
If your dog deals with itching, dry skin, excessive shedding, or a dull coat…the issue may not be just external. Skin health begins in the gut and relies on nutrient absorption, healthy fats, and reduced inflammation.
Bone broth supports skin healing by:
Improving hydration: both systemically and at the skin level
Reducing inflammation: which helps calm itching and redness
Enhancing fat digestion: making it easier for your dog to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E which are all essential for a glossy coat
Providing amino acids: that help regenerate skin tissue and build keratin (a key protein in hair and nails)
Helpful for dogs who:
Scratch constantly or lick their paws
Suffer from seasonal allergies or hot spots
Have been on long-term medications that affect skin
Show signs of poor nutrient absorption (dull coat, brittle nails)
Immune System Resilience
Up to 70% of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut and when the gut is compromised, the whole body becomes more vulnerable to illness, inflammation, and chronic conditions.
Bone broth helps regulate the immune system by:
Providing zinc, selenium, magnesium, and other trace minerals: crucial for immune function and enzyme activity
Balancing the microbiome: a diverse and stable microbiome teaches the immune system how to respond appropriately to pathogens, food, and environmental triggers
Offering glutathione precursors: amino acids that support cellular detox and immune defense
Helpful for dogs who:
Get sick often or have trouble recovering
React to vaccines, foods, or environmental allergens
Show signs of systemic inflammation (itching, ear infections, red eyes)
Have autoimmune tendencies or chronic conditions
Why It Works So Well
Bone broth is one of the few foods that checks every box for dogs:
Gentle and easy to digest: even for sensitive or recovering dogs
Hydrating: helpful for dogs who don’t drink enough water
Rich in bioavailable nutrients: meaning their body can use them right away
Customizable: you can add herbs, vegetables, and targeted ingredients for specific needs (more on that below)
And unlike most processed treats or supplements, it comes straight from real, ancestral food. Dogs evolved eating whole prey, bones, and connective tissue. Bone broth mimics this natural nourishment in a way modern kibble never can.
Simple Instant Pot Bone Broth for Dogs
Ready in 3 hours,no skimming or stovetop tending required!
Ingredients:
2–3 lbs cooked meaty bones (chicken backs, beef knuckles, turkey necks, chicken wings, chicken drumsticks or thigh bones, or a mix)
1–2 chicken feet or pig’s feet (optional, for extra collagen)
Water to cover
Optional: 1 carrot or celery stalk (omit for strict low-histamine dogs)
Dog-Safe Add-Ins For Your Bone Broth
Once you’ve got your basic broth simmering (if you’re using an instant pot you can add everything right to the pot at the beginning), you can deepen its health benefits with a few add-ins. Whether you're supporting digestion, immune strength, or skin health, certain herbs, vegetables, and spices can turn a simple broth into a therapeutic tool.
Start slow: For most medium-sized dogs, ½ to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or spice per pot (3–4 quarts) is a good starting point. Always observe your dog for sensitivity and consult a holistic vet if your pup has a known condition or is on medications.
Medicinal Herbs for Dogs
These dog-safe herbs are often used in both traditional Western herbalism and holistic veterinary medicine. They’re best added toward the end of the cooking process or steeped in warm broth like tea.
Nettle: Mineral-rich and nourishing to the kidneys, helps with seasonal allergies and urinary support.
Chamomile: Calms the nervous system, soothes digestion, and may reduce mild inflammation.
Reishi Mushroom: Immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial for longevity, especially in older dogs.
Calendula Flowers: Gently supports skin healing, digestive repair, and lymphatic flow.
Astragalus Root: Strengthens immune function and rebuilds vitality after stress or illness.
Gut-Friendly Vegetables
These vegetables offer fiber, hydration, and gentle minerals without overwhelming the digestive system. Many are used in ancestral diets and traditional broths.
Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, fiber, and gentle sweetness that dogs love.
Celery: Supports hydration, kidney health, and liver detox; rich in natural sodium.
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato: Soothing, high in fiber, and helpful for digestion and stool regularity.
Zucchini: Soft, mineral-rich, and easy to digest making it a great for sensitive dogs.
Dandelion Greens or Parsley: Gently detoxifying, supports the liver, and freshens breath.
Healing Spices and Aromatics
These natural kitchen staples aren’t just safe for dogs in small doses, they’re powerful allies for digestion, inflammation, and immune strength.
Ginger (fresh or dried): Helps reduce nausea, bloating, and systemic inflammation.
Turmeric: Offers anti-inflammatory support for joints, skin, and internal organs.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Can support blood sugar balance and has antimicrobial properties.
Fennel Seed: Aids in digestion, relieves gas, and soothes the stomach lining.
Fresh Garlic (in small, controlled amounts): A traditional medicinal food for immune support, gut balance, detoxification, and parasite prevention.
Note on garlic: Use only fresh garlic, introduced in small, appropriate amounts based on your dog’s weight. A general starting point is ⅛ tsp of finely minced garlic per 10–15 lbs of body weight, no more than 3–4x/week. Avoid garlic powders or extracts unless advised by your vet.
Instructions
Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot. Fill with water until bones are just covered.
Set to Soup/Broth setting for 3 hours. Let pressure release naturally when done.
Strain broth through a fine mesh sieve in glass mason jars. Discard the bones (never feed cooked bones).
Let cool. Store in glass jars in the fridge or freeze in silicone molds.
Once chilled, the broth should become jelly-like. This is the collagen-rich gold your dog’s body craves.
How to Serve Bone Broth to Your Dog
You can serve bone broth:
As a topper over kibble or raw meals
Mixed into hydrated freeze-dried food
On its own, in a small bowl (warmed or at room temp)
Frozen into silicone molds for a cool treat on hot days
General serving guide:
Small dogs: 1–2 tbsp
Medium dogs: ¼ cup
Large dogs: ½ cup
Serve 3–5x per week, or daily if your dog is recovering or elderly.
What You Can and Can’t Add to Bone Broth for Dogs
While bone broth is incredibly nourishing, it’s important to know what ingredients are safe and what could pose a risk to your dog’s health. Here are the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting a broth your pup can enjoy daily:
Safe and Supportive Additions
When building a healing broth, focus on nutrient-dense, dog-friendly ingredients that support the gut, joints, skin, and immune system.
Dog-safe herbs like nettle, chamomile, calendula, and ginger offer gentle anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive benefits. They can soothe digestion, calm anxiety, and provide trace minerals when steeped into the broth.
Root vegetables such as carrot, celery, and sweet potato add mild sweetness, prebiotic fiber, and minerals. These are best used in small amounts to avoid overloading your dog with starch.
Seaweed flakes (like dulse or kelp) or finely ground eggshell powder can boost the broth’s mineral content, providing a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and iodine.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some ingredients that are safe for humans can be toxic or harmful to dogs, even in small amounts.
Onions, garlic (in large or concentrated doses), leeks, and chives contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells and should always be avoided in broth or other cooked foods.
Added salt can disrupt your dog’s electrolyte balance and strain their kidneys. Broth for dogs should always be salt-free.
Essential oils or concentrated herbal tinctures are far too potent for a dog’s system and may lead to toxicity or digestive distress.
Cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. Once bones have been simmered, they become brittle and can easily splinter, posing a choking hazard or risk of intestinal injury. Always strain and discard them after cooking.
Bone broth is one of the simplest, most nourishing gifts you can offer your dog… and it costs pennies per serving.
Whether your pup is struggling with allergies, recovering from antibiotics, dealing with joint stiffness, or just in need of a little extra nourishment, bone broth is a gentle yet powerful way to support healing from the inside out. It’s hydrating, mineral-rich, and incredibly versatile.
Start with the basic recipe, then slowly layer in healing herbs, nutrient-dense vegetables, or calming additions like chamomile or nettle as your confidence grows. Even one pot a week can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s digestion, mobility, coat, and immune resilience.
Because healing starts with food, and your dog deserves that too.
Want More Tailored Recipes for Your Dog?
If you’re ready to take bone broth to the next level, Healing Bone Broth for Dogs is your go-to resource. This guide includes over 40 broth-based recipes tailored to specific canine health needs from gut health and detox to skin issues, anxiety, and more.
Inside, you'll learn how to:
Support digestion and reduce food sensitivities
Ease anxiety while boosting kidney and liver function
Promote joint health and mobility with collagen-rich recipes
Build a strong foundation for puppies or aging dogs
Soothe itchy skin and encourage coat shine
Guide your dog through recovery after illness or surgery
Each recipe is designed with simple, whole-food ingredients and dog-safe herbs all rooted in ancestral wellness and holistic care.
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