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The bone broth trend for dogs (and humans!) is everywhere but it's more than a buzzy health food fad.
This simple soup made from bones has many healing properties. It is made from the bones of any animal simmered in water for at least 24 hours allowing the bones to release their nutrients. There are many reasons why you should feed your dogs this nutritious heart warming soup. Here are 8 of them:
1. Rich in nutrients
The simmering releases healing nutrients in an easy-to-digest form. Its list of nutrients is a long one such as collagen, glutamine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Glucosamine and chondroitin (often sold as pricey supplements) reduces inflammation and alleviates pain from arthritis.
2. Assists nutrient absorption
Its amino acid structure and gelatin is healing for the gut and enhances nutrient absorption.
3. Supports healthy skin and hair
The gelatine and collagen content of bone broth supports the health of skin and fur.
4. Provides concentrated nourishment for senior and sick dogs
Bone broth is excellent for speeding healing and recuperation. Broth is also a good way to give them nutrients. A dog who is ill or a senior dog who has gone off its food will still lap at broth.
5. Improves digestive function
Much of the health of a dog’s immune system lies in the gut. Bone broth is one of the most beneficial foods to restore gut health and so support immune system function. Bone broth is one of the best natural sources of collagen. When collagen breaks down, gelatine is formed. Gelatine protects and soothes the lining of the digestive tract which helps dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
6. Protects Joints
Bone broth is one of the best sources of collagen and gelatine. Gelatine acts like a soft cushion between bones helping them glide without friction. Gelatin also helps maintain strong bones and support heathy bone mineral density.
7. Use as a topping for fussy eaters
8. Use as a filler for weight watching dogs
bone broth RECIPE
There are many different ways to make bone broth and there isn’t a wrong way. This is just my way:
Ingredients
1. Bones
The bones of any vertebrate (such as ,pork, beef, turkey, chicken, duck). Buy bones from animals that are pasture-fed and free of antibiotics and hormones. I like to use leg bones and feet because they are thick and bony and have the most minerals and gelatin in them. The gelatin is what makes broth gel.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
The addition of apple vinegar vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones. About a tablespoon per 4 litres of water. For non measuring cooks like me, a splash will suffice.
3. Water (preferably filtered)
A good rule of thumb is to just cover the bones
Stove Top Method
Add all ingredients into a stock pot. Boil the mixture for approximately 2 hours or until the meat falls off the bone. Turn the fire down and then simmer for 24 hours.
Slow Cooker Method
Add all ingredients into a stock pot. Simmer mixture for 24 hours in a slow cooker. A slow cooker can be bought from as little as $40 and makes making broth so much easier.
Storage
Transfer leftover broth to a glass container and refrigerate.
You can also freeze the broth in muffin pans. When frozen, take out the broth muffins from the pans and store in zip lock bags for easy storage and serving.
Don’t throw away the leftover bones. Click here for 3 super easy recipes to use the leftover bones to make bone sauce, bone pate and bone cookies and treats.