Bone Broth for Dogs – Easy and Healthy (Slow Cooker)

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If you’ve ever made a batch of bone broth for yourself, you already know how comforting and nutritious it can be. But did you know bone broth can also be a healthy, soothing treat for your dog? Homemade bone broth for dogs is an easy, affordable way to support their joints, digestion, and hydration – especially when made with pet-safe ingredients.

Not all broths are safe for pups, though. Many store-bought options or human recipes include ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, like onions or added salt. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make bone broth specifically for dogs, what to avoid, and why it’s worth the small effort to make your own.

Why Make Bone Broth for Dogs?

Bone broth is packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health in several ways:

• Joint support – The gelatin and collagen from the bones may help support mobility, especially in senior dogs or those with joint issues.
• Digestive aid – Bone broth is gentle on the stomach and can encourage hydration and appetite in picky or recovering dogs.
• Immune support – Homemade broth includes amino acids and minerals that can help keep your pup’s immune system strong.

Just keep in mind that broth should be a supplement to a balanced diet, not a replacement.

Safe Ingredients to Use

When making broth for dogs, keep things simple. Here are ingredients that are generally safe:

• Raw or cooked bones from chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb (always remove after cooking)
• Apple cider vinegar (a splash helps extract nutrients from bones)
• Water
• Optional extras – carrots, celery, parsley, pumpkin, or other dog-safe herbs in small amounts (Need a quick reference on safe and unsafe foods? Download my free Dog-Safe Foods printable to keep handy in your kitchen.)

Ingredients to Avoid in Bone Broth for Dogs

Many common bone broth additions for humans should not be included in broth for dogs.
Here’s why:

Ingredient	Why to Avoid
Onions (any form)	Toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells
Garlic	Highly toxic—may be more dangerous than onions. Avoid completely.
Salt	Dogs don’t need added sodium—can cause dehydration or worse in excess
Seasonings & spices	Most blends contain garlic/onion powder or other unsafe ingredients
Store-bought broths	Usually include onion, garlic, salt, or additives unless labeled pet-safe

✅ If you’re ever unsure, refer to our guide inside the Complete Dog Care Kit for safe and unsafe ingredients with explanations.

How to Make Bone Broth for Dogs

Here’s the basic method I use to make broth for our dog Zoe. It’s flexible and easy to adapt based on what bones you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs raw or cooked bones (chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, but it helps extract nutrients from the bones)
• Water (enough to cover bones by 2–3 inches)
• Optional: a few carrots or celery stalks (chopped)

💬 Personal tip: I usually fill my slow cooker close to the top and cook the bones for about 24 hours on low. Then I strain the broth through a sieve placed over a bowl, store it in wide-mouth pint jars with 1 inch of headspace for freezing, topping them off with freezer safe plastic lids. Then refill the pot with fresh water to cook another 24 hours. I can often get 2–3 full batches of quality broth from the same bones. You don’t have to do this if you only need a small amount, but it’s a great way to stretch ingredients!

If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, I love, love, love my Hamilton Beach Set & Forget slow cooker. It has a somewhat heavy but easy-clean crock pot insert, locking lid, and a plug-in temperature probe so you can set it to cook a roast until it reaches the right temperature. And to make clean up even easier, consider using slow cooker liner bags that you can just toss in the trash when you’re done. I don’t use these much anymore because I’m trying to reduce my use of disposable products, but they certainly do make cleanup easier if you prefer going that route.

Instructions

1. Add bones to a slow cooker. Include optional veggies if using.
2. Add apple cider vinegar and enough water to cover everything.
3. Cook on low for 24–36 hours.
4. Let cool slightly, then remove bones and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.
5. Let broth cool fully and refrigerate. Skim any solid fat from the top once chilled.
6. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions.

⚠️ Important: Never give cooked bones to your dog! Always strain and discard them after cooking. The bones can fracture easily causing internal injury.

Serving Ideas & Tips

• Spoon a bit of warm broth over your dog’s dry food
• Use it to soften kibble for older dogs or picky eaters
• Freeze in silicone molds for a cooling summer treat
• Stir into homemade stews for added flavor and nutrients. I have a healthy dog stew recipe your pup might love, too.

Want More Healthy Dog Recipes?

If you’d like everything in one place, take a look at the Complete Dog Care Kit that includes:

• Vet visit logs
• Vaccination & medication trackers
• Dog stew recipes & printable labels
• Pet sitter notes and more!

Final Thoughts

Making bone broth for your dog is one of the easiest ways to show a little extra love and care. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can provide your pup with something healthy, nourishing, and made just for them.

📌 Pin This Recipe for Later! Want to keep this on hand? It’s a perfect addition to your kitchen binder or pet care folder, especially if you’re planning to make this again and again.

❓ Have questions about ingredients or want to share your results? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how your dog liked it!