Best Bone Broth for Dogs: Top Picks & Vet-Backed Buying Guide
Compare the best bone broth for dogs in 2026. Vet-informed buying criteria, top picks with pricing, safety tips, DIY alternatives, and when to see your vet.
Why Bone Broth Has Become a Staple in Dog Nutrition
Bone broth has moved from human wellness trend to mainstream canine supplement — and for good reason. At its core, bone broth is a slow-simmered liquid made from animal bones, connective tissue, and sometimes vegetables, yielding a nutrient-dense stock rich in collagen, amino acids (particularly glycine and proline), glucosamine, chondroitin, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
For dogs, these compounds translate into tangible benefits: joint support for aging or large-breed dogs, gut lining repair for dogs with digestive sensitivities, hydration encouragement for picky drinkers, and palatability enhancement for dogs on prescription diets or those recovering from illness. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, adequate hydration and amino acid intake are foundational to canine metabolic health, and bone broth can serve as a functional supplement in both areas.
But not all bone broths are created equal. Some commercial products contain onion powder, excessive sodium, or artificial preservatives that are outright dangerous for dogs. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, which products earn our recommendation, and when a supplement should take a backseat to veterinary care.
How to Choose the Right Bone Broth for Your Dog
Beyond these non-negotiables, consider your dog's specific needs. A dog with joint stiffness benefits most from broths with added glucosamine or naturally high collagen content. A dog recovering from GI upset needs a simple, single-protein broth with no added fats. A senior dog with kidney disease needs a low-phosphorus option — and should only have bone broth with explicit veterinary approval.
Top Bone Broth Products for Dogs Compared
We evaluated 12 commercially available dog bone broths across ingredient quality, sodium content, protein density, sourcing transparency, palatability feedback, and price per ounce. These seven products represent the strongest options across different use cases and budgets.
| Product | Protein/Serving | Sodium/Serving | Form | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth for Dogs by The Honest Kitchen | 8 g | 45 mg | Liquid (carton) | $12–$15 / 32 oz | All-purpose daily use |
| Native Pet Organic Bone Broth | 6 g | 30 mg | Powder | $25–$30 / 8 oz tub | Travel & storage convenience |
| Open Farm Bone Broth | 7 g | 55 mg | Liquid (pouch) | $18–$22 / 32 oz | Single-protein sensitivity diets |
| Brutus Bone Broth for Dogs | 5 g | 65 mg | Liquid (carton) | $8–$11 / 32 oz | Budget-friendly daily option |
| Caru Free Range Chicken Bone Broth | 9 g | 40 mg | Liquid (tetra pak) | $10–$14 / 16 oz | High-protein recovery support |
| Nulo Hydrate Bone Broth+ | 6 g | 50 mg | Liquid (carton) | $14–$17 / 32 oz | Added probiotics for gut health |
| Stella & Chewy's Bone Broth Meal Mixer | 10 g | 35 mg | Freeze-dried powder | $22–$28 / 7.5 oz | Kibble toppers & raw-fed dogs |
Honest Kitchen Bone Broth — Best All-Purpose Pick
Pros:
- Human-grade, slow-simmered with visible collagen gel when chilled
- Low sodium (45 mg) with no garlic or onion
- Available in chicken, beef, and turkey — useful for rotation or allergy management
- Resealable carton, refrigerates up to 7 days after opening
Cons:
- Higher price per ounce than budget brands
- Requires refrigeration after opening — not ideal for travel without a cooler
- Some dogs find the turkey variety less palatable than chicken
Native Pet Organic Bone Broth — Best Powder Format
Pros:
- Just mix with warm water — no refrigeration needed until reconstituted
- Only 4 ingredients: organic chicken, organic pumpkin, organic chicken bone broth, organic apple cider vinegar
- Lightweight and shelf-stable for camping, travel, or emergency kits
- One 8 oz tub makes approximately 8 cups of broth
Cons:
- Pumpkin content may soften stools in dogs not accustomed to fiber
- Highest cost per serving among our picks
- Powder can clump if not mixed with warm enough water (use at least 150°F / 65°C)
Brutus Bone Broth — Best Budget Option
Pros:
- Under $11 for 32 oz — most affordable dog-specific broth we tested
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support at no extra cost
- Widely available at big-box retailers and online
- Gluten-free and low-calorie (under 15 cal per serving)
Cons:
- Slightly higher sodium (65 mg) — still safe for most dogs but worth noting for cardiac or renal patients
- Lower protein density than premium brands
- Sourcing details less transparent than Honest Kitchen or Caru
How to Use Bone Broth Safely: Serving Sizes and Step-by-Step Guide
Bone broth is a supplement, not a meal replacement. Overfeeding can lead to caloric surplus, GI upset, or mineral imbalance. Here is a structured approach to integrating it into your dog's routine.
Step-by-Step: Introducing Bone Broth
- Start small: Day 1–3, offer 1 tablespoon (15 mL) for small dogs under 20 lb (9 kg), or 2 tablespoons (30 mL) for dogs over 20 lb. Pour over regular food or serve in a shallow dish.
- Monitor stool quality: Loose stools within the first 48 hours suggest you've introduced too much too fast. Reduce the serving by half and increase gradually over 7 days.
- Scale to target serving: After successful introduction, use the serving guide below based on your dog's weight.
- Set a schedule: Daily use is fine for most dogs, but 3–4 times per week provides benefits without over-supplementation. Rotate protein sources (chicken one week, beef the next) to minimize allergy development.
- Store correctly: Liquid broths — refrigerate after opening, use within 5–7 days. Powders — keep sealed in a cool, dry place, use within the printed expiration date. Freeze-dried — reseal tightly after each use.
| Dog Weight | Daily Serving (Liquid) | Daily Serving (Powder) | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lb (9 kg) | 2–4 Tbsp (30–60 mL) | 1 tsp mixed with 2 oz warm water | 10–20 kcal |
| 20–50 lb (9–23 kg) | ¼–½ cup (60–120 mL) | 1 Tbsp mixed with 4 oz warm water | 20–40 kcal |
| 50–80 lb (23–36 kg) | ½–¾ cup (120–180 mL) | 1.5 Tbsp mixed with 6 oz warm water | 40–60 kcal |
| Over 80 lb (36+ kg) | ¾–1 cup (180–240 mL) | 2 Tbsp mixed with 8 oz warm water | 60–80 kcal |
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- Never use human bone broth without reading the full ingredient list. Many contain onion, garlic powder, or leek — all toxic to dogs. If your dog ingests broth containing these, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
- Kidney disease dogs: Bone broth contains phosphorus and protein that may need restriction in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Consult your veterinarian before adding any broth to a renal diet.
- Pancreatitis risk: Some broths contain added fats. For dogs with a history of pancreatitis, choose fat-free or ultra-low-fat options (under 1 g fat per serving).
- Sodium-sensitive conditions: Dogs with congestive heart failure, hypertension, or ascites should avoid supplemental sodium. Check with your vet first.
Does Bone Broth Actually Work? What the Evidence Shows
The collagen and amino acid profile of bone broth is well-documented in food science literature. A 2019 review published in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition confirmed that slow-simmered bone broths (12+ hours at 185°F / 85°C) yield measurable concentrations of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — the primary amino acids involved in collagen synthesis. For dogs, glycine supports liver detoxification pathways and gut mucosal integrity, while proline is essential for connective tissue repair.
Glucosamine and chondroitin, naturally present in broths made with cartilage-rich joints, have documented efficacy in canine osteoarthritis management. A study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal demonstrated that dogs receiving glucosamine supplementation showed improved weight-bearing and mobility scores over 70 days compared to placebo groups.
However, bone broth is not a cure-all. The collagen content varies significantly between batches and brands depending on simmer time, bone-to-water ratio, and bone type. It should be viewed as a supportive supplement — not a replacement for veterinary-prescribed joint medications, therapeutic diets, or surgical interventions when indicated.
Natural and DIY Alternatives to Commercial Bone Broth
If you prefer to make bone broth at home, the process is straightforward and allows complete ingredient control. Here is a vet-safe recipe framework:
Homemade Dog Bone Broth Recipe:
- 2–3 lb (1–1.5 kg) raw or roasted bones (chicken carcass, beef marrow bones, turkey necks)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from bones)
- Enough filtered water to cover bones by 2 inches
- Optional: 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery (avoid all alliums — no onion, garlic, leeks)
Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or large stockpot. Cook on low for 24–48 hours (slow cooker) or simmer on low heat for 12–24 hours (stovetop). Strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding all bones and solids. Cool and skim fat from the surface. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for individual portions (each standard cube ≈ 2 Tbsp).
Important note: Homemade bone broth is not nutritionally complete and should not replace a balanced diet. If you are considering a homemade diet as your dog's primary nutrition, the AVMA recommends consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure all macro- and micronutrient requirements are met.
Other alternatives:
- Plain warm water over kibble: If hydration is the only goal, warm water achieves much of the same softening and aroma-enhancing effect at zero cost.
- Goat's milk (raw or pasteurized): Lower in lactose than cow's milk, well-tolerated by most dogs, and naturally contains probiotics. Serve in the same portion sizes as bone broth.
- Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling): Mixed with warm water, it provides fiber and palatability. Particularly useful for dogs with mild GI upset.
- Veterinary-prescribed nutritional supplements: For dogs with specific clinical needs (joint disease, renal support, GI recovery), your vet may recommend targeted supplements like Dasuquin, Cosequin, or prescription hydrolyzed-protein broths that offer more consistent dosing than commercial broths.
Where to Buy and What You'll Spend
Dog-specific bone broth is widely available through several channels:
| Retailer Type | Examples | Price Range (32 oz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online pet retailers | Chewy, Amazon, PetFlow | $8–$28 | Widest selection; subscribe-and-save options can reduce cost 5–10% |
| Pet specialty stores | Petco, PetSmart, independent shops | $10–$25 | Can inspect packaging; limited powder/freeze-dried selection in-store |
| Direct from brand | Honest Kitchen, Native Pet, Open Farm | $12–$30 | Subscription discounts; freshest stock; bundle deals available |
| Grocery/natural food stores | Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe's | $8–$16 | Usually stock Brutus or Caru; verify "for dogs" labeling — some are human products |
Budget-conscious dog owners can expect to spend approximately $0.25–$0.50 per serving for liquid broths and $0.60–$1.20 per serving for powders and freeze-dried formats. For a 50 lb dog receiving a ½ cup daily serving, monthly costs range from roughly $8 (budget liquid) to $35 (premium powder).
When to Skip the Supplement and See Your Veterinarian
Bone broth is a wellness supplement, not a treatment. Certain symptoms require professional evaluation rather than at-home supplementation:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (over 24 hours): While broth is sometimes recommended for GI rest, ongoing symptoms may indicate parvovirus, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, or inflammatory bowel disease — none of which broth will resolve.
- Refusal to eat for more than 48 hours: Anorexia in dogs can signal dental disease, organ dysfunction, or systemic infection. Adding broth to entice eating masks the underlying problem.
- Visible joint pain or lameness: While glucosamine in broth may offer mild support, dogs with acute lameness, visible swelling, or reluctance to bear weight need radiographs and potentially prescription NSAIDs or surgical evaluation.
- Signs of dehydration that don't improve: Tacky gums, skin tenting, sunken eyes, and lethargy indicate dehydration that may require subcutaneous or intravenous fluids — not just broth.
- Known kidney, liver, or heart disease: Any supplement addition should be cleared by the managing veterinarian, as even small changes in phosphorus, sodium, or protein intake can destabilize a carefully managed therapeutic diet.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. A brief wellness call or telehealth consult can confirm whether bone broth is appropriate for your dog's specific health status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bone broth for dogs?
There is no single "best" product for every dog, as the right choice depends on your dog's health needs, budget, and format preference. For overall quality and ingredient transparency, Honest Kitchen Bone Broth leads our evaluation. For travel and storage convenience, Native Pet's organic powder format is superior. For budget-conscious daily use, Brutus offers solid value with added joint-support ingredients.
Can I give my dog bone broth every day?
Yes, most healthy dogs can have bone broth daily within the recommended serving sizes for their weight. Daily servings should not exceed 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake to avoid nutritional imbalance. For example, a 30 lb dog eating approximately 700 kcal/day should receive no more than 70 kcal from broth — roughly ¾ cup of most commercial options.
Is bone broth safe for puppies?
Bone broth is generally safe for puppies over 8 weeks old in very small amounts (1 teaspoon per 10 lb body weight). However, puppies have specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratio requirements for proper skeletal development, and excessive mineral supplementation can disrupt this balance. Consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to a puppy's diet.
Can dogs with kidney disease have bone broth?
This requires veterinary guidance. Dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often need restricted phosphorus and controlled protein intake. Bone broth contains both, and even small amounts can push a renal diet out of therapeutic range. Your vet may recommend a specific low-phosphorus broth or advise against it entirely depending on your dog's IRIS staging.
How long does opened bone broth last?
Liquid bone broth in cartons or pouches lasts 5–7 days refrigerated after opening. If the broth develops an off smell, visible mold, or changes color, discard it immediately. Powder and freeze-dried formats, once reconstituted with water, should be treated like liquid broth and used within 5 days. Unmixed powders typically last 12–18 months sealed in a cool, dry location.
Are there natural alternatives to commercial bone broth?
Yes. Homemade bone broth is the most direct alternative and gives you full ingredient control. Other options include plain warm water over food (for hydration), goat's milk (for probiotics and palatability), or veterinary-prescribed nutritional supplements for targeted clinical needs. See the DIY section above for a complete recipe.
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
