How Do Dogs Drink Water and Can They Safely Drink Broth Instead?
Learn how dogs drink water using their unique tongue-curling technique, and find out if bone broth is a safe hydration boost with serving sizes, prep tips, and risks.
The Quick Answer: Can Dogs Drink Broth as a Water Supplement?
Understanding how dogs drink water helps explain why broth can be an effective hydration tool. Unlike humans who use suction, dogs curl the tip of their tongue backward to form a tiny ladle, scooping water upward at roughly 4 laps per second. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that a 60-pound dog moves approximately 0.3 mL of water per lap. This inefficient-but-fascinating mechanism means dogs naturally lose some water to splashing, making flavored or aromatic alternatives like broth appealing for dogs reluctant to drink plain water.
How Dogs Drink Water: The Biomechanics Explained
The canine drinking mechanism is a marvel of evolutionary engineering. Here is exactly what happens during each lap:
- Tongue submersion: The dog dips the tip of its tongue into the water surface.
- Backward curl: The tongue curls backward (dorsal side facing down), creating a spoon-like shape.
- Rapid retraction: The tongue pulls upward at speeds reaching 3.8 meters per second, creating a column of water.
- Bite-down: The jaw closes precisely as the water column peaks, trapping liquid inside the mouth.
- Swallow: The dog swallows before beginning the next cycle.
This process explains why dogs are messy drinkers — and why adding a small amount of broth to their water bowl can stimulate the aroma-driven appetite response that encourages more frequent drinking sessions.
Safe Broth Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Broth should supplement, not replace, your dog's daily water intake. A general guideline: dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Broth should constitute no more than 10-15% of total daily fluid intake.
| Dog Weight Class | Weight Range | Daily Water Need | Max Broth Supplement | Serving Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy/Small | 5-15 lb (2-7 kg) | 5-15 oz | 1-2 tablespoons | Mixed into water bowl |
| Medium | 16-40 lb (7-18 kg) | 16-40 oz | 2-4 tablespoons | Mixed into water or poured over kibble |
| Large | 41-80 lb (18-36 kg) | 41-80 oz | 1/4 to 1/3 cup | Mixed into water or frozen into treat cubes |
| Giant | 81-150+ lb (36-68+ kg) | 81-150 oz | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | Mixed into water or used as food topper |
How to Prepare Broth Safely for Your Dog
Step 1: Choose your base. Use raw or roasted chicken bones (never cooked bones that can splinter), beef marrow bones, or turkey necks. Avoid pork bones due to higher fat content.
Step 2: Simmer. Cover bones with water in a slow cooker or stockpot. Cook on low for 12-24 hours. Do NOT add onions, garlic, leeks, chives, salt, pepper, bouillon cubes, or any seasoning blends.
Step 3: Strain and degrease. Remove all bone fragments using a fine mesh strainer. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours until fat solidifies on top. Skim and discard the fat layer completely — excess fat can trigger pancreatitis.
Step 4: Store. Refrigerate broth for up to 4 days or freeze in silicone ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Each standard cube holds approximately 2 tablespoons.
Step 5: Serve. Warm refrigerated broth to room temperature before adding to your dog's water bowl. Never serve hot broth.
If purchasing commercial broth, look for products labeled specifically for dogs. Brands like The Honest Kitchen, Brutus Broth, and Native Pet offer bone broths with sodium levels under 50 mg per serving. Human-grade broths typically contain 500-900 mg sodium per cup — far too much for canine kidneys. Always check the ingredient list for onion powder, garlic powder, and xylitol (a toxic sweetener).
Nutritional Benefits of Broth for Dogs
| Nutrient | Amount per 1/4 cup (homemade) | Canine Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen/Gelatin | 2-4 g | Supports joint cartilage and gut lining integrity |
| Glucosamine | Trace amounts | May support joint health in aging dogs |
| Glycine | ~500 mg | Amino acid supporting liver detoxification and cognitive function |
| Proline | ~300 mg | Essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing |
| Phosphorus | 15-30 mg | Bone mineralization (caution for dogs with kidney disease) |
| Potassium | 40-80 mg | Electrolyte balance and muscle function |
| Calcium | 10-25 mg | Bone and teeth maintenance |
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, gelatin-rich foods can support intestinal mucosa health in dogs recovering from digestive upset. However, broth alone does not provide complete nutrition and should always be treated as a supplement.
Risks, Side Effects, and When Broth Becomes Dangerous
While broth is generally safe, several risks demand attention:
- Sodium overload: Human broths contain 400-900 mg sodium per cup. Excess sodium causes increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning (symptoms: tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature). The toxic threshold is approximately 2-3 grams of sodium per kilogram of body weight.
- Onion/garlic toxicity: All allium species damage canine red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Toxicity can occur at doses as low as 5 g/kg of onion or 15-30 g/kg of garlic. Even powdered forms in commercial broths are dangerous.
- Fat-induced pancreatitis: Failure to skim fat from homemade broth can trigger acute pancreatitis, especially in predisposed breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Bone fragment hazards: Inadequately strained broth may contain sharp bone shards that can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
- Caloric creep: Broth contains 15-40 calories per 1/4 cup. For a 10-pound dog, this represents 3-8% of daily caloric needs — significant if fed daily without adjusting food portions.
Foods and Ingredients to Avoid Alongside Broth
When preparing or selecting broth, ensure none of these related toxic ingredients are present:
- Onions, onion powder, onion juice
- Garlic, garlic powder, garlic salt
- Leeks, chives, shallots, scallions
- Xylitol (sometimes found in "sugar-free" or "low-carb" broths)
- MSG (monosodium glutamate) — not toxic but causes excessive thirst and GI upset
- Yeast extract — high in glutamates, can cause similar issues
If your dog ingests broth containing any allium ingredient, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
How to Introduce Broth to Your Dog's Diet Safely
Start with a gradual introduction protocol to monitor for adverse reactions:
Day 1-2: Add 1 teaspoon of cooled, strained broth to your dog's regular water bowl. Observe for 24 hours. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or refusal to drink.
Day 3-4: Increase to the appropriate serving size for your dog's weight class (see table above). Continue monitoring stool consistency and energy levels.
Day 5-7: If no adverse reactions occur, you can offer broth 3-4 times per week as a hydration supplement. Daily feeding is acceptable if portions stay within the recommended limits and your dog's overall diet remains balanced.
Pro tip: Freeze broth into silicone treat molds with a small blueberry or piece of banana inside. These make excellent enrichment treats on hot days and encourage additional water intake as they melt.
Which Dogs Should NOT Drink Broth?
Certain dogs should avoid broth entirely or only receive it under veterinary supervision:
- Dogs with kidney disease (CKD): Broth contains phosphorus and protein byproducts that compromised kidneys cannot filter efficiently. The AVMA notes that dietary phosphorus restriction is critical for CKD management.
- Dogs with heart disease: Even low-sodium broth adds fluid volume that can worsen congestive heart failure symptoms.
- Dogs with pancreatitis (current or history): Any fat content poses a risk of triggering a flare-up.
- Puppies under 12 weeks: Their immature digestive systems are best served by mother's milk transitioning to puppy-specific food and plain water.
- Dogs on sodium-restricted diets: Any added sodium, even trace amounts, may conflict with therapeutic diet protocols.
- Dogs with food allergies to protein sources: Chicken broth is inappropriate for dogs with chicken protein allergies; use a novel protein base like turkey or beef instead.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours
- Excessive thirst or urination (potential sodium toxicity)
- Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
- Pale or bluish gums (potential hemolytic anemia from allium exposure)
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Tremors or seizures
- Refusal to drink plain water for more than 24 hours
Always consult your veterinarian before adding any new food or supplement to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions or takes medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs drink bone broth every day?
Yes, provided portions stay within the recommended serving sizes and the broth is properly prepared without toxic ingredients. Daily broth intake should not exceed 10-15% of your dog's total fluid consumption. Rotate between broth days and plain water days to prevent sodium accumulation.
How much broth can I give my dog?
Small dogs (5-15 lb): 1-2 tablespoons daily. Medium dogs (16-40 lb): 2-4 tablespoons. Large dogs (41-80 lb): 1/4 to 1/3 cup. Giant breeds (81+ lb): 1/3 to 1/2 cup. These are maximums — start smaller and increase gradually.
Is broth good for dogs nutritionally?
Broth provides collagen, glycine, proline, and trace minerals that support joint health, gut integrity, and hydration. However, it is a supplement, not a meal replacement. It does not provide the complete amino acid profile, vitamins, or caloric density dogs need from their primary diet.
What happens if my dog eats too much broth?
Excessive broth consumption — especially high-sodium varieties — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, sodium ion poisoning, or pancreatitis (if fat was not properly skimmed). Mild overconsumption typically resolves with access to fresh water and a bland diet for 24 hours. Severe cases require emergency veterinary care.
How should I prepare broth for my dog?
Simmer raw bones in water for 12-24 hours with zero seasoning. Strain through fine mesh, refrigerate to solidify fat, skim the fat layer, and serve at room temperature. Never add onions, garlic, salt, or bouillon. Store refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 6 months.
Are there any dogs who should not eat broth?
Yes. Dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, pancreatitis, sodium-restricted diet requirements, puppies under 12 weeks, and dogs with allergies to the broth's protein source should avoid broth. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to dogs with chronic conditions.
Can I use store-bought chicken broth for my dog?
Most human-grade store-bought broths contain 500-900 mg sodium per cup and often include onion or garlic powder. Look for dog-specific broths (Brutus Broth, The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth, Native Pet) with sodium under 50 mg per serving and no allium ingredients. Always read labels carefully.
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
