What is really in bone broth?
Bone broth has become a popular health food for people, but did you know that it can also be beneficial for your dog? Bone broth is made from the bones and connective tissue of animals and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Not only does it provide essential nutrition to your pup, but it can help with digestion, joints and more. In this blog post, we’ll explore the surprising benefits of bone broth for dogs and why it’s an important part of their diet.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutritious and delicious meal or snack option that can help your pup stay healthy and active. It’s made by simmering bones in water for hours at a time, along with vegetables and herbs. The bones are typically from animals like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish. The slow cooking process helps to extract all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the bones which are then absorbed into the broth.
What nutrients can you find in bone broth?
Bone broth is one of the best superfoods you can give your furry friend. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, this nutritious treat is packed with powerful benefits for your pup. So, what nutrients can you find in bone broth?
To start, bone broth is full of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are important for strong bones and healthy muscles, and they help to support your dog's immune system.
Bone broth is also a great source of collagen. Collagen helps to support healthy immunity, joints and your pup’s fur and nails. Additionally, it is high in amino acids, which are beneficial for a healthy heart and digestion.
Finally, bone broth contains antioxidants, which help to support a healthy immune system. It also contains chondroitin and glucosamine, both of which are known to support joint health and mobility in older dogs.
Overall, bone broth is a great way to give your pup a nutritional boost. With its wealth of vitamins and minerals, it's no wonder why many pet owners are turning to bone broth as part of their dog's diet. Let’s take a look at some of the specific functional benefits of bone broth.
The benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
Bone broth provides nutrients for skin and coat health
The protein in bone broth helps to maintain the elasticity and strength of your dog's skin, while also supporting the production of keratin. Keratin is an important structural protein that makes up hair and nails. It is also responsible for the growth and maintenance of your dog's fur, helping to keep it looking smooth and shiny. Collagen is the most abundant protein in a dog’s body, making up around 30% of the proteins found there. It’s very important for bones, joints, skin, hair, and is very prominent in bone broth products.
In addition to protein, bone broth also contains a wide range of other nutrients for a healthy skin and coat. These include fatty acids like linoleic acid, which has been shown to help keep skin hydrated. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up the skin and maintain its elasticity.
The minerals found in bone broth can also help to support your dog's skin health. Calcium and magnesium are important for collagen production and help to keep your dog's skin strong.
Bone broth can help with supporting healthy digestion
Omega 3 fatty acids help support a healthy immune system, while omega 6 fatty acids help maintain the barrier function of the skin. In addition to these, there are also vitamins and minerals. Bone broth provides a boost to vitamin and mineral content in your pup’s diet. The minerals and amino acids found in bone broth can further provide essential vitamins and minerals for your dog. This can help keep your pup healthy and give them the nutrition they need to thrive.
Bone broth can help support healthy joints
Bone broth is a rich source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two compounds that are known to help lubricate the joints and keep them functioning properly. Bone broth also contains essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important components of strong, while other minerals in the broth can help strengthen and protect the joints.
Why give dogs bone broth?
Adding bone broth to your dog’s daily diet enhances their diet while providing nutritional benefits. It can also improve appetite. It’s a treat that delivers an important nutritional boost that empty calorie foods don’t offer.
Content reviewed and approved by our veterinary consultant Melissa Brookshire, DVM and Founder of North River Enterprises.