Feeding our companions a fresh diet composed of whole food ingredients offers numerous benefits, and these meals can be further enhanced by incorporating bone broth. The best part is that you can easily use bone broth to rehydrate Dr. Harvey’s base mixes and complete foods. Just remember it’s crucial to select a high-quality broth, ensuring it’s properly sourced and free from unnecessary additives to maximize the health benefits. There are several brands to choose from, but one of our personal favorites is Fido’s.
Photo Credit: Mallory Landis
Benefits of Bone Broth
- Joint Support: Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help with joint discomfort and inflammation. Bone broth also contains collagen, glutamine, and glycine, which support overall joint health. Since bone broth is naturally hydrating, it provides joint lubrication as well.
- Bone Health: Bone broth not only supports dog’s joints, it supports their bones. It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for healthy, strong bones.
- Hydration: Bone broth has a high moisture content making it a great way to keep your dog hydrated, especially if they are not one to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Pro tip: Use bone broth to rehydrate your pup’s Dr. Harvey’s and use 1.5-2 times more than what is recommended for extra hydration.
- Skin & Coat Health: As mentioned previously, bone broth is rich in collagen. It also contains amino acids, which play a crucial role in promoting a healthy skin and coat. These nutrients promote skin elasticity and a shiny coat, which as a bonus can help reduce shedding.
- Weight Management: Bone broth is fairly low in calories making it a great healthy extra or snack to help with weight management. Since it’s nutrient dense, it will provide a sense of fullness while providing them with these numerous benefits.
- Gut Health: Bone broth is great for overall gut health. It can help with digestion, inflammation, and nutrient absorption.
- Taste Enhancer: Most dogs love the taste of bone broth, making it a great addition for picky eaters.
- Muscle Maintenance: The nutrients found in bone broth can help with muscle maintenance and repair. This can be especially useful for older dogs who may be less active.
- Allergy Relief: Bone broth contains nutrients that can help when dogs are dealing with skin, stomach, and environmental sensitivities.
- Immune Support: Bone broth is packed with essential minerals and vitamins that can help support your dog’s immune system. Feeding bone broth regularly may help your dog’s natural defenses.
Photo Credit: Mallory Landis
How do I choose a high-quality broth?
There are a variety of different bone broths on the market, but it’s important to choose a high-quality broth. You’ll want to read the ingredient list and look out for any filler ingredients. Ideally you’ll want to feed broth that is made from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. Avoid broths that have added sugars, artificial flavors, or sodium. We love Fido’s Bone Broth because it is created from grass-fed beef bones. You can easily mix their powdered broths to boiling water and add it directly to your dog’s meals or give it as a snack.
How much bone broth should I feed?
As a general guide, you can feed the following amounts to your dog:
- Under 20 lbs: 1 oz per day
- 20-40 lbs: 2 oz per day
- 50-80 lbs: 4 oz per day
- 80+ lbs: 6 oz per day
As with any new supplement, we always recommend consulting your holistic veterinarian.
What is the difference between regular broth and bone broth?
Regular broth, or stock, is usually created from meat scraps, bones, vegetables, and herbs. It usually simmers for a shorter period of time - enough time to extract the flavors but not long enough to break down the bones and release deeper nutrients. Bone broth, on the other hand, is made primarily from bones (usually with some connective tissue and meat remaining on the bones). Bone broth is usually left to simmer for a longer period of time so that the bones fully broth down so there is a higher concentration of nutrients like collage, gelatin, amino acids, and more. These nutrients are ideal for joint, gut, and skin health.
Why Fido’s?
Just like Dr. Harvey’s, Fido's is a family owned and operated company that does not compromise on the ingredients they use. They offer different varieties of bone broth to target dog’s individual needs - from joint health to digestion.
Photo Credit: Mallory Landis
Incorporating bone broth into your dog’s diet will provide them with added nutrients to help them thrive. Bone broth supports everything from joints to hydration. By choosing a high quality broth, like those offered by Fido’s, you will ensure that your pup gets all the nutritional benefits that bone broth has to offer. The best part? You can use it to rehydrate Dr. Harvey’s. Use code BONEBROTH20 to save at Fido’s today!
