Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Bone Broth for Dogs: This “Soul Food” Is Perfect For Nourishing Sick Or Senior Pups

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on June 17, 2022

Everybody has a certain go-to comfort food that soothes them when they are ill. When dogs lose their appetite due to age or illness, they, too need a nutrient-packed solution to help them regain their strength.

Whether getting over a bout of gastrointestinal upset, recovering from surgery, or just reaching an age where appetite is waning, bone broth for dogs can ensure that your pup gets all the essential nutrients he or she needs.

Veterinarians often recommend fasting a dog that is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Giving their systems 24 – 48 hours to recover and reset after a GI illness helps ensure that when they do eat again, it will be better digested. Common “first foods” include prescription canned recovery diets and bland homemade meals of lean meat and white rice.

RELATED: Don’t have hours to make bone broth for your dog at home? Try this instead!

Similar approaches are taken for dogs recovering from surgical procedures and serious illnesses like cancer. The combination of pain and medications can cause anorexia and food sensitivity. Even otherwise healthy senior dogs may begin to refuse their food due to dental soreness, arthritis pain or decreased activity.

Whatever the ailment may be, bone broth is perfect for replenishing vital vitamins and nutrients and getting some much needed calories into your dog. Not only is it delicious; bone broth packs a whopping nutritional punch in a concentrated, easy to digest, liquid form.

Veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets swears by bone broth for her patients and her own dogs. She posted an instructional video on how to create this delicious, nourishing food at home in your own kitchen.

Dr. Becker warns that bone broth is not a balanced diet. It is intended as a highly palatable tool to reintroduce food to sick pets or to add additional nutrition to the diets of senior pets and finicky eaters. Try pouring it over your dog’s regular diet for a deliciously sneaky way to get them eating again!

Don’t Have The Time To Make Your Own Bone Broth? Try Our Easy, Powdered Form

Introducing the first bone broth powder for dogs made from a dry blend of organic chicken bone broth as well as 6 immune boosting mushrooms. Together they provide a nutritional powerhouse for dogs in a convenient, super tasty powder. No prep-time required, no mess. Just sprinkle one heaping scoop (included) into dog’s meal. (Can also be mixed with a little peanut butter as a treat!)

View Dr. Becker’s full article for shopping and cooking tips to make the healthiest, most palatable bone broth possible!

Receive Our Free Newsletter Just for Senior Dog Owners!

Twice weekly tips to help your senior pup live longer & healthier. Plus get access to our private seniors only Facebook group!


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional. 

Question for a Vet? Chat Online Now

The iHeartDogs Ask a Vet tool gives you access to verified veterinarians 24/7. Get professional help for your pup and feed shelter dogs now.

iHeartDogs is reader supported. Our articles contain affiliate links where we are paid a small commission for linking to a product at no additional cost to the reader.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog