{"id":1522,"date":"2017-02-24T11:47:27","date_gmt":"2017-02-24T19:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.greendogpetsupply.com\/?p=1522"},"modified":"2025-10-30T20:09:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T20:09:57","slug":"bone-broth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/2017\/02\/24\/bone-broth\/","title":{"rendered":"Bone Broth – Part Two in Our Toppers Are Important Series"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bone Broth<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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photo from https:\/\/www.canva.com\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This is the second segment in a series covering the benefits of whole food toppers.\u00a0 We try to source the very best dry pet foods on the market, but the truth is that all kibble diets are highly processed foods.\u00a0 Multiple heat processing steps during production damage valuable nutrients like amino acids, enzymes and vitamins, and can create chemicals like acrylamide <\/a>.\u00a0 Adding small amounts of\u00a0 whole foods to your dry food as toppers can provide valuable nutrients that can help to support their health.\u00a0 It\u2019s amazing how often adding whole foods to processed food diets can help to clear up nagging chronic health problems like itchy skin and other irritations.\u00a0 Don\u2019t miss the introductory blog post in this series.<\/a><\/p>\n

Chicken soup isn\u2019t just good for the soul: slow cooked bone broths of all kinds have legitimate healing properties for our own bodies and for our pets.\u00a0 These broths are staples in the traditional diets of all cultures throughout history and for good reason.\u00a0 Slow cooking bones in water takes the valuable parts that can\u2019t be directly consumed and turns them into more food.\u00a0 They create an incredibly nutritious and very inexpensive elixir that can be eaten on its own or become the base for soups, stews, and sauces.\u00a0 For our pets, broths can be a handy mix to any diet for hydration and appetite stimulation, as well as helping a picky animal think their food is delicious!\u00a0 Many people use expensive canned foods to mix into their kibble, but broths have big advantages over this \u2013 broth is far less expensive than cans, and cans come with some downsides such as trace amounts of BPA or other hormone disrupting chemicals in their linings (regardless of what a company might claim<\/a> ). It also takes a great deal of energy to create and then recycle these cans, as well as fossil fuels to transport them.<\/p>\n

What is bone broth?<\/strong><\/span>
\nYou can make broths with meat and water, but the real magic lies in the use of the bones.\u00a0 Combining bones with water and ideally some veggies (avoid onions for pets and people with chronic digestive issues), and a splash of cider vinegar.\u00a0 Let it all cook over low heat or in a crock pot for a long time\u2013this extracts valuable minerals and other nutrients as well as breaking down connective tissues which releases collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and valuable amino acids that greatly improve the health of the joints, skin, and gut lining (where the immune system lives).<\/p>\n

Check out some of the amazing benefits of bone broths:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hydration \u2013<\/strong> even soaking kibble in plain water before feeding can add valuable moisture that helps a body function properly, improving function of the brain, heart, and kidneys; aiding the circulation of the blood; flushing bacteria from the bladder; keeping the digestive system moving in a healthy way; helping cells complete important enzymatic functions that contribute to the restoration of bodily functions, maintaining energy and contributing to better sleep.\u00a0 Bone broths create electrolytes which help to hydrate even better than plain water.\u00a0 This can make broth an incredibly helpful tool when pets have been vomiting or having diarrhea.\u00a0 A bowl of bone broth can be the best thing to use to replace a meal and give pets\u2019 systems a rest after experiencing these symptoms, while providing both nutrients and hydration.<\/p>\n

Boosts Immunity \u2013<\/strong> Amino acids in bone broth, like arginine, glutamine, and cysteine, have been shown to boost immunity in humans and animals.\u00a0 Not only that, amino acids like proline help to heal the the lining of the gut.\u00a0 Just like in humans, 70% to 80% of your pet\u2019s immune system is found in the lining of the gut tissue.\u00a0 This lining is fragile and easily damaged, contributing especially to allergy symptoms and inflammation in the body, as well as creating challenges for the immune system<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Grandma was right \u2013 studies have shown that chicken soup does actually help the common cold<\/a><\/p>\n

Fights Inflammation \u2013<\/strong> Amino acids found in bone broths such as glycine, proline, L-glutamine and arginine all have anti-inflammatory effects.\u00a0 Arginine, for example, has been found to be particularly beneficial for the treatment of sepsis (whole-body inflammation), and L-glutamine specifically reduces gut inflammation.\u00a0 This makes it a very useful tool for dogs with chronic pain, skin problems, ear problems, etc.<\/p>\n

Helps Joints, Ligaments, Teeth and Bones \u2013<\/strong> as bones and connective tissues break down they release amino acids, collagen, and joint healing minerals (like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur, protein, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and the B vitamins) in forms the body can use easily, preventing bone loss and reducing joint pain.\u00a0 Tendons and cartilage also release chondroitin and glucosamine (like in your joint supplements) in a very bioavailable form (meaning really easy for their bodies to access and utilize them).\u00a0 A few of our customers have impressive testimonials about being able to manage pain for their dogs and even sometimes avoid surgery for damaged ligaments with the use of the Answers brand fermented fish bone broth that we carry, which is also rich in fatty acids and probiotics.\u00a0 Amino acids proline and glycine, found in abundance in a bone broth, are the stars of collagen and cartilage production, critical for joint health.\u00a0 Like Feeds Like!<\/p>\n

Bonus Health Benefits that humans enjoy<\/strong> include stronger nails, anti-aging benefits for the skin, it promotes weight loss, helps build muscle, can improve symptoms of depression and hyperactivity (research the GAPS diet for more info), and can improve sleep. More here<\/a><\/p>\n

Why not just use regular chicken or beef broth? See why here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

We of course carry several bone broths in the store, which offer the benefits of bone broth with the convenience of not having to cook it.<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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photo by Christine Mallar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nugget’s Healthy Eats Bone Broth:<\/strong> This is some of the nicest bone broth we’ve seen. Made in a human food facility with human grade ingredients, it’s available in a few flavors, and a few interesting presentations. The premium marrow and knuckle bones they use are from animals humanely raised on open-pastures, grass-fed & hormone\/antibiotic-free. They use bones from 100% grass fed\/finished beef, and bones from pasture raised turkeys. They roast, then simmer the bones for more than 30-50 hours to extract maximum favor and nutrients. They use real apple cider vinegar and water purified by reverse osmosis to ensure the best possible product. They then add a little sweet potato to the Beef Brews; they add a touch of ginger & turmeric to all Brews. Not only is it available frozen in pouches you can thaw and pour onto meals, it’s also available in lick-able snack cups. For dogs, licking is a calming activity that releases “feel good” endorphins. This soothing, relaxing licking experience can be a real asset for dogs that are anxious, or for those on any sort of bed rest due to injuries (and bone broth is so helpful for helping to heal problems like joint pain and injury).\u00a0 When this broth is thawed, it is so obviously the real deal – it sure has a great jiggle to it, which lets you know it’s loaded with healing, collagen-rich gelatin. Read more about their bone broths and probiotic rich yogurts here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Answers Fermented Fish Stock:<\/strong> Located in the same freezer as the Answers <\/a>Goat Milk, Cow\u2019s Milk Kefir and Answers raw foods, the fish broth comes frozen in pints and quarts. I\u2019ll be honest \u2013 it\u2019s fishy. Some humans find it nasty, but many pets think that what makes it so great.\u00a0 Answers works with a human fish processing plant, and the heads, bones, tails and the meat that is still on the fish after the fillets are removed makes a fantastic bone broth. They then add fermented anchovies to add probiotic benefit. It is rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs, like you\u2019d find in your fish oil supplements). One big benefit is the fact that it acts as an appetite stimulant when pets aren\u2019t feeling well \u2013 they drink a little fish broth and they often feel like they might be interested in their food after all.\u00a0 Also, the fact that it has such great EFAs combined with the benefits of bone broth to really help joint pain and pain from ligament injuries. This broth is also extremely beneficial for animals with kidney problems.<\/strong><\/span>
\nPro Tip: Thaw it, shake it up and pour it into ice cube trays. Give as ice cube treats, or break out a few cubes at a time and keep them in a glass canning jar in your fridge to control the fishy smell.
\nAnswers has also created a lovely turkey bone broth with beet kvaas (a probiotic drink most popular in Russia, often used as a cancer fighting elixer and digestive tonic). The beets give it wonderfully large range of nutrients including B12 and manganese, and is especially supportive for the liver.<\/p>\n

Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth \u2013<\/strong> This is probably the most convenient form <\/a>of broth \u2013 it comes in\u00a0 powdered form that you can dissolve in warm water, so you can make a little or a lot. It\u2019s shelf stable, so you can keep it in the cupboard and make it on demand. It has some bonus nutrients too \u2013 dehydrated beef, pumpkin, parsley and turmeric<\/p>\n

Of course, you can always make bone broths at home.<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The most important thing is that the bones used in any broth should come from organically raised, grass fed, or pastured animals. This is because when you break down bones, not only can you release minerals, etc you can release the impurities stored in the bones. Factory farmed meats are fed unnatural diets, and potentially a variety of veterinary drugs and growth promoters, and you don\u2019t want any of these impurities in the broth.\u00a0 The healthiest and best nourished animals will be far more nutritious to eat.<\/p>\n

The best parts to use in any bone broth are those with lots of connective tissue, marrow, necks, knuckles and feet (yes, perhaps gross, but very nutritious. Ask your farmers at the market or your butcher if you can buy these parts, or at least use the bag of giblets and necks that comes inside many turkeys and chickens). If you\u2019re using beef, lamb, etc for a broth for people, roasting them first will help the flavor quite a bit \u2013 dissolve the brown bits at the bottom of the pan and include them in the broth. More tips here<\/a>. You don\u2019t have to load the broth with veggies, but a few will definitely add nutrients. Avoid onions for pets!<\/strong><\/span> Some carrots, celery, a few bay leaves or peppercorns are good additions. When using beef\/lamb\/pork a layer of fat may accumulate on top after your broth cools. You may remove this when cooled, especially before feeding to pets.<\/p>\n

Even vegans can get extra nutrients from vegetable broths. Covering a variety of vegetables with water and simmering for 8 hours or so will release their nutrients into the broth. Veggie broths can be especially high in valuable calcium. Saving veggie scraps in your freezer until you have a big pot-full is a great way to make your own vegetable broths.<\/p>\n

Chicken Bone Broth:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For pets, cooking a whole chicken (or turkey) will give you some valuable meat too \u2013 boiled chicken is a great bland diet option if a pet is having digestive problems. You can freeze some meat for just such an occasion, or shred a bit of meat on top of their meals for a delicious addition, or mince it to use as training treats. For humans, save the chicken meat to make chicken soup with your stock after it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n

\u2013 One whole chicken, or the carcass of a chicken after you\u2019ve eaten the meat (It’s very important when you make your own broth to use animals that were raised and finished on pasture. Impurities in the animal will be transferred to your broth)
\nGizzards\/giblets from chicken, if you have them.
\n2-4 chicken necks if possible
\n2-4 chicken feet if possible (Necks and feet are especially high in collagen rich materials.)
\nfiltered water to cover, leaving room to boil
\n2 Tbs vinegar (I like Bragg\u2019s apple cider vinegar as it\u2019s unfiltered and unpasteurized) This is an important ingredient as it helps to leech important minerals from the bones into the stock.
\nA few stalks of celery, a few carrots, perhaps a few garlic cloves. No onion for pets.
\n(one bunch parsley, added at the end).<\/p>\n

In a large pot on the stove, or a crock pot (especially if you leaving it unattended), put the chicken or chicken carcass into the pot with other ingredients and cover with water. Bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Check your simmer occasionally to make sure it\u2019s just at a low simmer. If using a whole chicken, remove the meat from the bones after two hours of cooking. Simmer for at least 6 hours, and up to 24. You can add a little water if your level has reduced). At the end add parsley and simmer for 10 minutes before turning off the heat. Cool with the lid on, strain the broth and compost the solids. Refrigerate or freeze portions. (handy tip for small animals: use ice cube trays). When thawed, if you want to warm it or make hot broth for yourself, heat it gently and do not boil. If it jiggles when it\u2019s cooled you\u2019ve certainly done it right.<\/p>\n

Another great and very convenient way to get some of the benefits of bone broth is to purchase collagen supplements online<\/strong> – look for products that use grass fed animals, and that are designed to easily mix into cold water, as they have no flavor or stickiness. Here are 3 great sources:
\nGreat Lakes Hydrolyzed Collagen<\/a><\/p>\n

Sports Reasearch Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides<\/a><\/p>\n

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides<\/a><\/p>\n

Some great links for further reading:
\nDr Axe, Food is Medicine\u00a0 \u2013 The Power of Bone Broth for Digestion, Arthritis, and Cellulite<\/a><\/p>\n

Gather at the Table \u2013 Whole Foods Nutrition for Bone Health and Density<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bone Broth photo from https:\/\/www.canva.com\/ This is the second segment in a series covering the benefits of whole food toppers.\u00a0 We try to source the very best dry pet foods on the market, but the truth is that all kibble diets are highly processed foods.\u00a0 Multiple heat processing steps during production damage valuable nutrients like […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[144,148],"tags":[95,110,111,116,123,136],"class_list":["post-1522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cat-health","category-specific-ingredients","tag-digestive-issues","tag-joint-health","tag-joint-pain","tag-other-health-concerns","tag-products-we-love","tag-whole-food-toppers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1522"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3344,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1522\/revisions\/3344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lela.greendogpetsupply.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}