Does Bone Broth Help With Your Dog's Gut Health?

Once reserved for sick days, bone broth is now being hailed as a universal “superfood” — for both humans, and dogs. Scroll through any pet forum and you’ll find a litany of claims that bone broth can fix everything from picky eating to gut issues overnight.

But is bone broth actually any good for your dog’s gut health, or is it just another wellness trend that has gained more hype than substance?

Let’s strip things down to the bone.

What Makes A Food Gut-Healthy For Dogs?

Before we tackle the big question at hand, let’s first understand what makes a food gut-healthy for dogs in the first place.

A study done by the University of Illinois defines “gut-healthy” foods as ones that are highly digestible, resulting in lower fecal output and beneficial shifts in the gut microbiome which lead to improved nutrient absorption. [1] Furthermore, gut-healthy foods maintain the integrity of the gut lining and do not trigger inflammation in the GI system, which is especially pertinent for dogs whose digestive needs are fundamentally different from humans.

How does a dog’s gut health affect their overall wellbeing?

If your pup’s gut isn’t happy, chances are the rest of them aren't either. This commonly manifests itself in:

Loose stools or constipation
Frequent gas or bloating
Vomiting or nausea
Dull coat and itchy skin
Lethargy and poor appetite
Behaviour issues like anxiety or reactivity

Since a large portion of a dog’s immune system is governed by the gut, long-term digestive issues can also make dogs more prone to illness. A healthy gut, on the other hand, supports better digestion, stronger immunity, and an overall better quality of life.

Furthermore, the gut and brain are deeply connected through what’s called the gut-brain axis, constantly communicating with each other. This means that the state of your dog’s gut health can influence their emotions, stress levels, and even how they respond to the world around them. For further exploration into this topic, check out our Gut-Brain Connection blog for a more in-depth read.

What Makes Bone Broth Gut-Health Friendly?

Bone broth earns its stellar reputation from extensive studies done on its effects on the human digestive system. The real question is, what exactly does it do for man’s best friend?

In 2024, a collaborative study conducted by Aberyswyth University and Biome4Pets discovered that 98.66% of dogs experienced an increase in bacterial diversity after four weeks of bone broth supplementation in their diets. Furthermore, prolonged consumption boasted firmer stools, less itching, shinier coats, and improved energy levels as reported by owners. [2] A diverse gut bacteria ecosystem ensures a robust, resilient digestive system, preventing harmful pathogens from dominating, which prevents diarrhea, allergies, and metabolic issues.

In particular, hero ingredients such as gelatin and collagen (in support of gut lining), amino acids (linked to digestive support), as well as the numerous minerals released during slow cooking of animal bones like beef or pork, are what makes this gentle, warming dish such a powerful superfood.

The Myths & The Magic Of Bone Broth

Before you rush out to the grocery store thinking you’ve found the panacea to solve all your furry friend’s ailments, let’s set the record straight — bone broth is no miracle cure.

Common myths about bone broth portray it as a complete solution for your pup’s gut issues; that they’re replacements for proper meals, or that it can cure even the pickiest of eaters for good. All of this, while enticing, unfortunately falls under the trappings of hyperbole.

In truth, bone broth is meant to be a nutritious supplement to an already balanced diet. When used thoughtfully, it can support hydration, palatability, and mild digestive comfort. When over-promised, it risks distracting from what actually matters most: consistent, complete, and balanced nutrition. [3]

Homemade Bone Broth for Dogs: Helpful or Risky?

Homemade bone broth can absolutely be beneficial, but it comes with a few important caveats.

If you’re making it at home, owners must ensure they use plain bones only (no seasoning, no salt, no onions), take extra care to skim off excess fat, and practice proper storage (especially important in Singapore’s warm climate).

Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that while bone broth can be gut-friendly, it doesn’t provide complete nutrition on its own and shouldn’t replace a balanced diet.

Some common ways to use it include:

As a meal topper to encourage picky eaters
Mixed into food for dogs recovering from gastrointestinal upset
Frozen into cubes and used as treats
Added to dry or fresh food for extra hydration

Always introduce it gradually and keep portions appropriate to your dog’s size and needs.

So… Is Bone Broth Actually Good for Your Dog’s Gut Health?

The short answer? Yes, but within boundaries.

Bone broth is indeed a gentle, nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, supporting digestion, hydration and palatability. However, pet owners will do well to remember that it is merely a supplement, and in no way a replacement for a proper, well-balanced meal. And while homemade bone broth sounds wholesome in theory, in reality it takes time, careful preparation, and proper storage (all things busy pet parents may not always have). That’s where professionally and conveniently prepared options like The Grateful Pet’s Bone Broth come in: nutritionally consistent, safely handled, and ready in minutes: just thaw, warm, and serve.

Of course, if your dog has ongoing digestive issues or underlying health conditions, it’s best to consult your vet or a pet nutritionist before making dietary changes. Because when it comes to gut health, slow, steady, and sensible will always beat a quick fix — no matter how trendy bone broth is.