Bone broth, a superfood that is inexpensive, nutrient-packed, and definitely something that you can make on your own. Nutrients from bone broth have the potential to boost digestion, support bones, and joints, improve gut health, and enhance immune system function. Bone broth is made by simmering bones on low heat for up to 24 hours to extract the nutrients from beef, pork, or poultry to make a rich stock. Adding vegetables can enhance the flavor and add to its nutritional makeup.
There are several health benefits when it comes to consuming bone broth, with most of these benefits related to its collagen content. Collagen is a protein used to make connective tissue, which makes it a major component of bone, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and even skin. Moderation is important. Bone broth should not replace a regular meal, but instead, be offered as a supplement on top of your pets’ regular meals. We are here to share some of the benefits of feeding bone broth!
Improved Digestion
The lining of the intestines contains millions of tiny holes that allow the passage of digested nutrients to enter the body. Stress, poor diet, and the presence of bacteria cause more holes to open or existing holes to become bigger. This is also commonly known as leaky gut.
Bone broth is loaded with glycine which aids digestion by helping to regulate the synthesis of bile salts and secretion of gastric acid. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps build new tissues in the digestive tract. Collagen contains amino acids that can strengthen the protective lining in your pets’ digestive tract. A stronger digestive tract means increased nutrient absorption and relief from digestive symptoms and leaky gut syndrome.
Stronger Joints
Loaded with glycosaminoglycans, bone broth contains super amazing amounts of glucosamine and is also packed with other joint protecting compounds. These are great for senior dogs or those that are suffering from joint problems caused by injuries, as well as breeds that are more prone to bone and joint problems. Collagen content in bone broth helps improve and protect joint health by relieving the symptoms associated with arthritis in older pets or pets with orthopedic injuries.
Healthier Skin & Coat
Collagen plays a key role in skin health. Increasing your pet’s collagen intake may improve skin elasticity and support its natural reparative processes as it encourages your pet’s body to form new collagen on its own.
Liver Detoxification
Our pets are exposed to chemicals in the environment or walk on grass that’s been treated and sprayed with unpleasant solutions. Being constantly exposed could potentially overwork their liver due to antibiotics, flea and tick preventives, vaccines, and more. The liver helps with the filtering of toxins from your pet’s blood so that they can be flushed out from their body. Bone broth contains tons of amino acid glycine which aids with the liver’s capacity to detoxify.
Boosted Immunity
Amino acid glutamine helps strengthen your pets’ immune system. It plays a crucial role in cellular repair and stimulates the immune cells, helping them recover more quickly from illnesses and improve their defenses against pathogens and hypersensitivity reactions.
When looking to purchase bone broth, make sure that it is made with real food ingredients such as free-range chicken or grass-fed beef and does not contain any artificial additives like flavors, colors, or preservatives. A bone broth rich in gelatin ensures high protein content. Avoid human bone broth recipes that could contain onion, garlic, and added salt as these could cause digestive problems.
Similar to introducing new food to your pets’, offer a very small portion and observe them for any reaction when introducing bone broth to your pets’. If there are no reactions and your pet is enjoying the taste of bone broth, you can increase the amount and frequency accordingly. Stop when your pets start developing diarrhea or other reactions.
If you are unsure, seek professional help. Your veterinarian will provide you with advice that suits your dog best. Any views or opinions communicated on this page belong to the author and do not represent the views or opinions of any other organizations. This article is meant for us to share our own views and opinions in general. Kindly consult a professional if you would like to seek professional advice.
Adopted from sources
– Can dogs drink bone broth? By FirstVet.
(https://firstvet.com/us/articles/can-dogs-drink-bone-broth)
– Bone Broth For Dogs? Here’s Why It’s A Great Idea!
(https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/reasons-your-dog-love-bone-broth/)
– Bone Broth For Cats: What You Need To Know. By Kate Barrington, All About Cats.
(https://allaboutcats.com/bone-broth-for-cats)
– Can Cats Drink Bone Broth? What You Need To Know! By Rachael Gerkensmeyer, Hepper.
(https://www.hepper.com/can-cats-drink-bone-broth/)
– Images of dogs, Pexels.
(https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-pomeranian-puppy-looking-at-camera-8473449/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-grey-tabby-kitten-lying-down-2558605/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/long-coated-brown-and-black-dog-on-focus-photo-913535/)
