The Magical Healer: Bone Broth

The wiggly jiggly texture may confuse some when first introduced to bone broth. It's an easy way to use leftover bones, and almost every dog loves it. Filled with moisture and nutrients, it's an easy addition to any bowl.

What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a liquid that contains brewed bones and connective tissue and has a gelatinous texture. Since the broth brews bones & connective tissue, it may be rich in natural compounds from cartilage.

What Are These Magical Benefits?

Bone broth contains nutrients from essential and non-essential amino acids and minerals. And due to the connective tissues, it may be a source of collagen, the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. However, as collagen peptides must be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids, it is up to the body whether these resources will be used to create collagen type 2 (joint support) or assign them to other proteins.

Bone broth can also be rich in amino acids such as proline and glycine, which are used to create connective tissues. Glutamine, an amino acid in gelatin, helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall, which plays a crucial role in preventing and managing "leaky gut." In addition, bone broth contains chondroitin and glucosamine, naturally found in cartilage. Several studies have shown both of these compounds' positive effects on joint pain. Although, these concentrations will vary largely in homemade and commercially prepared bone broths.

Bone broth's signature wiggle jiggle texture derives from collagen dissolved into gelatin. Once cooled, the liquid will have a jello-like texture if enough gelatin is present. The jiggle test (shaking the bone broth) is the best (and fun) way to see if it was a "successful" batch. But even if it does not pass the jiggle test, it is acceptable to feed.

While bone broth has the potential to deliver a wide array of nutrients, due to the large variability, it should not be used as a source of essential nutrients. On the other hand, it can be a functional food providing moisture, nutrients, and tastiness.

Where To Source

There are now several bone broth brands explicitly sold for pet consumption. But whether purchasing pet-specific or human bone broth, it is essential to read the ingredient label and ensure there are no harmful ingredients such as:

Popular commercial bone broth brands include

• Primal Pet Foods Bone Broth

• Bones & Co Beef Bone Broth

• Open Farm Bone Broth

• Raw Feeding Miami

• Green Juju

While there are many options for premade bone broth, the cheapest and easiest way to source bone broth is to make your own!

Storage + Dosing

Once the broth is thoroughly cooled, it can be in the fridge for up to 5 days. After that, it should be frozen for storage. Mason jars or silicone molds can be easily frozen. If you freeze in glass jars, leave enough room for the liquid to expand; otherwise, it will break the glass. Although this cannot be given as a full meal, it is excellent for supplementation. There is no exact dosage for bone broth, but a general guideline for feeding is 1/4 cup per 20lbs/10kg.

Tips + Tricks

• Use bones high in collagen (feet) to get the most nutrient-dense and wiggle jiggle bone broth.

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar/lemon juice to help break down bones.

• It is still okay to feed if your bone broth batch does not come out of a jello texture!

• If freezing in mason jars, leave room on top to expand.

• Bone broth makes a fantastic kibble booster!

• Flip an air-tight container upside down while cooling to have instant wiggle jiggle access.

Now you’re armed with the information you need to make some nutrient-dense & "magical healing" bone broth. As always, I hope you learned something new today & Always Keep Exploring!