It’s so worrying when a dog stops eating and especially if he stops drinking too. This really simple recipe is a great way to get some hydration and nutrition into a dog who is recovering from surgery or illness.
Of course, the dog needs to be vet checked first to find out what is causing the dog to feel ill.
Bone broth is often touted as a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet, offering several potential benefits:
Nutrient-Rich: Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, which releases a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids (such as glycine and proline), and collagen. These nutrients can support your dog’s overall health.
Joint Health: The collagen in bone broth may help improve joint health in dogs. It can promote the growth and repair of cartilage, which can be especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues like arthritis.
Digestive Health: Bone broth is gentle on the digestive system and can help soothe upset stomachs. It contains gelatin, which can aid in the digestion of other foods and may be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.
Hydration: Bone broth is mostly water, so it can help keep your dog hydrated, especially if they are reluctant to drink plain water. This is particularly useful in hot weather or if your dog is recovering from illness or surgery.
Appetite Stimulant: Some dogs find the smell and taste of bone broth appealing, making it a useful tool for encouraging them to eat when they have a reduced appetite due to illness or stress.
Skin and Coat Health: The nutrients in bone broth, including collagen, may contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat in dogs.
Immune Support: The amino acids in bone broth, such as arginine, can support the immune system. The broth may also contain minerals like zinc and manganese, which play a role in immune function.
Weight Management: Bone broth is low in calories but can make your dog feel full, which may be helpful for dogs on weight management or weight loss diets.
How To Make Bone Broth For Dogs
There are just three basic ingredients, then you can add really healthy vegetables to make it super tasty. The bones can be cooked or uncooked
Boiling water
Bones (Chicken wings, legs or feet are very good)
Half a cup of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (this strips the nutrients from the bone)
Boil for around 24 hours in a slow cooker or crockpot on a low heat
Strain the bone broth and throw away the bones, leaving just liquid.
Add lots of healthy vegetables and herbs and return to the heat until the vegetables soften.
Allow the broth to cool for a few hours, a layer of fat will form on the top, you need to discard this.
Does the broth now look like jelly? If so, you have done a brilliant job, the jelly is gelatin which will really help restore health to your dog.
Keep refrigerated and give the dog a few spoonfuls at a time. They usually like the taste.
Once the dog is feeling better, ladle some broth over the food for a few days.
For dogs who suffer from upset stomachs, you can freeze some in ice cube trays to give as soon as the dog shows symptoms.
Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar In Bone Broth?
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used in bone broth for three main reasons: it helps extract more nutrients, adds a slight tangy taste, and aids in breaking down collagen and connective tissues in the bones. It can also help clarify the broth. Use a small amount for these benefits, but be careful not to make the broth too sour.
I hope this helps with sick dogs who are refusing to eat and drink. Sometimes it just takes a few sips of something tasty and the appetite will return.
Stick to a bland diet of chicken and rice for a few days if your dog has suffered from a stomach upset.
Also, give small portions two or three times a day until the dog is fully recovered.
These are articles about dog dehydration symptoms and appetite stimulants for dogs which may be helpful.
They are full of really helpful tips which can get your dog eating and drinking again. It also covers symptoms to look out for and the reasons why your dog is reluctant to eat.
Thank you for reading.
