If you want to give your fluffy friend (cats included) bone broth, you can be sure it will help them. Do they have trouble digesting food or joint pain?
Here is my list of the best bone broths for dogs in 2024, with options like chicken, fish, duck, beef, turkey, and more.
Why listen to me? Ive made over 250,000L of homemade style bone broth in the last 6 years. I also have two healthy, happy dogs named Nitotem and Atlas. They have tried more bone broth than most people.
If you want the quick answer, just try Bluebird Provisions brand of bone broth powder. They make the highest quality products or both humans and pets youll find anywhere.
Other brands are good but not perfect. Lets discuss them below in more detail. But first, a few things to look for in a quality product.
First a quick note: this website is reader-supported. Each item on this list has been carefully thought out, tested, and reviewed by me and my two dogs, Atlas and Nitotem. When you buy through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission. This helps keep my dogs happy too!.
Note: Prices may vary depending on location and retailer. It is always recommended to check with the seller for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Can Dogs Have Swanson Beef Broth? A Pet Owner’s Guide
As dog owners, we all want to provide the very best nutrition for our furry friends. We know that a healthy, balanced diet is key to our dogs’ overall wellbeing. This leads many pet parents to wonder if they can supplement their pup’s regular food with something extra, like Swanson beef broth.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at whether dogs can safely consume Swanson beef broth. We’ll explore the potential benefits and risks, how to choose the right broth, and tips for incorporating it into your dog’s diet.
What is Swanson Beef Broth?
Swanson is a popular brand that makes a variety of broths, including chicken, vegetable and beef varieties. Swanson’s beef broth is made from beef bones simmered with seasonings. It results in a rich, meaty broth that adds flavor to soups, stews, gravies and more.
Swanson’s beef broth contains some onions, carrots and other vegetables in addition to beef bone marrow, meat and natural flavorings. It has 120mg of sodium per one cup serving. The broth is packaged in cans or cartons for pantry storage until ready to use.
Potential Benefits for Dogs
There are some potential benefits associated with giving your dog small amounts of beef broth like Swanson’s:
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Hydration – The liquid can help increase your dog’s fluid intake, which is especially helpful for sick or dehydrated dogs.
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Appetite stimulant – The smell and taste may entice picky eaters to eat.
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Nutrients – Bone broth provides electrolytes, minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and gelatin from marrow. These can benefit skin, coat, joints and digestion.
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Digestion – Broth may ease gastrointestinal issues like constipation or diarrhea.
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Joint support – Collagen and gelatin in bone broth support joint health and mobility.
However, it’s unclear if store-bought broths like Swanson’s provide the same benefits as homemade bone broth. The cooking process may destroy some nutrients. But small amounts can still be beneficial.
Potential Risks for Dogs
There are also some potential risks to be aware of when giving your dog Swanson beef broth:
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Onions – Onions are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia and other serious health issues. Swanson’s broth contains onion juice concentrate.
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Fat content – The beef marrow provides fat that may cause pancreatitis in dogs prone to the condition.
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Sodium content – Excessive sodium is unhealthy for dogs, especially those with heart disease.
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Seasonings – Garlic, chives and pepper in broth seasonings may cause gastrointestinal upset.
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Digestibility – The high fat content may be difficult for some dogs to digest.
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Allergies – Dogs may be allergic to beef or other ingredients in the broth.
Overall, the risks seem to outweigh the potential benefits of Swanson’s beef broth for dogs, given the presence of onions and added seasonings. Homemade broth may be a safer option.
Healthiest Broth Options for Dogs
When choosing a store-bought broth for your dog, look for a low-sodium, organic formula with no onions, garlic or added seasonings. Some better options include:
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Bone broth designed for pets – Brands like Brutus Broth or PetPlate Bone Broth.
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Chicken or vegetable broth – Lower fat than beef broths.
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Limit ingredients – Opt for broth with only meat and water on the label.
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Low sodium – Choose a no-salt-added or low-sodium product.
Making your own homemade beef bone broth just using beef marrow bones and water is the safest option. This ensures you control the quality of ingredients. Simmer bones for 8-24 hours to extract nutrients and flavors.
Introducing Broth to Your Dog’s Diet
It’s important to introduce any new food, including broth, slowly to your dog’s diet. Follow these tips:
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Ask your vet – Check that broth aligns with your dog’s health needs.
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Start small – Give 1-2 tablespoons mixed into food once a day for a few days.
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Monitor reaction – Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itching or other symptoms of intolerance.
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Increase gradually – If no reaction, slowly increase serving size up to 1/4 cup per day.
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Use sparingly – Broth should only supplement your dog’s regular, balanced diet.
Avoid giving broth on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts. Discontinue use if any symptoms of intolerance appear. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about incorporating broth into your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Have Swanson Beef Broth? The Verdict
Swanson’s beef broth likely provides minimal nutritional value for dogs, and some ingredients like onions could potentially be dangerous. While a small amount may be ok for some dogs, there are safer, healthier broth options out there. Opt for a store-bought broth designed just for pets, or make your own bone broth at home. Check with your vet before introducing any new food or supplement to your dog’s diet. Above all, your dog’s health and safety should take priority over giving them a share of your favorite human foods. With some precautions, broth can be a nutritious supplement but too much too quickly can cause more harm than good.
Does It Have Cheap Fillers?
Lots of the famous companies dont even use the real thing (see #1). But you also want to scan the back of the package for the following cheap protein sources.
Some of the misleading things have innocent names. Be wary of anything that lists the following:
- Maltodextrin
- Gelatin
- Collagen
- Beef – dont confuse this with beef bone broth.
- Chicken
- Pumpkin
- Turmeric
Some brands add in fancy probiotics or superfoods. While these may be good, they are typically not found in bone broths. There are times when these are added to foods to make them look healthier, but the amounts are so small that there is no benefit.
Best Overall: Bluebird Provisions Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth Powder for Dogs
Because of their high quality, sourcing, and third-party testing, Bluebird Provisions makes the best dehydrated bone broth on the list.
This dehydrated powder has a delicious, natural chicken taste and is by far the highest protein at 94%.
It’s so expensive because there are no fillers, gums, or other things in this product that would mess with the main ingredient. You are just quality nutrition and nothing else.
Speaking of nutrition, its the only one with proper hydration from naturally occurring electrolytes. This helps increase the strength of their immune system.
Your pup will absolutely love this grain free option. Start by adding 1 to 1/2 teaspoon plus water to their regular meals, like breakfast and dinner, and see how they do for the first week or so.
The price is the lowest at about $0.34 per 1/2 tbsp serving or $48 per pound.
I tested it and found that it mixes perfectly with boiling water if you want to. It’s also the most eco-friendly because it comes in a light zip pouch. I typically give my two dogs 1/2 tbsp per day with a meal. They go crazy for this stuff, I am telling you!.
For a limited time, it is on sale on Amazon for $21.99.
What I love most:
- 94% Protein
- Sourced and Made in the USA
- Hydrating Electrolytes
- Low sodium at 45 mg per 1/2 tbsp serving.
- Grain Free
Ingredients: Water, Grass Fed Beef Bones
Nutrition Facts: Serving: 1 TBSP | Protein: 6. 5 g | 0 g carbs | 0 g fat | 25 calories | 90 mg sodium | No fillers | Gluten-free | Shelf stable
Bone Broth for Dogs
FAQ
Is Swanson broth OK for dogs?
Can dogs have store-bought beef broth?
What brand of broth is ok for dogs?
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Best Overall
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Bluebird Provisions Grass Fed Beef
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Best Stew
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Honest Kitchen Pour Over
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Best Chicken
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Bluebird Pasture Raised Chicken
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Best Liquid
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Caru Beef Bone Broth
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What is the difference between Swanson beef broth and beef stock?
Can dogs eat beef broth?
That said, it’s safest to simply cook the beef before your dog eats it. Dr. Crnec says beef broth has several benefits for dogs: It’s rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which support joint health. These healthy extras seep out from the beef bones as they cook. It can help rehydrate dogs and provide them with essential nutrients.
What is the best bone broth for dogs?
1. Brutus Bone Healthy Broth for Dogs 2. Solid Gold Human-Grade Bone Broth for Dogs 3. Nylabone Beef Broth Bones 4. Native Pet Bone Broth for Dogs 5. The Honest Kitchen Instant Beef Bone Broth for Dogs 6. Nature’s Diet Dog Bone Broth 7. Primalvore Bone Broth for Dogs 8. NutraPet Health K9 Bone Broth Powder Concentrate 9.
Can dogs eat chicken broth?
Vegetable broth, chicken broth/bone broth, and beef broth are safe for dogs. But, it should not contain onions and garlic. If you buy one from the market, choose an organic and non-GMO broth, and don’t forget to check all the ingredients. Now, let’s talk more about broths for dogs and their potential benefits.
Can dogs eat bone broth?
Bone broth is an extremely mild liquid that sits comfortably in the upset stomach of your canine friend. Besides, it is nutritious and provides a delicious way of adding flavor and moisture to dry food. What makes it even more ideal for sick dogs is that it encourages dogs with a poor appetite to eat. 2. Is store-bought bone broth good for dogs?