DIY Bone Broth Topper

Bone Broth Topper

Let’s talk dog food toppers. Because what we feed our dogs? It matters. A lot. Whether your kibble costs $20 a bag or $100, it all comes down to one thing: nutrition.

One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to give your pup a little nutritional boost is by adding bone broth to their food. Think of it as a warm hug for their insides.

Where do you get bones?
Finding bones for your bone broth is usually as easy as a trip to your local grocery store. Most stores with a butcher or meat department will have bones available — just ask! They’re often really inexpensive, and most butchers are more than happy to get rid of them. I live in a rural area with a few small, privately owned grocery stores, and that’s my go-to source. Just make sure the bones are fresh and unseasoned — no smoke flavoring, marinades, or added salt.

If you can’t find bones, a simple and inexpensive solution is to use chicken legs or wings. They are usually very cheap, and the cooked meat can be used in a variety of recipes.

I do not recommend using a rotisserie chicken carcass, though. The bones and skin have seasonings that can upset a dog’s digestive system.

Bone broth is packed with the good stuff —
✔️ Collagen
✔️ Amino acids
✔️ Glucosamine
✔️ Chondroitin

All those fancy-sounding things are actually superheroes for your dog’s joints, digestion, and even their coat. Seriously, you’ll notice the difference — shinier fur, happier tummies, and smoother moves.

Homemade Bone Broth? Yes, please.
You can make bone broth right at home in your slow cooker or on the stove. All it takes is bones (beef, chicken, turkey — whatever your dog does well on), a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and water. That’s it. Simmer it low and slow for 24–36 hours to let all that goodness seep out of the bones.

Do not be tempted to add seasonings such as garlic, onions, or spices to the bone broth. While tasty for us, these can be toxic to your dog. However, carrots are a great addition to the pot as they provide another boost of vitamins.

Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of that cooking smell lingering in my house all day, so I set my slow cooker outside on the porch or in the garage. I usually cook mine for 24 hours and it still turns out great.

👉 Important Note: Once the broth is done cooking, let it cool enough to handle, then strain it carefully to remove all bones and any skin or meat pieces. Never allow your dog to chew or eat the cooked bones — they can splinter and cause serious harm like choking or blockages. Always discard the bones safely so your pup can’t sneak them out of the trash. A trip to the emergency vet is not the kind of surprise we want!

After straining, store in freezer containers or refrigerate the broth overnight and get ready for the next step: the jiggly magic.

Now… if you’ve made your own and popped it in the fridge overnight, you might open that container and think:
“What is this gelatinous goo? I must have done something wrong!”

Nope! That bowl of jiggly, science-experiment-looking stuff is exactly what you want. In fact, the more gelatinous it is, the more nutritious it is. That jiggle means your broth is packed full of collagen and joint-loving goodness. Just skim off the thin layer of hard fat that settles on top, and underneath? You’ve got pure gold, ready to serve or store.

No time to make your own?
Totally fine. You can absolutely use store-bought bone broth — just make sure it’s 100% pure. No salt, no garlic, no onions, no added seasonings. Just bones and water, basically. Look for labels that say organic, no salt added, and definitely avoid anything with added seasoning or spices.

Bone Broth vs. Regular Broth – What’s the difference?
Regular broth cooks fast (about 2–3 hours) and is all about flavor. Bone broth? That’s the nutrient-packed powerhouse. It simmers much longer and is full of all the things that support gut health, immune function, and joint support — especially helpful for dogs dealing with issues like leaky gut or arthritis.

What kind of bones can you use?
Stick with what your dog’s already used to. If they eat chicken-based food, use chicken bones. Same goes for beef, lamb, turkey, etc. Some dogs are sensitive to switching proteins, so play it safe unless you know your dog can handle it.

Storage Tips (from someone with 8 dogs!)
When I make bone broth, I go big — because, well, 8 dogs. But if you’re not cooking for a pack, freezing is your friend. Pour the cooled broth into ice cube trays, freeze, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag. One cube is about 2 tablespoons, perfect for portioning. You can thaw the cubes easily in the microwave for a few seconds (make sure the broth isn’t too warm) or simply thaw on the counter for about half hour, then drizzle over the food.

For a smaller portion though you can also keep it in a mason jar in the fridge and just spoon it over meals. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Keep in mind that it will be gelatinous in the refrigerator so I pop the nightly serving in the microwave a few seconds to liquify it. I’ll be honest, I don’t think my dogs mind at all that it jiggles but it kind of grosses me out so I always warm it until it no longer jiggles.

Topper
Bone broth is the ultimate dog food topper. Just a tablespoon for small dogs or up to three tablespoons for larger pups is all you need to boost the nutrition in their meals. You can mix it in with wet food or drizzle it over dry kibble — it adds flavor, moisture, and a whole lot of tail wags.

A Little Caution
As with any new addition to your dog’s diet, it’s best to start slow. Begin with a small amount and watch how your dog handles it. If you notice any signs of digestive upset (like loose stools or tummy gurgles), pause the broth and give their system a break. Sometimes it’s not the broth itself, but the type of bones used — switching from chicken to beef or veal bones can make a big difference.

Not every dog reacts the same way, so just go slow, pay attention, and adjust if needed. If all goes well, you’ll have one very happy (and very healthy) pup!

Jiggle Wiggle Dog Treats or more commonly known as Bone Broth Gummies — a fun (and jiggly) way to serve up those same health benefits in treat form! These gummies can be made while you are storing the Bone Broth Topper. Takes about 5 minutes and your pups will love them. The recipe can be found here.

Friendly Reminder:
I may know my way around the treat jar, but I’m not a veterinarian! The recipes I share on The Barking Blogger are made with love and good intentions, but every pup is different. If your dog has allergies, a sensitive tummy, or you just want to be extra sure, give your vet a quick woof before trying out a new treat. After all, a happy, healthy pup is the best kind of pup!