Bones, meat, and aromatics are simmered together for hours over low heat, producing bone broth: a clear, protein-filled soup rich in collagen, calcium, and all sorts of other goodies for your dog. Unlike soup stock, bone broth is packed with flavor–oftentimes recipes call for bones to be rubbed down with pastes before being roasted–because it’s meant to be consumed alone. Bone broth’s purpose is to extract every last drop of nutrition from the meat and bone, which can make it an extremely valuable addition to your dog’s diet.
With that said, commercially prepared bone broth often contains salt, preservatives, vinegar, or other items that don’t provide any benefits for your dog’s health. Petsafe alternatives exist, but may use broth or stock instead of bones, which lack the nutritional “oomph” you’re looking for. And making bone broth at home, while traditional, requires simmering your bones for 12 to 48 hours, which is a big commitment. One easy way to give your dog the extra vitamins and minerals they need is by supplementing their diet with Deley Naturals 15 in 1 Multivitamin.
Collagen
The longer you simmer the bones, the more infused the broth becomes with collagen. Done right, bone broth takes on a solid or gelatinous texture at room temperature. Collagen is responsible for:
- Improving skin and coat health
- Boosting appetite
- Supporting digestive health
- Strengthening the joints
As your dog ages, supplementing their diet with collagen can help delay the onset of osteoarthritis or age-related joint pain. Collagen is the star ingredient of two separate Deley Naturals Products: Advanced Hip & Joint Supplements and 15 in 1 Multivitamins.
Its other major benefit is the impact it has on your dog’s skin and coat. Much like you, your dog’s natural collagen production begins to dwindle as they grow older, which can result in dry or itchy skin, duller coat, or other issues. The collagen in bone broth helps replenish their supply so that they continue looking and feeling their best as they move through life.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Bone broth can be up to 90 percent protein, which contains the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate that your dog needs to protect their joints as they run and play. Like collagen, glucosamine plays an absolutely vital role in maintaining your dog’s joint health–and, like collagen, as your dog grows older, they stop producing as much, resulting in the cartilage between their joints wearing down over time.
When taken together, glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. While NSAIDs are a common prescription for treating osteoarthritis, many dogs cannot tolerate them long-term due to the side effects, causing their owners to reach for other solutions.
Bone broth also contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). All three ingredients contribute to:
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Decrease joint pain
- Alleviating symptoms related to osteoarthritis
- Rebuilding damaged cartilage between the joints
Bone broth isn’t your only option, however, especially if you want to make sure your dog is receiving a precise amount. If you want to reap the benefits, try a quality supplement such as Deley Naturals Advanced Hip & Joint Supplements, which contains all three along with turmeric for increased anti-inflammatory benefits.
Appetite and Hydration
Don’t overcomplicate it: bone broth tastes good. Lots of humans agree–think of the boutique bone broth shops that pop up periodically–and your dog most likely agrees too! The scent and flavor stimulate your dog’s appetite more powerfully than more traditional meal additives, and you can rest assured that your dog is getting plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, not filling up on junk.
When used as a meal topper, bone broth can help picky dogs finish their food. Undereating can result in your dog not receiving all the nutrients they need for maintaining their health. Bone broth also provides an extra infusion of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that can help your dog bounce back from a bout of illness.
Bone broth has some minor drawbacks: even shelf-stable variants must be consumed within a few days of opening, and too much can upset your dog’s stomach. But, rather than deny your dog what could be a valuable supplement to their diet, look for a high quality alternative such as Deley Naturals 15 in 1 Multivitamins, which can neatly patch any gaps left in your dog’s nutrition.