Chicken Broth for dogs - this is one recipe I get asked for all the time. Many store bought Chicken Broth options are packed to the brim with salt and other hidden additives, and I found that making this recipe was one of the ways that I knew exactly what was inside. The best thing about chicken bone broth is that it's fairly easy, and almost any
"human" chicken broth recipe can be altered to be dog safe.
* Side note, ingredients to always avoid in any bone broth when it comes to dogs: Onion, high sodium content.
This recipe is one I've used many times, and it's always a hit!
While the Instant Pot makes this recipe much faster, if you don't have an Instant Pot you can also make this recipe in a croc pot or on a stovetop. However, the broth in a croc pot or stove top will need to cook for much longer. My recommendation for stove top or croc pot users: 12 hours of cook time (minimum), brought to a boil and then placed on a low simmer.
Now, let's get started!
All you'll need:
Instant pot.
Raw chicken bones such as wings, backs, necks or feet* (or a full, whole raw chicken).
Water
Apple Cider Vinegar
Parsley
Optional: Carrot (1-2 large carrots, scrubbed and cut in half)
Celery (1-2 stalks, leaves on, quartered)
*Tip: If you're looking for a thick, gelatinous bone broth, add more chicken feet and don't overdo it on the water. Chicken feet are rich in collagen, and this is key if you're looking to make a rich gelatinous broth.
Step 1: Add your chicken bones.
Insert your instant pot grate and add your raw chicken bones inside the pot. If you're using a whole raw chicken, place inside on the trivet.
Step 2: Cover With Water.
Fill your Instant Pot with water until the water is just covering the chicken bones. Add 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and leave the bones, water and vinegar for a few minutes while you chop the veggies. The vinegar works to extract minerals and nutrients out of the raw bones, but the flavor of vinegar will not be present in the broth after cooking.
Step 3: Add your Veggies.
If you're using carrots and celery, chop and place inside the instant pot with the chicken. Add a few sprigs of parsley or dog safe herbs of choice.
Step 4: Pressurize that Baby.
Seal your Instant Pot and place on "High" for approx. 2 hours.
Step 5: Wait & Release.
Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, do a natural pressure release. Once the pot is depressurized and safe to open, remove any large bones with tongs and discard.
Note: Do not feed any cooked bones to your dog. They are extremely dangerous.
Step 6: Strain.
Once the broth has cooled to room temperature, strain the remaining bones and contents of the pot into a large bowl. I like to use a fine colander lined with a cheese cloth to catch the bones, scum and veggies as I strain the broth into a large bowl or pot.
Tip: If you're using a whole chicken, you can remove the meat from the carcass (this should be extremely easy - the meat should fall away from the bone). You can serve the cooked meat immediately or freeze it in an air tight container. Pulled chicken is perfect for enrichment toy stuffing!
Step 7: Portion and freeze.
If using immediately, skim the fat off the top of the broth and serve, or chill for approximately 6 hours. Broth can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
BONE Appetit!
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