Bone broth is often referred to as a “super food,” “nutrient-dense food,” or even “nature’s multivitamin,” but what does all that really mean? Nutrient-dense foods are high in vital substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. These nutrients may include vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. They also tend to be relatively low in calories despite their wealth of healthy substances.
When you give your dog bone broth, you are providing an excellent source of the following 10 nutrients in a delicious, easy-to-absorb form.
1. Amino Acids
Bone broth contains more than 19 easy-to-absorb, essential and non-essential amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. They also serve several vital metabolic roles in your dog’s body such as building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting the mineral density of the bones, boosting the body’s ability to absorb and synthesize nutrients, and maintaining muscle and connective tissue health.
2. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Glycosaminoglycans, commonly reffered to as GAGs maintain and support the collagen and elastin between bones and connective tissues. They are also important in digestive health since they help restore the intestinal lining. The three major GAGs are chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid.
Chondroitin sulfate is often sold in conjunction with glucosamine to reduce inflammation, support healthy joints and ease pain associated with aging and arthritis. Chondroitin occurs naturally in the joint cartilage of all animals, meaning that bone broth is packed with this nutrient.
Glucosamine helps cushion the joints and improve shock absorption during physical activity. It aids in the production of the chemicals involved in building tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the thick fluid that surrounds joints.
Hyaluronic acid is important for supporting the joints, combating osteoarthritis, and providing catilage with the resilience it needs to resist compression.
3. Collagen/Gelatin
Gelatin is the breakdown of collagen that results from the cooking process of bone broth. It acts as a soft cushion between the bones in your dog’s joints, allowing them to “glide” without friction. Gelatin provides the building blocks needed to form and maintain connective tissue and strong bones, take pressure off aging joints, and support heathy bone mineral density.
The collagen found in bone broth’s gelatin is responsible for the stock’s immune-boosting properties, and also soothes and protects the lining of the digestive tract.
4. Vitamins
Bone broth is an excellent natural source of vitamins including A, B-1 (also known as Thiamine), B-2 (also known as Riboflavin), B-3 (also known as Niacin), B-6, B-12, C, D, and K, providing multiple benefits throughout the body including immune support and the strengthening of bones and teeth.
5. Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that transports oxygen throughout your dog’s body, and is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails.
6. Electrolytes
Electrolytes found within bone broth include Potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and chloride. These essential minerals transmit electric impulses throughout your dog’s body, carrying the charges needed for muscle contractions.
The list of functions that electrolytes control is practically endless but includes temperature control, fluid levels, heart health, respiratory rate, digestion, fluid transport across cells, ion transport, renal function and neurological function.
7. Silicon
Silicon dioxide links collagen strands together, contributing to the strength and flexibility of connective tissues such as those found in skin, bones, nails, and arteries.
8. Phosphorus
Most of the Phosphorus in your dog’s body is found in the bones. It helps to build and repair bones and teeth, aids in nerve function, and makes muscles contract.
9. Zinc
Zinc is crucial in the healing process, helps maintain the strength of the muscular and skeletal systems, and plays an important role in your dog’s senses of taste and smell.
10. Copper
Copper is essential in making red blood cells and keeping nerve cells and the immune system healthy. It also helps form collagen and acts as an antioxidant, reducing free radicals that can damage your dog’s DNA.
So now that you know of all the benefits of bone broth for your pup, give it a go! Here’s a recipe to get you started: “Bowser’s Basic-‘n’-Beneficial Bone Broth” at Lucky Puppy Magazine
Or, if you’re looking for all the benefits of bone broth for your dog in an easy, no prep form, try Project Paws™ Premium Grade Bone Broth Powder. Made with naturally shed elk antler and free range elk bone, this easy to apply powder is the most convenient way to give your dog all the benefits of bone broth without any of the work!
H/T to Dr. Axe
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
via Whisker Therapy