Bone broth is all the rage right now even though its benefits have been known for ages!
Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry are seen in beauty magazine articles touting its benefits for healthy skin, hair and their bodies in general.
Many of us have known how to make stock since we first started cooking, so preparing for and making bone broth that is beneficial for ourselves and our pets is pretty easy. Other than the prep, it really is a set it and leave it process.
I add two ingredients that many may wonder about giving to their pups.
One is garlic, the other, shiitake mushrooms.
Let's address the addition of garlic first. According to Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs And Cats, garlic has a number of health benefits for dogs, including as a digestive aid, coat conditioner, and general immune booster it’s also a great form of natural parasite control. In his book he shows how much is beneficial for your size pup. The amount we use here is just enough.
Shiitake mushrooms are also a question. Well, they are beneficial for both our pups and ourselves.
Shiitake mushrooms, and I use dry ones, support our, and our dog's, immune systems by providing vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, copper and the vital amino acid glutamine. Dogs Naturally Magazine has a great, informative article about shitake mushrooms for your pup here.
Here's the easy recipe for a Well Life for you and your dog. It's also great for cats!
Babsie's Bone Broth
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound beef marrow bones, have your butcher cut into 2 inch lengths
- 3 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 sticks celery
- 2 large carrots
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, preferably organic, with the mother
- Water, enough to cover the bones by up to two inches
I used to make this in a Crock Pot but now I use my Instant Pot which cuts the cooking time. The preparation in the same, the length of time is adjusted.
If using a Crock Pot, you should soak the mushrooms overnight. It is not necessary if using an Instant Pot.
Coarsely chop the vegetables, add to the pot then add the bones.
Add enough water to cover with at least an extra inch of water, or to within an inch of the maximum fill line. If using a Crock Pot, I suggest using hot, boiling water.
Add the apple cider vinegar. ACV is very important as it helps draw the collagen and nutrients from the bones.
Cook on a low setting if using your slow cooker and use high pressure if using your Instant Pot.
You can also make this on the stove on a very low setting.
If cooking in slow cooker or on the stove top, be sure to keep checking the water level so it stays the same and does not dry out. Cook for 24-36 hours.
In the Instant Pot, shut the top and seal the valve. Set on high pressure for 4 1/2 to 5 hours. When done let release naturally which will take about 20-30 minutes.
Of course you can use the fresh bones of other animals, I prefer the larger beef leg bones since they are very easy to remove and you can leave the vegetables in the broth for the pups. Otherwise, drain the broth through a sieve.
This will keep for 4 days, 5 days max in the refrigerator, or, you can freeze it. Use our silicone food storage bags with clips, since these will stay sealed and have a flat bottom to be able to stand up in the freezer which is important until it is frozen.
Better yet, use our Well Life Flat Noses Bone and Paw Print silicone molds and make great cold treats for your dogs. They'll love you even more than usual!