A broth is the essence of a food reduced “todo en la caldera” (all in the cauldron) with water, vegetables, seasoning, and as the name suggests, using whatever is available or in season. Think of it as richly flavored and nutritious water.
Is bone broth good for cats?
The benefits of bone broth for cats come primarily from collagen. Collagen is found in bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, muscles, blood vessels, and hair.
Bone Broth Benefits For Cats
Adding bone broth to your cat’s diet in moderation can have several beneficial effects. Here are some of them:
1. Hydration
Bone broth is primarily made by simmering animal bones (the main ingredient) in water, resulting in a nutrient-rich liquid full of essential nutrients. The broth’s high water content can help promote hydration and supplemental feeding for finicky pets, especially if they are not drinking enough water on their own.
2. Supporting nutritional needs
Bone broth contains minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that can contribute to a cat’s overall nutrition. These nutrients include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin found in the bone marrow. These components can help support joint health, coat and skin condition, and digestive function.
3. Appetite stimulation
Some cats may have decreased appetites due to illness, stress, or other factors. The aroma and taste of bone broth can be enticing for cats, helping to stimulate their appetites and encouraging them to eat. This meal topper can be particularly helpful for cats recovering from illness or surgery because it boosts their immune system.
4. Digestive system support
The gelatin and collagen present in bone broth can soothe and support the digestive tract and promote good gut health. It may improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut environment for our furry friends.
5. Joint health
The glucosamine and chondroitin found in bone broth can support joint health and connective tissues. This can potentially alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis or joint discomfort in cats, particularly in older cats or senior cats.
It’s important to note that bone broth should be made from high-quality ingredients and prepared without onions, garlic, or other harmful ingredients toxic to cats. Also, bone broth should not replace a balanced and complete diet formulated specifically for cats but can be a beneficial supplement when used appropriately.
Always consult with your veterinarian before adding bone broth or any new food to your cat’s diet. This is to ensure it is suitable for their individual needs.
Best bone broth products (available on Amazon)
Here are some bone broth products for cats that offer different benefits and features. Click the links for more information and to buy on Amazon.
Open Farm Chicken Bone Broth
Open Farm provides chicken bone broth for cats, made with responsibly sourced meat and superfoods. It is free of artificial flavors or preservatives.
Caru Daily Dish Beef Broth Meal Topper for Dogs and Cats
Caru Daily Dish Pumpkin and Bone Broths are cat and dog food toppers that coat pet food in beneficial nutrients and irresistible flavors – a pet food supplement that turns an average meal into a wholesome and delicious treat.
Café Nara Pumpkin Broth Meal Topper for Dogs and Cats
Treat your pet to Cafe Nara Pumpkin Broth, a tasty, healthy meal topper for dogs & cats. This savory liquid treat looks, smells, and tastes just like homemade bone broth.
Wellness CORE Simply Shreds Natural Grain Free Wet Cat Food Mixer Or Topper
CORE Simply Shreds can be used as a mixer, topper, or snack for a complete and balanced diet. It’s a delicious recipe with only 5 ingredients or less— 100% natural with no grains and no fillers.
Bone broth for cats: 3 easy recipes to make at home
1. Beef broth recipe
Beef broth is a delicious addition to any cat’s diet. Here is a “Brodo di manzo” (beef broth) recipe you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef (any cut)
- 1 shank bone with marrow
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 celery stalks with leaves
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 sprigs of parsley
- 6 quarts of water
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cut meat and vegetables into 1-inch pieces. Brown meat with onion in oil while boiling water and other ingredients. Add browned meat, onions, and oil to boiling water, reduce heat, and simmer meaty bones for 2 hours. Strain.
2. Chicken broth recipe
Chicken broth is a very tasty bone broth. As you will see, chicken broth (brodo di pollo) has many similarities to the previous broth.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of free-range chicken (any parts with chicken bones)
- 6 cups water
- 1 carrot
- 2 celery stalks with leaves
- 1 large onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chop the vegetable into 1-inch pieces, add all ingredients to water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until meat is tender, cool, skim fat, bring to boil again then remove from heat and strain.
3. Fish broth
Brodo di Pesce (fish broth) is another tasty choice for cats.
Ingredients:
3 pounds of fish (whole, any kind, cleaned)
1 large onion
1 carrot
2 tomatoes
3 stalks of celery with leaves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 quarts warm water
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup white wine
Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces and sauté with fish in butter and olive oil while boiling water. Remove fish carefully and set aside. Add vegetables to boiling water and simmer for 30 minutes then add fish, Parmesan cheese, and wine. Boil slowly for 15 minutes, remove from heat, and let cool.
4. Vegetable broth
You can also make a tasty and healthy meatless broth for your cat. Here’s another easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- Vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, winter squash, and pumpkin).
- Water
Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces (saute first for a richer flavor if you wish), cover them with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and strain.
Make the broth last longer by freezing it
As these broths don’t have preservatives, you can freeze them. Reduce the broth by half by simmering it before freezing to save space.