Homemade Bone Broth for Health!
Not only is she a naturopath-to-be, Erica is also a great home cook. Beyond the standards cupcakes, lasagnas, and bon-bons, Erica makes a mean bone broth. You may be wondering what on earth is a bone broth and why is it so very important for my pet. I’ll be honest, I was once in your shoes! It wasn’t until I made this very recipe and saw how my own pets (dogs AND pickiest cats alive) gobbled it on up. With how easy it is to make my own, this has become an essential part of my pets diets. They love how it tastes and it makes me happy knowing I’m boosting their health and immune system. Read more below to get the recipe and find out what some homemade bone broth can add to your pets regimen!
Why is Bone Broth Essential?
By Erica Cook
There will always be something comforting about the smell of bone broth simmering on the stove as the weather dips into the single digits and we find ourselves at home, curled up with a good book with our pets in our laps. Bone broth is one of the most beneficial supplements we can add into our pets’ diets. This broth is so full of nutrients, that every animal and human should be consuming it daily. The Native South Americans once said that, “broth will cure anything,” and believed that, “good broth will resurrect the dead.” I know I couldn’t agree more.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is the stock that is created using raw bones, or bones that have been roasted. They are simmered over low heat in water and apple cider vinegar for six to 72 hours, depending on the type of bone used. This process allows the water and vinegar to extract all the minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients from the bones and marrow.
Why use Bone Broth?
Bone broth is one of the most nutrient dense foods ever. This broth contains amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, glycine, and proline. These amino acids are generally made by the body, however when the immune system is low or the body is under stress, they are not produced. Glutamine alone can heal leaky gut syndrome, which is the biggest contributor to allergies in our pets and us. Here’s how to works: glutamine goes in and seals the small micro holes that are formed over time in our small intestine. These holes allow bacteria and other pathogens to pass into the bloodstream.
Because of its long cook time, bone broth helps the body absorb and use nutrients. It also helps the body be better prepared for future nutrients.
Some other benefits to bone broth include:
- Boosted immune system
- Improved skin and coat
- Improved nail structure
- Reduced joint problems
- Reduced allergies
- Improved digestion
- Toxin removal
- Remineralization of the body
- Improved brain health
- Liver detoxification
- Improved digestion
- Connective tissue repair and support
- Improved bone structure
- Increased energy
How to Make Bone Broth
To make bone broth, you will need either a large stock pot or a slow cooker. You will also need:
- 4 quarts of filtered water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Bones
- Herbs (oregano, thyme, sage, tumeric, garlic, etc.)
Place the bones, water, and apple cider vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer in a pot or transfer to a slow cooker.
For chicken and fish, simmer the broth for 24 to 28 hours.
For beef, venison, and lamb, simmer the broth for 72 hours.
During the last eight hours of cooking, add herbs to the broth for added benefits:
- Oregano – Helps with digestion and is an antifungal
- Thyme – Helps boost the immune system
- Sage – Helps with the skin, digestion, and is an antibacterial
- Turmeric – Supports the digestive system and is an anti-inflammatory
- Garlic – Boosts the immune system and is a wonderful antifungal and antibacterial
- Ginger – Helps the whole digestive system, upset stomachs, and promotes healing
Don’t have time to make your own? As part of this month’s specials, we’re offering 20% off dehydrated bone broth in our store!
How to Serve Bone Broth
Bone broth can be served cold out of the fridge or warmed. Most dogs do well with a half cup to one cup daily, while cats average around a quarter to a half cup. Bone broth can be poured over your pet’s meals or served in a separate bowl. Don’t be afraid to feed the fat that has hardened on top as it is an amazing source of nutrients as well!
Humans can use the bone broth as a base for soup, stew, gravy, or warmed in a mug alone.
If you have an animal that just isn’t getting better no matter what you do, it is time to try bone broth. This one food is packed full of so many nutrients and amino acids that even the immune-boosting properties alone are worth the effort. This recipe is one of the easiest I have ever made, and also the most powerful.
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