Can Cats Drink Bone Broth? Vet-Approved Nutritional Value, Benefits & Safety

Bone broth has become a wellness superfood for humans, promoted for joint health, gut support, and hydration. But as cat parents, we wonder:
👉 “Is bone broth safe for cats, and does it actually help?”

The answer is: Yes, cats can drink bone broth — provided it is made correctly and without harmful ingredients.

Bone broth can be a hydration booster, appetite stimulant, and joint-supporting supplement for cats. But if prepared improperly (with onions, garlic, or salt), it can be dangerous.

This detailed guide explores everything you need to know 👇

📊 What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, cartilage, and connective tissues in water for long hours (12–24 hrs). This process extracts nutrients into the liquid.

🔬 Nutrients Found in Bone Broth

• Collagen & Gelatin – improve joint flexibility and gut lining【ncbi.nlm.nih.gov†source】

• Amino acids (glycine, proline, glutamine) – repair tissue, support immunity

• Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) – support bones & muscles

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin – natural joint protectors, reduce stiffness【PubMed†pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482936】

🥫 Benefits of Bone Broth for Cats

💧 1. Boosts Hydration

• Cats have a low natural thirst drive【Cornell Vet†www.vet.cornell.edu】.

• Bone broth provides flavorful moisture, especially helpful for cats on dry kibble diets or prone to urinary/kidney issues.

🦴 2. Supports Joint Health

• Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen.

• May benefit older cats with arthritis or mobility issues.

🐾 3. Improves Gut Health

• Gelatin and amino acids help protect the intestinal lining.

• Can support digestion in sensitive-stomach cats.

🐱 4. Encourages Appetite

• Warm broth adds aroma and flavor to food.

• Great for picky eaters or cats recovering from illness.

🍲 5. Low-Calorie Supplement

• Adds nutrients and flavor without excessive calories.

🚨 Safety Concerns & Risks

Bone broth can be harmful if prepared incorrectly.

❌ Ingredients to Avoid

• Onions & Garlic 🧄 – toxic to cats; cause anemia【ASPCA†www.aspca.org】

• High Sodium 🧂 – excessive salt damages feline kidneys

• Herbs & Spices 🌿 – bay leaves, pepper, or thyme upset digestion

• Cooked Bone Fragments 🦴 – splinter risk

⚠️ Additional Risks

• Lead contamination – prolonged cooking may release trace heavy metals【PMC†pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3737723】

• Unbalanced diet – broth is a supplement, not a meal replacement

📌 Rule of thumb: Bone broth must be plain, unsalted, and strained.

🧾 Step-by-Step: Cat-Safe Bone Broth Recipe

Follow this safe recipe 👇

1. Choose bones 🦴

   • Chicken wings, turkey necks, beef marrow bones, or fish frames.

2. Prepare 🚿

   • Remove fat, skin, and seasonings.

3. Cook 🍲

   • Place bones in a pot or slow cooker.

   • Cover with water.

   • Simmer: chicken/fish = 12 hrs; beef = 24 hrs.

4. Cool & Strain 🥣

   • Remove all bones/fragments.

   • Chill broth; skim fat layer.

5. Store ❄️

   • Refrigerate up to 4 days.

   • Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control.

6. Serve 🥄

   • 1–2 tbsp at a time, mixed into food or as a treat.

   • Start small to monitor tolerance.

🥩 Bone Broth vs Alternatives

📋 Daily Serving Routine

• Morning 🌞 – Mix 1–2 tsp broth into wet food

• Afternoon 🐾 – Offer frozen broth cube as enrichment

• Evening 🌙 – Add broth to puzzle feeder before bedtime

• Weekly 📅 – Rotate with plain water & commercial broths

🧑‍⚕️ Expert Quotes

“Bone broth is safe for cats if free of onion, garlic, and excess sodium. It’s best used as a hydration booster, not a full diet replacement.”
— Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM 【dvm360.com†source】

“Cats on dry diets especially benefit from extra fluids. Bone broth can help encourage water intake and support picky eaters.”
— Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM 【catinfo.org†source】

❓FAQs

1. Can cats drink bone broth daily?
👉 Yes, if plain and unsalted, limited to ¼ cup/day.

2. How much is safe?
👉 1–2 tbsp per serving.

3. Is bone broth good for cats with kidney disease?
👉 Yes, if low sodium. Always consult your vet.

4. Can kittens have bone broth?
👉 Yes, in tiny amounts. Ensure broth is plain.

5. Can store-bought broth be used?
👉 Only if pet-safe or labeled low-sodium/unseasoned.

6. Can bone broth upset the stomach?
👉 Rare, but too much fat may cause diarrhea.

7. How long until benefits show?
👉 Hydration effects are instant; joint benefits take weeks.

8. What bones are best?
👉 Chicken wings, turkey necks, beef marrow, fish frames.

9. Is fish bone broth safe?
👉 Yes, if strained carefully to avoid fragments.

10. Can bone broth replace meals?
👉 🚫 No. It’s a supplement, not complete food.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. Bone broth is a supplement, not a replacement for balanced cat nutrition. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods.