Chicken broth for dogs and cats is one of my secret recipes to help sick furriends fight off viruses! When your furkiddo is feeling under the weather, you might want to make some changes to their diet. Why is that, you may ask? It is because a proper diet provides them with the nutrients they need to build a stronger, virus-fighting body. And a warm bowl of chicken broth might just be something they need in this tough time.

This nutritious soup supports sick pets by helping ease inflammation, clearing airways, and replenishing their bodies during seasonal flu. The following recipe will show you how to make a healing chicken broth for your little ones!’

Benefits of a Homemade Bone Broth for Your Pet

When your pet’s body encounters an offending agent like a virus, it activates the immune system. The immune system then sends out its first responder such as inflammatory cells and cytokines. In this case, chicken broth is extremely beneficial as it has scientifically proven anti-inflammatory effects.

This nutritious soup supports sick pets by helping ease inflammation, clearing airways, and replenishing their bodies during seasonal flu.

Store-bought chicken broth made for humans, however often contains garlic, onion, and too much salt, which can be harmful to your little one. To avoid any issues, opt for a pet-specific broth, or when possible, make your own recipe at home. 

Cooking homemade chicken broth for dogs and cats means you have complete control over the ingredients used and the amounts. On top of that, you can add different supplements to the soup to make it even more nourishing!

The many healthy nutrients in my chicken broth recipe include amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are also packed in the ingredients used in the following recipe. Together they can help support your furkiddo in their battle against viral infections, and help repair inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Chicken Broth for Dogs & Cats Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2lbs of chicken bones

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks of celery, chopped

• 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons of ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds

• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon of dried sage

• 1 teaspoon of fennel

• 1 teaspoon of light salt (optional)

• About 20 cups of filtered water

These ingredients work together to offer different health benefits to help support sick pets. Lemon juice, for example, is packed with vitamin C and phytonutrients, which are plant compounds that promote good health. Fennel and the active ingredient Gingerol in ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Fennel can also help encourage a healthy appetite. 

Celery is high in vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and K, and is a good source of antioxidants. Carrots contain beta carotene, vitamins K and B6, and are a good source of fiber. To top it off, pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc, work with rosemary and sage to provide antiviral benefits. 

Steps:

1. Food prep by separating the ingredients and measuring everything before adding them into a large stockpot. Fill the pot with about 20 cups of filtered water.

2. Bring it all to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the broth to simmer for about 12 to 14 hours. This slow cooking is important to allow the nutrients to be released from the ingredients.

3. Allow it to cool down, then remove the bones and strain. Please do not give the cooked bones to your pet. The bones become quite soft and brittle after being cooked for so long and can cause accidents. 

4. Make sure that you remove all of the water that might have been absorbed by the veggies, because it contains all the natural goodies you need. You can use a spoon or a potato masher to help with that. If the carrots and celery are still intact, feel free to give them as a treat or add it on top of the broth when serving.

5. After the bone broth is strained and cooled, remove the fat from the top by scooping it off.

6. Ensure the broth is cool enough for your pet before serving. Any leftover broth can be easily stored in the freezer, using ice cube trays, and thawed at another time.

7. Add supplements when serving for viral support, like NHV Felimm and NHV Natures Immuno.

Supplements for Added Viral Support

You can mix in supplements or medication with this chicken broth for dogs and cats right before serving. These are our main recommendations for pets fighting viral infections:

NHV Felimm has some herbs, such as St. John’s wort, showing an antiviral mode of action. Some studies have revealed that pre-treatment with the plant extract may reduce the number of viral titers.

NHV Natures Immuno has a good impact on viral replication suppression. Therefore, pet-fighting viruses can benefit from this blend of five mushrooms. NHV Multi Essentials works as a herbal multivitamin. The supplement may help a pet get their daily allowance of nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, etc.

Tips When Giving Bone Broth to Dogs and Cats

This chicken broth can be mixed with your little one’s regular food or given alone. It is important to note that before you modify your little one’s diet, you might want to seek advice from your veterinarian. Especially when there are other underlying conditions and serious health issues to be considered. 

The amount varies depending on the size of the dog or cat. In general situations, you can offer about 25 to 50 mL of the broth, two to four times a day, for miniature and small pets. For medium-sized to large dogs, we recommend adding about 100 to 125 mL of the broth to their meals, twice to four times a day.

For any other questions about chicken broth for dogs and cats, home cooking for your pet, or any of our supplements get in touch with an NHV pet expert! We are always happy to help our furriends.