How To Make Nutritious Soup For Dogs At Home

Introduction

Rex had a stomach bug last year and refused kibble for two days. Our vet suggested a simple bone broth to keep him hydrated and get some nutrients in. He drank the entire bowl in under a minute and looked up wanting more.

Since then, soup for dogs has become a weekly thing in our house. I make a big batch of bone broth on Sunday, store it in the fridge, and pour it over their kibble during the week. All three dogs eat better when their food has broth on it, and the extra hydration helps with digestion.

Here are the three recipes I rotate through. Nothing complicated, all made from stuff you probably already have.

Recipe 1: Basic Bone Broth

This is the foundation. Once you have broth, you can make everything else.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 lbs beef or chicken bones (ask your butcher for marrow bones or necks)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
• Enough water to cover the bones by 2 inches

Instructions:

1. Put bones in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Add apple cider vinegar.
3. Fill with water. Cover.
4. Simmer on low for 12 to 24 hours (slow cooker is easiest).
5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Discard bones.
6. Let cool. Fat will solidify on top. Remove if your dog is overweight; leave it if they're active.
7. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Serving: Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup over kibble. Warm it slightly. All three of mine go crazy for this.

Recipe 2: Chicken and Veggie Soup

A step up from plain broth. Good for dogs recovering from illness or picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bone broth (from recipe above)
• 1 chicken breast, diced small
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• Handful of green beans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Bring broth to a simmer.
2. Add chicken. Cook 10 minutes until cooked through.
3. Add vegetables. Simmer another 15 minutes until soft.
4. Let cool to room temperature before serving.
5. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.

Serving: 1/2 to 1 cup as a meal topper or standalone for sick dogs. Luna gets this when she has an off day and won't eat regular food.

Recipe 3: Pumpkin Stomach Soother

For upset stomachs, runny stools, or post-illness recovery.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bone broth
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (100% pure, not pie filling)
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Warm the broth slightly.
2. Stir in pumpkin until dissolved.
3. Add yogurt. Mix well.
4. Serve at room temperature.

This is what our vet recommended when Koda had gastroenteritis. The pumpkin adds fiber, the broth provides hydration, and the yogurt adds probiotics.

Ingredients to Avoid

Always check store-bought broth labels if you're in a rush. Many contain onion powder, garlic, or excessive salt. Making your own is safer and cheaper.

Making soup for dogs at home is safer than buying store-bought broth because you control the ingredients.