Your dog loves treats. You love giving them. But you don’t love the sugar, fillers, and mystery ingredients in most store-bought goodies.
Enter chicken bone broth gummies: wiggly, savory, protein-rich bites that support joints, gut health, and hydration—without junk. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and yep, dogs go absolutely feral for them (in the best way).
Why Bone Broth Gummies Are Such a Win
Bone broth already brings serious benefits to the table, and turning it into gummies just makes it more convenient—and fun. Think of them as chewy, bite-sized wellness boosts.
- Joint and mobility support: Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, and amino acids (glycine, proline) that help maintain cartilage and connective tissue.
- Gut health: Gelatin can support the gut lining and aid digestion.A calmer tummy? Yes please.
- Hydration helper: Broth gummies add fluid in a more exciting format for picky drinkers.
- High-value training treats: They’re soft, smelly (in a good way), and easy to break into tiny rewards.
- Gentle on sensitive eaters: Simple ingredients keep the risk of reactions low.
What You’ll Need (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need a chef hat or a molecular gastronomy kit. Just a few basics.
- Chicken bone broth: Unsalted, pet-safe broth.No onion, no garlic, minimal salt. Homemade or store-bought.
- Plain gelatin: Unflavored powder (usually bovine). Look for food-grade, nothing added.
- Optional add-ins: A pinch of turmeric, a few dog-safe herbs (like parsley), or a smidge of canned pumpkin.Keep it conservative.
- Silicone molds or a shallow pan: For that cute gummy vibe. Ice cube trays also work.
How to Pick a Safe Broth
Scan labels like a hawk. Skip anything with onion, garlic, chives, or “spices” that don’t specify what they are.
Choose “unsalted” or “no salt added.” If you make broth at home, skim the fat after chilling to keep tummies happy.
Step-by-Step: Easy Chicken Bone Broth Gummies
Let’s make the magic. This batch yields about 40–60 small gummies, depending on your molds.
- Measure 2 cups of chicken bone broth and warm it in a saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, sprinkle 4 tablespoons of plain gelatin over 1/2 cup of cool broth (or water) to bloom for 3–5 minutes. It’ll look like a weird sponge, which is perfect.
- Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm broth until fully dissolved.No clumps allowed.
- Optional: Stir in a tiny pinch of turmeric or parsley. Keep it minimal—this is a treat, not a spice party.
- Pour into silicone molds or a parchment-lined pan. Cool on the counter for 10 minutes.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.Unmold or slice into bite-sized squares.
Storage: Keep gummies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze extras for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Portion Size Guidelines
Every dog is different, but here’s a simple baseline:
- Small dogs (under 20 lb): 1–2 small gummies per day
- Medium dogs (20–50 lb): 2–3 gummies per day
- Large dogs (50+ lb): 3–5 gummies per day
FYI: Start slow (1 gummy) to see how your dog’s stomach handles gelatin.
Make It Fun: Flavor Ideas Dogs Actually Want
Gummies don’t need to be fancy, but a few tweaks keep things exciting.
- Chicken + Pumpkin: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of pure pumpkin puree for fiber and flavor.
- Chicken + Parsley: Fresh breath helper and a pop of color.
- Chicken + Sardine Smash: Mash half a sardine into the mixture—super high-value training treats.Yes, they’ll smell fishy. Your dog will not complain.
- Chicken + Blueberry Bits: Drop in a few halved blueberries per mold for antioxidants.
What to Avoid
Keep these out, always:
- Onion, garlic, leeks, chives
- Artificial sweeteners (xylitol is extremely toxic)
- Too much salt or fat
- Grapes/raisins, nutmeg, or anything you’re not 100% sure is dog-safe
Health Benefits, Explained Without the Jargon
Let’s break down why these work, without going full science lab.
- Gelatin = joint TLC: It provides amino acids that help the body maintain cartilage and connective tissue. Great for seniors or active pups who zoom too hard.
- Glycine for gut calm: Bone broth naturally contains glycine, which can support digestion and soothe the GI tract.
- Hydration with flavor: Dogs who snub water bowls often accept broth-based treats.Sneaky hydration for the win.
- Low-cal treat: Gummies deliver flavor and function without packing on calories—IMO, way better than biscuits loaded with starch.
When Gummies Shine
Use them strategically:
- Post-activity recovery treats
- High-reward training sessions
- Hot days when you want extra fluids in
- For picky eaters who ignore regular food—crumble a gummy on top
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Gummies
You can absolutely buy premade bone broth treats. But making your own gives you control over salt, fat, and ingredients—and costs way less. Pros of DIY:
- Full control over ingredients
- Cheaper per batch
- Customizable flavors and sizes
Pros of store-bought:
- Convenient
- Shelf-stable options for travel
If you go store-bought, read labels.
If you can’t pronounce half the ingredient list, maybe skip it. IMO, your dog doesn’t need “sodium this” and “poly-that” to be happy.
Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
I know, safety chat isn’t glamorous, but it matters.
- Check your broth: No onion/garlic. Minimal salt.If homemade, skim fat.
- Introduce slowly: Gelatin can firm stools. Start with small amounts and watch for changes.
- Count calories: Treats should be under 10% of daily calories. Gummies are light, but not invisible.
- Dental considerations: Soft treats are great for seniors or dogs with dental issues.
- Medical conditions: If your dog has pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food sensitivities, ask your vet before adding new treats.
Batching and Meal Prep
Make a double batch, then freeze in portions:
- Spread gummies on a sheet pan to freeze individually
- Transfer to freezer bags with dates labeled
- Thaw only what you’ll use in 3–4 days
Efficient, tidy, and zero sad, wasted gummies.
Training With Broth Gummies
Use them as high-value rewards.
They’re soft and breakable, so you can make them tiny for rapid-fire training. If your dog trains outside in warm weather, keep gummies chilled in a small cooler to prevent melt. Pro tip: Dust pieces with a pinch of coconut flour if they feel slippery in your fingers.
FAQ
Can puppies have bone broth gummies?
Generally, yes in small amounts, as long as the ingredients are puppy-safe and unsalted.
Start with tiny portions and watch for tummy changes. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach or special diet, check with your vet first.
How many gummies can my dog have per day?
Use the size guide above and keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Start with one gummy and increase slowly.
If stools get too firm, back off a bit.
What if I only have regular chicken stock?
Check the label hard. If it contains onion/garlic or lots of salt, skip it for dogs. If it’s clean and low-sodium, you can use it, but bone broth offers more collagen and gelatin benefits.
Do I have to use gelatin?
For that classic gummy texture, yes.
Agar-agar sets differently and can get brittle, and many dogs prefer the softer chew of gelatin. Stick with plain, unflavored gelatin for best results.
My dog is on a limited-ingredient diet. Safe or not?
Often safe if you stick to clean broth and gelatin.
Keep add-ins minimal. When in doubt, bring the ingredient list to your vet for a quick thumbs-up.
Will these make my house smell like a chicken factory?
Briefly, maybe. But the smell fades fast—and your dog will think you’ve ascended to culinary genius status, so worth it.
Final Thoughts
Chicken bone broth gummies hit the sweet spot: simple ingredients, real health perks, and tail-wagging approval.
Whip up a batch on Sunday, stash them in the fridge, and watch your dog sit faster than you can say “gummy.” Easy, affordable, and actually good for your pup—FYI, that’s my favorite combo.
