Health Benefits
According to Healthline and other sources, animal bones are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals needed to strengthen our own bones. Joint bones are also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin which aid in the formation and repair of joint tissue. Bones are also rich in vitamins, amino acids, and collagen.
These nutrients help us to build our own healthy tissues, especially bones, skin, and hair. Bone broth also supports our immune systems and gut health because it is typically easy to digest and gives our bodies the nourishment we need to support overall health. It has even been said to reduce inflammation.
Cats and Dogs
Our pets need different diets than we do, but the basic nutrients found in bone broth do translate into being good for them too. Pets who suffer from arthritis, malnourishment, obesity, allergies, and skin and coat issues can benefit greatly from some bone broth added to their diet.
How To Make It
There are two major principles to extracting nutrients from bones:
1) a long cook time 2) acid (like apple cider vinegar)
The exact recipes vary, but it's best to start with bones that have a joint attached. Cover the bones with water in a slow cooker or large pot on the stove, and add a splash (maybe 2 tBsp for a large pot) of raw apple cider vinegar. Cook it all day.
In a pot bring the water to a boil then reduce it to a simmer and keep an eye on it (best not to leave a pot unattended). Slow cookers vary in how they operate, but the benefit of these is that they can be more safely left overnight.
When finished, strain the liquid from the bones - do not feed these to your pet.
How To Serve It
Vegetables can be added towards the end, or the broth can be used to cook other things like soups or cooking liquid for grains. Season it to taste unless it's for your pet, then serve it plain or drizzle onto their regular food. The general principle of eating a little bit frequently is great for bone broth. One cup per day is great for people, and animals will vary by weight. You can always ask your vet.
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