Bone broth has become an increasingly popular supplement for both humans and pets in recent years. With purported benefits like joint support, gut health, and immune function, many pet owners are interested in incorporating bone broth into their dog’s diet. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bone Broth is an accessible and affordable option, but is it safe for dogs? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. This long cook time allows the bones and connective tissue to break down, releasing gelatin, minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as other nutrients into the broth. Unlike regular stock, bone broth is cooked slowly and seasoned minimally for maximum nutrient density.
The gelatin in bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and proline which have been associated with benefits like improved digestion, joint lubrication, and wound healing. The minerals in bone broth support bone health and the immune system. When bones are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, the bone broth also contains higher levels of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K2, and glutathione.
Is Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bone Broth Safe for Dogs?
The short answer is yes, Costco’s bone broth is generally safe for dogs to consume. However, there are a few things pet owners should be aware of before feeding it:
- Ingredients – Kirkland Signature Bone Broth contains beef bone broth, vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes), beef, and natural flavors. All of these listed ingredients are safe for dogs to eat.
- Sourcing – Costco does not make the sourcing of their bone broth ingredients transparent. Since ingredients like grass-fed beef and organic vegetables result in higher quality bone broth, this is an area of uncertainty.
- Sodium content – Each 1 cup serving of Kirkland bone broth contains 760mg of sodium. This is a quite high amount compared to unsalted homemade bone broth. Too much sodium can be harmful to dogs, so moderation is key.
- Cooking process – Costco does not provide details on the cooking process, such as cook time and temperature, used to make their bone broth. Less than 12 hours of cooking time reduces the amount of gelatin extracted from bones.
Potential Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
Here are some of the evidence-backed benefits that bone broth may provide for dogs:
Joint Support
The collagen, gelatin, and amino acids in bone broth can help improve joint health by increasing the elasticity and production of cartilage. This makes it beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis and other joint issues. A 2018 study found large breed dogs fed a diet supplemented with bone broth showed significant improvement in limb use and physical functioning.
Digestive Health
The gelatin in bone broth has been shown to help soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and irritation. By coating and healing the mucosal lining of the GI tract, bone broth can aid dogs with digestive issues like IBS, colitis, gut inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. The nutrients in bone broth also support overall digestive health.
Immune System Function
Bone broth provides amino acids and antioxidants that may boost immune function in dogs. Glutathione and glycine in particular help regulate immune cells and control inflammation. This helps fight disease and infection to keep your dog healthy.
Hydration
The electrolytes in bone broth like sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus help replenish fluids lost by your dog through vomiting, diarrhea or exercise. This helps prevent dehydration and supports faster recovery.
How to Feed Costco Bone Broth to Your Dog
When introducing any new food or supplement to your dog’s diet, it’s best to start slowly and monitor them for any adverse reactions. Here are some tips for feeding your dog Costco bone broth safely:
- Start with small amounts – Add just 1-2 tablespoons into their regular food and gradually increase up to 1 cup per day as tolerated.
- Try pouring over food – The savory flavor makes it perfect for pouring over dry or raw dog food to increase palatability.
- Use as liquid in recipes – Substitute bone broth for water when cooking rice, oatmeal or other dishes for your dog.
- Try frozen – Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a nutritious frozen treat on hot days.
- Avoid straight from package – Do not let your dog drink straight from the container as overconsumption may occur.
Monitor your dog after feeding for any signs of an upset stomach or diarrhea, especially when first introducing bone broth. Reduce quantity or discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Homemade vs. Costco Bone Broth for Dogs
Many dog owners wonder if homemade bone broth would be better and safer than a pre-made commercial version like Costco’s. Here’s a comparison:
| Factor | Homemade Bone Broth | Costco Bone Broth |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Can customize ingredients like bones, veggies, herbs | No control over ingredients used |
| Nutrient content | Can use bones/meat from grass-fed, organic sources | Unknown nutrient quality of bones/meat used |
| Sodium content | No added salt if unsalted version made | Contains 760mg sodium per serving |
| Safety | Full control over cooking & handling | Unknown food safety standards |
| Cost | Lower cost to make own | More convenient but pricier |
While homemade bone broth allows you to control more factors, Costco’s bone broth is still a decent option in terms of safety. Just be mindful of the sodium content and potential for undisclosed ingredients when feeding.
Other Store-Bought Bone Broth Options
In addition to Costco, there are a variety of other brands selling pre-made bone broth for dogs:
Pet Store Brands
- Health Extension Bone Broth – Chicken or beef bone broth sold in pet specialty stores
- Sojos Complete Beef Bone Broth – Freeze-dried raw bone broth for dogs
- Pet Wellbeing Bone Broth for Dogs – Organic chicken bone broth supplement
Human Food Brands
- Kettle & Fire Bone Broth – Grass-fed, organic beef and chicken bone broths
- Osso Good Bone Broth – Chicken or beef bone broth from pasture-raised animals
- Bonafide Provisions – Organic chicken, turkey, or beef bone broth
These brands tend to emphasize details like grass-fed, cage-free, or organic ingredients. However, they also come at a higher price point than Costco’s option.
Key Takeaways on Costco Bone Broth for Dogs
Here are the key takeaways on using Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bone Broth safely for dogs:
- Made from beef bones and vegetables, it contains beneficial nutrients like collagen.
- Lack of transparency on ingredient sourcing and cooking process are downsides.
- Moderate amounts are safe for most dogs but watch sodium content.
- Can be added to food or used in recipes to provide joint, gut, and immune support.
- Homemade broth allows control over more factors but Costco’s broth is decent quality.
- Introduce slowly and monitor dog for any digestive upset when feeding.
Conclusion
While not a perfect product, Costco’s affordable bone broth is a reasonably safe option to give your dog some of the benefits associated with bone broth. Feed in moderation while keeping an eye out for any adverse effects. Check with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions. Making your own bone broth can allow more control over ingredients and quality. However, for pet owners short on time, Costco’s bone broth provides a decent nutritional boost.
As with any diet change for your dog, introduce Costco bone broth slowly while monitoring them carefully. Look for signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, which could indicate an intolerance. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about new foods for your dog.