Turkey & Carrot Instant Pot Bone Broth: The Liquid Gold That’ll Have Grandma And Fido Fighting Over The Same Bowl

Disclaimer: This recipe is a supplement, not a complete meal. Always consult your vet before making dietary changes. Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities. Start small, monitor closely, and stop if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. This is not veterinary advice.

---

Why Bone Broth for Dogs?

Bone broth isn’t just tasty — it’s one of the simplest ways to give your dog a health boost. Here’s why making it at home is the smart choice:

• Safer than grocery store broth – Most broths sold for humans contain onions, garlic, salt, or seasonings that are unsafe for dogs. Homemade broth avoids all of these risks.
• Cheaper than pet store broth – Specialty dog broths can cost several dollars per serving. Cooking your own from leftover bones and veggies is far more budget-friendly.
• Great for picky eaters – A splash of broth over dry kibble makes meals more appealing without needing high‑calorie gravies or sauces.
• Lighter than commercial toppers – Many dog food toppers are fatty or calorie‑dense. Properly made broth delivers flavor and hydration without unnecessary weight gain.
• Joint support – Collagen and gelatin from slow-cooked bones help keep joints flexible and comfortable.
• Hydration – Adds extra fluids, especially helpful for picky drinkers or active pups.
• Digestive aid – Gentle on the stomach and soothing for sensitive tummies.
• Nutrient boost – Packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Great for all ages – Seniors get joint support, while puppies and active dogs benefit from recovery fuel.

---

Quick Recipe (Instant Pot)

This bone broth uses just four simple ingredients and takes about 3 hours in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• Turkey bones (2–3 pounds) – raw or leftover carcass
• Carrots (3–4 large) – chopped into chunks
• Water (10–12 cups) – enough to fill the pot about ¾ full
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons) – helps extract minerals from the bones

(Note: No salt, onions, or garlic – these can be harmful to dogs.)

Steps

1. Place turkey bones in the Instant Pot.
2. Add chopped carrots on top.
3. Pour in apple cider vinegar and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Add water until the pot is about ¾ full.
5. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 3 hours.
6. Allow pressure to release naturally (about 20–30 minutes).
7. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer and discard bones/vegetables.

The broth will gel when chilled – that’s a sign of high collagen content.

---

Alternative Method (Stovetop)

If you prefer, simmer the same ingredients on the stovetop for 12–24 hours. This longer cooking time extracts nutrients without the need for pressure cooking. (Do not attempt to run a pressure cooker for more than the recommended cycle length.)

---

Benefits of Homemade vs. Store-Bought

• Lower sodium – Store-bought broths often contain added salt, which can strain your dog’s kidneys and isn’t necessary for flavor. Homemade broth stays naturally low in sodium, making it safer for long-term use.
• No preservatives – Commercial broths may include additives to extend shelf life. At home, you control every ingredient, so what goes into the bowl is pure and simple.
• More collagen – Slow or pressure cooking extracts gelatin and collagen from the bones, which support joint, skin, and gut health. Store-bought versions rarely reach this same nutrient density.
• Cost-effective – Using leftover bones and basic vegetables means you can make large batches for a fraction of the price of specialty dog broths. Over time, this adds up to significant savings.
• Customizable – Homemade broth allows you to adjust ingredients for your dog’s age, activity level, or sensitivities, something no one-size-fits-all store product can do.

---

Feeding Guidelines (As a Supplement)

General amounts, given twice per day with meals or as a treat:

Dog Size	Weight Range	Bone Broth Per Meal	Daily Total
Toy Breeds	2–10 lbs	1–2 tbsp	2–4 tbsp
Small Breeds	11–25 lbs	2–4 tbsp	4–8 tbsp
Medium Breeds	26–50 lbs	¼–½ cup	½–1 cup
Large Breeds	51–75 lbs	½–¾ cup	1–1½ cups
Giant Breeds	76+ lbs	¾–1 cup	1½–2 cups

• Toy Breeds – Tiny dogs need only a splash of broth to enjoy the benefits. Too much can upset their small digestive systems.
• Small Breeds – A few spoonfuls mixed into kibble keeps meals exciting and adds hydration.
• Medium Breeds – This amount helps support joint health and recovery after play without adding too many extra calories.
• Large Breeds – Larger dogs benefit from the extra hydration and collagen, especially if they’re prone to hip or elbow issues.
• Giant Breeds – These dogs often struggle with joint stress due to their size, and broth can be a gentle way to provide joint-supporting nutrients.

Tip: Always start with the lower end of the range, then slowly increase as your dog adjusts. Active or working dogs may thrive on the higher end, while seniors may need less.

---

Bone Broth for Picky Eaters & Weight Loss

If you have a picky eater, you’ve probably tried shredded chicken, canned food, or commercial toppers to tempt them — but these can backfire:

• Shredded chicken – Works in the short term, but it’s time‑consuming and adds extra calories without balanced nutrients.
• Commercial toppers – Marketed as appetite boosters, but they’re often expensive and calorie‑dense. Many are high in fat, which is the number one reason picky dogs end up overweight.

Bone broth solves both problems:

• Easy to make – A single batch in the Instant Pot or slow cooker lasts for days or weeks (if frozen). Much less effort than cooking chicken daily.
• Budget-friendly – Uses leftover bones and basic veggies, costing pennies per serving compared to $3–$5 per portion for store-bought toppers.
• Low-calorie flavor boost – Adds taste and moisture to kibble without loading on fat. That means picky dogs eat happily without packing on extra pounds.
• Supports weight loss – Broth can be used to moisten lower-calorie kibble or mixed with veggies to bulk up meals, helping dogs feel full while cutting calories.

👉 For overweight picky dogs, replacing fatty toppers with broth is one of the simplest ways to reduce calorie intake while keeping meals exciting.

---

Variations for Special Needs

• Weight Management – Add low-calorie fillers like green beans, zucchini, or celery to bulk up meals. This helps overweight dogs feel full without adding excess calories. Skip fatty cuts of meat and stick to lean bones.
• Puppies – Growing pups need nutrient-dense food but have delicate stomachs. Softer bones like chicken necks break down better, and straining the broth thoroughly prevents sharp fragments. Sweet potato or pumpkin adds vitamins and gentle fiber.
• Seniors – Older dogs often have stiff joints and slower digestion. Extending the cooking time (on the stovetop, not the Instant Pot) extracts more collagen for joint support. Gentle spices like turmeric or ginger may also ease inflammation and digestion.
• Allergies – If your dog reacts to poultry, beef bones can be used instead, though they require longer cooking. Carrots can be swapped for parsnips or sweet potatoes. Always introduce new ingredients gradually to avoid flare-ups.
• Sensitive Stomachs – Keep the recipe simple with just turkey and carrots. Avoid extras that could irritate digestion. Cooking at lower pressure or simmering gently may make the broth easier to tolerate.

---

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator (up to 5 days) – Store broth in clean, airtight containers. The broth may form a jelly-like texture when cold, which is a sign of high collagen content.
• Freezer (up to 6 months) – Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings, freezer bags laid flat for easy stacking, or mason jars (leave 2 inches of headspace to prevent cracking).
• Cooling before storage – Always let broth cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Storing hot broth in sealed containers can cause bacterial growth or container damage.
• Thawing – The safest method is to thaw overnight in the fridge. For quicker use, cubes can be thawed in warm (not hot) water. Avoid serving broth that’s too hot, as it can burn a dog’s mouth.
• Check freshness – Use your nose. If the broth smells sour or “off,” discard it. Dogs are more sensitive to spoiled food than humans.

---

Transitioning Dogs to Bone Broth

Introduce slowly:

• Week 1 – Add 1 tbsp with meals. Watch for any tummy troubles.
• Week 2 – Increase to 2–3 tbsp. Most dogs will lap it up happily.
• Week 3 – Move toward full serving size. By now, many dogs show shinier coats and more energy.

Signs of success: shinier coat, more energy, better hydration.
Red flags: persistent loose stools, vomiting, or loss of appetite (reduce or stop if these occur).

---

FAQ: Common Questions About Dog Bone Broth

What if I can’t find turkey bones?
No problem! Chicken, beef, or lamb bones all work well. Just avoid seasoned or smoked bones. Beef bones usually need a longer cooking time to release nutrients.

Can I use store-bought broth instead?
Only if it’s unsalted, unseasoned, and free of onions, garlic, or additives. Most human broths aren’t dog-friendly, so homemade is usually safer.

How often can I give bone broth?
Daily is fine in moderate amounts, as long as it’s part of a balanced diet. Think of it as a supplement, not a main course.

Can bone broth replace water?
No. Dogs should always have access to fresh water. Bone broth is a healthy extra but not a substitute for hydration needs.

What if my dog doesn’t like it?
Try mixing a small amount into their regular food or freezing it into ice cubes for a fun treat. Some dogs prefer it served at room temperature rather than warm.

---

Final Thoughts

Bone broth is an easy, nourishing way to support your dog’s health. With just turkey, carrots, and a little patience, you can create a hydrating, collagen-rich supplement that dogs love.

If turkey isn’t available, simply swap in chicken or beef bones — the process stays the same. The key is keeping it simple, safe, and tailored to your pup’s needs.

It’s not a meal replacement, but when added to a balanced diet, it can help picky dogs eat better, overweight dogs slim down, and all dogs enjoy healthier joints and hydration.