Best Bone Broth for Cats

If you're a cat owner seeking to boost your pet’s diet, you might be questioning which bone broth is of the highest quality, purest and most secure for your furry friend's health.

It's a common concern, given the lack of information about bone broth for cats and which products are safe and which are not. This article will cut through the noise and offer practical tips on using broth for your feline friend and offer the 7 best bone broths ideal for your cat's nutritional needs.

Before we get started, I'll mention that the single best option is the pet bone broth powder from Bluebird Provisions. It is a product made specifically for cats as a fantastic meal topper.

7 Best Bone Broths for Cats

1. Best Overall: Bluebird Provisions Grass Fed Beef 

Without a doubt the best option on the whole list is the grass fed beef bone broth made by Bluebird Provisions. This is a convenient powder product has more protein (94%) than any other option at 94%.

Cats go nuts for the all natural beef flavor because there are no filler ingredients or additives. There's only two ingredients: water and grass fed beef bones (USA) meaning that your cat is not getting gums or extras to mess with their digestion.

This broth has hydrating electrolytes (potassium, phosphorus, chloride) to help keep your cat hydrated and their immune system strong.

The broth is naturally grain free an you only need a tiny bit to get started. I use 1/4 tsp ontop of one meal to get started. The price is competitive from Bluebird despite it being the highest quality option on the list.

Last time I checked, you could get it for $23.99 for a 200 g pouch. 

The pouch is super convenient and easy to use and reseal. No powdery messes.

I love supporting American made, small batch products, and this is that.

Ingredients: Water, Grass Fed Beef Bones

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 1 TBSP | Protein: 6.5 g | Carbs: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Calories: 25 | Sodium: 45 mg | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Yes

Buy on Bluebirdprovisions.co

2. Best Wet Option: Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs

Honest Kitchen bone broth pour overs come in an awesome variety pack with lamb / beef and salmon / pumpkin stew. Pumpkin stew option might sound a bit weird, but cats are different from humans after all.

This liquid version has 4% protein, 2% fat and 1% fiber. The protein in liquid proteins seems low at only 4%, but this is because there is so much moisture you need to account for (90%).

I appreciate that Honest Kitchen sources and makes their products in the USA. They are shelf stable, so you can easily just store them in the pantry and grab one when you need it.

Your cat will love the human grade ingredients with real meat and superfoods. I recently started using these and noticed that Atlas gobbled his food up like it was his last.

Try some today and see for yourself!

Ingredients: Beef bone broth, beef, carrots, butternut squash, tapioca, thyme, sage.

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 2.25 oz | Protein: 4% | Carbs: 4% | Fat: 2% | Calories: 46 | Sodium: unknown | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Refrigerate After Opening

Buy on Thehonestkitchen.com

3. Best Chicken: Bluebird Provisions Chicken Bone Broth for Cats

I'm so excited for the new chicken bone broth for cats from Bluebird Provisions. It is made with the same quality as their other products and something your feline companion is sure to love.

I appreciate the pasture raised and non gmo sourcing from USA farms. But best of all, this thing really works.

My friend's cat has huge digestive issues and stopped eating as she got older. The poor thing was skin and bones.

I suggested she try some of this and it got the thing eating again!

I you are looking for a delicious meal topper, look no further. 

I just checked and they are running a sale right now at 20% off. You just have to signup for their email list for the code. 

Ingredients: Water, Pasture Raised Chicken Bones

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 1 TBSP | Protein: 6.25 g | Carbs: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Calories: 25 | Sodium: 45 mg | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Yes

Buy on Bluebirdprovisions.co

4. Best Liquid: Caru Beef Bone Broth for Cats

Caru makes one of the best liquid beef bone broths for cats with their convenient, tetra-pak package. This delicious liquid broth is 3% protein with basically no fat or fiber. 

But the big thing to appreciate is the natural levels of chondroitin sulfate (0.1%) thanks to the quality, real beef bones they use to make it. 

Ingredient List:

Water, Beef Bones, Organic Carrots, Organic Celery, Organic Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Black Peppercorns, Thyme.

Notice anything weird on the list? Nope! This is why I love this brand. It looks like the ingredient list you would find on a quality, human bone broth.

A friend of mine started using Caru for their cat (Earl) and it was a game changer. Early is getting old and hated meal time. He was picky to say the least.

After a week of Caru, Earl is back eating like his younger self.

If you're on a budget, this one is a bit on the pricey side. At the time of writing it works out to $0.4 to $1 per serving.

What I love most:

• Organic Vegetables
• Slow Cooking Process
• Made From Real Beef Bones

Ingredients: Water, Beef Bones, Organic Carrots, Organic Celery, Organic Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Black Peppercorns, Bay Leaves, Thyme.

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 1/4 cup | Protein: 3% | Carbs: 0% | Fat: 0.01% | Calories: 9 | Sodium: Unknown | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Refrigerate After Opening

Buy on Carupetfood.com

5. Primalvore All-Natural Duck Bone Broth

The Primalvore All-Natural Duck Bone Broth is a game-changer for your feline friends! The gentle liquid allows for maximum joint health and digestive health benefits.

This one is made with human grade ingredients but formulated especially for cats.

Ingredients: Duck bone broth, collagen peptides, turmeric

When I check the ingredients, I see quality and simplicity. Just three things with no added junk. This shelf stable broth is super convenient with the easy-pour spout.

I appreciate the anti inflammatory ingredients and added collagen for skin and coat health. When I tested Primalvore, I noticed it worked really well for my cat with joint issues.

The only thing to take note is that you must use within seven days of opening (and refrigerate it). This is frankly a lot of liquid bone broth to get through in seven days if you only have one cat because the recommended serving size is 2 tsp and 12 oz works out to 72 tsp of bone broth.

Ingredients: Duck bone broth, collagen peptides, turmeric

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 2 tsp | Protein: 5% | Carbs: 0% | Fat: 0% | Calories: unknown | Sodium: Unknown | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Refrigerate After Opening

Buy on Primalvore.com

6. Merrick Turkey Bone Broth

Merrick Turkey Bone Broth is a gut friendly option for those cats with upset tummies or digestive issues.

Merrick is a bigger brand compared to the others on the list, but they still do their best in sourcing from USA farms and making their products in the USA.

They have 3rd party testing and audits from the highest food safety certification on the planet (GFSI). Let's look at the ingredients.

Ingredients: Turkey bone broth, pumpkin, cranberries, parsley, ginger

They look simple and straightforward, don't they?

All ingredients are made from whole foods and do not contain any potentially harmful additives.

If you have a fussy cat that doesn't like to eat, I would give this a try. They seem to love the turkey, and best yet, the pumpkin and ginger really settles upset tummies like nothing else I tried.

Ingredients: Turkey bone broth, pumpkin, cranberries, parsley, ginger. 2B29006

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 2 tsp | Protein: 3% | Carbs: 0% | Fat: 0% | Calories: unknown | Sodium: Unknown | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Refrigerate After Opening

Buy on Merrickpetcare.com

7. Solid Gold Bone Broth Cat Food Topper

Solid Gold cat bone broth topper comes in standup pouch with a convenient, resealable spout for easy pouring.

It's a good option for those picky feline eaters who can't seem to get down their food. Your cat gets a quality mix of collagen rich bone broth and gut friendly amino acids in savory treat.

The other thing to note is that this product is made in Thailand.

That being said, it is a cost effective option for liquid meal toppers and comes in three flavors: chicken, salmon and tuna. Sometimes I find that cats hate dry food from time to time. When this happens, I'll add a bit of this broth on top of his dry food and he gobbles it up.

What I like about Solid Gold:

1. 5% protein
2. 1% collagen

Ingredients: Chicken bone broth, chicken, chicken liver, sunflower oil, tapioca starch, salt, yeast extract, guar gum.

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 2 tsp | Protein: 5% | Carbs: 1% | Fat: 0% | Calories: unknown | Sodium: Unknown | Fillers: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Shelf Stable: Refrigerate After Opening

Buy on Solidgoldpet.com

Cat Food Bone Broth Primer

Bone broth has thousands of years of human use. Now it's being used for all types of pets including cats.

But what is it? Oddly enough, it is exactly what it sounds like: bones, connective tissues and other animal parts thrown into a pot and cooked for hours until it breaks down nutrients into the liquid.

The term 'bone broth' is an umbrella term used to describe any bone-based soup or stock which contains beef, chicken or pork etc.

Some recipes also include vegetables, herbs and spices. The entire mixture is simmered in water for 8-24 hours.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth For Cats

The benefits of bone broth for cats include hair growth, anti-inflammatory benefits, crucial vitamins and minerals for longevity, increased appetite for picky eaters, recovery and joint health.

Let's briefly touch on each of these.

Vitamins and Minerals For Their Immune System

Cats need a variety of nutrients, so bone broth is a perfect choice for them. Broth contains many vitamins and minerals from bone marrow which can help your cat feel better when they are sick and restore immune function.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The mild anti-inflammatory component of chicken broth may help cats fight off upper respiratory tract infections. It also has potent detoxifying effects for felines and humans.

Hair Growth and Shedding

There are benefits are not limited to nutritional needs-- it can also help with health problems and shedding in cats

Cats Need Meat Based Protein

Cats require meat as an important part of their diet and bone broth (without grains) is the most appropriate food for them. Animal sources provide our cats with plenty of amino acids, proteins, and other nutrients.

Perfect for Picky Eaters And Digestion

Bone broth can be a great way to boost appetites and hydration for older cats. It has a delicious flavor that is new to cats, which increases the likelihood of cats eating it in addition to water.

Recovery

Bone broth is great for cats and dogs recovering from major operations. The nutrients in bone broth are easily digestible. It includes glucosamine, glycine, proline, collagen and potassium that help with cartilage healing and detoxification.

Supple Joints

According to some studies, increasing glycine in the diet may help cartilage regeneration, integrity and osteoarthritis treatment in humans and pets.

Glycine is the main protein found in collagen. You get 3 g per serving in a quality product that has 12 g protein per cup.

Is Bone Broth Safe for Cats?

Bone broth is safe for cats because it provides animal protein rich in amino acids like glycine, proline, glutamine and glucosamine. These powerful proteins are safe and can't be overdosed on.

That being said, there are a lot of subpar quality products on the market that are not real bone broth.

Cats should not eat products that have harmful ingredients like 'natural flavors,' yeast extracts, added sodium, fillers or preservatives.

The other thing to think about is that bone broth is a tasty treat and can lead to overeating.

Cats are more susceptible to the issue of overeating, so make sure you keep your feline friend's intake in check!

It is always a good idea to monitor your cat's response while introducing it into their diet.

Do you have another pet? Learn about bone broth for dogs.

What is the Best Way to Serve Bone Broth to Cats?

Bone broth should be served to cats as a meal topper or plain by the bowl instead of water.

For a meal topper, you can simply mix it with your cats regular meals and stir it all together to make a gravy.

Remember that cats are carnivores, so they will most likely love it. You can serve it to them as a special treat at first.

1. Serve as a Meal Topper With Food

You can offer it as a special treat by adding it to food no occasion to see how your cat reacts to it.

1-2 tbsp of liquid is a great place to start to see how your cat likes to it.

If you are using a powder or dehydrated form, then simply add 1-2 tsp powder on top of your pets food with a bit of water to mix it in.

See how your cat looks and performs over the day to decide if you should increase the dose or note. Also check their bowel movements to make sure nothing has changed.

2. Put it in Their Water Dish

Adding bone broth to your cats water will encourage them to drink more. It also gives them hydrating electrolytes to stabilize their energy.

Simply mix 1 tbsp powder with hot water to mix it properly, let it cool then add it to your furry friends water dish.

For liquid versions you can just add 3 tbsp to the water.

Make sure you don't serve it too hot. Cats prefer their food to be body temperature, so it may not need to be served cold or warm.

You can serve bone broth to your cat with quality freeze-dried food as well as any other type of food you like.

3. Freeze It For Convenient Use

Freezing bone broth means that you can keep it fresh for up to 12 months. I recommend you prepare it first, then pour it into ice cube trays to freeze.

Once frozen, you can pop the cubes into a ziploc bag for single use. When you're ready to serve, simply grab a broth cube and add it to your pets water dish and let it melt.

Should You Buy Bone Broth Or Make It At Home?

If you want to make the bone broth at home, it is a process to make it but also to find the key ingredients.

Bones are notoriously difficult to find... if you want quality ones. And if you do find them, you'll be surprised at the cost.

Most people don’t want to make their own so instead buy it ready-made from a grocery store or online.

Bluebird Provisions is the best brand available online. They ship directly to your door in Canada and the USA.

If you want to buy one, you must check for the ingredients used and quality of sourcing. This will ensure your cat will have not any adverse reactions.

There are man common cat allergens, so be sure to do your research. And if you want to make your own, you can use the simple recipe below.

Cats can become addicted to the taste of bone broth, so make sure they're not overeating too much.

Bone Broth Recipe for Cats

The great thing about making bone broth for cats is that it really doesn't have to be complicated.

You can grab some bones and cheap cuts of meat, simmer it on your stove, slow cooker / crockpot or instant pot.

This recipe is intended for cats and small animals and is super easy to make. Once complete, it is cooked and ready to eat, with no extra preparation required.

Following these directions, you'll have a nutritious beverage for your cat in a day.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs bones (beef, fish, lamb or chicken or a mix of them).
• Optional add ins: 2 carrots

How to make bone broth for cats

1. Add bones to a large pot, dutch oven, slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Add 12 cups of water to pot.
3. Bring pot to a boil over high heat.
4. Skim your bone broth 2-3 times over the first hour as it begins to boil, then reduce heat to a rolling simmer. Usually between medium and low.
5. Cook it for 4-12 hours on your stove / slow cooker or 60 minutes in your Instant Pot.
6. The longer you cook it for, the more health benefits your pet will get as bone broth will become more concentrated.
7. Once you're finished cooking, strain your liquid in a mesh strainer to remove any food solids.
8. Some bones, especially cooked bones, can splinter and cause major GI problems for a cat. So strain it well.
9. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or the freezer for 6 months.

How much bone broth should I give my cat?

Start your cat on 1 tsp bone broth powder per day and see how they feel after 3 days. For liquid versions, this equals about 3 tbsp.

It is best to mix it in with their regular food. Check if they are eating it quickly and enjoy it. Also check their bowel movements for anything different.

On occasions, cats will get a bit looser stool when first switching to bone broth. This is because the gelatin and amino acids are helping clean out their digestive system. Learn more about bone broth and poop.

You can slowly add more over the coming days and weeks as your cat's digestive system gets used to it.

Make sure you are choosing the right bone broth for your cat, with 100% water, good quality bones and natural ingredients.

Bone Broth for Cats With IBD

Cats with IBD can benefit from bone broth. In fact, it's an important part of your cat's diet if he or she has inflammatory bowel disease.

It helps hydrate cats suffering from vomiting and diarrhea because it is full of hydrating electrolytes including potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and chloride. There is also natural sodium in perfect balance.

It also may relieve digestive symptoms and strengthen the intestines because of glycine. A potent potent amino acid used to treat IBD, Crohn's and colitis in humans.

Are there any side effects of bone broth for cats?

The side effects of bone broth for cats are generally mild, but they can include diarrhea and soft stools. These usually go away on their own as your cats gut and digestive system gets used to the soothing effects of it.

If you have a cat with IBD, it's best to speak with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

How often can I give bone broth to my cat?

You can give bone broth to your cat daily. Just be sure to start with a small dose of about 1 tsp for powder and 3 tbsp for liquid versions. Mix it in with their regular meals and see how they like it. If they are feeling good and enjoying it then you can increase it to 1 tbsp powder or 6 tbsp liquid in their meals.

What is the best soup for cats?

The best soup for cats is a meat based soup like bone broth. It's a simple way to add more nutrition into your cat's diet without changing her entire food plan. There are plenty of reasons why you should be making bone broth for your cats, but it's difficult and timely to make on your own.

Can cats eat chicken bones?

Cats cannot eat chicken bones because they are too brittle and sharp. Chicken bones also splinter easily, which can cause a blockage in the digestive tract or perforate the stomach. If your cat has been eating chicken, don't give him any chicken bones.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it, my lengthy guide to the best bone broth for cats. In most cases, I will always recommend starting with a gut friendly, powder option like Bluebird Provisions.

It is the highest quality with the most protein and best overall reviews. If you want a liquid option, I would recommend starting with Caru.

Do you have any questions about these products or a different product not on the list? Leave a a comment and I will get back to you asap.

Disclaimer: this information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA or CFIA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your veterinarian for advise on any of this.