Listen, my doggo Bella started getting real picky about store-bought stuff last year. I swear, she could tell when something had a million fillers! That’s when I realized I needed to take control, and I started experimenting in the kitchen. It felt like a massive project at first, but honestly, making snacks that I know are pure goodness is so much better now. These Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies? They are my secret weapon. They take hardly any time, and since they are packed with that good gelatin and broth, I feel great handing them over. Seriously, this recipe is ridiculously easy and your dog will go absolutely bananas for them, trust me!
Why Make Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies?
I tell everyone who asks: ditch the mystery meat snacks! When you make these at home, you know exactly what your dog is getting. Bone broth is fantastic for keeping pups hydrated, and gelatin is legendary for joint support, especially as they get older. Plus, these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies use just two main ingredients, meaning absolutely zero sneaky fillers or weird preservatives end up in their tummies. It’s pure, straightforward goodness!
- Amazing joint support from the gelatin.
- Boosts daily hydration levels easily.
- Only uses two core, recognizable ingredients.
- They are low-fat, which keeps the diet clean.
If you’re looking for another amazing joint booster, you have to check out my recipe for chicken and parsley jerky—that one is a winner too!
Quick Prep for Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
Seriously, this is faster than setting up a complicated meal prep session. You are looking at maybe 10 minutes of actual work to mix everything, and only 5 minutes of gentle heating. That’s it! You pour it in the molds, and then you just wait for the magic to happen in the fridge. No complex baking schedules or fiddly temperatures needed for these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies. It’s the ultimate busy-day dog treat solution!
Essential Ingredients for Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
The beauty of these gummies is how few things you actually need. We aren’t messing around with flours or artificial colorings here; we are keeping it straight and simple for the pups! You need just two core items, and one little optional helper if your molds decide to be stubborn. That’s why this ingredient list builds so much trust—you know exactly what you are feeding your best friend.
The major players are your two cups of good, plain bone broth and four tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder. I always use unsalted broth because, hello, we don’t need extra sodium for our puppies! We want the pure, savory flavor of the broth to shine through, and the beef or chicken options work wonderfully. Pick whichever you have on hand, just make sure it’s good quality stuff.
Ingredient Specifications and Substitutions
Let’s talk specifics, because these details matter when you’re dealing with sensitive little tummies. The rule number one for the bone broth: it absolutely must be unsalted. Commercial broths often sneak in unnecessary salt, which is a big no-no for our dogs. If you made your own, fantastic! If you’re buying it, triple-check that label.
Now, the gelatin. This is the star that turns liquid into a fun, chewable treat. It’s full of collagen, which is great for their hips and coat. If you find your first batch is a little too jiggly for your liking—maybe your pup likes a serious chew—don’t stress! You can easily bump that up to 5 tablespoons of gelatin next time. It just gives you a firmer gummy, no sweat. And yes, you can use beef or chicken broth interchangeably; they just change the final flavor profile slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
Okay, now for the fun part! This process is super straightforward, but you have to pay attention during the heating stage. Remember, we are turning simple liquid into adorable, healthy little snacks for our dogs. We actually follow the gelatin packet instructions almost exactly, but we swap out water for that wonderful bone broth. Keep your burner on low—we want gentle persuasion, not a boil! If you need a little inspiration on other quick, healthy recipes, you can see my chicken and zucchini jerky recipe too.
Blooming and Dissolving the Gelatin
First things first, take about half a cup of that cold, unsalted bone broth and pour it into a small saucepan. This is where we introduce the gelatin. Sprinkle the four heaping tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder right over the surface of the cold liquid. Don’t stir it yet! You need to let it sit there, undisturbed, for about five minutes. This waiting game is called ‘blooming,’ and it lets the gelatin soak up the liquid, which is key to a smooth finish later. Trust me, skipping this step makes your final mix clumpy!
Once that five minutes is up, turn your stove to the absolute lowest setting. You need to stir this mixture constantly. You’ll notice it starts looking clear and silky. That means the gelatin has completely dissolved into the broth. The most important warning here is: DO NOT LET IT BOIL. If it boils, the gelatin loses its magic setting power, and you’ll end up with yummy-smelling soup instead of firm Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies.
Molding and Setting Your Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
When it’s perfectly clear and smooth on the stove, immediately yank that pan off the heat! Now whisk in the rest of that cold bone broth—that’s the remaining cup and a half—until everything is totally unified. Adding the cold broth now drops the temperature quickly before we pour.
Grab your silicone molds—I use those tiny candy molds, or even an old ice cube tray works in a pinch. If you’re nervous about them sticking, this is when you lightly brush the molds with a tiny bit of coconut oil. It makes popping them out instantly easier later. Pour that mixed liquid gently into your molds.
Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Pop the whole tray into the refrigerator. They need a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to get completely solid. I usually just leave mine overnight to be safe. Once they are firm, pop them out! If you skip the oil, you can also gently toss the finished gummies in a tiny bit of the coconut oil to keep them from sticking together in the storage container.
Tips for Perfect Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
So we’ve mixed and we’ve chilled, but I wanted to share a few little extra tricks I’ve picked up that make sure your Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies are absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about quality control and knowing how to tweak things just slightly for your pup!
First off, let’s talk about that broth again—I can’t stress this enough. Before you even start, give your bone broth a little sniff test! If it smells sour, or if it looks cloudy when it shouldn’t, toss it. You don’t want to compromise your healthy treats with low-quality stuff. Remember, this is the main flavor agent, so good broth equals good gummies.
We talked about adjusting firmness already, but here’s a quick reminder: if you’re aiming for a really dense, less jiggly texture that holds up even if the house is a little warm, don’t be afraid to increase that gelatin slightly for your next batch. Go up to five tablespoons, but stop there—any more and they might start getting too tough to chew comfortably for a young pup.
And when it comes to storage, remember these are refrigerated treats. They aren’t shelf-stable like commercial ones because they don’t have those funny preservatives we hate! You need an airtight container, and you should plan on going through them within 7 to 10 days. If you make a huge batch, pop the excess into a freezer bag, and they freeze like a dream! Thaw them overnight in the fridge for easy access later. If you enjoy treating your dog with other healthy options, you’ve got to try my chicken and pumpkin digestive jerky—it’s another favorite in our house when these gummies run out.
Storage and Shelf Life for Homemade Dog Treats
This is where some people mess up, so listen close! Because we are keeping these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies super clean—no preservatives, no funny business—they need a little special treatment after they come out of those molds. These aren’t the kind of treats you leave sitting on the counter next to your morning coffee, unless you want them to get sticky and sad!
The short version is: they must live in the refrigerator. Pop your finished gummies into a truly airtight container. I use those sturdy glass ones because plastic sometimes holds onto the moisture, and we want to avoid that.
When I make them for Bella, I try to stick to a schedule. We should really plan on using these up within about 7 to 10 days when they are kept properly cooled. That’s usually plenty of time for us, because they disappear fast!
If you make a monster batch—and honestly, you definitely should because they are so addictive to make—you can definitely freeze them. Just make sure you lay them out separately on a baking sheet first so they freeze individually before tossing them into a heavy-duty zip-top bag. That way, they don’t cement together into one giant, savory block!
It’s just like any fresh food, right? You wouldn’t leave cut fruit out for a week, and these homemade dog treats need the same respect. If you’re ever making other fantastic, lean jerky snacks, my turkey and apple jerky recipe also keeps great in the fridge, but it will last a bit longer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
I know when you start making things for your dog, a million tiny questions pop up! It’s smart to ask, because we want these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies to be tummy-friendly adventures, not surprises. Here are some of the things I hear most often from folks new to making these simple dog treats.
Can I add flavor or supplements to the Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies?
That’s a great question about customizing them! The beauty of the base recipe is that it is so pure. I strongly advise against adding any extra salt or sugar—even small amounts can irritate a dog’s system, so stick to the unsalted bone broth. However, if you want a little extra boost, you can certainly stir in a *tiny* dash of something safe, like a pinch of ground turmeric or even a drop of fish oil right when you mix in the final cold broth.
Just use caution! Too much of anything new can cause digestive upset in puppies. When in doubt about a supplement, always check with your vet first. But honestly, the clean, savory flavor of the bone broth itself is usually enough to keep the dogs happy.
Are these gummies safe for all puppies?
They are made with super simple, low-fat ingredients, which is usually perfect for most puppies. Because we use unsalted broth, we avoid the major sodium worry. That said, every puppy is an individual, especially the tiny guys! If you have a brand-new puppy, or one that gets an upset stomach easily, I always recommend the soft introduction method. Give them just half a gummy first, wait 24 hours, and see how things go.
If you’re using a low-sodium beef bone broth, the fat content is naturally very low, which is great for younger tummies still developing. If you are making my lean beef and carrot jerky, that’s a great comparison, but these gummies are even easier on the digestive system since they are mostly just broth and gelatin!
What is the main benefit of using bone broth instead of just water for these puppy treats?
Oh, I love this one! Water works fine for gummies, sure, but using bone broth turns a simple gelatin snack into a superfood treat! The primary benefit is the natural supply of collagen and trace minerals that the dog gets from quality bone broth. It’s amazing for skin, coat, and those developing joints. It just turns a fun chew into something genuinely healthy. If you are worried about the quality of your broth, check out my tips on making beef and carrot jerky—it goes into detail about selecting the best cuts for broth!
Do I need special molds for the Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies?
Not at all! That’s the beauty of this recipe. While those cute little silicone bone or paw molds look adorable, you really only need something small to pour the liquid in. I often use the sections of a standard ice cube tray if I’m in a hurry, or silicone muffin liners if I want bigger, chunkier treats. Just make sure whatever you use is clean and food-safe, of course!
Nutritional Snapshot of These Simple Dog Treats
I get asked a lot about the nutrition, and look, when you’re making something this simple at home, the numbers are going to be estimates, right? I mean, it depends on how lean your bone broth was, but I did run the numbers based on standard, unsalted broth and plain gelatin!
The best part about these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies is how low impact they are. They are basically pure protein from the gelatin carrier, which is wonderful! They add hydration without adding the extra fluff that commercial biscuits bring along. If you’re watching your dog’s weight or just want a guilt-free training snack, these are perfect. You can compare the leanness of these treats to my light turkey and sweet pea jerky recipe—they really keep the calorie count low!
Here is the breakdown for an average single gummy:
- Calories: About 15 calories—talk about a low-count reward!
- Protein: A solid 2 grams per treat, thanks to all that delicious gelatin.
- Fat: Super low, only about 0.5 grams! That’s why these are so great for sensitive bellies.
- Sugar & Sodium: Practically zero! We’re talking about 0 grams of sugar and only about 5mg of sodium, which is just residual from the original broth itself.
See? It’s clean fuel. You are giving them something beneficial every time they get one of these yummy Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies.
Share Your Experience Making Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
Well, that’s the whole process! We went from zero ingredients to a giant batch of healthy, savory, jiggly goodness for our best friends. I honestly hope you and your pup love these as much as Bella does. I’ve used these Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies for everything—quick training rewards, something nice to hold them over between meals, or just a cute little goodbye treat when I head out the door.
Now, I need to hear from you! Did you try the beef or the chicken broth? Did your molds complain when you tried to pop them out, or did you use that coconut oil trick and everything flew out perfectly? Hop down into the comments below and give this recipe a quick rating out of 5 stars—it helps other people decide if they should whip up a batch!
If you tried adding a little extra something, like a pinch of turmeric, let us know how that went over with your dog! I’m always looking for safe, small tweaks others have tried. Don’t forget, if you ever have questions about recipes or just want to say hi, you can always shoot me a message through my contact page. Happy treating—your Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies are waiting!
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Puppy-Friendly Bone Broth Gummies
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: About 30 small gummies 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Simple recipe for making gelatin gummies using bone broth suitable for dogs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef or chicken bone broth (unsalted)
- 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup of the bone broth into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold broth and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Gently heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not boil the mixture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cold bone broth until fully combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture into silicone molds (small candy molds or an ice cube tray work well).
- Refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until completely firm.
- Carefully remove the gummies from the molds. If using coconut oil, lightly grease the molds before pouring, or toss the finished gummies lightly in a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Always use unsalted bone broth when preparing treats for your dog.
- If you want a firmer gummy, increase the gelatin slightly, up to 5 tablespoons.
- These treats are best consumed within 7 to 10 days when refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Pet Treat
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gummy
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: dog treats, bone broth, gelatin gummies, puppy treats, homemade dog food