You know how sometimes you just feel like you need to do *that one extra little thing* for your dog? For me, that feeling hit hard last year when our old Shepherd, Buster, started showing signs of slowing down. The vet mentioned supporting his amazing liver, and I immediately thought, “I bet I can make something better than those chalky supplements.” Trust me, once you see how excited they get for these, you won’t go back to store-bought chews! We’re talking about homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs that are packed with goodness. It’s so simple, just bone broth, a touch of milk thistle, and gelatin to give them that fun, chewy texture. This small bit of effort makes a huge difference, and Buster absolutely goes wild for them.
Why This Recipe for Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs is Essential
Look, I get it. The pet store aisles are flooded with bright, flashy bags of supplements, but honestly, half the time I can’t even pronounce the ingredients! When you make these Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs at home, you are in total control. That’s the real win here! We skip all the fillers, artificial colors, and hidden junk that commercial treats pack in. By using real, quality beef bone broth as the base, we give our pups fantastic collagen and minerals right away.
But the real superstar is the infusion of milk thistle right into the gummy. That little bit of powder is doing some heavy lifting for their health, gently supporting those vital detoxification pathways. Knowing exactly what nutritional boost my sweet boy is getting makes me feel like the best dog mom ever. These aren’t just treats; they are little daily wellness boosters disguised as something super yummy. That’s why these homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs are essential for me.
Quick Overview of Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
You’ll be shocked how fast the active part takes, even if the chilling takes a while:
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min (Really just heating!)
- Total Time: 6 hr 20 min (Mostly waiting for the fridge!)
- Yield: Approximately 40 small gummies
Gathering Ingredients for Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Okay, let’s talk about what you need to pull this together. This is one of the best things about making your own treats—you control the quality! We are keeping this list super short, which makes whipping these up later a breeze. The most critical thing you absolutely must get right is the bone broth. We need exactly 4 cups of it, and I mean low-sodium broth. Remember, we’re making something healthy here, not serving them a salty side dish!
Then, you’ll need 1/2 cup of plain water to help things mix smoothly. The structure comes from 4 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder—make sure it’s unflavored, or you might end up with stinky, savory jello, which is not what we are aiming for here!
For the powerful add-ins, grab 1 tablespoon of dried milk thistle powder, and if you want a little extra color and anti-inflammatory power, toss in 1 teaspoon of turmeric. I always grab my turkey jerky ingredients list for reference, just to make sure my spices are fresh!
Ingredient Spotlight: Milk Thistle for Canine Liver Health
The milk thistle isn’t just there for show, trust me. This herb has been used for ages to support the liver. It contains silymarin, which is a big word for an ingredient that helps protect liver cells from damage and can even encourage regeneration. I researched it quite a bit before adding it in, and knowing that this little bit is helping Buster’s natural processes along makes the whole thing worth it. It’s gentle, natural, and exactly what we want when we are looking to nurture their organs as they age.
Essential Equipment for Making Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
You don’t need a fancy food lab for this recipe, thank goodness! Having the right tools makes the 5 minutes of actual ‘cooking’ smooth as silk. First up, grab a decent-sized saucepan. Even though we aren’t boiling anything, we need enough space to whisk everything without making a huge mess on the stove.
You’ll definitely need a reliable whisk—a fork just won’t cut it when incorporating that gelatin evenly. Seriously, lumps are the enemy, and a good whisk keeps us out of trouble here. Finally, and this is the fun part, you need silicone molds! I use little bone shapes, but honestly, any small shape works. Silicone is key because trying to pry these firm gummies out of a metal tray would just crush your hard work. Grab your rabbit parsley soft jerky molds if you have them; they work perfectly for this recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Alright, buckle up because this is where the magic happens! We’re keeping this incredibly straightforward, but timing is everything, especially with gelatin. You don’t want a grainy mess in your dog’s favorite treat! First things first, gently combine your 4 cups of low-sodium bone broth and that 1/2 cup of water in your saucepan. You are just warming this up over medium heat until it’s cozy—think warm bath temperature, not boiling hot. Seriously, do not boil the broth!
Once it’s warm, pull the whole thing off the heat immediately. Now, this is the important part for making our Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs smooth: sprinkle the gelatin powder slowly over the top while you whisk constantly. I mean non-stop whisking. If you dump it all in at once, you’ll get those notorious little gelatin blooms—those scary, undissolved clumps. My secret? I sprinkle it in over about a full minute while keeping the whisk moving briskly, almost in tight little circles, to make sure every grain hits the liquid instantly. Keep whisking until it’s totally clear, like liquid glass!
Next step, you just mix in your powerful support powders. Stir in that milk thistle and the optional turmeric powder until everything looks uniform. Now you’re ready for the molds! Pour this liquid gold right into your silicone bone shapes. Make sure they are sitting flat on a baking sheet first, that makes moving them later way easier. This is what makes homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs so rewarding!
Dissolving Gelatin Properly in Your Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
I cannot stress this enough: warmth, not heat! If your broth is too hot when you add the gelatin, it stops setting properly later, leading to soft, floppy treats that stick everywhere. You want the gelatin to hydrate evenly without denaturing, which is just scientist talk for “getting ruined by too much heat.” When you see it dissolving, it should look like the broth is thickening slightly, becoming richer. If you stop whisking too soon and see little pebbles forming on the bottom because the gelatin settled before it dissolved, put it back on the *lowest* heat possible—and I mean the absolute lowest—just long enough to gently coax those lumps away. Don’t forget to remove it from the heat again before moving on!
Setting and Storing Your Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Once those molds are full, carefully transfer that tray into the refrigerator. Give them space so they can chill evenly. You need to leave them in there for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. I usually just make these the night before because leaving them overnight guarantees they are perfectly firm the next morning. When they are done, they should pop right out if you gently push the base of the silicone mold. Store your fantastic homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and firm for about two weeks, though honestly, Buster usually cleans us out faster than that!
Tips for Success When Making Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Okay, you’ve got your gummy bones chilling, but let’s talk troubleshooting just in case things get a little wacky! My top tip, especially if your mixture starts getting thick in the bowl before you even pour it, is to put it back on the light, residual heat for just ten seconds while whisking. Not warming, just enough to loosen the mix so it pours nicely. Rushing this part leads to uneven shapes, and we want pretty Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs!
Also, when unmolding, don’t try to pull them out straight up! Gently push the bottom of the silicone mold up with your thumb first; this releases the vacuum pressure, and the gummy slides out perfectly intact every single time. These little tricks ensure your homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs look professionally made, even though they took you less than six minutes of actual work!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Dog’s Gummy Bones
Sometimes we have to work with what’s in the pantry, right? If you don’t have beef bone broth on hand, don’t panic! Chicken broth works just fine as a substitute for the base of your gummies. It gives a slightly different flavor profile, but it still provides that wonderful collagen boost. Just make absolutely sure it’s low-sodium, that rule never changes!
Now, about the turmeric—that little dash of yellow is totally optional. It’s mainly for its anti-inflammatory punch and maybe a little extra color, but if your dog doesn’t tolerate turmeric well for some reason, or you just don’t have any, you can skip it without changing the gel structure or the main liver benefit. However, you HAVE to keep that milk thistle in there; that’s the specific ingredient supporting their liver health! If you want to see more ideas using different proteins, check out my notes on beef and spinach jerky ideas for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions for Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
So, you’ve got this batch of glorious, healthful bone broth gummies! Now, how do we give them out? I usually use these as high-value rewards during training sessions because Buster gets so excited when he sees the little container come out. Because they are so rich in specialized ingredients like milk thistle, I keep them to about 1 to 2 a day, depending on what else he’s eating that day.
Don’t switch their whole diet overnight, though! Remember that note in the recipe card? When you first introduce any of these new Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs, start small—maybe just half a gummy for a couple of days. You want to make absolutely sure that their digestion handles the new goodies well before you start giving them the full serving. It’s always better to start slow and steady with supplements, even when they taste this good!
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
So many of you have asked about the specifics of these delicious chicken pumpkin digestive jerky style treats, especially when it comes to storage and ingredients. Let me clear up the big questions about our Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs!
What is the shelf life of these homemade gummies?
Because we skip all the scary preservatives, these are definitely best treated like fresh food. You should store your finished gummies in a completely airtight container right inside the refrigerator. If you keep them cool and covered, they stay perfectly firm and fresh for about two weeks. I try to make smaller batches more often so I know Buster is always getting them at peak freshness!
Can I freeze Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs?
This is a great question, especially if you want to make a huge batch! Yes, you absolutely can freeze them, but you need to do it right. Lay the fully set gummies out on a parchment-lined baking sheet without letting them touch. Flash freeze them for about an hour until they are hard as rocks. Then, quickly transfer them into a good freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as you can. They should be fine for about two months in the freezer. When you want to give one, just take out what you need and let it thaw on the counter for maybe 10 minutes before serving.
Do I have to use milk thistle powder?
If you are making these specifically for the liver support aspect, then yes, the milk thistle is the special ingredient doing the work! It’s generally very safe for dogs, but trust your own vet. If you ever have concerns, or if your dog has a pre-existing condition, definitely double-check with your veterinarian first before introducing any new supplement, including milk thistle. If you skip it, they just become plain, delicious bone broth gelatin gummies, which are still a wonderful, low-sodium snack!
Is gelatin powder safe for dogs?
Absolutely! Gelatin powder is just a cooked-down form of collagen, which is fantastic for joints, skin, and coat health—it’s a bonus benefit alongside the liver support we are aiming for! As long as you are using plain, unflavored gelatin (we don’t want any added sweeteners or flavorings), it’s a completely safe and wonderful binder to turn that liquid into a chewy treat.
What happens if my gelatin mixture starts getting lumpy?
Oh, I’ve been there! That usually means the gelatin clumped up because you added it too fast or the liquid wasn’t warm enough. Don’t toss the batch! Take the pan off the heat and just whisk gently and persistently for another minute or two. Sometimes, if it’s really stubborn, put it back on the *very lowest* setting—I mean barely a whisper of heat—and whisk until those lumps surrender. If you catch it fast enough, the low sodium bone broth base should help save it!
Understanding the Estimated Nutrition of Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Now, I know when we’re focusing on health treats, we all want to peek at those numbers, right? Even though these amazing Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs are homemade and preservative-free, it’s still smart to know what’s in them. I ran the rough numbers based on the low-sodium broth and the small amount of milk thistle we add, and they are super lean—exactly what you want for a supplementary treat!
Remember that these numbers are just an estimate, because what counts as a “cup” of bone broth can vary slightly depending on how rich your batch was, but this will give you a great ballpark idea for daily treat budgeting. These homemade Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs are mostly water and collagen, which is fantastic!
Per single gummy, here is what you can generally expect:
- Calories: Only about 15! They are incredibly light.
- Protein: Roughly 1 gram, largely coming from that wonderful gelatin/collagen.
- Fat: Super low, about 0.5 grams. Great if you’re watching overall fat intake for your pup.
- Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams, mainly from the small amount of ingredients that aren’t pure broth.
As you can see, these are beautifully low in everything we don’t want—zero sugar, and minimal sodium—making them a guilt-free addition to your dog’s daily routine!
Share Your Success with Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Now that you have a fridge full of these amazing, powerhouse Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs, I truly want to know how your pups reacted! Did they devour them in seconds? Did you stick with the bone molds, or did you try something fun like little stars or discs? Don’t just keep this good fortune to yourself—we’re a community of dog lovers here!
Please pop down into the comments below and leave a rating for the recipe. Tell me which part was easiest for you, or if you used chicken broth instead of beef. Hearing your experiences helps the next person who tries to whip up a batch of these healthy gummies!
And oh my gosh, if Buster’s reaction was anything like mine—pure joy and happy tail wags—you *have* to share a picture! Snap a photo of your dog enjoying their new favorite liver support treat and tag me on social media. Seeing those happy faces enjoying something healthy that you made with your own two hands is the best motivation a home cook like me could ever ask for!
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Liver Support Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
- Total Time: 6 hr 20 min
- Yield: Approximately 40 small gummies 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A recipe for homemade bone broth gummy treats designed to support your dog’s liver health.
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef bone broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 tablespoon dried milk thistle powder (for liver support)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for anti-inflammatory)
Instructions
- Pour the bone broth and water into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until warm, but do not boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly whisk in the gelatin powder until it is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Stir in the milk thistle powder and turmeric powder, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds shaped like small bones or desired shapes.
- Refrigerate the molds for at least 4 to 6 hours, or until the gummies are completely firm.
- Carefully remove the gummies from the molds. Store the finished treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Always use low-sodium or homemade bone broth for your dog’s treats.
- Introduce new treats slowly to monitor for any digestive sensitivity.
- These treats are best kept refrigerated and used within two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Dog Food
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: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 1
Keywords: dog treats, bone broth, liver support, milk thistle, gelatin gummies, homemade dog food