Oh my gosh, you guys, when that first real chill hits the air, I immediately start thinking about how to make my little guy cozy. Forget about heavy sweaters; we talk *edible* comfort! That’s why I became obsessed with making these super simple, gelatin-based Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs.
Seriously, these are my go-to when the snow starts flying. My pup, Gus, gets a little sluggish when it’s freezing outside, and he just doesn’t drink as much water. I started mixing these up last year because I wanted something that tasted amazing—and smelled like savory soup!—but also encouraged him to take in extra hydration and those joint-soothing goodies we love from bone broth.
They take almost no effort, use ingredients you probably already have from making your own broth, and my dog absolutely flips for them. They are the ultimate, heartwarming, wintertime treat!
Why You Will Love These Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
You are going to want a big batch of these warming treats on hand for the cold months. They are truly what cozy dog snacks are all about. I keep saying they’re simple, but I mean it—you barely turn the stove on!
- They’re shockingly cheap to make, especially if you’re already simming bones for your own kitchen stock.
- They taste incredible (I sneak a tiny nibble sometimes, shhh!), which means your dog thinks they are getting the best dinner topping ever.
- The prep time is practically nothing! Ten minutes, tops, before they head into the fridge.
If you’re looking for great dog treats that fit right into your healthy routine, this is it.
Simple Preparation for Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
I was shocked when I saw the timing on this recipe. You have 10 minutes of actual work, and then the fridge does all the heavy lifting. Seriously, minimal dishes, minimal fuss. That fast prep is perfect for when you realize at 8 PM that you need to make up some more Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs because the previous batch disappeared too fast.
Great for Joint Support and Hydration
Winter always makes me think about keeping the joints moving smoothly, right? That gelatin in the broth is wonderful. It’s chock-full of the good stuff that helps keep things lubricated. Plus, if your dog is reluctant to drink icy water, having these chewy, flavorful gummies is an amazing way to sneak in extra hydration. It’s comfort you can literally see them enjoying!
Essential Ingredients for Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Okay, get your apron on, because this ingredient list is so short, you might think I forgot something! But trust me, it’s the simplicity that makes these the best grab-and-go treats. You really only need three things, but they have to be the right things for our pups.
First up, you need four cups of bone broth. And I mean *bone broth*, not just regular stock. It absolutely has to be low sodium if you’re buying it pre-made. Remember, we are making healthy homemade dog food components here, so no extra unnecessary salt for our furry babies.
Next, grab four tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder. This is the magic ingredient that turns soup into a chewable treat. And optionally, just a tiny bit of coconut oil if you’re using a fussy mold.
Ingredient Notes and Safe Substitutions
Listen closely on this next point; Gus’s stomach is sensitive, and I learned the hard way! Whatever broth you use—homemade or store-bought—it *cannot* contain onions or garlic. Those ingredients are super toxic to dogs, so always double-check the label before you pour that cup!
The gelatin is flexible, which is nice. If you like a super firm, almost hard chew that won’t break apart easily, you can play around and add maybe half a tablespoon more next time. Conversely, if you want something a little softer and more delicate, pull back just slightly. But stick to the four tablespoons for the first batch—it gives you that perfect, pleasing gummy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Alright, this is where the magic happens, but don’t get stressed! Even though it involves heat, it’s super hands-off. We are aiming for smooth, silky broth that sets up perfectly. The process is easy, but you need to stay close for those first few minutes to make sure nothing burns or boils over. This process turns the liquid into those fantastic Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs.
We start by warming things up slowly. Grab one cup of that beautiful broth and pour it into your saucepan. Then, sprinkle the gelatin powder right over the top. This blooming step is important—let it sit there for about five minutes! It gets all hydrated and ready to melt nicely. You’ll see it puff up a little. If you skip this, you might get little gelatin lumps in your final treat, and nobody wants that!
After those five minutes, put the pan over low heat. Stir it constantly until every single grain of gelatin disappears. And please, listen to me on this one: **Do not let it boil!** Boiling gelatin throws off its setting power, and we need that sturdy structure for chewing. Once it’s completely dissolved and smooth, pull it right off the burner.
Blooming and Dissolving the Gelatin
You want that initial 5-minute bloom time where the cold broth absorbs the dry powder. It’s non-negotiable for a smooth finish! Then, once you start heating, keep stirring gently. Remember, low heat is your best friend here. We aren’t trying to cook anything, just dissolve the powder nicely into that liquid goodness. If you see steam rising aggressively, take it off the heat immediately and stir until it calms down.
Setting and Cutting Your Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Once the gelatin is totally melted in, whisk in the remaining three cups of cold broth. This cools the mixture down fast, which is great before it goes into the mold. If you’re using little silicone molds, brush them lightly with that coconut oil we talked about. Honestly, ice cube trays work perfectly too if you want instant little cubes! Pour everything in carefully.
Then comes the hardest part: waiting. Pop the tray or dish into the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours. Sometimes I leave mine overnight just to be absolutely sure they are rock solid. When you pull them out, if they don’t immediately fall apart when you tip the pan, you’re golden! Cut them into whatever shapes you like—cubes are fastest, but if you have fun bone-shaped cutters, go wild! Don’t forget to check out some other fun jerky recipes for variety!
Tips for Perfect Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Even though this recipe is super basic, those tiny little details make the difference between a treat Gus devours instantly and one that gets a polite sniff. Consistency control is the name of the game here!
If you find your finished treats are melting a little too fast at room temperature, definitely go back and bloom that gelatin for an extra couple of minutes next time, or even increase the gelatin by half a teaspoon. We want them firm enough to hold their shape but not so tough that they are hard to chew.
When it comes to cutting, especially if you poured the mix into a wide baking dish instead of small molds, let the gelatin set completely firm. It makes slicing so much easier! If you use cookie cutters, make sure they are small, kid-sized shapes. You don’t want Gus trying to swallow a big chunk, right? Always cut them into pea-sized or dime-sized pieces depending on how big your dog is. For more fun shapes, check out this chicken carrot fitness jerky recipe for shape inspiration!
Storage and Keeping Your Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs Fresh
So you made a giant batch of amazing Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs—congratulations! Now you need to make sure they stay perfect until your pup eats them all. Since these are mostly water and broth, they don’t last forever on the counter like dried jerky does.
The best place for these gems is the refrigerator, hands down. They should last easily for about a week tucked away in there. That’s plenty of time for Gus to enjoy them, though frankly, he usually finishes the batch in three days!
The key is using the right container. You absolutely must use an airtight container. If you just toss them into a regular bowl or leave them in a partly open zip-top bag, they’ll start to dry out quickly from the fridge air and lose that lovely gummy texture we worked so hard on. Pop them into a sturdy, sealed container, and they stay moist and delicious.
If you happen to make a HUGE batch, like enough to last a month or more, you can freeze them! Just put down a layer of parchment paper, place the gummies on top without touching, freeze until solid, and then transfer them all into a freezer bag. When you pull them out, let them thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes before giving them to your dog. They reheat perfectly—it is almost like making them fresh again! For more ideas on preserving beef and carrot lean jerky, check those tips out too!
Serving Suggestions for These Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
Now that you have these amazing Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs set in the fridge, when should you dole them out? Honestly, since they have almost no fat and zero sugar, I feel great giving them whenever Gus looks at me with those big, pleading eyes.
They are fantastic as a super high-value reward during quick training sessions in the house. Since they’re soft, he can chew them fast and get right back to listening for the next command. They don’t make his mouth all messy, which is a huge plus when we are working on focus indoors.
My absolute favorite time to hand one over is right after we’ve come inside from a long walk on a cold, damp day. It’s like a mini, savory warm-up treat! I give him one, and he sits by the fireplace and just concentrates on savoring it. It’s so cute.
If you need a tiny temptation to get your dog to finish off their water bowl when it’s chilly, sometimes just dropping one of these into the last little bit of water gets them to lick it clean. For more ideas on high-value rewards, you should definitely look into my beef blueberry training jerky recipe. But for pure, chilly-day satisfaction, nothing beats these broth gems!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Treats
I get asked all the time about these gelatin treats, especially when people see how happy their dog is eating them! It’s great that everyone is thinking about what goes into their pup’s bowl. Here are a few of the most common things people ask me when they start making these simple dog treats.
Can I freeze these gummy bones?
Oh yes, you absolutely can freeze them! I mentioned it briefly above, but let me tell you the best way to do it. Since they are so moist, you want to prevent them from sticking together in a giant frozen clump. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper first. Make sure they aren’t touching much. Pop that sheet into the freezer until they are hard as rocks. Once they are totally frozen, you can toss them all into one big freezer bag. They thaw super quickly—just 20 or 30 minutes on the counter, or pop one in your pocket on your way out for a walk, and they are perfect!
What if my broth has salt? Can I still use it?
This is one of those big E-E-A-T moments where we have to prioritize safety over convenience! If you are using store-bought broth, please make sure it says “low sodium” right on the label, or better yet, grab the unsalted version. Dogs don’t need the extra salt, and too much sodium really isn’t good for their kidneys over time. If you accidentally used regular broth because it was all you had in a pinch, I wouldn’t throw it out; use it to simmer some plain chicken, but don’t use it for making these gelatin health chews next time. Stick to unsalted or rinse your homemade batch really well!
Estimated Nutritional Data for Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
I always like to give you a headcount of what’s in these treats, even though they are just super simple broth and gelatin. Remember, these numbers are only estimates because your exact broth will change things slightly. But this should give you a good idea of why these are guilt-free rewards for Gus!
Based on my math, because these yummy chews yield about 30 little gummies, each one comes in around 25 calories. They are packed with 4 grams of protein, which is great, and they have practically zero sugar or carbohydrates—perfect for keeping things light.
It’s important to note that the sodium listed will depend heavily on your broth supplier, but we are aiming for a very low count here. Treat these numbers as a guideline for your monitoring, not a guarantee!
Share Your Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs Creations
I truly hope you and your pups enjoy making these!
Once you settle into a routine making these gooey, healthy Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs, I just know they’ll become a staple in your house during the cold snap. They’re so easy, but they feel like such a loving gesture, don’t they?
I would absolutely love to hear how your dog reacted to them—did they gobble them down instantly? Did your dog prefer the beef broth version or the chicken?
Please, please leave a rating on the recipe card below and drop a comment telling me all about your experience. And if you snap a picture of your pup absolutely devouring one, you can share it with me when you get in touch! I love seeing happy pups enjoying their homemade goodies.
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Winter Comfort Bone Broth Gummy Bones for Dogs
- Total Time: 4 hr 15 min
- Yield: Approximately 30 small treats 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Simple recipe for making gelatin-based bone broth treats for dogs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef or chicken bone broth (low sodium)
- 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for mold release)
Instructions
- Pour 1 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.
- 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 3 cups of cold bone broth.
- If using, lightly grease silicone molds or a small baking dish with coconut oil.
- Pour the liquid mixture into your chosen molds or dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set and firm.
- Once set, cut the mixture into small bone shapes or cubes.
- Store the gummy bones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use broth made without onions or garlic, as these are toxic to dogs.
- Adjust the amount of gelatin slightly if you prefer a firmer or softer treat.
- For a different texture, pour into an ice cube tray.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gummy
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5
Keywords: dog treats, bone broth, gelatin, winter comfort, homemade dog food