Beef broth

What is beef stock?

Beef stock is a clear liquid made from cooked beef, bones and organs. It contains many nutrients that are released from the meat and bones, such as protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Beef broth should not be confused with bone broth, which is cooked for longer and contains more collagen and gelatine.

How do you prepare beef broth for dogs?

To prepare beef stock for dogs, you need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg of beef (e.g. goulash meat or soup meat)
• 500 g beef bones (e.g. marrow bones or leg slices)
• 500 g beef organs (e.g. heart or liver)
• 4 liters of water
• Optional: vegetables (e.g. carrots, potatoes, celery) and herbs (e.g. oregano, thyme, rosemary)

This is how you proceed:

1. Wash the meat, bones and organs thoroughly and place in a large saucepan.
2. Add the water and bring to the boil.
3. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer the stock at a low temperature for about 2 hours.
5. Add the vegetables and herbs and simmer for a further 30 minutes.
6. Pour the stock through a sieve and remove the solids.
7. Allow the stock to cool and divide into portions.

You can store the stock in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do you feed beef broth to dogs?

You can offer your dog beef broth as a snack or pour it over their dry or wet food. Make sure that the broth is not too hot before you give it to your dog. You should also adjust the amount depending on your dog's size and weight. As a rule of thumb, give your dog no more than one cup (250 ml) of beef broth per day.

What are the benefits of beef broth for dogs?

Beef broth has several benefits for dogs, such as

• It promotes hydration: beef broth is a good source of fluid, helping your dog to drink enough water and regulate his fluid balance.
• Itsupports skin and coat health: Beef broth contains protein and fat, which are important for the formation of skin cells and hair. It also provides minerals such as zinc and iron, which keep the coat shiny and healthy.
• It strengthens the joints:Beef broth contains glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which promote cartilage formation and joint lubrication. These can help prevent or alleviate arthritis and other joint conditions.
• It helps with stomach upsets:Beef broth is easy to digest and easy on the stomach. It can help your dog recover from diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite. It can also support the intestinal flora and improve digestion.

What are the disadvantages of beef broth for dogs?

Beef broth also has some disadvantages for dogs, such as

• It can contain too much salt: Beef broth intended for human consumption often contains a lot of salt, which can be harmful to dogs. Too much salt can lead to salt poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions or even coma and death. Therefore, you should always use unsalted beef broth for your dog or prepare it yourself.
• It can trigger allergies: Beef broth can contain allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. These include beef itself, but also certain vegetables or herbs. If your dog shows signs of an allergy, such as itching, skin rash, sneezing or breathing difficulties, you should stop feeding beef broth immediately and consult a vet.
• It can lead to obesity: Beef broth is high in calories and can lead to weight gain if fed in excessive amounts. Obesity can increase the risk of various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease or joint problems. Therefore, you should limit the amount of beef broth and consider it as a supplement, not a replacement for your dog's normal food.