Homemade Chicken & Bone Broth for Cats: A Nutrient-Rich Recipe

/ Cats, Diet / By
"Golden chicken bone broth in a white cat bowl on a marble countertop with broth preparation elements in the background"

Homemade Chicken & Bone Broth for Cats: A Nutrient-Rich Recipe

Keep your feline friend healthy and hydrated with this simple yet nourishing bone broth recipe specifically formulated for cats.

KEY INFO
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 hours
  • Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 20-30 tablespoons
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: $10-15
  • Storage: 5 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
  • High-quality protein
  • Natural collagen
  • Essential minerals
  • Supports joint health
  • Promotes hydration
  • Aids digestion

Bright and modern kitchen scene with raw chicken parts, filtered water, and apple cider vinegar arranged on a marble countertop, a stainless steel stockpot nearby, under professional lighting.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Essential:

  • Large stock pot OR slow cooker
  • Strainer
  • Storage containers/ice cube trays

Optional:

  • Cheesecloth (for clearer broth)
  • Meat thermometer
INGREDIENTS
  • 2-3 lbs chicken parts (backs, wings, necks preferred)
  • 6-8 cups filtered water
  • 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients)

Steaming stockpot of golden broth simmering gently in a warmly lit kitchen with condensation on windows, creating an early morning atmosphere with soft steam rising

METHOD
  1. Rinse chicken parts thoroughly under cold water
  2. Place chicken in your pot or slow cooker
  3. Add filtered water until chicken is completely covered
  4. Add apple cider vinegar
  5. For stovetop:
    • Bring to a boil
    • Reduce heat to low
    • Simmer for 8-10 hours
  6. For slow cooker:
    • Set to low
    • Cook for 8-10 hours
  7. Let broth cool slightly
  8. Strain liquid, discarding all bones and solids
  9. Cool to room temperature
  10. Portion and store

Straining rich golden broth through a fine mesh strainer into clean white bowls in a professionally-lit kitchen, with steam rising from the clear liquid

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Never serve bones to cats
  • Start with small portions (1 teaspoon) to test tolerance
  • Serve slightly warmed, never hot
  • Always have fresh water available
  • Store in small portions for easy serving

Chef portioning golden broth into ice cube trays on a clean, organized kitchen counter with small storage containers, measuring spoons and ladle nearby in a modern setting

SERVING GUIDELINES
  • 1-2 tablespoons per 10 lbs of cat weight daily
  • Can be served alone or mixed with regular food
  • Perfect as a food topper for picky eaters
STORAGE
  • Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 5 days
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months
  • Thaw frozen portions in refrigerator overnight

Steaming golden broth in a small white ceramic cat bowl in an elegant kitchen, lit by soft natural light from a window

VARIATIONS
  • Turkey version: Replace chicken with turkey parts
  • Fish version: Use fish bones and reduce cooking time to 4 hours
  • For sensitive cats: Reduce cooking time to 6 hours for milder broth
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
  • Adding vegetables (cats are obligate carnivores)
  • Using cooked bones
  • Adding salt or seasonings
  • Serving too hot
  • Feeding large amounts too quickly

Remember: This broth is a supplement, not a complete meal replacement. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet.

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