Bone broth can indeed be a flavorful addition to a cat’s diet and can help improve hydration, especially for cats who primarily consume dry food. It can be poured or sprinkled over their wet or dry food, added to water, or given on its own to entice picky eaters.
However, it’s important to note that bone broth is not a necessary nutritional supplement for cats, especially if they are already consuming a balanced diet certified by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO-certified foods are formulated to meet cats’ nutritional needs.
While bone broth has demonstrated benefits for human skin and joint health due to its collagen content, there is limited scientific research on specific health benefits for cats. Therefore, bone broth for cats should be considered more as a treat or flavorful food topper rather than a health tonic.
When selecting a bone broth for cats, it’s important to consider the ingredients, protein source, product life expectancy, and appropriateness for felines. Left Coast Performance Grass-fed Beef Bone Broth is recommended as a favorite bone broth for cats. It is a single ingredient product made directly from beef bone broth, it is human-grade, and it comes in a convenient, shelf-stable powder form.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food or supplement into your cat’s diet, including bone broth. They can provide guidance based on your cat’s specific dietary needs and health status.
By using bone broth as a treat or food topper in moderation, you can add variety and enhance the flavor of your cat’s meals, potentially making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Left Coast Performance Grass-fed Beef Bone Broth offers a unique option for cat owners who prioritize feeding their pets the same quality food they would eat themselves. This bone broth is actually the same product sold for humans, but with different packaging. Unlike most bone broths made for humans, which often contain added spices and salt, this beef bone broth is suitable for cats as it is a single-ingredient product without any added yeast, salt, flavoring, or fillers.
Made from the bones of grass-fed cattle in Sweden, the Left Coast Performance Grass-fed Beef Bone Broth is slow-cooked and simmered for hours to extract maximum nutrients. It contains a minimum of 95 percent crude protein and is rich in natural type I and III collagen, which provides essential amino acids, including arginine, an important amino acid for cats.
One advantage of this bone broth is that it doesn’t require refrigeration before or after opening, but it should be stored in a dark, cool place to ensure maximum shelf life. It is suitable for cats of all life stages and can be sprinkled on top of their food or mixed with warm water. An 8-ounce tub provides approximately 90 servings’ worth of powdered bone broth, based on serving size recommendations for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less. However, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a specific serving size guide provided for cats, which may make it challenging to determine the ideal serving size for your cat.
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Native Pet offers two flavors of bone broth for cats: beef and chicken. Both flavors are made with minimal ingredients, but the beef version stands out as it only contains two ingredients, with beef bone broth being the primary ingredient. The second ingredient is sunflower lecithin, which serves as a cat-safe thickener and may contribute to a shiny coat. Sunflower lecithin is known for its role in supporting neurological disorders in cats by aiding in neural transmission. It is worth noting that this bone broth was researched and formulated by veterinarians.
Each 4.75-ounce resealable can of Native Pet bone broth provides around 50 or more servings, depending on the size of your cat. Each serving contains at least 90% crude protein, ensuring a protein-rich addition to your cat’s diet.
One advantage of the Native Pet bone broth is its powder form, which can be stored on the shelf for up to a year after opening. Unlike liquid bone broth, which usually spoils within a week after opening, the powdered version offers extended shelf life. The bone broth powder can be sprinkled on top of your cat’s regular food, mixed into their water, or mixed with warm water to create a brothy treat.
While the current packaging might not explicitly mention that the product is made for cats, contacting the company confirmed that both flavors of bone broth powder are safe for cats. The company is also working on a label redesign to make it more cat-inclusive.
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The Applaws Limited-ingredient pouches of fish broth and tuna offer a rare find in the form of fish bone broth, making it a special treat for cats. This bone broth alternative is particularly suitable for cats with intolerances or allergies to common land-based proteins or for picky eaters on prescription diets. The pouches contain just four ingredients: fish bone broth, tuna filet pieces, tilapia (added for extra collagen), and guar gum, a natural fiber. It’s important to note that consuming large quantities of guar gum may cause gas or diarrhea in cats. However, without a serving size guide, determining the appropriate amount to feed your cat may cause some uncertainty.
One advantage of this fish broth is that it contains no artificial ingredients, colors, or preservatives. The resealable spout on the pouch helps maintain freshness over multiple uses. The broth is intended to be served at room temperature as a complement to a cat’s regular food, whether it’s dry or wet. Any leftovers should be refrigerated and used within five days, so it is most economical when planning to incorporate the broth regularly.
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The Primalvore Farm-raised Duck bone broth is a suitable option for cats of all life stages, but it is particularly beneficial for kittens due to its limited ingredient list and feeding guide designed for cats weighing as little as three pounds. Feeding kittens foods with limited ingredients can help identify and manage food intolerances and allergies more easily. This bone broth is made from slow-roasted duck bones as the single protein source, along with added collagen peptides and turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The use of duck as the protein source is favorable, as cats often tolerate duck better than chicken or beef.
The unopened pouch of Primalvore Farm-raised Duck Bone Broth has a shelf life of up to 18 months. However, once opened, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator and should be consumed within a maximum of 10 days. Alternatively, if you choose to freeze it after opening, it will remain good for up to a year.
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The Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth is a suitable choice for enticing cats with diminished appetites, particularly as they age. This bone broth is made by simmering humanely-raised chicken bones for 10 hours, resulting in a nutrient-rich collagen and chicken-flavored broth. One notable advantage is its affordability, making it a practical option for those on a budget or for daily use as an appetite enhancer. Additionally, the broth is free from GMO ingredients, hormones, antibiotics, and steroids.
However, it is worth noting that the broth contains added ingredients such as carrots, parsley, turmeric, and cinnamon. While these ingredients serve functional purposes like enhancing flavor, providing anti-inflammatory properties, and aiding digestion, the inclusion of multiple ingredients may be less desirable for some cat owners. It is important to consider any potential sensitivities or allergies your cat may have towards these ingredients.
Despite the additional ingredients, many cat owners have found this broth effective in getting their cats to eat or drink without resistance, particularly during difficult times when the cat’s appetite is low.
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Bone broth can be a nutritious addition to a cat’s diet, providing various health benefits. When selecting bone broth for cats, consider the following factors:
Remember that bone broth should be used as a supplement or occasional treat rather than a complete meal replacement. It can be served alone or used as a flavorful addition to your cat’s regular food. As with any new addition to your cat’s diet, introduce bone broth gradually and monitor your cat’s response to ensure they tolerate it well.
Bone broth can be beneficial for cats when offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some potential benefits of bone broth for cats:
When offering bone broth to your cat, it’s important to consider the following:
As with introducing any new food item, it’s advisable to introduce bone broth gradually and monitor your cat’s response. If you notice any signs of digestive upset or adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.
Overall, bone broth can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to a cat’s diet, but it should be used in moderation and in conjunction with a well-balanced and complete cat food.