A recent study conducted by Boil and Broth, in collaboration with Biome4Pets and Aberystwyth University, has revealed bone broth’s potential as a powerful prebiotic food for dogs. Over a 4-week period, the study demonstrated remarkable improvements in gut microbiome diversity, highlighting bone broth’s ability to foster beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacterial populations.
The study, which involved 33 canine participants, found that Boil and Broth’s bone broth supplementation significantly increased levels of Bifidobacterium, a key beneficial bacteria, by an astounding 1562.86%. Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties, Bifidobacterium is crucial for maintaining a resilient and healthy gut. At the same time, bone broth contributed to a 96.97% reduction in Helicobacter—a potentially harmful bacteria linked to gut inflammation—and an 87.1% decrease in Clostridium, which is associated with leaky gut syndrome.
“Bone broth has long been praised for its nutritional benefits, but our research underscores its role as a prebiotic food that actively supports gut health,” said Rachel Down, Founder and Managing Director of Boil and Broth.
Rachel Down also commented:
“By enhancing beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation-causing bacteria, bone broth helps create an optimal environment for digestion and overall wellness.”
Prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, improving microbiome balance and digestive health. In the study, dogs fed bone broth as part of their regular diets exhibited improved gut ecosystem stability, with the most notable effects seen in those on high-fibre (dietary fibre from vegetables) and raw diets.
Participating dog owners reported visible benefits, including improved digestion, firmer stools, shinier coats, and increased vitality. These findings suggest that bone broth supplementation not only supports gut health but also has far-reaching benefits for overall canine well-being.
While the study has not undergone peer review, it was conducted in collaboration with recognised experts, including Anna Webb, a leading authority on canine nutrition. The full findings will be incorporated into a longer-term follow-up to further evaluate bone broth’s role in gut health.
About Boil and Broth
Boil and Broth is a UK-based bone broth manufacturer that produces bone broth for both pets and humans. They are the only bone broth company in the UK to hold a dual license for both categories. Boil and Broth was founded by Rachel Down, who discovered that drinking bone broth and kefir water helped restore balance to her gut, enabling her to lose six stone over two years. The company manufactures and ships its broths to 17 countries worldwide. Their human-focused brand, British Broth Company, is available online, including on Amazon UK.
Expert Comments:
Dr Carol Hughes Microbiologist - Biome4Pets
"We analysed the microbiome and chose three important species (genus level) of bacteria. There are multiple other beneficial changes to the microbial community but these three were chosen because two are commonly associated with gastric discomfort/disease/diarrhoea and the third is associated with good health. Helicobacter associated with leaky gut, gut wall integrity and itchiness in dogs. Clostridium sensu stricto, and a species of bacteria associated with good gut/ overall health and immune response Bifidobacteria. We have seen remarkable results with bone broth and this is because of the high amino acid count in the bone broth, which seems to behave as a prebiotic feeding the good bacteria."
Rachel Down Founder | Managing Director | BSc Health Science Yr 2 Student - Boil and Broth.
“We’re thrilled to see scientific evidence supporting the quality of our bone broths. My personal health journey began seven years ago, when I reversed a chronic condition in just 12 weeks and lost six stone over two years. This experience sparked my passion for bone broth’s science—so much so that I even pursued a degree.
When I met Carol, I suggested this study as a way to demonstrate our products' true benefits. The results have been fascinating, especially as many of the dogs had skin issues, which have since improved with bone broth supplementation. We’re excited not only for what this means for broth but also for our brand. We believe in our products so deeply that we were willing to put them to the test—how many brands can say that?”
Anna Webb - Canine Nutritionist and Behaviour Expert
“It has been so exciting to confirm that bone broth delivers so many remarkable changes to these dog’s gut microbial environments. It’s as if the broth is naturally restoring homeostasis or balance, which is the key to optimum wellness. In my study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies (CIVT), I learnt how this age-old remedy was noted as a fundamental ingredient for boosting the immune system, which science now concurs resides in our gut lining.
Science also now supports that the relationship between the gut and the brain are inextricably linked, so behaviourally, the addition of broth could help dogs’ cognition and learning through their life stages. Not least in their senior years, but also in the first seven weeks of their lives, when many environmental factors, including nutrition, can impact positively or negatively for a lifetime”.
To read the full study, please visit here https://boilandbroth.com/pages/the-biome-broth- study-results