The health benefits of bone broth have been well documented over the years, but has been thrust into the spotlight more recently, with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Cat Deeley swearing by the nutrient-rich liquid. But did you know that it’s also a game-changer for your canine companions, too?
Said to work wonders for hair, skin and nails, as well as joint pain and digestion, bone broth is typically made by boiling down animal bones to create a gelatinous soup – however, the process isn’t exactly quick or convenient, which may put many owners off adding it to their dog’s diet. But that’s where Karnlea Bone Broth comes in.
You see, Lara McCullough – like many of us – wanted the best for her pooches, Charles and Morris. So, every time she had a roast dinner, she would undertake the ‘lengthy and often messy’ process of making a broth for her beloved hounds.
She said: “Despite my enthusiasm to feed bone broth (and my dogs’ obsession with it) I found it not always practical to make. I would make as much as I could at a time, so I needed to find fridge space – or freezer space – I didn’t really like the smell around the kitchen for the long periods it took to cook, and frankly sometimes it was just time consuming when I had a very busy life and was tired. I also found that on occasions that I really wanted or needed to have some available, those were the times there wasn’t any in the freezer, or I’d have to wait for one to defrost.”
They say the best products are those that solve a problem, and so, having worked in the pet industry for some 20 years, including having owned a successful pet supplement business, Lara developed the UK’s first 100% natural, shelf-stable liquid bone broth for pets, based it on her home-cooked recipe.
She added: “I wanted a minimally processed broth in its natural state, rather than powder or concentrate, which had gone through extra processing, potentially losing some of its goodness and taste in the manufacture, so after a lot of searching and research the idea for Karnlea bone broth was born. A packed from fresh, 100% natural, highly nutritious broth with super high amounts of collagen.”
Karnlea’s broth comes in a range of flavours, including lamb, beef, chicken and the newly-launched fish variety – each bringing its own unique benefits. Phoebe and Frank have enjoyed all of them in terms of flavour, but for me, it’s their versatility that makes them stand out from other supplements we’ve used. Whether I’m using it to tempt a fussy Phoebe into eating her breakfast, pouring it into silicone ice cube trays for a refreshing treat, or warming it up as a comfort meal when Frank has an upset tummy, it always gets an enthusiastic response.
Each of the protein, collagen and mineral-rich recipes is slow-cooked from welfare, free range or sustainably caught carcasses, free from hormones, antibiotics and additives, with a little Apple Cider Vinegar to help ensure that all the essential minerals and collagen are drawn out.
Unlike traditional bone broths that require freezing or refrigeration immediately after cooking, Karnlea comes shelf-stable, meaning you can store it in your cupboard until you need it. Once opened, the broth turns into a rich jelly when refrigerated (except for the chicken and fish varieties, which seems to stay more liquid-y), and should be used within five days after breaking the seal for the 100% recyclable packaging. We used some of ours as a topper for tea time, while we poured some of the chicken variety into ice moulds to create frozen treats that were perfect for giving the Scamps some extra hydration on warmer days throughout the summer.
Karnlea isn’t just convenient; but is loaded with heaps of health benefits, from improving gut health to promoting shiny coats and strong joints. The high collagen content is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with arthritis, while the anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for dogs with leaky gut, colitis or IBS. Its gentle nature makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness, working to help keep the liver healthy, too.
While it’s difficult to ‘overdose’ on bone broth, there are guidelines to help you work out what to feed your pet on the back of the packs based on your pet’s weight. However, larger amounts can also be used when used for sporting dogs for rehydration and nourishment, or for when extra hydration is needed.
If you’re looking for a nutritious, easy-to-use supplement for your dog’s diet, Karnlea Bone Broth is a must-try for busy dog owners like myself who want to give their pets the best nutrition without the hassle of making homemade broth. It’s clear that Karnlea is a brand that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of pets, and since it only contains three ingredients, you can be confident that there’s no rubbish or additives. Its wide range of health benefits, combined with its convenience and sustainability, makes it a winner in my book. If you fancy trying it out for yourself you can buy it here.