I’ve always loved experimenting in the kitchen, but until recently, my experiments mostly involved human food.
One weekend, while making a simple chicken soup for my family, I found myself staring at the leftover broth and thinking, “Why can’t the dogs have something just as nourishing?”
That’s how my adventure with chicken bone broth gummy treats for dogs began.
What started as a spontaneous idea quickly became a weekend ritual, a way for my kids, friends, and even neighbors to get involved, and a moment that brought a lot of laughter and joy into our busy lives.
Why I Started Making Gummy Treats
Between juggling my work schedule, the kids’ school activities, and the endless errands, I often feel like I barely have time for myself.
But our dog has always been a little beacon of calm in our chaos.
Whether the kids are building Lego forts in the living room or my friends are over for coffee, he’s right there, quietly sitting, watching, and somehow knowing when I need a smile.
When I realized I had leftover chicken bone broth from a soup I made, I wondered if I could transform it into something more exciting than just a bowl in his dish.
Store-bought treats are convenient, yes, but knowing exactly what goes into what your dog eats is a different kind of peace of mind.
Plus, it gave me a fun way to get my kids involved in cooking safely, even if they sometimes tried to sneak tastes along the way.
The Magic of 3 Ingredients
One of the things I love about this recipe is its simplicity. Only three ingredients are needed, and each brings real benefits for dogs:
- Chicken Bone Broth – Rich in protein and minerals, it’s gentle on the stomach and helps with joint health. My dog literally perks up the second I pour a bit into a bowl.
- Gelatin – This is what gives the treats their gummy texture. I use plain, unflavored gelatin because it’s safe and healthy.
- Optional Flavor Add-ins – While I mostly stick to pure bone broth and gelatin, sometimes I mix in a little pureed carrot or pumpkin. The kids love experimenting with these flavors, and it’s fun seeing which one the dog chooses first.
That’s it. No sugar, no artificial flavors, no preservatives—just wholesome, natural goodness.
How I Make the Gummy Treats
Making these treats has become a bit of a weekend tradition in our house.
I usually start in the morning, when the kitchen is quiet, and the kids are still lingering in their pajamas.
- Heat the Broth – I warm the chicken bone broth gently on the stove, being careful not to boil it. The smell always makes the kids curious—they keep asking if they can taste it, and I laugh, reminding them it’s for the dog.
- Mix in Gelatin – Once the broth is warm, I sprinkle in the gelatin and stir until it dissolves completely. The consistency changes quickly, and my kids love watching it transform.
- Pour and Chill – I pour the mixture into silicone molds. Sometimes I let the kids choose the shapes: hearts, bones, little stars. It’s funny how seriously they take it, as if the dog is judging their artistic abilities.
- Set in the Fridge – About a few hours later, the gummies are ready. The dog waits patiently nearby, watching our every move. The first taste is always the best—he grabs it gently, and the kids squeal in delight.
Fun Memories in the Kitchen
Over the weeks, making these treats has become more than just a recipe; it’s become a memory-making activity.
My friends sometimes come over for weekend coffee and inevitably get pulled into helping roll out extra molds or clean up little spills.
The kids have learned patience, measuring, and the joy of giving something homemade.
Even family game nights now include a little dog treat break.
Everyone watches as our dog chooses his favorite gummy shape, and somehow, it always ends in laughter.
Why These Treats Are So Special
What makes these chicken bone broth gummies stand out isn’t just the nutrition or the fact that they’re homemade.
It’s the way they’ve become a part of our family life:
- Connection – Making the treats together fosters teamwork with kids, friends, and even neighbors.
- Health – The simple ingredients mean I know exactly what’s going into my dog’s diet.
- Joy – The excitement of seeing the dog enjoy something you made with love is unmatched.
It’s funny how something so small can create such big moments.
I sometimes think about how this simple recipe has quietly become a tradition in our busy home.
Storage and Shelf Life
I usually keep a batch in the fridge for about a week. Sometimes I freeze extras, which comes in handy for hectic weeks or unexpected visitors with dogs of their own.
The dog doesn’t seem to mind whether they’re fresh or frozen—he’s always excited.
Final Thoughts
I never expected a simple experiment with leftover chicken bone broth to become such a meaningful part of our family routine.
These 3-ingredient gummy treats have taught me that homemade food can be simple, healthy, and fun, and that sharing these little rituals can create lasting memories.
If you’ve ever thought about making a dog treat at home, this is a great place to start. It’s easy, wholesome, and rewarding—not just for your dog, but for your family too.
Sometimes, the smallest gestures—like a gummy treat made from bone broth—become the moments we remember most.