Dog Treats for Itchy Skin using Bone Broth & Gelatin

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Does your dog constantly scratch and lick their skin? It’s tough seeing them so uncomfortable, and those endless itch cycles can really impact their happiness.

Imagine how much better they’d feel with a simple, delicious homemade dog treat that actually works from the inside out. We’ve got a fantastic, easy recipe to help calm that irritated skin.

Recipe Overview

• This soothing dog treat recipe uses bone broth and gelatin to target itchy skin.
• It’s packed with collagen and nutrients known to support skin health.
• Prep time: 10 minutes active, plus chilling.
• Cook time: 0 minutes (no cooking involved beyond broth preparation).
• Serving size: Makes about 20-30 small treats, depending on mold size.

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups homemade or store-bought bone broth (low sodium, plain chicken or beef) – $3.00 (homemade) / $7.00 (store-bought)
• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder (bovine preferred) – $0.50
• ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) – $0.75
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil – $0.20

Total estimated cost: $4.45 – $8.45

Substitutions:

• Bone broth: Ensure it’s unsalted and free of onions or garlic. Chicken or beef are ideal.
• Pumpkin puree: You can swap this for sweet potato puree if your dog prefers.
• Olive oil/Coconut oil: Both are good; choose what you have.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, gently warm the bone broth in a small saucepan over low heat. It should be warm, not boiling.
• Pour ½ cup of the warm broth into a separate bowl.
• Sprinkle the gelatin powder over this ½ cup of warm broth. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This is called “blooming” the gelatin.
• After 5 minutes, stir the gelatin mixture until it’s completely dissolved and smooth.
• Now, combine the remaining 1 cup of warm bone broth, the bloomed gelatin mixture, pumpkin puree, and your chosen oil in a larger bowl.
• Whisk everything together well until it’s fully combined and smooth. There shouldn’t be any lumps.
• Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds. Small, fun shapes work best for treats.
• Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or until the treats are firm and jiggly.
• Once firm, pop them out of the molds.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 treats per day.
• These are treats, so they shouldn’t make up a large portion of your dog’s diet.
• Puppies can have small amounts, but always check with your vet first, especially for very young pups.
• For senior dogs or those with specific health conditions, consult your veterinarian to confirm appropriate treat amounts.
• If your dog has severe allergies, introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any reactions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and amino acids. These support joint health and can improve skin elasticity and coat shine. It’s great for gut health too, which often links to skin issues.
• Gelatin: A pure form of collagen. It’s fantastic for strengthening nails, improving coat quality, and supporting gut lining integrity, which can reduce inflammatory responses that lead to itchy skin.
• Pumpkin Puree: A good source of fiber, vitamins (A, C, E), and antioxidants. It aids digestion and can help reduce inflammation.
• Olive Oil/Coconut Oil: Both provide healthy fats (Omega-3s in olive oil, medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil). These fats help moisturize skin from the inside out and reduce dryness and flakiness.
• Overall, this treat provides high-quality protein components (collagen, gelatin) and essential fats, which are key for a healthy skin barrier.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the treats for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a bit before serving.
• Serve them chilled directly from the fridge.
• You can also break them into smaller pieces for training rewards or mix them with your dog’s regular kibble for an added nutritional boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use flavored gelatin?

No, only use unflavored gelatin powder. Flavored gelatins contain sugar and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.

My treats aren’t firming up, what happened?

This usually means the gelatin didn’t fully dissolve or there wasn’t enough gelatin for the liquid amount. Make sure your broth is warm enough to dissolve the gelatin, and give it enough time to bloom and then stir thoroughly.

Are these safe for puppies?

While the ingredients are safe, always check with your vet before introducing new treats to puppies, especially very young ones, to ensure it fits their specific dietary needs.

Can I add other ingredients?

You can add a tiny pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, but keep additions minimal to maintain consistency and nutritional balance. Avoid adding anything not specifically listed as dog-safe.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog these homemade treats is a simple way to support their skin health and comfort. They’ll love the taste, and you’ll love seeing them scratch less.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!