☀️ Hot Weather & Hydration: Why Bone Broth Is a Summer Essential for Dogs
- Storms Raw
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
When the sun’s blazing and the temperatures are soaring, hydration becomes one of the most important parts of keeping your dog safe and well — but not all hydration is created equal.
Plain water is essential, yes — but in some cases, it just isn’t enough to meet your dog’s needs in the heat.
That’s where bone broth really comes into its own.
It’s not just a warming winter food. Bone broth is a functional hydration tool that does so much more than quench thirst — it supports your dog’s body on a deeper level. And in summer, that makes it an absolute essential.
💦 Why Hydration Matters So Much in the Heat
When dogs overheat, their bodies work overtime to cool themselves — mainly through panting. This results in fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration faster than many people realise.
And when hydration drops, so does everything else:
Energy and stamina decrease
Digestion becomes sluggish
Skin becomes dry and more prone to itching
The immune system becomes less effective
Core body temperature regulation starts to suffer
In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heat stroke — a veterinary emergency. So, we need to be proactive in keeping our dogs well hydrated all day long, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
But here’s the thing: some dogs won’t drink enough water on their own. Whether they’re fussy, tired, distracted or stressed by heat, they often need extra encouragement — and that’s where bone broth is brilliant.
🐾 What Makes Bone Broth So Good for Hydration?
Unlike plain water, bone broth delivers moisture and minerals. It provides:
Natural electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium
Gelatine and collagen, which help retain water in the tissues
Amino acids that support gut health, immune defence, and recovery
Sodium, which helps drive hydration into the cells (especially after heat or exercise)
This makes bone broth a natural hydration enhancer. It works similarly to an electrolyte drink for humans — restoring fluid balance and supporting vital systems in the body.
Plus, it tastes and smells amazing to dogs, so even fussy or tired drinkers are far more likely to lap it up.
☀️ How to Use Bone Broth in Hot Weather
Bone broth is incredibly versatile. You can:
Serve it chilled on its own as a cooling drink
Pour it over your dog’s raw or dry food to moisten it
Mix it with water to create a hydration station
Freeze into ice cubes or enrichment moulds (Kongs, Toppls, licki mats etc.)
Use it post-walk or post-training to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes
Whether you're at home, on a walk, flyballing, camping, or just trying to get through a heatwave — broth is a game-changer.
🐶 Real-Life Example: Why I Always Pack Broth in the Summer
I learned early on with my dogs (especially at competitions or in warm weather) that getting fluids into them after running around can be a challenge. They’re tired, excited, sometimes a bit stressed — and they’ll happily ignore their water bowl.
Bone broth has been the fix. I always have some to hand — usually the Anco Freeze-Dried Powder if I’m travelling — and it makes all the difference.
They want to drink it. It cools them down. It replenishes what they’ve lost. And I know I’m giving them more than just water — I’m supporting their recovery, their joints, their skin, and their overall health.
🌿 Bone Broth Also Supports...
While hydration is the star of the show here, it’s worth remembering that bone broth gives loads of extra benefits too:
Joint support – thanks to naturally occurring glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen
Gut healing – gelatine and amino acids soothe and strengthen the gut lining
Skin & coat nourishment – hydrated skin = less itching, better barrier function
Immunity – nutrients support antibody production and a stronger immune response
Appetite stimulation – especially useful in heat, when some dogs go off their food
🛍️ Which Broth Is Best? Here’s What We Stock
We’ve got three different types to suit your lifestyle, routine, and space:
❄️ Axel's Elixir
Available in goat, beef, lamb and more
Brilliant if you’ve got freezer space and feed a variety of proteins
Great for bigger dogs or multi-dog households
Just defrost and serve
🥄 Anco Freeze-Dried Powder
Mixes with hot water and stores well in the cupboard
Only pork or beef options
Perfect if you’ve got limited space or want to make small amounts at a time
Great for travel, or as a backup
👉 You can grab them all here:www.stormsrawemporium.com/bone-broth
Final Thoughts
When it’s hot, we go out of our way to protect our dogs — shaded walks, cooling coats, paddling pools... but hydration is one of the simplest, most powerful things we can focus on.
Bone broth offers so much more than just fluids. It hydrates, nourishes, supports recovery, and keeps everything functioning smoothly — especially when heat starts to take its toll.
So if you’re stocking up your summer toolkit, don’t overlook bone broth. Your dog’s body will thank you for it.
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