Bone Broth for Cats & Dogs: Why We Chose Venison and Reishi
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Time to read 6 min
Bone Broth for Cats & Dogs: Wild Venison and Organic Reishi — Why We Chose This Combination
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a mushroom with a long history. Used traditionally across East Asia, it's often described in scientific literature for its immune‑modulating and anti‑inflammatory properties. Still, it remains underutilized in the pet space — and even more so when combined with wild‑sourced proteins like venison.
This is the foundation for our formulation: a combination of wild venison bone broth and organic reishi mushroom — developed specifically to explore how bone broth for dogs and cats can offer functional, evidence-based support. It’s designed not as a trend, but as a functional step forward. Here's why we chose this pairing — and what current research tells us about its role in supporting dogs and cats.
Table of contents
Reishi is one of the most researched functional mushrooms, shown to support immune function, inflammation regulation, antioxidant activity, and gut health: now also documented in a 2024 canine study. Wild venison provides a lean, novel protein that supports sensitive pets, offering essential amino acids and minerals without triggering common intolerances. Together, reishi and venison create a well-tolerated, multifunctional formulation for hydration, immune balance, digestion, and recovery. The article also outlines responsible use, dosage guidance, and important safety considerations.
Why Reishi? The Scientific Case for Pets
Ganoderma lucidum is one of the most studied functional mushrooms, with research pointing toward its role in modulating the immune system, regulating inflammation, and offering antioxidant support.
A 2024 peer‑reviewed study published in the Journal of Animal Science tested reishi supplementation in dogs directly. Forty adult beagles were fed varying levels of reishi extract (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg per kg bodyweight) over 28 days. Key findings included:
Enhanced immune cell activity: Dogs given reishi showed increased phagocytic capacity of monocytes and a stronger IgG vaccine response — pointing to improved immune surveillance and response.
No negative impact: Digestibility of nutrients, coat quality, and stool consistency remained stable across all groups, indicating good tolerability.
(PubMed Study)
Reishi’s primary bioactive compounds — β‑glucans and triterpenoids — are thought to interact with gut-associated immune cells, triggering broader systemic effects. Other studies suggest benefits such as:
Cytokine modulation — including regulation of IL-2 and IFN-γ production
Antioxidant activity — protecting cells from oxidative stress
Gut microbial support — promoting a more balanced microbiota
Potential liver‑protective effects — in preclinical trials involving toxin‑induced liver damage
(PMC Study)
These effects are not unique to humans. Animal studies (rodent, canine, and emerging feline research) indicate these pathways may be active across species — including companion animals.
Why Wild Venison? More Than a Novel Protein
We chose wild venison for its functional simplicity. It offers several advantages:
A true novel protein: Most pets are regularly exposed to chicken, beef, or lamb. Venison represents a cleaner protein with reduced likelihood of triggering food sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Low‑fat and lean: Especially beneficial for dogs or cats managing weight, digestive sensitivity, or low-grade inflammation.
Rich in amino acids and trace minerals: When bones are simmered properly — using marrow bones, ribs, femur, and joints — you extract a spectrum of naturally occurring nutrients that support joint, connective tissue, and bone health.
It’s also a sustainability and ethics decision: our venison is 100% wild and sourced in Europe under traceable standards — with no added growth agents or confinement farming practices.
"Our venison bone broth for cats and dogs naturally contains 3.09% protein, with 2.02% of that being collagen — resulting in a collagen-to-protein ratio of 65.37%.”
Reishi + Venison — A Functional Combination
Here’s how these two ingredients work together:
Immune readiness: Reishi supports both innate and adaptive immune responses. Combined with venison — a protein source unlikely to activate immune hypersensitivities — it creates a calmer immune environment.
Anti‑inflammatory balance: Triterpenes in reishi may reduce inflammatory markers, while the amino acid content in bone broth provides raw materials to repair tissues.
Digestive comfort: Reishi’s gut‑microbiota support and the gelatin from bone broth both support gut integrity — especially valuable for animals recovering from stress, illness, or poor diet.
Natural hydration: Bone broth is inherently hydrating, which supports delivery of reishi’s actives throughout the body while also helping with palatability and moisture intake.
Together, they offer a composition that is well-tolerated, multifunctional, and grounded in what science increasingly supports — without going beyond what the research shows.
Our Reishi: 100% Organic and European
Most reishi on the market — especially in the pet space — comes from Asian imports. This doesn’t always guarantee quality or transparency.
Our reishi is 100% European and organic. Even more importantly, it undergoes ultrasonic extraction — a technique that breaks down the tough fungal cell walls (made of chitin) to release the bioactive compounds more effectively. This makes the extract more bioavailable and functionally active in small amounts.
Our Bone Broth for cats and dogs with Venison & Reishi contains 200 mg of active components and beta-glucans per 100 ml. This provides approximately 20 mg of reishi per kg of bodyweight, based on our recommended feeding amount.
It’s also worth noting: our Bone Broth naturally contains 3.09% protein, with 2.02% of that being collagen — resulting in a collagen-to-protein ratio of 65.37%. This makes it a valuable choice not just for functional support, but also for pets needing high-quality, bioavailable collagen in their daily routine.
As always, serving amounts can be adjusted in cooperation with a homeopath or educated canine nutritionist. We do not recommend exceeding 100 ml per 10 kg of bodyweight per day unless advised by a qualified professional.
Scientific Caution & Responsible Use
While reishi has shown great promise in early research — and was well‑tolerated in controlled canine trials — we are careful not to overstate its power.
It is not a cure. It is a supportive ingredient.
Long‑term studies in pets are limited, and much of what we know comes from animal models and early‑phase research.
Reishi can interact with medications, especially immune‑modulating or anti‑coagulant drugs.
Some studies and clinical observations associate reishi with mild blood‑thinning effects, meaning pets with clotting disorders, low platelet counts, or those preparing for surgery should only use it under veterinary supervision.
As with any functional ingredient, introduce it gradually and consult a professional if your pet has existing medical conditions.
Conclusion
The science around reishi is developing, and while not all claims are proven, its potential to support immune function, gut health, and inflammation is increasingly documented — including in dogs. When combined with a clean, novel protein source like wild venison, it becomes a practical option for pets with sensitivities or those needing additional support.
We don’t present this as a cure or a complete solution. It’s an informed choice.
If you’re unsure whether this combination is suitable for your pet, we recommend speaking with a homeopath, a qualified canine or feline nutritionist, or your veterinarian.
FAQ
1. What benefits does reishi offer for dogs and cats?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is supported by research for its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. A 2024 canine study showed improved immune responses with no negative effects on digestion or coat quality. Its beta-glucans and triterpenes may also support gut health, microbial balance, and liver function — making it a useful supportive ingredient for many pets.
2. Why combine wild venison with reishi in a bone broth?
Wild venison is a clean, lean, novel protein that reduces the risk of reactions in sensitive pets. When simmered into bone broth, it provides collagen, amino acids, and natural minerals that support joint and gut health. Pairing venison with reishi creates a gentle, highly digestible combination that supports immune balance, hydration, and tissue repair — while remaining well-tolerated for most dogs and cats.
3. Is reishi safe for all pets, and how should it be used?
Reishi is generally well-tolerated, but it should be introduced gradually. It may interact with certain medications, especially immune-modulating or blood-thinning drugs. Pets with clotting issues, chronic illness, or upcoming surgery should use it only with veterinary guidance. The recommended maximum is 100 ml per 10 kg bodyweight per day unless otherwise instructed by a qualified professional.
The Author: Christian Adamsen
Founder of Hokuō®
