GDPR Privacy Policy

GDPR Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy was last updated on March 20, 2024.

This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.

We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy was generated by TermsFeed GDPR Privacy Policy Template.

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

  • "Account" means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service.

  • "Company" (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to Boil and Broth

    For the purpose of the GDPR, the Company is the Data Controller.

  • "Country" refers to United Kingdom.

  • "Cookies" are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses.

  • "Data Controller", for the purposes of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), refers to the Company as the legal person which alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of Personal Data.

  • "Device" means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet.

  • "Personal Data" is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual.

    For the purposes of GDPR, Personal Data means any information relating to You such as a name, an identification number, location data, online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity.

  • "Service" refers to the Website.

  • "Service Provider" means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Company. It refers to third-party companies or individuals employed by the Company to facilitate the Service, to provide the Service on behalf of the Company, to perform services related to the Service or to assist the Company in analyzing how the Service is used.
    For the purpose of the GDPR, Service Providers are considered Data Processors.

  • "Usage Data" refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).

  • "Website" refers to Boil and Broth, accessible from https://boilandbroth.com

  • "You" means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.

    Under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), You can be referred to as the Data Subject or as the User as you are the individual using the Service.

Collecting and Using Your Personal Data

Types of Data Collected

Personal Data

While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:

  • Email address

  • First name and last name

  • Phone number

  • Address, State, Province, ZIP/Postal code, City

  • Usage Data

Usage Data

Usage Data is collected automatically when using the Service.

Usage Data may include information such as Your Device's Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

When You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

We may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device.

Tracking Technologies and Cookies

We use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service. The technologies We use may include:

  • Cookies or Browser Cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on Your Device. You can instruct Your browser to refuse all Cookies or to indicate when a Cookie is being sent. However, if You do not accept Cookies, You may not be able to use some parts of our Service. Unless you have adjusted Your browser setting so that it will refuse Cookies, our Service may use Cookies.
  • Web Beacons. Certain sections of our Service and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of a certain section and verifying system and server integrity).

Cookies can be "Persistent" or "Session" Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on Your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close Your web browser.

We use both Session and Persistent Cookies for the purposes set out below:

  • Necessary / Essential Cookies

    Type: Session Cookies

    Administered by: Us

    Purpose: These Cookies are essential to provide You with services available through the Website and to enable You to use some of its features. They help to authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of user accounts. Without these Cookies, the services that You have asked for cannot be provided, and We only use these Cookies to provide You with those services.

  • Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance Cookies

    Type: Persistent Cookies

    Administered by: Us

    Purpose: These Cookies identify if users have accepted the use of cookies on the Website.

  • Functionality Cookies

    Type: Persistent Cookies

    Administered by: Us

    Purpose: These Cookies allow us to remember choices You make when You use the Website, such as remembering your login details or language preference. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website.

  • Tracking and Performance Cookies

    Type: Persistent Cookies

    Administered by: Third-Parties

    Purpose: These Cookies are used to track information about traffic to the Website and how users use the Website. The information gathered via these Cookies may directly or indirectly identify you as an individual visitor. This is because the information collected is typically linked to a pseudonymous identifier associated with the device you use to access the Website. We may also use these Cookies to test new pages, features or new functionality of the Website to see how our users react to them.

For more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookies Policy or the Cookies section of our Privacy Policy.

Use of Your Personal Data

The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes:

  • To provide and maintain our Service, including to monitor the usage of our Service.

  • To manage Your Account: to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data You provide can give You access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to You as a registered user.

  • For the performance of a contract: the development, compliance and undertaking of the purchase contract for the products, items or services You have purchased or of any other contract with Us through the Service.

  • To contact You: To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application's push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.

  • To provide You with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless You have opted not to receive such information.

  • To manage Your requests: To attend and manage Your requests to Us.

  • For business transfers: We may use Your information to evaluate or conduct a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of Our assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which Personal Data held by Us about our Service users is among the assets transferred.

  • For other purposes: We may use Your information for other purposes, such as data analysis, identifying usage trends, determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns and to evaluate and improve our Service, products, services, marketing and your experience.

We may share Your personal information in the following situations:

  • With Service Providers: We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, for payment processing, to contact You.
  • For business transfers: We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of Our business to another company.
  • With Affiliates: We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us.
  • With business partners: We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.
  • With other users: when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside.
  • With Your consent: We may disclose Your personal information for any other purpose with Your consent.

Retention of Your Personal Data

The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.

The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

Transfer of Your Personal Data

Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company's operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.

The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions

If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement

Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

Other legal requirements

The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with a legal obligation
  • Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company
  • Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
  • Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public
  • Protect against legal liability

Security of Your Personal Data

The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Detailed Information on the Processing of Your Personal Data

The Service Providers We use may have access to Your Personal Data. These third-party vendors collect, store, use, process and transfer information about Your activity on Our Service in accordance with their Privacy Policies.

Analytics

We may use third-party Service providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service.

Email Marketing

We may use Your Personal Data to contact You with newsletters, marketing or promotional materials and other information that may be of interest to You. You may opt-out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from Us by following the unsubscribe link or instructions provided in any email We send or by contacting Us.

GDPR Privacy

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data under GDPR

We may process Personal Data under the following conditions:

  • Consent: You have given Your consent for processing Personal Data for one or more specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract: Provision of Personal Data is necessary for the performance of an agreement with You and/or for any pre-contractual obligations thereof.
  • Legal obligations: Processing Personal Data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Company is subject.
  • Vital interests: Processing Personal Data is necessary in order to protect Your vital interests or of another natural person.
  • Public interests: Processing Personal Data is related to a task that is carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Company.
  • Legitimate interests: Processing Personal Data is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the Company.

In any case, the Company will gladly help to clarify the specific legal basis that applies to the processing, and in particular whether the provision of Personal Data is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract.

Your Rights under the GDPR

The Company undertakes to respect the confidentiality of Your Personal Data and to guarantee You can exercise Your rights.

You have the right under this Privacy Policy, and by law if You are within the EU, to:

  • Request access to Your Personal Data. The right to access, update or delete the information We have on You. Whenever made possible, you can access, update or request deletion of Your Personal Data directly within Your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact Us to assist You. This also enables You to receive a copy of the Personal Data We hold about You.
      • Access account information
      Email format: example@mailserver.domain
  • Request correction of the Personal Data that We hold about You. You have the right to have any incomplete or inaccurate information We hold about You corrected.
      • Edit account information
      Email format: example@mailserver.domain
  • To manage Your requests. You have the right to ask Us to show all your requests to you.
      • Show all requests
      Email format: example@mailserver.domain
  • Object to processing of Your Personal Data. This right exists where We are relying on a legitimate interest as the legal basis for Our processing and there is something about Your particular situation, which makes You want to object to our processing of Your Personal Data on this ground. You also have the right to object where We are processing Your Personal Data for direct marketing purposes.
  • Request erasure of Your Personal Data. You have the right to ask Us to delete or remove Personal Data when there is no good reason for Us to continue processing it.
      • Delete account information
      Email format: example@mailserver.domain
  • Request the transfer of Your Personal Data. We will provide to You, or to a third-party You have chosen, Your Personal Data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. Please note that this right only applies to automated information which You initially provided consent for Us to use or where We used the information to perform a contract with You.
  • Withdraw Your consent. You have the right to withdraw Your consent on using your Personal Data. If You withdraw Your consent, We may not be able to provide You with access to certain specific functionalities of the Service.

Exercising of Your GDPR Data Protection Rights

You may exercise Your rights of access, rectification, cancellation and opposition by contacting Us. Please note that we may ask You to verify Your identity before responding to such requests. If You make a request, We will try our best to respond to You as soon as possible.

You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about Our collection and use of Your Personal Data. For more information, if You are in the European Economic Area (EEA), please contact Your local data protection authority in the EEA.

Children's Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.

If We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may require Your parent's consent before We collect and use that information.

Links to Other Websites

Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update Our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

We will let You know via email and/or a prominent notice on Our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact us:

  • By visiting this page on our website: https://boilandbroth.com
  • By sending us an email: info@boilandbroth.com

November 2024 By Rachel Down 

Note: At the time of writing this report, results for one more dog is still pending. This additional result may provide further insights into the effects of bone broth supplementation on the canine gut microbiome and will be incorporated into the study’s final analysis.

Disclosure:

This research was conducted by Boil and Broth, in collaboration with Biome4Pets and Aberystwyth University, to evaluate and demonstrate the potential benefits of bone broth for canine gut health. This study was not an approved scientific study and therefore has not undergone peer review. It was conducted as an internal research project by the product’s manufacturers to test their product’s impact on canine gut microbiome diversity and specific bacterial genera levels.

For this study, Boil and Broth also chose to work with Anna Webb, a nationally recognised expert in canine nutrition, to provide additional expertise in evaluating and interpreting results. 

Comments from all three parties are written at the end of the study.

Summary of Highlights

Introduction

  1. Study Objective: To evaluate the impact of a 4-week bone broth supplementation on gut microbiome diversity in 33 dogs, focusing on Helicobacter, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium.
  2. Importance of Gut Health: A balanced gut microbiome supports digestion, immune function, and skin condition, making it critical for canine wellness.

Diversity of Gut Bacteria

  1. Increase in Gut Diversity: 96.88% of the dogs experienced an increase in bacterial diversity after bone broth supplementation, promoting gut ecosystem stability.
  2. Enhanced Impact on Balanced Diets: The most significant diversity increases were observed in dogs with balanced or varied diets, suggesting bone broth works synergistically with nutrient-rich diets.

Helicobacter

  1. Significant Reduction: Helicobacter levels decreased by 96.97% across participants, indicating bone broth’s effectiveness in regulating this potentially harmful bacteria.
  2. Influential Factors:
  • Diet: High-fibre and raw diets paired with bone broth led to greater reductions.
  • Age: Older dogs experienced slightly greater reductions in Helicobacter levels.

3. Inflammation Reduction: Lower Helicobacter levels correlated with reduced gut inflammation, supporting overall gut integrity.

Clostridium sensu stricto

  1. Marked Decrease: 87.1% of dogs showed reductions in Clostridium levels, bringing most closer to the ideal threshold (<0.5%).
  2. Gut Health Benefits: Lower Clostridium levels reduced risks of leaky gut syndrome and systemic inflammation, indicating improved gut barrier function.

Bifidobacterium

  1. Dramatic Increase: Bifidobacterium levels rose by an average of 1562.86%, with every participant showing growth in this beneficial bacteria.
  2. Dietary Impact: Dogs on high-fibre and raw diets experienced the most significant increases, highlighting the prebiotic effect of bone broth when paired with fibre-rich foods.

When discussing high fibre diets this refers to diets inclusive of a range of vegetables, and some fruits.

1. Introduction 

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 4-week bone broth supplementation on the gut microbiome diversity of 33 canine participants, none of whom had been given bone broth prior to the study. The analysis focused on three primary bacterial genera—helicobacter, clostridium sensu stricto, and bifidobacterium—alongside overall bacterial diversity. 

Background:

The canine subjects in this study represented a diverse range of breeds, sizes, and ages. This diversity allowed for an analysis of how bone broth supplementation might affect dogs with varying physiological and environmental backgrounds, providing insights into how factors like age, diet, household environment, and reproductive status may influence outcomes. A balanced gut microbiome is critical for canine health, impacting digestion, immune function, and skin condition. This study investigated the effects of adding bone broth to each dog’s regular diet, assessing changes in beneficial and potentially harmful bacterial populations. 

2. Diversity of Gut Bacteria 

What is Gut Bacterial Diversity? 

Definition and Importance:

Gut bacterial diversity refers to the variety of bacterial species present within the gastrointestinal tract. A diverse gut microbiome is considered beneficial because it offers resilience against pathogens, supports efficient digestion, and promotes a balanced immune response. A wide range of bacterial species provides functional redundancy, meaning that even if some bacterial groups are suppressed, others can fulfill similar roles, maintaining gut stability. 

Expected Species Variety in Canine Gut Microbiomes:

A healthy canine gut typically hosts dozens of bacterial species across different genera, although the exact composition can vary based on diet, age, breed, and environmental factors. Ideally, a dog’s gut microbiome includes a balance of beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, as well as a moderate presence of other commensal bacteria that support gut health. The more diverse a dog's gut microbiome is, then the better health they will have. Normal range for the number of species in the gut is 300-500 different bacteria. Anything lower and a dog's health is compromised, anything higher and a dog has a better chance of longterm wellness.

Common Bacterial Groups in the Canine Gut 

Dominant Genera: 

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes: These two phyla make up the majority of bacteria in the canine gut. Firmicutes, which includes genera like Lactobacillus and Clostridium, are involved in nutrient absorption and energy regulation. Bacteroidetes, on the other hand, aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, contributing to efficient digestion and nutrient availability. 

Bifidobacterium:

Part of the Actinobacteria phylum, bifidobacterium is known for its beneficial roles in digestion and immune modulation. It is often found in high numbers in dogs with balanced diets and is commonly associated with gut health and resilience. 

Lactobacillus:

Another beneficial genus within Firmicutes, lactobacillus supports gut integrity and aids in maintaining an acidic environment that inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth. 

Less Influential Bacteria: 

Proteobacteria:

While small amounts of Proteobacteria (e.g., Escherichia and Helicobacter) are typically present in healthy dogs, an overabundance can signal gut dysbiosis or imbalance. These bacteria are less influential in a healthy gut due to their limited beneficial functions, with high levels often linked to gastrointestinal disturbances. 

Fusobacterium:

Though sometimes present in low numbers, Fusobacterium generally has a minor functional role in the canine gut compared to more dominant genera like Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. 

Diversity Change Overview in This Study: 

Increase in Bacterial Diversity:

Following the bone broth supplementation, approximately 96.88% of the dogs in the study exhibited an increase in bacterial diversity. This enhancement in diversity suggests that bone broth, as a supplementary addition to the regular diet, may positively influence microbial variety and gut ecosystem stability. 

Correlation with Diet: 

Diet Type with Bone Broth Supplementation: 

Dogs consuming bone broth as a dietary supplement to their normal diet showed marked increases in bacterial diversity, with the most notable effects observed in dogs already on balanced or varied diets. These findings suggest that bone broth may support microbial diversity, particularly when paired with a diet that provides a range of nutrients. 

The chart opposite shows an average diversity score before and after bone broth. As you can see there was an overall average increase before and after bone broth for 4 weeks.

This chart shows us the average number of species in 32 dogs before and after 4 weeks of bone broth. Again you can see there was an increase taking the average number of species to nearly 500 which is considered better for dogs. Lower than 400 species can show as digestive problems in your dog.

3. Helicobacter Analysis 

Background on Helicobacter: 

Description and Role: 

Helicobacter species are naturally present in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, including dogs. While certain helicobacter species, such as Helicobacter pylori, can exist harmlessly at low levels, an overgrowth is associated with adverse health effects. Helicobacter species thrive in the stomach's acidic environment, where they can contribute to gut discomfort if left unchecked. 

Ideal Levels for a Healthy Gut: 

In a balanced canine gut, helicobacter levels are typically less than 1% of the total microbiome. Levels above this threshold can indicate an imbalance, as an overgrowth of helicobacter is associated with inflammation and digestive discomfort. In this study, all dogs began with helicobacter levels of 1% or more, highlighting a common prevalence of elevated helicobacter in the sample group before bone broth supplementation.

Link to Gut Inflammation: 

An overgrowth of helicobacter has been increasingly associated with gut inflammation. This inflammation occurs as the immune system responds to excess helicobacter, leading to disruptions in the gut lining and increased permeability. Chronic inflammation from high helicobacter levels can compromise gut integrity, potentially allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream and causing systemic health issues. 

Percentage of Decrease: 

The study observed a 96.97% reduction in helicobacter levels across the canine participants after bone broth supplementation. This significant decrease suggests that bone broth, when added to a dog’s regular diet, may play an effective role in regulating helicobacter levels and supporting a balanced gut environment.

Correlation with Other Factors: 

Diet Type: 

Dogs supplemented with bone broth as part of their regular diet saw a significant reduction in helicobacter levels, with slightly more pronounced reductions in dogs consuming high-fibre and raw food diets. This trend may indicate that bone broth, in conjunction with specific diet types, can contribute to moderating helicobacter populations and reducing inflammation risks. 

Age:

There was a weak negative correlation with age, indicating that older dogs may experience slightly greater helicobacter reductions compared to younger dogs. 

Household Composition: 

Dogs from multi-pet households exhibited more notable reductions in helicobacter, possibly due to increased environmental microbial exposures that interact with the microbiome and enhance the broth’s impact. 

Feeding Frequency: 

Feeding frequency did not show a notable effect on helicobacter levels, suggesting that the reduction was primarily related to diet and other factors. 

Spayed/Neutered Status: 

Neutered dogs experienced slightly higher reductions in helicobacter compared to intact dogs, although the difference was minimal. 

The chart on the right shows the average helicobacter making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything above 1% can show as digestive discomfort and inflammation.

As you can see that after 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of the canines on the study fell to 1.36%

4. Clostridium Sensu Stricto Analysis 

Background on Clostridium sensu stricto: 

Description and Role: Clostridium is a genus that includes both benign and pathogenic species. In healthy canines, clostridium typically comprises less than 0.5% of the total gut microbiome. Higher levels may indicate an imbalance, as some species within this genus, such as Clostridium perfringens, are associated with gastrointestinal disorders. 

Association with Inflammation and Leaky Gut: 

An overgrowth of clostridium has been linked to gut wall inflammation, a response that occurs as the immune system attempts to control pathogenic bacterial populations. This inflammatory response can lead to increased gut permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut syndrome," where the gut barrier becomes compromised. This allows pathogens and toxins to pass into the bloodstream, potentially triggering systemic inflammation and other health issues. 

Initial Levels in This Study: 

In this study, 96.77% of the canine participants had clostridium levels above the normal threshold of 0.5% before bone broth supplementation. This high prevalence of elevated clostridium suggests that most dogs started with an imbalance, potentially impacting gut health and indicating room for improvement through dietary adjustments.

Percentage of Decrease: 

Following bone broth supplementation, an impressive 87.1% of the dogs demonstrated a reduction in clostridium levels. This substantial decrease suggests that bone broth, when added to the dogs’ regular diets, may play a significant role in helping to bring clostridium levels closer to the ideal range for a balanced gut microbiome.

Correlation with Other Factors: 

Diet Type: 

All dogs maintained their regular diet with bone broth as an addition. Dogs on balanced or high-protein diets in combination with bone broth experienced notable reductions in clostridium, suggesting that bone broth’s effects may interact positively with other dietary components to support gut health. 

Age: 

No significant correlation was observed between age and clostridium reduction, suggesting a consistent response across age groups. 

Household Composition: 

No substantial impact was noted from household size or composition on clostridium changes. 

Feeding Frequency: 

Dogs fed more frequently showed slightly higher clostridium reductions, although the trend was not strong enough to be conclusive. 

Spayed/Neutered Status: 

Dogs that were spayed or neutered experienced marginally higher reductions in clostridium compared to unaltered dogs, though the difference was minor. 

The chart on the left shows the average Clostridium making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything above 0.5% can show as gastrointestinal disorders.

After only 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of Clostridium in canines on the study fell to 1.50%

This % is still above normal levels, but the question must be would broth for a longer time reduce this further?

5. Bifidobacterium Analysis 

Background on Bifidobacterium: 

Description and Role: 

Bifidobacterium is a beneficial bacterial genus crucial for gut health. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, bifidobacterium helps prevent infections by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and is essential for producing certain B vitamins and secondary metabolites that support overall health. These secondary metabolites include short-chain fatty acids that promote gut barrier integrity and aid in immune regulation. 

Optimal Levels for a Healthy Gut: 

In a healthy canine gut, bifidobacterium typically comprises 1-2% of the total microbiome. This presence supports gut resilience, nutrient absorption, and immune defence. 

Initial Levels in This Study: 

In this study, 74.19% of dogs had bifidobacterium levels below the 1% threshold before the intervention, indicating that the majority of participants began with suboptimal bifidobacterium populations, which could impact gut function and overall health. 

Percentage of Increase After Bone Broth Supplementation: 

Following the 4-week bone broth supplementation, 100% of the dogs experienced an increase in bifidobacterium levels. The average increase reached 1562.86%, suggesting that bone broth may act as a prebiotic, fostering significant growth of beneficial bacteria. 

Correlation with Other Factors: 

Diet Type with Bone Broth Supplementation: Dogs consuming diets high in fibre and raw food alongside bone broth experienced the most significant increases in bifidobacterium levels, suggesting that the prebiotic effects of bone broth are enhanced when combined with diets that support microbial diversity. 

Age: 

A slight positive correlation with age was observed, indicating that older dogs may experience greater bifidobacterium proliferation when bone broth is included in their diet. 

Household Composition: 

Dogs from multi-pet households had slightly higher bifidobacterium increases, potentially due to broader microbial exposure. 

Feeding Frequency: 

Feeding frequency appeared to have minimal influence on bifidobacterium levels, indicating that the beneficial effects were primarily diet-driven. 

Spayed/Neutered Status: 

Spaying or neutering had no significant impact on bifidobacterium changes, suggesting that bone broth broadly supports bifidobacterium growth across different reproductive statuses. 

The chart on the right shows the average Bifidobacterium making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything below 1-2% can lower the immune system, disrupt nutrient absorption, and cause inflammation. Above 1-2% and the gut improves in function and can have a positive improvement on the canine overall wellbeing.

After only 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of Bifidobacterium in canines rose from an alarming less 0.54% to an incredible 2.33% putting all dogs in a better gut health position when it comes to beneficial bacteria.

6. Participant Feedback on Observed Changes 

General Observations: 

Owners reported observable improvements in their dogs’ gastrointestinal health, skin and coat quality, and overall vitality following the broth supplementation period. 

Specific Observations: 

Digestive Health: 

Many participants noted firmer stools and reduced flatulence, consistent with improved gut health and digestive function. 

Dermatological Health: 

Reduced skin issues, such as itching and flakiness, were commonly reported, alongside improved coat shine, indicating that gut health improvements may have systemic effects on skin condition. 

Behavioural and Energy Levels: 

Some participants observed increases in their dogs’ energy levels and a decrease in discomfort-related behaviours, further suggesting that the microbiome changes may have positively influenced overall wellness. 

7. Conclusion 

Summary of Findings: 

Supplementing dogs’ regular diets with bone broth over a 4-week period had a significant positive effect on the gut microbiome, notably increasing beneficial bifidobacterium and reducing pathogenic helicobacter and clostridium levels. 

Factors Influencing Outcomes: 

Diet composition was the most influential factor, with certain diet types (e.g. high-fibre and raw food) enhancing the positive effects of bone broth. Age and household composition showed minor associations with bacterial changes, while feeding frequency and reproductive status had minimal impact. 

Practical Implications: 

These results suggest that adding bone broth to a dog’s regular diet could serve as an effective means of supporting gut health, with potential benefits for broader wellness outcomes. 

This study will continue, with a follow-up analysis planned in 6 months to evaluate the gut microbiome in dogs who remain on the study. This longer-term observation aims to assess any further improvements in bacterial diversity and overall gut health resulting from sustained bone broth supplementation. 

Dr Carol Hughes Microbiologist - Biome4Pets

"We analysed the microbiome and chose three important species (genus level) of bacteria. There are multiple other beneficial changes to the microbial community but these three were chosen because two are commonly associated with gastric discomfort/disease/diarrhoea and the third is associated with good health. Helicobacter associated with leaky gut, gut wall integrity and itchiness in dogs. Clostridium sensu stricto, and a species of bacteria associated with good gut/ overall health and immune response Bifidobacteria. We have seen remarkable results with bone broth and this is because of the high amino acid count in the bone broth, which seems to behave as a prebiotic feeding the good bacteria."

Rachel Down Founder | Managing Director | BSc Health Science Yr 2 Student - Boil and Broth. 

“We’re thrilled to see scientific evidence supporting the quality of our bone broths. My personal health journey began seven years ago, when I reversed a chronic condition in just 12 weeks and lost six stone over two years. This experience sparked my passion for bone broth’s science—so much so that I even pursued a degree. When I met Carol, I suggested this study as a way to demonstrate our products' true benefits. The results have been fascinating, especially as many of the dogs had skin issues, which have since improved with bone broth supplementation. We’re excited not only for what this means for broth but also for our brand. We believe in our products so deeply that we were willing to put them to the test—how many brands can say that?”

Anna Webb - Canine Nutritionist and Behaviour Expert

“It has been so exciting to confirm that bone broth delivers so many remarkable changes to these dog’s gut microbial environments. It’s as if the broth is naturally restoring homeostasis or balance, which is the key to optimum wellness. In my study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies (CIVT), I learnt how this age-old remedy was noted as a fundamental ingredient for boosting the immune system, which science now concurs resides in our gut lining.  Science also now supports that the relationship between the gut and the brain are inextricably linked, so behaviourally, the addition of broth could help dogs’ cognition and learning through their life stages. Not least in their senior years, but also in the first seven weeks of their lives, when many environmental factors, including nutrition, can impact positively or negatively for a lifetime”.  

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