These savory jelly bites are a no-bake treat with just two ingredients: homemade chicken bone broth and unflavored gelatin. They set into firm, chewy gummies that most dogs go wild for, and they take about five minutes of hands-on time.
We made and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then make a batch.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Yield | 20-25 bite-sized gummies |
| Cooking method | Stovetop, no oven |
| Setting time | 2-3 hours in the fridge |
| Texture | Firm and chewy |
| Best for | Dogs who love savory flavors, hot days, picky eaters |
| Storage | Up to 5 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer |
Ingredients
- 240 ml (1 cup) homemade chicken bone broth, fat removed, unsalted, with no onion or garlic
- 23 g (2 1/2 tbsp) unflavored beef gelatin powder
Instructions
- Heat the broth in a small pot until steaming hot. Do not boil.
- Take the pot off the heat. Sprinkle the gelatin over the hot broth a little at a time, whisking constantly, until fully dissolved and clear with no lumps.
- Pour into silicone molds (bone or paw shapes work best) and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, until set firm.
- Pop the bites out of the molds and serve.
Use skimmed, dog-safe broth
Make sure your broth has the fat cap lifted off. Rich, fatty treats can upset sensitive stomachs and may trigger pancreatitis in dogs prone to it. Store-bought broth almost always contains salt, onion or garlic, so homemade is the safest choice. Our pressure cooker chicken bone broth is made for exactly this recipe.
Tips for firm jelly bites
- Whisk while you sprinkle. Adding the gelatin slowly to hot broth stops it from clumping.
- Don’t boil the broth. Boiling can weaken the gelatin, so the bites set softer.
- Use small molds. Bite-sized shapes set faster and are easier to portion for your dog. I used what I had in my kitchen and used the jelly bites as toppers.
How to store jelly bites
Keep them refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, and expect the texture to soften slightly after freezing. On hot days, some dogs love them straight from the freezer.
How many can my dog have?
Keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Offer one or two bites a day to start, and watch for any change in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Is gelatin safe for dogs?
Plain, unflavored gelatin is safe for most dogs. Never use flavored jelly or jello mixes, which contain sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Only if the label confirms it has no salt, onion, garlic or other seasonings. Most supermarket broths are not suitable for dogs.
Why didn’t my jelly bites set?
The gelatin was probably not fully dissolved, or the broth boiled. Make sure the mixture is completely clear before pouring it into the molds.
More autumn treats to try
- Pressure cooker chicken bone broth for dogs
- Pumpkin Apple Pup Muffins
- Mini Autumn Crunch Training Nibbles
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
