Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
Meat stock is a great option for those who can’t tolerate bone broth, or who are just in the beginning stages of healing their gut, thyroid or immune system.
Meat Stock vs Bone Broth
Meat stock, is especially rich in gelatin and free amino acids like proline and glycine. These amino acids, along with the gelatinous protein from the meat and connective tissue, are particularly beneficial in healing the connective tissue in the lining of the gut.
Bone broth is different from meat stock because it’s cooked longer, usually 12-24 hours, and contains higher amounts of glutamates, and collagen. Because broth also contains higher amounts of glutamates, it can sometimes be too excitatory for the brain causing negative reactions.
Also, due to the longer cooking time, bone broth is higher in histamines which can increase histamine issues, or anxiety-related issues.
Does Meat Stock Heal the Gut
After a decade of working with clients at my nutrition practice, I’ve found that meat stock is a much better option than bone broth when you’re wanting to heal the gut. The amino acids, along with the gelatinous protein from the meat and connective tissue, are particularly beneficial in healing the connective tissue in the lining of the gut. It’s very gentle, contains less glutamates and histamines, and is calming for the nervous system.
I recommend drinking meat stock for the first 3-4 months that you’re on a healing diet. Then you can consider switching to bone broth once you’ve seen many of your symptoms improve.
Or, if you’ve been on a healing diet for a while, but notice negative symptoms are popping back up, or you are going through a stressful time of life, I recommend switching to meat stock until things improve.
Ingredients for Meat Stock
Whole chicken
Yellow onion – you can also use white or sweet onion
A head of garlic
Carrot
Celery
Apple Cider Vinegar
The basic things you absolutely need are the chicken and apple cider vinegar. Outside of those two ingredients, you can add additional aromatics or even remove the vegetables from the recipe. For a super clean flavor, I often like the combination of chicken, onion, garlic and vinegar.
How to Make Meat Stock
It’s pretty simple! You put all of the ingredients in a large pot, cover with water and let it simmer for 3-4 hours.
How Can I Consume Meat Stock
Drink 1-2 cups a day with Celtic sea salt
Use it to cook rice or beans
Swap out bone broth for meat stock in soups and stews
Can I Buy Meat Stock
I have yet to see it in stores, farmer’s markets or anywhere for sale. So, it’s a food you need to make at home. Thankfully, it just takes about 10 minutes of hands-on work!
Meat Stock
The basic things you absolutely need are the chicken and apple cider vinegar. Outside of those two ingredients, you can add additional aromatics or even remove the vegetables from the recipe. For a super clean flavor, I often like the combination of chicken, onion, garlic and vinegar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 10 cups
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 whole 3-4 pound raw chicken
- 1 yellow onion, cut in half
- 1 head garlic, cut in half
- 1 carrot
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and cover with water. Heat over low heat until it reaches a simmer. Continue to simmer on low for 3-4 hours. Strain. Pour the stock into glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
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