Can you give a dog chicken soup

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When you’re feeling under the weather, nothing beats the soothing power of a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. And if your dog is refusing to eat due to an upset stomach or ongoing illness, one of the most popular fixes is to pour a little chicken broth over his food. After all, chicken-flavored anything is the key to a dog’s heart and stomach. 

But is chicken broth good for dogs? As it turns out, veterinarians approve of this home remedy. However, not all chicken broths are dog-friendly. 

If you’re wondering whether what you have in the pantry is safe for your dog to eat, read on for everything you need to know about chicken broth for dogs including health benefits, how to prepare it, and a few creative ways to add it to your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth? 

In short, yes—chicken broth is a generally safe addition to make to your dog’s diet. “I routinely recommend chicken broth as a palatability enhancer for dogs with picky appetites,” says Dr. Valerie Parker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. 

That said, be sure to take a look at the label before you feed your dog any ol’ store-bought chicken broth. Many broths contain additional ingredients like onion and garlic, both of which can be toxic to dogs, says Dr. Deborah E. Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and research assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, Massachusetts. 

Beyond this, even low-sodium broths can be very high in sodium, which may be a no-no depending on your dog’s unique dietary needs, she says.  

As is true any time you change your dog’s diet, make sure to check in with your veterinarian before you add chicken broth to his food, especially if he has an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. 

Can Dogs Have Chicken Bone Broth? 

Rich in nutrients and collagen, a building block of muscles and joints, bone broth is all the rage these days (1). But how does chicken bone broth for dogs compare to typical chicken broth? 

While Parker notes that there are no studies evaluating the use of chicken bone broth in dogs’ diets, the same rules apply when you’re examining the label. Avoid chicken bone broths with added aromatics like garlic and onion, and opt for a low-sodium or homemade bone broth if you’re watching your dog’s salt intake. 

Benefits of Chicken Broth for Dogs 

Ultimately, the main benefit of chicken broth for dogs is probably what you have in mind for it already—enticing your pup to eat when he’s not feeling super hungry. 

Pouring chicken broth over your dog’s dry food can soften it up and add a flavor boost to a bland diet without further disrupting an upset stomach. 

As for other health claims—a cure-all for gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation, a shiny coat, and more—researchers have yet to dig into them just yet. 

How to Make Chicken Broth for Dogs 

If you don’t have any chicken broth at home, it may be preferable to make it yourself anyway. “Homemade chicken broth is fine for dogs, and it’s sometimes the easiest way to find a broth that excludes onion and garlic,” says Parker.  

Here are steps to prepare homemade chicken broth for dogs:

Step 1: Bring chicken meat to a boil in plain water with no seasoning, says Linder. 

Step 2: Lower the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for three to four hours, skimming any foam off the top as necessary. 

Step 3: Strain the liquid to remove all chicken meat. Allow it to cool to a safe warm-but-not-hot temperature.

Step 4: When it’s the right temperature, pour some over your dog’s food. 

While chicken and rice is another popular home remedy for dogs with an upset stomach or loss of appetite, this will almost always result in an imbalanced diet, says Parker. Again, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to what goes on your pup’s plate, especially if he’s not feeling well. 

Other Ways to Use Chicken Broth for Dogs 

All in all, any food that isn’t a part of your dog’s complete and balanced diet formulated by a certified veterinary nutritionist (think: their dog food) should make up less than 10 percent of his total daily caloric intake (like treats and snacks), says Parker. Because chicken broth is generally a low-calorie food with about 15 calories per cup, it fits the bill for a great treat or palatability enhancer to add to your dog’s food.

Here are a few creative and fun ways you can add chicken broth to your dog’s diet: 

Make homemade dog treats. All you need to whip up these veterinarian-approved dog treats is flour, oats, peanut butter, and chicken broth. 

Cool off during the dog days of summer with chicken brothsicles. Freeze your dog’s favorite low-calorie treats like strawberries and dog-friendly veggies such as green beans and pumpkin puree with chicken bone broth in popsicle or ice cube trays. If your dog’s a chomper, stuff them inside a chew toy in order to avoid damaging his pearly whites, suggests Parker.  

Create soft-serve “ice cream.” Blend together dog-friendly fruit like seedless watermelon or cantaloupe with plain, unsweetened yogurt and chicken broth to make a dog-friendly version of ice cream. Pour it into a mold or toy, and voilà!   

Spoil your pup with a mini chicken pot pie with whole wheat flour, chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, and peas.

Our Favorite Chicken Broth Products for Dogs

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

While your pantry may be stocked with traditional, low-sodium chicken broth, there are plenty of other toppers, meal additives, and dog-friendly bone broths to try. We’ve rounded up our absolute favorite, nutritious products that have numerous benefits for our canine companions. 

Brutus Broth for Dogs

We are big fans of this bone broth from Brutus Broth. Not only does it work to flavor food for picky eaters and combat dehydration, but it’s also formulated to support bone and joint health with the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and is low in sodium, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary fillers or extra salt in your dog’s diet. Plus, this broth is available in two flavors—chicken and beef—so you can find an option that your dog really loves. 

Highlights

• Made of human-grade, natural ingredients.
• Made and packaged in the USA.
• Two flavor offerings: chicken and beef.
• Supports joint and bone health.
• Low in sodium.
• Packaging is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Things to Consider

• The broth should be used within 7-10 days of opening.
• Can be enjoyed warm or cold depending on your dog’s preference. 

Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth

If you’re looking for a chicken broth that you can feel good about feeding your dog, you can’t go wrong with Open Farm Chicken Bone Broth. Open Farm’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices goes above and beyond any other measures we’ve seen. They use only humanely raised and ethically sourced chicken from a network of trusted family farms, plus wholesome, non-GMO fruits and veggies, like the powerful antioxidant superfood, turmeric. That means not only are you serving up a rich, delicious, collagen-packed bone broth that’s good for your dog, it’s also good for animals, the planet, and us, too! 

Mix it into any meal for added nutrition and flavor, or mix it with water to encourage your dog to hydrate…deliciously.

Highlights

• No antibiotics or growth hormones.
• 100% human-grade ingredients.
• Rich in collagen to promote digestive, skin & coat, and immune health.
• Made in small batches in the USA.
• Three different bone broth flavors: chicken, turkey, and beef.
• Global Animal Partnership Certified.

Things to Consider

• Comes in convenient resealable packaging that keeps broth fresh for up to 7 days in the fridge. 
• Delicious at any temperature.
• Pricier than standard chicken broths, but still a great value for a premium, ethically produced topper.

CARU Daily Dish Chicken Broth Meal Topper for Dogs

This chicken broth meal topper is formulated by veterinarians, so you know it’s healthy for your canine family member. There are no preservatives, no added coloring, no MSG, and this formula is free of onions and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs. This is designed to easily be added to your dog’s regular food, offering your pup some added hydration or helping to soften up food. 

Highlights 

• Formulated by a veterinarian.
• No preservatives, added coloring, MSG, or harmful ingredients.
• Easy to add to a dog’s regular kibble or food.
• Designed to help dogs get more hydration.
• Very reasonably priced.

Things to Consider

• While the majority of dogs love this stuff, some online reviewers said their pups didn’t care for the taste. Something to consider if you have a very picky eater. 

The Honest Kitchen Bone Broth Pour Overs

If you want to give your dog an added little treat, these wet dog food toppers from The Honest Kitchen mix in quality ingredients like real chicken, carrots, and squash with bone broth to make a hearty stew-like meal addition. Chicken is obviously our flavor-of-choice, but these topper are also available in Beef and Turkey and Salmon depending on your dog’s preference. 

Highlights

• Made completely from human-grade ingredients and meets the FDA human-grade safety standard.
• Delivers an added boost of protein to your canine friend.
• All natural. Made without byproducts, artificial colors or flavors, and these are completely grain and potato free. 
• Pouches contain two servings and are easy to reseal for freshness.

Things to Consider

• These toppers are chunkier than regular chicken broth or bone broth—more of a stew-like, wet dog food consistency.
• These are not meant for everyday use and should be used intermittently as an extra treat or meal enticement once in a while. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. 
• These toppers are not meant to be served alone as a meal. 

Native Pet Bone Broth Powder for Dogs

We love this chicken bone broth powder from Native Pet because it is easy to store and use, plus it lasts a long time (it has a shelf life of 12 months!). You can mix this powder up with water for a liquid broth or simply sprinkle it over food for some added flavor. We love the low calories and simple ingredients in this formula.

Highlights

• Made with three ingredients: organic chicken broth, organic chicken protein, organic sweet potatoes.
• Has a shelf life of 12 months, so it’s easy to store and use.
• Low calorie, so it won’t pack on extra weight.
• Native Pet offers a risk-free promise. If you’re unhappy, they will give you a full refund. 

Things to Consider

• If you want to use this as a liquid topper, you will have to heat up some water and mix in the powder. 

Merrick Grain-Free Chicken Bone Broth

Whether you want to add a flavor boost to your dog’s dry food, rehydrate freeze-dried raw morsels, or serve as a savory treat, Merrick chicken bone broth pouches are a convenient option to consider. Rounded out with sweet potato, apple, parsley, and turmeric, this human-grade meal topper is both nourishing and delicious. It also provides a natural source of minerals, joint-supporting compounds, and amino acids. 

Highlights

• Human-grade meal topper for adult dogs of all breeds
• Made with chicken bone broth, sweet potato, apple, parsley, and turmeric
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, and fillers
• Can be fed daily along with complete and balanced diet
• Comes in a 7-oz. pouch
• Recipes crafted in Hereford, Texas, and cooked in the USA
• Also available in beef and turkey flavors

Things to Consider

• Feed up to ⅛ cup per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight per day
• Any unused portion should be refrigerated
• Serve within 7 days of opening

Solid Gold Chicken Bone Broth

An excellent source of naturally occurring collagen, this human-grade chicken bone broth meal topper is worth its weight in gold. The recipe features carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, sesame seed oil, lavender and chamomile. Not only does this slow-simmered bone broth from Solid Gold win dogs over with taste, it also promotes gut health and hydration. Serve at room temperature or gently warm, then pour over your dog’s dry food for a welcome nutritional boost.

Highlights

• Human-grade meal topper for dogs of all ages
• Made with chicken bone broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, sesame seed oil, lavender, and chamomile
• Comes in 8-oz. pouches
• Can be served at room temperature or gently warmed
• Made in the USA
• Also available in beef with turmeric or turkey with pumpkin and ginger recipes

Things to Consider

• Shake well before serving 
• Serve ¼ cup bone broth per 25 pounds of body weight
• Refrigerate after opening and use within 7 days

Primalvore Organic Bone Broth Food Topper for Dogs

Although this broth-based food topper from Primalvore is a little on the pricey side, we think it’s a great option for dogs who need some extra mobility and joint support in addition to the benefits of bone broth. This formula is boosted with collagen peptides to support joint health and organic turmeric, which reduces inflammation. This bone broth topper is a big hit and most reviewers rave about its quality and how much their dogs enjoy the taste. 

Highlights

• Boosted with collagen peptides and turmeric to support joint health and mobility.
• Made in the USA.
• A good option for dogs of all breeds and ages—including puppies. 
• Salt-free formula with no garlic, onions, or other harmful ingredients.
• Shelf stable and lasts up to 18 months if unopened.

Things to Consider

• Once opened, the product needs to be refrigerated and should be used within 7-10 days.
• It is on the expensive side if you’re looking for a daily-use product. But we love it for a special treat or once-in-a-while addition.

Chicken Broth for Dogs FAQ

Is chicken broth good for dogs?

Chicken broth can be a safe addition to your dog’s diet so long as you choose a pet-friendly product that is low in sodium and does not contain potentially harmful ingredients for dogs like onion and garlic.

Can you give dogs chicken broth for upset stomach?

If your dog has an upset stomach, you can try pouring a little chicken broth over his dry food or a bland diet to help entice him to eat. 

Can dogs have chicken broth with onion?

Onion and garlic can be toxic to dogs, so you should avoid chicken broth that contains these ingredients.

Can I put chicken broth in dog food?

Yes, you can pour low-sodium or homemade bone broth on top of your dog’s dry or freeze-dried raw food to soften it up and add a flavor boost.

How much chicken broth can I give my dog?

The appropriate amount of chicken broth will vary based on your dog’s weight and his individual needs. Many products recommend approximately ¼ cup per 20 pounds of body weight. 

Does chicken broth hydrate dogs?

Chicken broth can help promote hydration in dogs, but your dog should still always have access to fresh, clean water.