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No, chicken broth is not safe for dogs. While chicken broth with no salt might be safe for dogs, it would be wise to avoid feeding it to your canine companion. This is because most chicken broth recipes contain onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic for dogs.

Chicken Broth
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caution

Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety  Exercise caution, avoid feeding
Nutritional Issues  High in sodium, calories, N-propyl disulfide
Potential Risks Hemolytic anemia, heart problems
Poisoning Symptoms Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, stomach pain
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Chicken Broth Is Unsafe for Dogs?

While a single cup of chicken broth won’t harm your dog, feeding it daily can lead to hemolytic anemia, especially if your chicken broth recipe contains onions and garlic. Furthermore, if your recipe contains large amounts of salt, it could lead to salt poisoning. So, it’s best to avoid overfeeding your dog chicken broth. Instead, go for dog-friendly versions available at your local pet store.

What Makes Chicken Broth Unsafe for Dogs?

The large amounts of salt, fat, garlic, onions and other toxic ingredients inside chicken broth make it unsafe for dogs. However, if you still want to feed it to your dog, consider making plain chicken broth only made from chicken bones, nothing else.

What to do if Your Dog Has Too Much Chicken Broth

Nothing bad will happen initially if your dog has too much chicken broth. However, feeding your canine companion chicken broth containing garlic and onions daily can lead to various health problems, such as hemolytic anemia. So, if your dog shows garlic or onion poisoning symptoms, take it to the vet immediately.

Common Chicken Broth Ingredients

  • Chicken bones-Chicken bones are safe for dogs in moderation. They are a good source of protein. However, they can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs.
  • Salt-Too much salt can lead to salt poisoning in dogs. So, it’s best to keep it to a minimum amount.
  • Pepper-Pepper is unsafe for dogs as it can cause a burning sensation in their mouths.
  • Onions-Onions containN-propyl disulfide, which can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs.
  • Garlic-Like onions, garlic also contains N-propyl disulfide, which is toxic for dogs.
  • Vegetable oil-Vegetable oil is safe for dogs in moderation. However, large amounts daily can lead to obesity, weight gain, and pancreatitis in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Homemade chicken broth will not upset your dog’s stomach as long as it contains no toxic ingredients such as salt, garlic, or onions.

  • Yes, homemade chicken broth is safe for dogs if you don’t add onions, garlic, or salt to it. These ingredients can be highly toxic for dogs in large quantities.

  • The standard serving size for chicken broth is around 30ml per 4.5kg of your dog’s total weight. However, this amount can vary depending on your dog’s breed and size.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.