What Chicken Broth is Safe for Dogs? A Complete Guide

As a dog owner, you likely want to give your furry friend the very best. One way to show your pup some extra love is by enhancing their diet with tasty, nutritious treats. Chicken broth is a popular choice, but it’s important to know what chicken broth is safe for dogs.

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about giving your dog chicken broth in this full guide. We’ll discuss:

• The benefits of chicken broth for dogs
• Potential risks and what to avoid
• How to choose a safe chicken broth
• Safe ingredients and harmful additives
• Homemade chicken broth recipes
• How much to feed and when

Let’s get started!

Why Chicken Broth is Good for Dogs

Chicken broth is good for dogs’ health in a number of ways. Here are some of the main ways it can be a healthy supplement:

• Hydration: The water in broth helps dogs stay hydrated. This helps a lot if your dog is sick and not drinking enough.

• Appetite stimulant – The smell and taste often entice picky eaters to eat. It can make regular food more palatable.

• Nutrient boost – Chicken broth provides protein, vitamins, and minerals from the chicken. It gives their diet an extra nourishment boost.

• Supports digestion – The gelatin in bone broths can aid digestion and gut health. Broths are easy to digest too.

• Soothes upset stomach – Gentle and mild, broths can calm upset stomachs, great for dogs with diarrhea.

As you can see, chicken broth can be very good for dogs if it is chosen carefully. It makes a tasty treat while providing health benefits.

What to Avoid in Chicken Broth for Dogs

While chicken broth has many positives, it’s crucial to choose a dog-safe broth and avoid harmful ingredients. Here’s what to keep out of your pup’s broth:

• Onions and garlic – Toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.

• Excessive salt – Too much can lead to sodium ion poisoning.

• Artificial flavors and preservatives (like xanthan gum) – Can cause GI upset.

• Fatty oils – Can lead to pancreatitis.

• Seasonings and spices – Most are unsafe for dogs.

Unfortunately, many store-bought chicken broths and stocks contain these potentially dangerous ingredients for dogs. So extra caution is needed when selecting a broth.

Choosing a Safe Chicken Broth for Dogs

When browsing broth options, look for these characteristics of a dog-safe chicken broth:

• Organic – Free of artificial additives, GMOs, preservatives.

• Low sodium – No more than 100 mg per serving.

• No onions, garlic, or chives – Scan the ingredients carefully.

• No harmful spices or seasonings – Basil, parsley, thyme and rosemary are okay.

• No xanthan gum or gums – Can ferment in dog’s gut.

• Contains Vitamin B12 – Essential vitamin for dogs.

• Made for pets – Ensure label states it’s for dog consumption.

Your safest bet is choosing an organic, low-sodium chicken broth specifically made for pets. But if choosing a human broth, thoroughly read labels.

When assessing any new food or treat for your dog, it’s also wise to first consult your veterinarian.

Making Homemade Chicken Broth for Dogs

For complete control over the ingredients, you can easily make homemade chicken broth for your dog.

Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken bones/carcass
• Chicken meat scraps (optional)
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Place chicken bones, carcass, and any meat scraps in a pot. Cover with water.

2. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours up to 24 hours.

3. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract nutrients from the bones.

4. Let cool. Strain the broth through a mesh strainer.

5. Discard solids. Refrigerate broth for up to 4 days.

This yields a mineral-rich, gelatinous bone broth perfect for your dog. Feel free to add small amounts of vegetables like carrots or celery if desired.

Never use chicken bones that have been cooked, as they can splinter. Always use raw bones.

How Much Chicken Broth is Safe for Dogs

When introducing any new food, it’s wise to start with small amounts and slowly increase to ensure your dog tolerates it well. Here are some feeding guidelines:

• Start with 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for large dogs.

• Gradually work up to 1/4 to 1/2 cup maximum per day.

• Only feed 1-2 times per week to avoid relying too heavily on broth.

• Reduce kibble at mealtime to account for extra calories in broth.

As delicious as chicken broth may be, it shouldn’t become a diet staple. Limit broth treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

It’s always best to consult your vet on questions of how much chicken broth is safe for your individual dog.

When Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth?

Here are some instances when a bit of chicken broth can benefit your dog:

• Picky eaters – Pour over kibble or mix with rice to enhance palatability.

• Under the weather – Tempt sick dogs who refuse food with savory broth.

• Digestive issues – Soothes stomachs and provides hydration.

• Special occasions – Sprinkle as a tasty topper for birthdays or holidays.

• Pick-me-up – On stressful days like visits to the vet or groomer.

• Puppy training – Use small frozen broth cubes as healthy training treats.

While chicken broth can be fed daily, it’s best used sporadically. Save it for occasions when your dog really needs a nourishing boost.

Chicken Broth Precautions

While chicken broth has many benefits, a few words of caution:

• Only choose a dog-safe broth. Many contain onion, garlic, salt, etc.

• Introduce slowly and watch for signs of intolerance.

• Overfeeding can lead to upset stomach or diarrhea.

• Don’t rely on broth as a main calorie source.

• Check with your vet before feeding, especially if your dog has health conditions.

As long as you take care in choosing a dog-appropriate chicken broth and feed in moderation, this tasty treat offers a world of benefits for your furry best friend. Follow these tips and soon you’ll have a tail wagging, broth-loving, happy dog!