Chicken Broth for Dogs: Benefits

You love chicken broth and soup, and you're pretty sure your dog would love it too. But is it safe for them too?

There are a lot of conflicting opinions out there about whether or not chicken broth is good for dogs. Some people say it's fine, while others claim that it can make them sick.

Luckily, I've done the research for you. In this article, I'll cover everything you need to know about giving your dog chicken broth, including the benefits, side effects a simple recipe and my favorite brand to buy.

Let's get onto the big question you came here for.

Can I Give My Dog Chicken Broth

You can safely give your dog chicken broth in most cases, however, you need to consider two things. First, many dogs are allergic to poultry products.

Second, many store bought chicken broths are full of nasty preservatives, vegetables, seasonings and filler ingredients that can be harmful to your pup.

The easiest way to make sure you are using a quality product is to use Bluebird Provisions dog-specific chicken broth powder.

It only uses two simple ingredients: water and pasture raised chicken bones.

This way, you can be sure that your fury friend is not getting any onions or harmful additives that wrecks their sensitive digestive systems.

Is Chicken Broth Good For Dogs

Chicken broth is good for dogs as long as yours is not allergic or sensitive to chicken or poultry products. It is a great source of hydration for dogs and can also help settle their stomachs.

It is important to choose a chicken broth that does not contain any onions or garlic, as these can be toxic to dogs.

Health Benefits of Chicken Broth For Dogs

Benefits of chicken broth as a dog food enhancer include hydration, skin health, gut health, digestion, respiratory health, and reducing inflammation.

Let's briefly go through each below.

1. Helps with hydration with natural electrolytes

Chicken broth is helpful for dogs who are dehydrated because it contains nutrients which help promote hydration. These include potassium, natural sodium, phosphorus, chloride and magnesium.

It is a great way to entice elderly or recovering dogs to drink more because of its delicious taste. You can learn more about dehydration causes and cures for dogs in that article.

2. Helps reduce skin problems

It has some protein and electrolytes which helps to hydrate the dermis layer of the skin to reduce breakouts, rashes and aged skin.

3. May help with respiratory problems

Chicken broth is good for respiratory problems in dogs because of the amino acids it contains. In fact, one study showed that chicken soup made from broth healed upper respiratory tract infections faster than usual (1).

The authors think that carnosine in broth combined with other amino acids and electrolytes help to buffer the negative effects of a cold.

4. Reduces inflammation in stomach

Chronic inflammation can cause a number of diseases in dogs, not to mention gut and digestive problems.

Bone broth can help reduce inflammation in the gut thanks to amino acids like glycine, proline and glutamine.

They help to build new tissue to replace damaged ones in the GI tract so that dogs can finally digest their food properly.

5. Use to help dogs eat more

It is the perfect flavor enhancer to get picky eaters eating more. My poodle in the pickiest eater I've ever seen.

He absolutely destroys his meals when we put some chicken broth powder on top of it. He eats faster than my food-obsessed husky.

6. High levels of vitamins and minerals

Chicken broth has vitamins A, B and C. You also get some zinc, calcium and iron ,depending on the types of vegetables used.

These benefits pail in comparison to a high protein bone broth. Learn more about the health benefits of bone broth for dogs.

Are there any risks associated with giving chicken broth to dogs?

The biggest risk with giving chicken broth to dogs is if they have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients.

Some dogs are sensitive to poultry while some are allergic to seasonings, yeast, onions, garlic and filler ingredients that you find in most store-bought options.

If you do purchase one online or in-store, be sure to check the label first as many of the ingredients are harmful.

Also check for high sodium on the label. Anything with more than 250 mg per cup should be avoided. This is because some pups have underlying medical conditions that makes it toxic for them to get too much salt.

Can dogs have pedialyte?

Dogs can have Pedialyte to help recover from dehydration, but it should be given in moderation and under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Pedialyte is made for humans and has a higher electrolyte concentration than dogs typically need. So you must get a vet's recommendation on the appropriate dosage and to ensure it doesn't contain any flavors or additives that might be harmful to your dog.

Always consult with your vet before administering Pedialyte to manage your pet's hydration levels safely.

How do I make sure my dog enjoys chicken broth safely?

You can do a few things to make sure your dog enjoys it safely. These include finding a quality product, gradually introducing it to their diet, seeing how they react to it and storing it properly.

Let's go through each of these below.

Step 1: Find a Quality Product

As I mentioned above, you need to do your research in sourcing the right product for your pup. Or else you risk making them sick. Here are three things to look for.

1. Look for water and chicken meat or bones as the first and second ingredients. Avoid anything with 'concentrate' or just the word 'chicken broth.'
2. Check the ingredients for common allergens like garlic, onions, yeast extract, natural flavors and spices. Avoid these like the plague.
3. Make sure there is less than 250 mg sodium per one cup or 16 oz serving.

Step 2: Follow These Feeding Instructions

A big issue with pets and broth is too much too soon. I get it, we all want to help our pets by giving them something nutritious.

That being said, they have delicate digestive systems that can't handle an overload of anything new. As such, you need to be conservative when introducing it.

Start with 30 ml of liquid of 1 tsp powder in one of their meals per day. Do this for the first 3 days and see how they react.

Sometimes, they'll have softer stool. This is ok as long as it is not full blown diarrhea.

From here you can gradually increase the dose to match the chart below for powder products and liquid respectively.

Step 3: How to Store Chicken Broth Properly

To keep your dog safe, store chicken broth in the refrigerator if it is a liquid product. The great thing about powder is that they are shelf stable and can be stored in your pantry or easily taken with you as you travel.

What are the side effects of giving my dog chicken broth?

Side effects of chicken broth for dogs include diarrhea, itching, vomiting and upset stomachs.

Some of these symptoms are the cause of giving them too much too soon. So always introduce it gradually.

Other times, there is an ingredient in the product that they are sensitive to, so always check your labels.

Proper transition of chicken broth for dogs is important in order to avoid side effects.

How much chicken broth can I give my dog?

Start by feeding your dog 30 ml (1/8th cup) chicken broth with one meal per day for 3 days. During this time, their digestive systems are getting used proteins and ingredients in chicken broth.

After 3 days, you can gradually work your way up to and follow the serving instructions below.

• 1-25 lbs: 40 ml per meal
• 26-50 lbs: 50 ml per meal
• 51-75 lbs: 60 ml per meal
• 76-100+ lbs: 80 ml per meal

Where can I buy chicken broth for my dog?

You can buy chicken broth for your dog online, on Amazon or in-store. There's tons of options available, some of which are human-grade an have no extra seasonings, onions, garlic or nasty additives.

The best one is Bluebird Provisions, which you can find on Amazon Prime.

When Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth

There is no definitive answer to when dogs can have chicken broth, as it depends on the dog's diet and health.

If they regularly eat poultry products in their food, then they are most likely going to be ok with it.

If, on the other hand, they are not exposed to chicken in their regular food, you might find they are sensitive to it.

Looking for dog food? Read my guide to find the best dry dog food.

Also, while any dog can technically eat or drink it, it's not recommended for every type of dog. If you are ever unsure, consult your veterinarian for guidance on your specific breed.

How to Safely Prepare Chicken Broth for Dogs

You can safely prepare chicken broth by following the recipe below.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken meat and bones
• 12 cups water

Instructions

1. Add chicken to a large pot, fill it with water and place on the stove over high heat.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a rolling simmer.
3. Skim the gross foamy bits for the first hour.
4. Simmer covered for 2-6 hours. The longer you go, the more protein will be in the broth and more benefits for your pup.
5. Turn off heat, remove bones and meat using a slotted spoon.
6. Strain broth by pouring it through a strainer into a bowl.
7. Allow liquid to cool before serving.

Notes:

• Use raw, unseasoned chicken meat and bones.
• You do not need apple cider vinegar to help extract nutrients. This is a myth that has debunked.
• Bone splinters can be dangerous and should be removed before feeding to pets.
• Store in airtight containers in your fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for 6 months.

Can I put chicken broth in dog food?

The best way to introduce chicken broth to you pet is to include it in their regular dog food.

Think of the broth as your own food topper. You can easily pour 30-60 ml or 1/8th to 1/4 cup into their regular meals.

The delicious taste and smell will entice picky eaters to gobble their meals down like you've never seen before.

The Best Chicken Broth For Dogs

You might already have some chicken broth in your pantry. If you're still looking, I recommend the chicken broth powder from Bluebird Provisions. Note: this is a human product. 

But it is higher protein and lower salt than any other broth at 12 g with only 160 mg sodium per cup. That is way less than any other store bought broth you'll find.

My favorite part is the limited ingredients, with only water and pasture raised chicken bones. You can find it on their website.

You might be surprised that I recommend a powder. But the dehydration techniques have come a long way.

Nowadays, you can dehydrate food without adding any extra preservatives and it becomes shelf stable. Even when you open it, it is still shelf stable in your pantry.

Closing Thoughts

There are many benefits of giving your dog chicken broth, but it's important to choose the right product. Bluebird Provisions bone broth is a great option because it's made with all-natural ingredients and is free of any fillers or artificial flavors.

You can find them on Amazon Prime for free shipping or on their website.

Have you given chicken broth to you dog? How did they like it? Leave a comment and let me know.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used to treat or supplement any pet's diet. Consult your veterinarian or animal health specialist if you have questions about anything related to their food, consumption or health. The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, USDA or CFIA.

Sources:

(1) http://www.ent-consult.com/abstract.html