Can Dogs Eat Homemade Chicken Soup? A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Wondering if your furry friend can share your favorite comfort food? You’re not alone! As a dog owner myself, I’ve often looked at those puppy eyes while enjoying my chicken soup and wondered if it’s safe to share The good news is that yes, dogs can eat homemade chicken soup – but with some important considerations that we’ll explore in this article

The Benefits of Homemade Chicken Soup for Dogs

Homemade chicken soup can actually be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when prepared properly, Some of the benefits include

• Hydration boost – The liquid nature of soup helps keep your pup hydrated
• Easy to digest – Gentle on your dog’s stomach, especially when they’re feeling under the weather
• Nutritional value – Can provide protein, vitamins and minerals from the chicken and vegetables
• Appetite stimulant – The aroma might encourage eating when your dog is feeling picky

When my Golden Retriever Max was recovering from a tummy bug last winter, a simple homemade chicken soup was one of the few things he would eat. It helped him stay hydrated and slowly get his appetite back.

Important Considerations Before Serving

Before you ladle that soup into your dog’s bowl, there are some crucial things to keep in mind:

Ingredients to Avoid

Dogs’ digestive systems differ from ours and some common soup ingredients can be toxic or harmful

• Onions and garlic – These can cause anemia in dogs and should NEVER be included
• High sodium content – Excess salt can lead to sodium poisoning
• Mushrooms – Some varieties can be toxic to dogs
• Chicken bones – These pose a serious choking hazard and can splinter
• Heavy seasonings – Most spices aren’t good for dogs and can upset their stomachs

Safe Ingredients for Dog-Friendly Chicken Soup

When making chicken soup for your canine companion, stick to:

• Plain, unseasoned chicken (cooked thoroughly, no skin or bones)
• Dog-safe vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes and celery
• No added salt or seasonings
• Limited or no noodles (plain pasta in moderation is okay, but not necessary)

Dog-Approved Chicken Soup Recipe

Ready to make some homemade chicken soup your dog will love? Here’s a simple recipe based on one from Camp Bow Wow with some tweaks:

Ingredients:

• 3 carrots
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 sweet potato
• Handful of raw green beans
• 1 cup of water
• Unseasoned cooked chicken (boneless)

Alternative Ingredients (Optional):

• Yellow potato instead of sweet potato
• Cooked and peeled peas
• Cooked spinach in small amounts

Steps:

1. Cook the chicken without any seasonings (slow cooker works great!)
2. Chop all vegetables and place in a pot
3. Cover vegetables with water (about 1 cup, add more if needed) and let simmer on low for 1 hour
4. Once chicken is cooked, skim fat off the broth and take about 1/2 cup to add to your veggie pot
5. Shred the chicken and add to the soup
6. Let cool completely before serving to your dog

This soup can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen in small containers for later use. I like to make a big batch and freeze portions in silicone muffin trays for easy single servings.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to actually feeding chicken soup to your dog, here are some tips:

• Start small – Introduce any new food gradually to watch for adverse reactions
• Serve as a topper – Add a spoonful over regular dog food as a special treat
• Make sure it’s cool – Dogs can burn their mouths just like we can
• Occasional treat – Don’t make it an everyday meal replacement

My dog gets so excited when he sees me take out the “soup cubes” from the freezer – it’s definitely become a special treat in our house!

When Chicken Soup Is Especially Beneficial

While not an everyday food, there are certain situations when homemade chicken soup might be particularly helpful:

• Recovery from illness – The extra hydration and nutrients can support healing
• Picky eaters – The aromatic nature might entice dogs who aren’t eating well
• Cold weather comfort – A warm treat on a chilly day (served at safe temperature)
• Aging dogs – Softer food option for seniors with dental issues
• Hiding medications – The flavor can mask pills (check with your vet first)

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Why Homemade Wins

You might be wondering if you can just share your canned chicken soup with your dog. The answer is a definite NO. Store-bought soups are problematic for several reasons:

• High sodium levels that are dangerous for dogs
• Onion and garlic are common ingredients in commercial soups
• Preservatives and additives that aren’t dog-friendly
• Excessive seasonings that can upset canine digestive systems

By making homemade soup specifically for your dog, you control exactly what goes in it, ensuring it’s both safe and beneficial.

Potential Risks and When to Avoid Chicken Soup

Despite the benefits, chicken soup isn’t right for every dog in every situation:

• Dogs with certain allergies – Some dogs are allergic to chicken or other ingredients
• Dogs on specific prescription diets – Check with your vet before adding anything new
• Dogs with certain health conditions like pancreatitis might need to avoid even healthy fats
• Overweight dogs – Be cautious with portion sizes as it adds extra calories

If your dog has never had chicken soup before, watch for any signs of digestive upset after their first small serving.

FAQs About Dogs and Chicken Soup

Can puppies eat chicken soup?

Puppies can have very simple, diluted chicken broth or soup, but their developing digestive systems are sensitive. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to puppies.

How often can I give my dog chicken soup?

Chicken soup should be an occasional treat or supplement, not a daily food. Once or twice a week is plenty for most dogs.

Can chicken soup help a sick dog?

Yes! Just like for humans, chicken soup can be soothing for dogs with mild upset stomachs or those recovering from illness. The extra hydration and easy-to-digest nutrients can be beneficial, but always consult your vet if your dog is sick.

What if my dog accidentally ate regular chicken soup with onions?

If your dog consumed soup with onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian immediately. These ingredients can cause toxic reactions, with symptoms potentially appearing hours or days later.

Is chicken broth the same as chicken soup for dogs?

Not exactly. Broth is just the liquid, while soup includes chunks of meat and vegetables. Both can be appropriate for dogs if made without harmful ingredients, but soup provides more nutritional value.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been making homemade chicken soup for my dogs for years now, and it’s become something of a ritual in our house. Whenever I’m making a batch for myself, I set aside some plain chicken and vegetables to make a dog-friendly version without the onions, garlic, and salt.

Last winter, when my older dog was recovering from dental surgery, the chicken soup was a lifesaver – soft enough for him to eat comfortably but nutritious enough to help him heal. The younger one now does a little dance whenever he hears me chopping carrots because he knows what’s coming!

Final Thoughts

Homemade chicken soup can absolutely be a healthy, beneficial addition to your dog’s diet when prepared properly. The key is remembering that dogs have different nutritional needs and sensitivities than we do, so what’s good in your soup isn’t necessarily good in theirs.

By sticking to dog-safe ingredients, avoiding harmful additions like onions and excessive salt, and serving in appropriate portions, you can share the comfort of chicken soup with your furry friend. Just remember to treat it as exactly that – a treat or supplement to their regular balanced diet, not a replacement.

So next time you’re simmering a pot of chicken soup on a cold day, consider making a special batch for your four-legged family member too. It might just become their favorite special treat!

Do you have any experiences sharing chicken soup with your dog? I’d love to hear about them! And remember, when in doubt about any dietary changes for your pet, your veterinarian is always the best resource for advice specific to your dog’s individual health needs.