Does Chicken Broth Help Dogs with Diarrhea? A Complete Guide

When your furry friend is suffering from an upset tummy, it’s natural to want to do everything possible to help them feel better. As a pet parent myself I’ve been through those worrying times when my dog had diarrhea, and I know how stressful it can be. One remedy that often comes up in conversations is chicken broth – but does it actually work? Let’s dig into the details of whether chicken broth helps dogs with diarrhea and how to use it safely.

The Truth About Chicken Broth for Dogs with Diarrhea

Yes, chicken broth can help dogs with diarrhea when prepared and used correctly. It offers several benefits that can aid in recovery, though it’s not a miracle cure on its own.

Benefits of Chicken Broth for Dogs with Diarrhea

• Hydration support: Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, and chicken broth encourages fluid intake
• Easily digestible: It’s gentle on an irritated digestive system
• Contains gelatin: Helps protect and repair the gut lining
• Entices eating: Makes bland diets more appealing when appetite is low
• Provides nutrients: Offers some essential minerals that may be depleted during bouts of diarrhea

According to veterinary sources, properly prepared chicken broth can be particularly useful during recovery from gastrointestinal issues. The key word here is “properly prepared” – not all chicken broths are created equal!

How to Choose the Right Chicken Broth for Your Dog

When your dog is sick, the quality of chicken broth matters a lot. Here’s what you need to know:

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade chicken broth is usually the best option because you control exactly what goes into it, Store-bought broths often contain

• High sodium levels (bad for dogs!)
• Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs)
• Preservatives and additives (potentially harmful)

If you must use store-bought broth, look for low-sodium varieties specifically labeled as safe for pets, or at minimum ensure they don’t contain onions or garlic.

Making Homemade Chicken Broth for Dogs

Here’s a simple recipe for dog-friendly chicken broth:

1. Place chicken bones or a whole chicken in a large pot
2. Cover with water
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from bones)
4. Simmer on low heat for 24-48 hours
5. Strain out all bones (IMPORTANT – bones can be choking hazards)
6. Let cool before serving

You can add dog-safe vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients, but avoid onions, garlic, and excess salt.

How to Use Chicken Broth for Dogs with Diarrhea

When your pup has diarrhea, follow these guidelines for using chicken broth:

1. Start with small amounts – about 1-2 tablespoons for small dogs, or ¼ cup for larger dogs
2. Serve warm but not hot – test the temperature to avoid burns
3. Use as a supplement – not a replacement for proper diet and veterinary care
4. Gradually increase as your dog improves
5. Pour over bland food like boiled chicken and rice to increase appeal

“Chicken broth can be a great option for sick dogs because it is gentle on the stomach and can help keep them hydrated,” says a veterinarian quoted by Vet Explains Pets. “It’s important to make sure the chicken broth is low in sodium and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients like onions or garlic.”

Beyond Chicken Broth: Complete Treatment for Dogs with Diarrhea

While chicken broth can be helpful treating diarrhea in dogs typically requires a more comprehensive approach

The Fasting Period

For mild cases of diarrhea, withholding food (but NOT water) for 12-24 hours may help rest the digestive system. This gives your dog’s gut a chance to calm down and recover. During this time, small amounts of chicken broth can provide some nutrients and encourages hydration.

After the fasting period, gradually introduce a bland diet:

• Boiled chicken (no skin or bones) and white rice
• Boiled lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes
• Commercial bland diets specifically designed for GI upset

Under the Weather’s Bland Diets are specially formulated for dogs recovering from gastrointestinal issues, containing simple, easy-to-digest ingredients and electrolytes to support hydration.

Probiotics and Supplements

Adding a probiotic supplement can help restore healthy gut bacteria. Products like Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement can be beneficial during recovery from diarrhea.

For dogs that have lost weight or aren’t eating well during illness, high-calorie supplements like Ready Cal can provide essential nutrients and energy. These can be mixed with chicken broth to increase palatability.

When to See a Vet

Chicken broth and home remedies are great for mild cases, but know when professional help is needed. Call your vet if:

• Diarrhea persists more than 24-48 hours
• You notice blood in the stool
• Your dog is vomiting along with diarrhea
• Your dog seems lethargic or in pain
• Your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)
• Your dog is very young, very old, or has existing health conditions

Common Myths About Chicken Broth for Dogs

Let’s clear up some misconceptions:

Myth 1: Any chicken broth is fine for dogs.
Truth: Many commercial broths contain ingredients toxic to dogs like onions and garlic.

Myth 2: Chicken broth can cure all digestive issues.
Truth: While helpful, it’s just one part of treatment and won’t resolve serious conditions.

Myth 3: You can replace water with chicken broth.
Truth: Water should always be the primary source of hydration.

Preventing Future Diarrhea Episodes

Prevention is always better than treatment! Here are some tips to prevent diarrhea in your dog:

• Introduce new foods gradually
• Avoid table scraps and human food
• Keep trash secured and out of reach
• Stay current on parasite prevention
• Provide high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog’s age and health needs
• Ensure clean, fresh water is always available
• Regular vet check-ups to catch issues early

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much chicken broth should I give my dog with diarrhea?
A: Start with small amounts – 1-2 tablespoons for small dogs or ¼ cup for larger dogs. Increase gradually if well-tolerated.

Q: Can I give my dog chicken broth every day?
A: Occasional use is fine, but daily use should be discussed with your vet, especially if it’s high in sodium.

Q: Is bone broth better than regular chicken broth for dogs with diarrhea?
A: Bone broth contains more collagen and minerals, which can be beneficial for gut healing, but either can help if properly prepared.

Q: How long does it take for chicken broth to help with diarrhea?
A: You might see improvement within 24-48 hours, but recovery depends on the underlying cause of the diarrhea.

Q: Can chicken broth make diarrhea worse?
A: If it contains harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, or too much salt, yes. Always use properly prepared broth.

Conclusion

Chicken broth can indeed be a helpful addition to your toolkit when dealing with a dog experiencing diarrhea. Its hydrating properties, digestive-soothing benefits, and ability to make bland food more appealing make it a valuable remedy.

However, it’s important to remember that chicken broth is just one part of a comprehensive approach to treating diarrhea in dogs. The best results come from combining proper hydration, appropriate diet, rest, and veterinary care when needed.

I’ve used chicken broth many times when my own dog had tummy troubles, and while it’s not a miracle cure, it definitely helped encourage her to drink and eat during recovery. Just make sure you’re using a dog-safe broth without harmful ingredients!

Have you tried using chicken broth to help your dog through a bout of diarrhea? What was your experience? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!