Will chicken broth help a sick dog?

When a beloved pet is ill, it can be a difficult time for both the pet and its owner. Many pet owners are constantly searching for ways to make their pet feel better, and one method that may help is the use of chicken broth. Chicken broth has been used for many years in numerous cultures as a way to help care for sick individuals. In this blog post, we’ll explore if chicken broth can be an effective remedy for a sick dog and what to consider when giving it to a pet. We’ll also look at how it may help ailing pets and provide advice on the safe and proper use of chicken broth. Finally, we’ll discuss whether or not the use of chicken broth should be recommended by a veterinarian and how it should be used safely and appropriately.

Is Chicken Broth Good for Dogs?

The vitamins and nutrients in chicken broth are not very abundant.

However, it does make an excellent low-fat dog food topper.

So yes, it is ideal for them if you add it to your dog’s food and it encourages them to eat.

Additionally, water diluted with low-sodium chicken broth can help keep your dog hydrated[2].

However, standard chicken broth doesn’t generally offer many health advantages to humans or dogs.

Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth?

In short, yes—chicken broth is a generally safe addition to make to your dog’s diet. “I routinely recommend chicken broth as a palatability enhancer for dogs with picky appetites,” says Dr. Valerie Parker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

However, before giving your dog any old store-bought chicken broth, be sure to read the label. Many broths include extra ingredients like onion and garlic, which can both be toxic to dogs, according to Dr Deborah E. Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and research assistant professor of clinical nutrition at Tufts University in Grafton, Massachusetts’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Beyond this, she adds, even low-sodium broths can contain a lot of sodium, which may be harmful depending on the particular dietary requirements of your dog.

Before adding chicken broth to your dog’s food, as with any time you alter his diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian, especially if he has a preexisting medical condition like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease.

5 reasons to give your dog chicken broth

A low-sodium, allium-free broth may be suggested by your dog’s veterinarian even though you shouldn’t alter your dog’s diet without first consulting a veterinarian for the following reasons:

Entices picky eaters. This broth can be a good way to encourage picky pups to eat by mixing the tasty broth with their food.

Helps sick dogs eat. When dogs are sick, they may need to follow a bland diet until they are well again. Chicken broth can make bland food taste better and boost nutrients and hydration without upsetting the stomach.

Gets senior dogs to eat. If you’re caring for a more mature dog, they may have trouble eating, especially dry food. Adding some chicken broth can soften the food and make it more palatable to aging dogs.

Boosts hydration. The main ingredient in broth? Water! Chicken broth can help hydrate your dog.

Full of amino acids and collagen. Chicken broth is rich in amino acids, particularly glycine. Glycine is important in cartilage production for improved joint health and may be beneficial to a dog’s kidneys and liver. Chicken broth also contains collagen, another helpful protein to aid in skin and joint health.

FAQ

How much chicken broth can I give my sick dog?

Portion according to your dog’s size. You can give your dog either chicken broth or dry food. Dogs can eat one ounce of bone broth per every ten pounds of body weight as a standard serving. In order to freeze the mixture into dog treats, you can also pour the chicken stock into ice cube trays.

Can a sick dog drink chicken broth?

Overall, chicken broth is safe for dogs and a good way to give them a nutritional boost, keep them hydrated when they are ill, or treat them occasionally to make them feel special.

What to give your dog to eat when they are sick?

Any cold can be cured with chicken broth or soup. Your dog will enjoy the flavorful broth and electrolyte boost that the soup will provide, whether you use a traditional recipe from grandma or simply want to heat up some bouillon cubes in water.