Can Dogs Have Store-Bought Chicken Broth? (Answered)

There are generally two reasons why you’d want to give your dog some broth. One reason is to make a drab bowl of kibble more interesting and tasty. The second is to provide hydration and nourishment to an ill or dehydrated dog. So, it’s safe to say that broth is good for dogs. But what broth should you feed your dog, and is store-bought chicken broth OK for your dog?

Before you leave this article today you might also want to come back to this point to read this one too: Can Chicken Give Dogs Diarrhea?

Can Dogs Have Store-Bought Chicken Broth?

No, animal experts advise against giving your dog regular canned chicken broth because they contain high amounts of toxic ingredients.

Let’s look at some of the ingredients found in store-bought chicken broth that can be dangerous to dogs in large quantities:

Sodium

The high amounts of sodium in store-bought broth can lead to high blood pressure, or even more dangerous, salt poisoning.

Here’s a quick look at just how much sodium is actually in store-bought broth:

A one-cup serving, or about 240ml, has about 800mg of sodium.

That comes to about 35% of the recommended daily allowance for humans and nearly 400% for dogs!

Onions

Canned broth also contains other toxic ingredients, such as fresh onions, dried onions, or onion powder.

The reason why dogs shouldn’t eat onions is that they contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes red blood cells to break down in animals, which can ultimately lead to hemolytic anemia.

Garlic

Garlic is a vegetable that belongs to the onion family. It contains the compound thiosulfate, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells. When this happens, the cells no longer have enough antioxidants to neutralize free radicals.

When there’s an excess of free radicals within the cells, it can lead to tissue damage and cell deterioration. Free radicals are also related to chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What Chicken Broth Is Safe For Dogs?

According to experts, the two safest types of chicken broth for dogs are homemade and those made specifically for canines.

The recommended amount for both types depends primarily on your dog’s weight and individual needs.

However, the general rule is that you should offer 1/4 cup broth per 20 pounds of your pet’s body weight divided over two daily servings.

Here is a table showing how much broth to give your dog depending on their weight to ensure it’s safe:

Homemade Chicken Broth

The only chicken broth that’s truly safe for your dog is the one you make at home.

Just as long as you make it with natural ingredients and don’t add salt, onions, or garlic. Then just add 3–4 tablespoons for a tasty addition to your dog’s daily diet.

Luckily, making homemade chicken broth is easy. All you need to do is boil chicken bones in a slow cooker.

You can also make it on the stove. Here are the steps:

1. In a large pot, add three pounds of chicken
2. Cover with water and place on high heat
3. Once it comes to a boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about an hour
4. After it cools down, remove the layer of fat from the surface of the broth
5. Next, strain the broth using a colander

If you want to save the meat, make sure you remove all the bones first. Then, use it later as a dog treat or mix it with one of your dog’s meals.

You might also like to read our post, How Long Can a Dog Chew a Bone For?

Homemade dog-friendly broth doesn’t need any spices or seasonings. However, if you want, you can add a few herbs and spices that have been deemed safe for dog consumption. Here’s a list of them:

• Turmeric contains high amounts of the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin.
• Celery is high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins and is low in cholesterol and fat.
• Parsley is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K.
• Apple cider vinegar draws out minerals from the bones and adds flavor.

Dog-Friendly Chicken Broth

The biggest difference between chicken broth made for dogs and the ones made for people is that the former contains zero sodium. Instead, manufacturers add a combination of sweet potatoes and dog-friendly herbs.

This is because a human has a much higher tolerance to salt than a dog does.

Another difference is that, in the dog world, broth is referred to as ‘toppers’ because you can add them on top of meals, kibble, and treats.

The final difference is that this type of broth will cost you! While regular canned chicken broth sells for only a few dollars, the dog-friendly alternative can cost you more, like this one for $20:

Preview	Product	Price
	Native Pet Bone Broth for Dogs and Cats – Dog Bone Broth Powder for Dog Food Topper for Picky...	$19.00	Buy on Amazon

Can Dogs Have Swanson Chicken Broth?

Swanson chicken broth (low salt) is safe for dogs in small quantities. Just as with any other type of human food, you must check the ingredients to make sure there are no toxic additives that could harm your dog.

There are currently three different varieties of Swanson broth: chicken, organic chicken, and low-salt Natural Goodness Chicken Broth.

The ingredients in all three are pretty similar and include the following in order of quantity from most to least

• Chicken stock
• Salt
• Natural flavors
• Chicken fat
• Yeast extract

They also contain onion and carrot juice but in small amounts. While onions are generally considered toxic to dogs, the amount of onion juice in the three Swanson products is too low to pose any real threat.

However, we recommend that if you are going to use Swanson broth, that you choose the low salt option and only use as a topper, and not regularly.

For more regular use of a chicken broth for your dog, we recommend a pet specific broth, such as Native Pet Bone Broth.

What Brands Of Broth Are Safe For Dogs?

The following are a handful of dog-friendly broth brands that come highly recommended by dog owners and their furry friends:

• Brutus Broth in either chicken or beef flavors
• The Honest Kitchen Beef Broth
• Solid Gold Chicken Broth
• Native Pet’s Chicken Bone Broth in powder form
• Bacon-flavored Pet MD Bone Broth in powder form

Which Store-Bought Broth Is Good For Dogs?

We recommend that you stay away from store-bought human broth for your dog.

However, there may be some brands out there that offer a very basic broth with low salt and few ingredients. Here are some things to watch out for…

• Make sure the first ingredient is either ‘chicken bones’ or ‘beef bone broth.’
• Check that powder broth has over 90% protein, whereas liquid broth should contain more than 5% protein.
• There should be no more than 80 mg of sodium per tablespoon of broth powder.
• Avoid buying broth that contains fillers and cheap protein alternatives, such as collagen, gelatin, and maltodextrin.
• Stay away from brands that have more carbs and fiber than protein.
• There’s no need to buy broth with probiotics because they’re usually in such small amounts that they offer no real benefit.
• Avoid harmful preservatives like yeast extract, beef flavor, natural flavors, and salt.

Conclusion

So, what broth is good for dogs? The quick answer is you should choose homemade broth over store-bought broth. And if you are buying it from the store, be sure to buy your dog’s broth from a pet store.

Many dog owners and vets recommend adding broth to dry kibble to entice even the pickiest eaters. You might like to read this post, Puppy Won’t Eat Kibble? Do This!

Broth is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. It provides routine supplementation and helps with short-term ailments like diarrhea, dehydration, upset stomachs, and more.

Any broth you make at home is undoubtedly the best and safest for your dog. It’s made with natural ingredients and contains a small amount of sodium.

You can also shop dozens of store-bought brands specifically made for canines. Just do a bit of label reading first to ensure you’re choosing the healthiest option for your dog.

You might like to read our post, Soaking Puppy Kibble: How, Why, and When to Stop.